A guide to things to do in St Paul's Bay
St Paul’s Bay is one of the most popular spots for tourists enjoying Malta package holidays – and for good reason. The area boasts a wealth of historical sites to explore, with striking architecture and hidden corners of rugged coastline to boot. The perfect location for couples, families and groups of friends looking to enjoy some time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, you’ll never be short of ways to relax when visiting this humble Maltese town.
Spend a day at Golden Sands Beach
Golden Sands Beach is a small area of sand located to the west of St Paul’s Bay and boasts plenty of amenities to keep the whole family entertained. The beach gets a little more crowded during the warmer months but there are plenty of sunbeds and beach umbrellas to go around. The local beach bar is located just a short walk from the water’s edge and makes for the perfect spot to enjoy snacks and refreshments throughout the day.
Take a segway tour
With so much to see and do on Malta holidays, it makes sense that segway tours are so popular here. St Paul’s Bay is home to the Qawra Panoramic Segway Tour, during which experienced guides will escort you through the area and share local knowledge about some of the region’s best kept secrets.
Take on this fun and exciting way to view the area and you’ll have the chance to explore some of the most scenic parts of St Paul’s Bay. Just make sure you stop off to take advantage of the spectacular photo opportunities along the way.
Discover more about the local history
St Paul’s Bay houses a surprising number of museums and places of history, including Wignacourt Tower – an ancient watchtower built in the early 17th century in a bid to protect the local area from invasion. Today the tower is home to a host of artefacts discovered around the island of Malta, including models of the island’s ancient fortifications and photographs of times gone by.
The Xemzija Heritage Trial is another must-see for history lovers visiting the area of St Paul’s Bay. The trail follows a rough and uneven path with a gradual uphill climb, yet those who make it will be rewarded with a scenic hike past temple ruins, Roman apiaries and ancient cave dwellings.
Dive into the deep blue
Diving is a popular pastime in St Paul’s Bay, so don your finest wet suit and make the most of the warm blue waters that surround the area. Exploring St Paul’s reef, you’ll float past stunning coral displays as well as swarms of colourful fish.
There are a multitude of diving schools that offer courses for beginners and well-seasoned divers alike. Among the most popular is Maltaqua, which offers a guided diving experience to some of the most scenic underwater spots that Malta has to offer.
Explore the local area
St Paul’s Bay connects the villages of Bugibba and Qawra, both of which are popular spots for tourists. The area was built up by the tourism industry in the latter half of the 20th century and has retained many features from its days as a string of quiet Maltese fishing villages. In fact, fishing boats of yesteryear can still be seen out on the water today.
The area offers generally good public transport connections throughout, so it’s easy to access the main parts of Malta while staying in St Paul’s Bay. Enjoy ample shopping opportunities in nearby Sliema or visit the mesmerising Upper Barraka Gardens in the island’s capital, Valletta.