Essential information for St Paul's Bay

When to go

If you’re looking for sunshine, head to St Paul’s Bay in the summer months. July and August boast an average temperature of 30°C, with warm August waters offering a sea temperature of 27°C as soon as you step off the shore. Travelling outside of peak time won’t cost you your suntan either, as temperatures here stay at 20°C or above from May until October, keeping cheap Malta holidays full of sunshine well past the summer.

November and December are the wettest months to visit, so pick a Malta holiday deal outside of these months if you’re hoping to hit the beach or take part in any outdoor activities.

Health and safety

The tap water in Malta is safe to drink, but many travellers choose not to as it can taste more strongly chlorinated than water in the UK. Bottled water is a cheap alternative if you’re not keen on the taste and is always easy to find.

As with any holiday, you should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover yourself and family on your trip. It’s also a good idea to apply for a free European Health Insurance Card – EHIC before leaving the UK as this entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Maltese nationals. It won’t, however, cover you for medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment or non-urgent treatment.

If you’re visiting Malta specifically to take part in sports or watersports, including hiking, you should make sure your insurance covers this. Even if you’re not travelling with sports in mind, you may find that the sunshine tempts you to try something new, so see our holiday extras page for more information. For the latest health and safety information visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta/health.

Passports and visas

British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Malta but must have a valid passport, which you may need to show when paying by credit card. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/malta/entry-requirements.

Getting around

Flights land at Malta International Airport, which is less than half an hour from St Paul’s Bay. Most tour operators include transfers as part of a holiday package, so getting to your resort is simple and stress-free. Because Malta is a small island, getting from St Paul’s Bay to other areas won’t take you more than half an hour by bus. Rest assured that public buses here are consistently cheap and efficient.

Hiring a car is easy using your regular driving licence, but do be aware that while St Paul’s Bay isn’t as touristy as it’s neighbours Bugibba and Qawra, it does get busy in the summertime. We’d recommend you give yourself some extra time to find a parking space.

Renting a bicycle may also be a good choice for those looking to explore. Some main roads lack bicycle lanes however, so be sure to plan your route before setting off – particularly if you’re cycling with children.

Advice for travellers with children

From eating at fabulous ice cream kiosks to wildlife-spotting at nature reserves, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained in and around St Paul’s Bay. While many beaches in the area are rocky, there is a small sand beach at the head of the bay where you can build sandcastles. There are great sand beaches for kids to play on at Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay too, each of which can be reached via a short bus journey.

The area’s increasing popularity with tourists means there are plenty of restaurants that cater to little ones, so look out for children’s menus and play areas when not eating at your hotel. All Inclusive Malta holidays offer a range of family-friendly dining options, so it’s worth researching the most stress-free options for you.

Overall, people here are very welcoming to young travellers and parents with smaller children will be able to purchase nappies and find changing areas with relative ease.

Electricity

Electrical plugs in Malta are the same as in the UK, so you won’t need to pack a travel adapter for your trip.

Emergency information

The number to call in the event of an emergency is 112.

British Consulate

If you’re a victim of crime or affected by a crisis overseas, or if something happens to a relative or partner during your time in St Paul’s Bay, contact the Maltese British Consulate in Ta Xbiex.

Address: Whitehall Mansions, ix-Xatt Ta’ Xbiex, Ta’ Xbiex XBX 1026, Malta

Email: malta.consulate@fco.gov.uk

Phone (from within Sliema or Malta): 2323 0000

Phone (from the UK): (+356) 2323 0000

Hospitals

Because Malta is such a small island, you won’t find yourself far from good healthcare if you need it. The nearest hospital to St Paul’s Bay is the Da Vinci Hospital, located a 15-minute drive away. There are also two smaller clinics within stumbling distance of the best hotels.

DaVinci Hospital Address: Triq Kanonku Karm Pirotta, B’Kara BKR1111, Malta Phone: +356 2149 1200

St James Clinic Address: Triq Wied Qannotta, San Pawl il-Bahar, Malta Phone: +356 2329 1000

Health Tourism Clinic Address: Triq Stella Maris, San Pawl il-Bahar, Malta Phone: +356 9921 3818