Hidden Gems near St. Paul's Bay
Eight quiet places within half an hour of Bugibba, away from the Blue Lagoon crowds
Away from the busy spots, the north of Malta still has plenty of quiet places. Within walking distance of Bugibba are the Xemxija Heritage Trail, the Wignacourt Tower and the Salina salt pans. A short drive or bus ride brings you to Selmun Palace and the sandy cove of Imġiebaħ, the Għadira wetland reserve and the Red Tower above Mellieħa, and the wilder bays of Għajn Tuffieħa and Fomm ir-Riħ on the west coast.
Malta is small and busy, and on social media the same few spots appear again and again. But some of the places we love most are right around St. Paul's Bay, and on most days you share them with only a handful of people. These are the ones we suggest to guests who ask for "something the tourists don't know".
| Place | From Bugibba | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Xemxija Heritage Trail | On foot or by bus | History walk, views over the bay |
| Wignacourt Tower | On foot along the bay | The Knights' oldest watchtower |
| Salina salt pans | On foot along the coast | Sunset, photography, birds |
| Selmun and Imġiebaħ | Car or taxi, then a walk | A quiet sandy cove |
| Għadira Nature Reserve | Bus or car to Mellieħa Bay | Birdwatching, families |
| Red Tower | Car or taxi | Views of Comino and Gozo |
| Għajn Tuffieħa | Bus or car | A wild sandy beach |
| Fomm ir-Riħ | Car, then a steep path | Remote bay, sunsets |
1. The Xemxija Heritage Trail
On the hillside above Xemxija, at the far end of St. Paul's Bay, a signposted footpath links thousands of years of history in one short walk: rock-cut tombs, the remains of Roman baths, an ancient apiary carved into the rock, cart ruts, a stretch of old road and a centuries-old carob tree. It is free, open at all times and has wide views over the bay. Allow one to two hours, wear proper shoes and avoid the midday heat in summer, as there is little shade.
2. Wignacourt Tower
Built in 1610 by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, this squat stone tower on the St. Paul's Bay seafront is the oldest of the Knights' coastal watchtowers still standing. It has been restored by the heritage trust Din l-Art Ħelwa and houses a small museum, open on certain days of the week. It is an easy walk along the bay from Bugibba; nearby are the Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck and the Għajn Rasul fountain, linked by tradition to St. Paul's shipwreck in AD 60.
3. The Salina salt pans
Past Qawra Point, at the head of Salina Bay, a grid of shallow pans has produced sea salt since the time of the Knights. In late summer you can see the salt being raked into white heaps, and at sunset the water turns pink and gold. The area is a nature reserve, so watch for wading birds. Next to it is Kennedy Grove, a shady picnic park with a memorial to President John F. Kennedy. It is about half an hour's walk along the coast from Bugibba.
4. Selmun Palace and Imġiebaħ Bay
On the ridge between St. Paul's Bay and Mellieħa stands Selmun Palace, an 18th-century country house built like a small castle for a charitable foundation that ransomed Christian slaves. From the area around it, a rough country track leads down in about 20 minutes to Imġiebaħ, a small sandy cove with clear water and no buildings at all. There are no facilities and no lifeguards: bring water, shade and good shoes, and take your rubbish home. Getting to Selmun is easiest by car or taxi.
5. Għadira Nature Reserve
Right behind Mellieħa Bay, Malta's longest sandy beach, is Għadira, a protected wetland managed by BirdLife Malta. From its hides you can watch herons, egrets, ducks and migrating birds resting on their way between Europe and Africa. It is a lovely, calm hour for children and a good alternative when the beach is windy. Visiting days and hours are limited, mostly in the cooler months, so check BirdLife Malta's website before you go.
6. The Red Tower
Painted a deep red, St. Agatha's Tower was built by the Knights in 1649 on the Marfa Ridge above Mellieħa to guard the channel to Gozo. Restored by Din l-Art Ħelwa, it opens to visitors for a small fee, and from the roof you see Comino, Gozo and the whole of Mellieħa Bay. The quiet ridge around it is good for short walks and sunsets.
7. Għajn Tuffieħa
Just around the headland from busy Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa is reached by around 200 steps, which is enough to keep it quieter. Its red-gold sand, clay slopes and 17th-century watchtower make it one of the most beautiful bays in Malta, especially at sunset. There are lifeguards and a kiosk in summer, but little else, which is exactly the point. See our guide to Malta's sandy beaches.
8. Fomm ir-Riħ
For the adventurous: Fomm ir-Riħ, near Baħrija on the west coast, is a remote bay under high clay and limestone cliffs, with a pebble beach and very clear water. The path down is steep and can be slippery, there are no facilities, and it is only for sure-footed walkers in calm weather. In return you get one of the wildest corners of Malta and a spectacular sunset. Go by car, and never in rough seas.
Tips for exploring the quiet north
- Car or bus? The first three places are on foot from Bugibba; Mellieħa and Għajn Tuffieħa are on the bus network; Selmun, the Red Tower and Fomm ir-Riħ are much easier by car or taxi. See how to get around Malta.
- Best seasons: spring and autumn, when the countryside is green and walking is pleasant. In summer, go early or late in the day.
- Leave no trace: these places stay beautiful because few people go. Take your rubbish home and do not walk on the salt pans.
Read next: Best Things to Do in St. Paul's Bay · Is Bugibba Worth It?
Frequently asked questions
What are the hidden gems near St. Paul's Bay?
Within walking distance: the Xemxija Heritage Trail, the Wignacourt Tower and the Salina salt pans. A short drive away: Selmun Palace and Imġiebaħ Bay, Għadira Nature Reserve, the Red Tower, Għajn Tuffieħa and Fomm ir-Riħ.
Are there quiet beaches near Bugibba?
Yes. Imġiebaħ below Selmun is a small sandy cove with no facilities, Għajn Tuffieħa is quieter than Golden Bay because of its steps, and Fomm ir-Riħ is a remote pebble bay on the west coast.
Can you walk from Bugibba to the Salina salt pans?
Yes, in about half an hour along the coast past Qawra Point. Kennedy Grove park is right next to the salt pans.
Is Fomm ir-Riħ safe?
It is safe for sure-footed walkers in dry, calm weather, but the path is steep and there are no facilities or lifeguards. Avoid it after rain and in rough seas, and do not bring small children.
Is the Xemxija Heritage Trail free?
Yes. It is a signposted footpath on the hillside above Xemxija, open at all times. Allow one to two hours and wear good shoes.
