Wondering what to do in Bugibba, Malta? St. Paul's Bay is one of the island's most popular resort areas, and for good reason. Stretching along the northern coast, the area encompasses the bustling villages of Bugibba, Qawra, and the quieter traditional heart of St. Paul's Bay itself. Whether you are after relaxing waterfront strolls, thrilling water sports, or memorable day trips, there is something here for every type of traveller. Here are the best things to do in St. Paul's Bay to make the most of your Malta holiday.
1. Stroll Along the Bugibba Promenade
The Bugibba promenade is the beating heart of St. Paul's Bay activities. This scenic waterfront walkway stretches for several kilometres from Qawra Point all the way through Bugibba and into St. Paul's Bay village, offering gorgeous sea views at every turn. It is the perfect place for a morning jog, an afternoon stroll, or a leisurely evening passeggiata as the sun dips below the horizon.
Along the way, you will find benches overlooking the water, small rocky beaches where locals swim, and plenty of cafes and ice cream parlours for a refreshing stop. During the summer months, the promenade comes alive with street vendors, families, and couples enjoying the warm Mediterranean evenings. It is one of those simple pleasures that captures the essence of a Maltese holiday.
2. Boat Trips, Comino, and the Blue Lagoon
No visit to St. Paul's Bay is complete without a boat trip to the famous Blue Lagoon on the tiny island of Comino. Boats depart regularly from the Bugibba jetty, making it one of the most convenient departure points on the island. The turquoise, crystal-clear water of the Blue Lagoon is genuinely breathtaking and ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and floating in the warm shallows.
Several operators offer half-day and full-day cruises that include stops at Comino's caves, the lesser-visited Crystal Lagoon, and sometimes a circuit around Gozo. Some trips include lunch, drinks, and snorkelling equipment on board. For a more private experience, you can also hire a small self-drive boat from Bugibba harbour and explore the coastline at your own pace.
Tip: In peak summer (July and August), the Blue Lagoon gets very busy. Try to book an early-morning departure or a sunset cruise for a quieter, more magical experience.
3. Visit the Malta National Aquarium
Located right on the Qawra waterfront, the Malta National Aquarium is one of the top things to do in St. Paul's Bay, especially for families. The building itself is an architectural landmark, shaped like a giant starfish and set dramatically against the coastline. Inside, you will discover a fascinating journey through Mediterranean and tropical marine habitats.
Highlights include the walk-through tunnel where sharks and rays glide overhead, tanks featuring colourful tropical fish, seahorses, and octopuses, and an outdoor reptile zone with turtles and lizards. The aquarium also has an excellent rooftop terrace with panoramic sea views, perfect for photos. Allow around one to two hours for your visit. It is a great option for a cooler day or a break from the sun.
4. Diving and Snorkelling
Malta is consistently ranked as one of Europe's best diving destinations, and St. Paul's Bay is an excellent base for underwater adventures. The area offers dive sites suitable for all levels, from beginners taking their first plunge to experienced divers exploring wrecks and deep reefs. Several reputable dive schools operate right from Bugibba, offering PADI courses, guided dives, and equipment rental.
Popular nearby dive sites include the P29 patrol boat wreck off Cirkewwa, the underwater caves at Anchor Bay, and the stunning reef systems around St. Paul's Islands. Visibility in Maltese waters regularly exceeds 30 metres, and the sea temperature stays comfortable for diving from May through November.
If diving is not your thing, snorkelling is equally rewarding. Grab a mask and fins and head to the rocky shoreline along Qawra Point or the bathing areas near the Bugibba square. You will be surprised by the variety of fish, sea urchins, and colourful marine life just a few metres from shore.
5. Day Trip to Gozo and St. Paul's Islands
Gozo, Malta's quieter sister island, is easily accessible for a day trip from St. Paul's Bay. You can catch a bus to the Cirkewwa ferry terminal (about 20 minutes away) and enjoy the 25-minute crossing to Mgarr harbour. Once there, explore the ancient Citadel in Victoria, swim at the red-sand beach of Ramla Bay, visit the beautiful Basilica of Ta' Pinu, and discover the dramatic Dwejra coastline with its Inland Sea.
Closer to home, the small St. Paul's Islands sit just offshore from the bay and hold special historical significance. According to tradition, this is where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked in 60 AD, an event that brought Christianity to Malta. You can see the islands clearly from the promenade, and several boat operators offer short trips around them. A prominent statue of St. Paul stands on the larger island, visible from the shore.
Tip: Consider a combined Gozo and Comino day tour that departs directly from Bugibba. These organised trips let you see both islands in a single day without worrying about ferry timetables.
6. Popeye Village and Water Sports
Just a short drive or bus ride from St. Paul's Bay, Popeye Village in Anchor Bay is one of Malta's most charming and unique attractions. Originally built as the film set for the 1980 musical "Popeye" starring Robin Williams, the colourful wooden village has been preserved as a family entertainment complex. It offers boat rides, splash pools, a small beach, live shows, and character meet-and-greets. Children love it, and adults enjoy the nostalgic, photogenic setting nestled in a stunning natural bay.
Back in Bugibba, water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them busy. Jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and banana boat rides are all available along the waterfront during summer. Several operators set up near the Bugibba jetty and along the Qawra coast. Whether you want an adrenaline rush or a peaceful paddle along the shore, the calm waters of St. Paul's Bay are ideal for every kind of water activity.
7. Restaurants, Nightlife, and Sunset Watching
St. Paul's Bay has an impressive dining scene for a resort area. Along the promenade and the side streets of Bugibba, you will find restaurants serving everything from fresh Maltese fish and traditional rabbit stew to wood-fired pizza, sushi, and Indian cuisine. For a special evening, head to one of the waterfront restaurants where you can dine with views across the bay. Local favourites include family-run trattorias where the seafood is caught daily, and bustling pizzerias that have been serving visitors for decades.
When the sun goes down, Bugibba offers a lively but relaxed nightlife scene. You will find a good selection of bars, pubs, and cocktail lounges along the main square and promenade. In summer, several venues host live music, karaoke nights, and themed parties. For a more upscale experience, the nearby Cafe del Mar beach club in Qawra is famous for its infinity pool, cocktails, and sunset DJ sessions.
Speaking of sunsets, St. Paul's Bay faces west, which means you are treated to spectacular sunsets almost every evening. Find a spot along the promenade, settle into a waterfront bar, or simply sit on the rocks near Qawra Point and watch the sky turn shades of orange, pink, and gold. It is one of the best free things to do in St. Paul's Bay, and it never gets old.
8. Explore Beyond the Bay
One of the great advantages of staying in St. Paul's Bay is how well connected it is to the rest of Malta. The public bus network links Bugibba to Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, and the ferry terminal, making it easy to explore the entire island without a car. Popular day trip options include the UNESCO-listed capital Valletta with its stunning architecture and museums, the medieval walled city of Mdina, and the dramatic Blue Grotto sea caves in the south.
For history lovers, the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra (older than the Egyptian pyramids) are well worth a visit. If you prefer shopping and modern entertainment, the Sliema and St. Julian's waterfront is about 30 minutes away by bus. And for a taste of authentic village life, the Sunday morning fish market at Marsaxlokk is a colourful, unforgettable Maltese experience.
Ready to experience the best of St. Paul's Bay? Our apartment is perfectly located in the heart of Bugibba, just steps from the promenade, restaurants, and all the activities mentioned above. Contact us to book your stay and start planning your perfect Malta holiday.