St Paul’s Bay Travel Guide

Why visit St Paul's Bay?

St Paul's Bay offers some of the cheapest hotel rates on the island, making it a popular tourist destination.
While this area has had less development than other areas of Malta, there are numerous bars, restaurants, and more to enjoy in the evenings.
You can catch a ferry to the island of Gozo for a day trip, just a ten-minute walk along the seafront to the harbour. Convenient bus routes allow for day trips around the island for minimal cost.

Culture of St Paul's Bay

Known locally as San Pawl il bahar, St Paul's Bay is lively during the summer and a cheap and convenient place to stay in Malta.

The area offers plenty of cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants with excellent Mediterranean cuisine and trendy modern options like sushi and bubble tea.

The locals in Malta may not always be as accommodating to tourists as in other cultures, but the small business owners of St Paul’s Bay are appreciative and always offer a warm welcome.

Best things to do in St Paul's Bay

St Paul's Bay Harbour

St Paul’s Bay has a lovely harbour and seafront where you can pick up an ice cream or a bubble tea and enjoy the views out to sea.

There are some excellent outdoor seafood restaurants where you can enjoy the fresh catch of local seafood overlooking the bay. There are also non-seafood options like good quality Italian food.

The harbour is a great place to catch a boat to neighbouring Gozo or join one of the many boat trips departing from here. 

Go diving

St Paul’s Bay is a great spot for diving, and with a mix of diving schools and centres, you can find your perfect underwater adventure.

Buddies Dive Cove offers PADI certification and lessons for divers of all skill levels.

Relax on a Spa Day

Pearl Spa in St Paul’s Bay is based at the San Antonio hotel, offering access to the hotel’s luxury spa facilities and a range of treatments from facials to massages and even Turkish Hamam. 

Pearl Spas - Escape with us

Visit Malta’s Chocolate Factory

Enjoy a cocktail and chocolate-making masterclass or learn about the history and process of chocolate creation.

The chocolate factory offers many classes and events and can cater to groups and families.

You can visit the chocolate factories for free, enjoy free samples, view the chocolatiers at work and purchase some delicious souvenirs of your visit. 

MALTA CHOCOLATE FACTORY (Bugibba) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (tripadvisor.co.uk)

Malta National Aquarium

See the wonders of the underwater world at the Malta National Aquarium, nestled in the scenic locale of Qawra, St Paul's Bay.

This captivating attraction features more than 40 tanks teeming with vibrant marine life from the Mediterranean and beyond, including sleek sharks and colourful fish.

The highlight? A mesmerising walk-through tunnel that gives you a shark's-eye view, making you feel part of the ocean's depths.

Malta Classic Car Collection

This museum proudly displays a stunning selection of vintage cars and motorbikes, each piece beautifully restored to showcase the elegance and innovation of bygone eras.

Beyond the vehicles, the collection is enriched with memorabilia like historical photos, offering a deeper dive into automotive history.

Best food & drink in St Paul's Bay

The food and drink in Malta offer a delightful exploration of the island's rich culinary heritage, deeply influenced by its history and position in the Mediterranean. 

Maltese cuisine reflects a fusion of flavours, borrowing from the traditions of Sicilian, British, French, and Arabic cooking

Pastizzi: Perhaps the most iconic Maltese snacks are flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas.
Fenkata: A traditional rabbit stew, often considered Malta's national dish, which is a testament to the importance of rabbit in Maltese cuisine.
Ġbejniet: Small, round cheeses made from goat's or sheep's milk, often served as part of a platter or used in cooking.
Timpana: A baked pasta dish rich with Bolognese sauce and eggs and encased in a pastry shell, showcasing the Italian influence on Maltese cooking.
Hobz biz-zejt: A popular snack or light meal consisting of Maltese bread rubbed with ripe tomatoes and topped with olive oil, capers, onions, and anchovies or tuna.

SOTTOZERO Gelato

The SOTTOZERO gelato factory serves 40 flavours of artisanal gelato every week, as well as cakes, crepes and coffee.

This is some of the best gelato you’ll find here, yet the prices are very reasonable at just a few euros for a good-sized tub.

Best Restaurants in Valletta

Ocean Basket

Recommended to us by a local who lives nearby, although Ocean Basket is a chain, we enjoyed incredible fresh local fish and seafood in a modern setting with stunning views over the water. 

From prawns and calamari to fish and mussels, Ocean Basket serves fresh, tasty seafood dishes that will impress any seafood lover.

Trattoria 'a Lanterna cucina Ligure

Trattoria 'a Lanterna offers an authentic taste of Ligurian cuisine in St Paul's Bay. 

This hidden gem provides a unique dining experience with a wide range of dishes that capture the essence of the Ligurian culinary tradition.

From fresh seafood to homemade pasta, each dish is prepared with care, offering a taste of Italy right in the heart of Malta.

Our hosts were delightful, serving us fresh seabass, pesto pasta, cured meats, and a delicious tiramisu to finish. 

Simenta Restaurant

Simenta is a family-oriented bar and restaurant offering Mediterranean cuisine with a cosy atmosphere. 

The restaurant is very popular with locals, known for its friendly service and great location, making it a perfect spot for lunch. 

Whether you're looking for a hearty meal or just a place to relax with a drink, Simenta's welcoming environment and great value food make it a must-visit.

We do recommend Simenta for lunch or a casual dinner, but it is quite an informal experience, and so you may want to consider other options for an evening may.

Insider tip: During busy periods, it's best to order and collect your food at the bar and kiosk. When quiet, while you will still need to order at the bar, a waiter will often at least serve your food.

Ta' Bertu's Kitchen

Ta' Bertu's Kitchen is a highly-rated restaurant known for its exquisite homemade cuisine and warm hospitality. 

Specialising in Mediterranean dishes, this family-run establishment offers a menu that includes baked rabbit, ravioli, and ribeye, among other delicacies, promising an authentic Maltese dining experience.

Nearby locations

Mdina

Mdina is a beautiful and historic walled and fortified city, a must-see when visiting Malta. Descendants of the noble families of Malta still live in Mdina today.

You can enter Mdina for free and wander the streets for an hour, taking in the atmosphere and admiring the unique architecture. You will also find some nice cafes and a few museums here if you want to make a day of it. It takes just 20 minutes from Valletta by car.

Valletta

Valletta has everything a usual large European city has to offer; you will see an endless selection of restaurants and all the familiar European brands.

The city has a unique feel due to its hilly streets, with pleasant locals relaxing on slanted tables in the streets and views extending down to the sea. Valletta is a must-see to understand Malta truly.