On Malta's north-east coast, 17km north-west of Valletta and 19km from the airport is St Paul's Bay. Like many of the resort areas in Malta and Gozo, St Paul's Bay was a small fishing village dating back almost 1,000 years.
The old town of St Paul's Bay has extended to the south and has engulfed the tourist resorts of Bugibba and Qawra. It stretches for 5km to Qawra Point and into Salina Bay.
Over time, it developed and provided summer residences for families living inland - a tradition that continues today. In the 1960s and 1980s in particular, the area underwent significant growth, developing into a major resort.
This is one of the most photogenic bays on Malta, with St Paul's Islet as its focal point. From this bay, visitors also have access to several of the most popular beaches and finest scenery on Malta. The bay has good attractions and amenities and is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and all kinds of water sports - just make sure that you locate a suitable exit point from the water and beware of the black sea urchins found on the rocks.
There is a small beach at the head of St Paul's Bay, but the seafront is mostly rocky. In many places, the rocks are flat and suitable for sunbathing.
When in need of refreshment, head to one of the many surrounding tourist cafés or restaurants.
