Contents:
- Wandering Through Wignacourt Tower
- Exploring St Paul’s Shipwreck Church
- Visiting the Malta Classic Car Collection Museum
- Taking a Trip to Malta National Aquarium
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Located on the northeastern coast of Malta, St Paul’s Bay is one of the island’s largest seaside towns, known for its vibrant promenade which extends all the way to Qawra. Originally a fishing village, St Paul’s Bay has since transformed into a major commercial area and a hub for shopping, bars, and dining out.
An Introduction to St Paul’s Bay
According to the Acts of the Apostles, the town is named after Paul the Apostle, the spiritual father of Malta, who was shipwrecked off the coast of the island while travelling from Caesarea to Rome, in 60 AD. This laid the groundwork for Christianity to be introduced to the local population.
St Paul’s Bay Local Council is made up of several small towns, including Buġibba, Xemxija, and Wardija. The town is popular with tourists, particularly in the summer months, when the population nearly doubles. To the north is the pebbly beach of Mistra Bay, its headland, and St Paul’s Island, and to the west is the plateau of Wardija Ridge.
Giving you a taste of Malta’s history and culture, here are my top picks for a short stay in St Paul’s Bay.
Wandering Through Wignacourt Tower
Wignacourt Tower was built in 1610, during the reign of French nobleman and Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt, as a defensive outpost to protect against Ottomans and Barbary corsairs. The tower is the first in a series of six coastal watchtowers to be built in Malta by the Order of Saint John between 1610 and 1620.
As the oldest surviving watchtower in Malta, and the island’s northernmost defence point until Fort St Agatha was built in Mellieha in 1649, Wignacourt Tower is steeped in history. Since 1998 it has doubled as a museum, with exhibitions including models of the fortifications found in the Maltese islands, reproductions of items used by the tower’s occupants in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, old photos, and a restored cannon. At 18m above sea level, Wignacourt Tower offers uninterrupted views of the glorious coastline which can be observed from the rooftop.
There’s nothing like walking along the artillery battery with the cool sea breeze in your hair while you marvel at the engineering of the cannons used to defend the townspeople. With its square plan and robust stone walls, the tower originally housed a small garrison equipped with weapons. Its strategic position allowed for effective surveillance and communication with other coastal defences.
During World War Two, the tower was repurposed to serve as an observation post for the Allied forces.
Visitors can explore the tower’s interior, including the well-preserved living quarters and armoury. One of the most striking features of Wignacourt Tower is the machicolations, which allowed defenders to drop projectiles on attackers from above. Other interesting features include the cannonball furnace, which heated cannonballs to ignite enemy ships, and the tower’s sloping walls, intended to deflect cannon fire.
Exploring St Paul’s Shipwreck Church
St Paul’s Shipwreck Church, a Roman Catholic parish church in Valletta, is one of the city’s oldest churches. Every year on February 10, when the feast day of Saint Scholastica is celebrated, the wooden statue of Saint Paul (carved in 1659 by Maltese sculptors and brothers Melchiorre and Lorenzo Gafà) is removed from the church and paraded around Valletta. On this date, St Paul’s Street becomes a sight to behold, with balconies and homes decked out in banners and festoons while the bars and restaurants in the area join in on the festivities too.
The church’s origins can be traced back to the 1570s, with construction completed in December 1582. The church was designed by the Maltese architect and military engineer, Girolamo Cassar, and in 1885 the facade was rebuilt in Baroque style by Maltese medical doctor, architect, and philosopher, Nicholas Zammit.
The church is home to some of the finest artworks in Malta, including a magnificent altarpiece by Italian painter, Matteo Perez d’Aleccio, and paintings by Attilio Palombi and Giuseppe Calì. Visitors will also find the relic of the right wrist bone of Saint Paul and part of the column from the Roman Catholic church, San Paolo alle Tre Fontane, on which the saint was beheaded in Rome.
The story behind St Paul’s Shipwreck Church is one that has been passed down through generations. As legend has it, Saint Paul was on a ship headed towards Rome where he was set to undergo trial for being a political rebel. His vessel was caught in a mighty storm, causing some 300 crew members and prisoners to wind up on a small island—one of the isles just off Selmun that’s now known as St Paul’s Island. It was these circumstances that led to Catholicism spreading throughout Malta, which now boasts over 350 churches.
Visiting the Malta Classic Car Collection Museum
In northeastern Malta, approximately half an hour away from Valletta, you’ll find the Malta Classic Car Collection Museum, which is home to some of the most iconic cars of the twentieth century, including Jaguar E-Types, Triumph Spitfires, and Ford Thunderbirds. The cars have been restored to a pristine condition and look as if they’ve just rolled off the production line.
Strolling around the museum is akin to walking back in time and revisiting the golden era of motoring. The museum has been decked out with a collection of antiques and memorabilia from the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, including old television sets, jukeboxes, gramophones, and the fashions of yesteryear.
The Classic Car Collection was the brainchild of petrolhead Carol Galea, who first began customising and building his own cars for local hill climbing races, however his hobby soon evolved into a collection which later became a museum. A must-visit for car enthusiasts, the museum houses over 100 classic and vintage cars and motorcycles spread over 3,000 square metres.
As a personal tribute to the automobile industry, Galea described the museum as a “living and growing collection that spans more than 50 years of motor manufacturing”. Galea sadly passed away in 2021 and the museum has since been passed down to his daughter, Mandy Buhagiar, and his son, Mark Galea, who have continued the family legacy as co-directors.
It’s worth purchasing a flexible admission ticket so you can spend as long as you’d like admiring the exhibitions. Aside from the automobiles, the museum contains a speedboat and life-sized wax sculptures of famous icons from pop culture. Don’t be surprised if you bump into Hulk Hogan, Elvis, or the Blues Brothers while you’re making your way through Malta’s quirkiest museum!
Taking a Trip to Malta National Aquarium
The Malta National Aquarium, located in Triq it-Trunciera in Qawra, is the largest aquarium in the Maltese Islands, containing more than 50 tanks spread across 20,000 square metres. The architecture of the aquarium building is especially unusual, resembling a starfish.
The aquarium hosts over 175 different species, including reptiles, insects, and amphibians. The main tank, which is a whopping 12 metres in diameter, houses species from the Indo-Pacific Ocean, including zebra sharks, black tip sharks, leopard sharks, rays, eels, and other exotic species. You’ll also find a walk-through tunnel that allows visitors to experience the marine animals at close range.
The Aquarium is split into five zones. In zone one, you’ll find mainly Mediterranean species such as the gilt-head sea bream, European sea bass, scorpionfish, and amberjacks. In this area, you’ll also spot a submarine, which is a replica of the HMS Stubborn used during World War Two that’s become a popular dive site. The submarine houses a number of sea creatures including octopus, sea anemone, and parrot fish.
The aquarium partnered with Sharklab, an NGO based in Malta that does research on sharks around the island, to develop shark embryos. As a result, you can spot shark egg cases in this zone. The collaboration between Malta National Aquarium and Sharklab has resulted in over 300 sharks being returned to Maltese waters. The Malta National Aquarium is committed to educating the public about protecting the environment and hosts daily talks on issues such as loss of biodiversity and conservation.
As well as the aquarium, you can visit the laboratory, food preparation room, and quarantine facilities. If you start to feel peckish during your visit, La Nave Bistro is a popular on-site restaurant which serves classic Mediterranean dishes.
Whether you’re uncovering Malta’s storied past or immersing yourself in its natural wonders, there’s something for everyone at St Paul’s Bay to make it an unforgettable stay. Once you’ve planned the sights you’re going to see, it’s time to start thinking about where you’re going to stay.
Where to Stay
Salini Resort: Set on a gentle slope overlooking Salina Bay and the Mediterranean Sea, this modern resort offers spacious and stylish rooms with sea or countryside views. All rooms and suites are air conditioned and feature a balcony or terrace. The amenities at Salini Resort are second to none and include two outdoor pools, a tennis court, a padel court, and a wellness centre with an indoor pool and fitness facilities.
Ushuaia Playa Xemxija: This boutique hotel certainly has the wow factor and is in an excellent location, less than five miles away from local attractions such as Fekruna Beach, Mistra Bay Beach, Birdlife Sanctuary Centre, and the Malta National Aquarium. The hotel has been designed with guests’ comfort in mind and offers a 24-hour front desk, room service, luggage storage, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property.
St Paul’s Bay Quaint Townhouse: This beachfront holiday home is in a central location, only five miles away from places of interest such as the National Museum of Natural History and St Paul’s Cathedral. The property comes with a patio, so you can soak up the sun without having to even leave the premises! If you fancy a swim, L-Għażżenin Bay is only a five minutes’ walk away. Guests will have access to a fully equipped kitchenette, a flat-screen TV with streaming services, and a terrace with city views.
How to Get There
St Paul’s Bay is a popular tourist destination, so there are a wealth of options to choose from when it comes to flight times and service providers. You can fly directly from the UK to Malta Airport (MLA) in less than three and a half hours. On average, there are over 175 flights a week and the cheapest month to fly to Malta is January. Several airlines fly from the UK to Malta Airport including easyJet, Ryanair, KM Malta Airlines, and Malta Air.
To make things easy, consider pre-booking an airport transfer with Shuttle Direct to your accommodation in St Paul’s Bay. As soon as you land, you’ll be greeted by a friendly, professional driver who’ll take you from Malta Airport to St Paul’s Bay in half an hour. By pre-booking with Shuttle Direct, you avoid wasting precious holiday time queuing up or navigating public transport. Travelling with Shuttle Direct is a no-brainer!
Overview
UK to MLA flight time: 3 hours 25 minutes
MLA to St Paul’s Bay distance: 20 kilometres
Shuttle Direct transfer time: 30 minutes
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct, our priority is to make getting from A to B as easy as ABC. We know that every traveller is different, which is why we offer a range of shared and private services that get you to where you need to go without delay. Below are the transfer options you have to choose from.
Taxi: One of the simplest ways of getting to your accommodation is to pre-book an airport taxi. Malta Airport to St Paul’s Bay is a relatively short journey, and with Shuttle Direct’s reputation for punctual service, you can expect to get there in no time. This option gives you the added benefit of travelling in your own private vehicle without having to wait around at the taxi rank with other passengers. Your driver will be ready and waiting at the airport once you land.
Shuttle bus: Our most economical airport transfer service is a shuttle bus. If you don’t mind sharing the ride, you certainly won’t mind the cost savings that this option offers. Once you land, you’ll meet at a designated point at the airport before boarding a shuttle bus with other passengers. You’ll be dropped off at a central point in St Paul’s Bay and although this is a no-frills service that won’t deliver you directly to the door of your accommodation, you make up for it with affordability.
Private transfer: If you’re looking for a top-of-the-range service, a private transfer from Malta Airport to St Paul’s Bay is the option for you. A private transfer will upgrade your travel experience as you’ll enjoy the luxury of travelling in your own private vehicle and you’ll be delivered right to the doorstep of your accommodation. A local driver will meet you at the terminal and then you’ll head off straight away—all you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey.
Minibus transfer: If you happen to be travelling with a large group of friends or family, or perhaps you have lots of luggage, a minibus transfer from Malta Airport to St Paul’s Bay is your go-to. Because you’ll be travelling in a multi-passenger vehicle with plenty of room for suitcases, you’ll make light work of the logistics. This is a door-to-door service, which saves you time so you can start your holiday as soon as you hit the tarmac.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Whether you’ve used a pre-booked airport transfer service before or it’s your first time, there are two aspects to consider before booking: cost and convenience. Knowing which one is more important to you will make deciding on which transfer option to go for much easier.
Cost: For some travellers, saving money is the top priority, so sticking to a budget is paramount. Keeping your price limit in mind, a shared shuttle bus is the most cost-effective transfer option. Because the fare is shared between multiple passengers, the price per head is lower, making a shuttle bus just the ticket for budget-conscious travellers.
Convenience: If, however, having your own space and convenience is of utmost importance to you, then one of our luxury private transfers is the best option for you. You’ll pay a little more, but you’ll gain access to a premium service where you have the vehicle to yourself and you’ll travel without any hassle, giving you complete peace of mind.
About Shuttle Direct
When you need a safe, comfortable, and reliable way to get from the airport to your accommodation, Shuttle Direct is your answer. Because we offer various types of transfers—from budget-friendly shuttle buses to upmarket private transfers—every kind of traveller is catered for. Our team of experienced drivers know your holiday destination like the back of their hand and will guarantee that you’ll get to your accommodation promptly. Get in touch today to pre-book your airport transfer and start your holiday stress-free from the moment you land.
