Buġibba and Qawra are Malta’s main resort area in the north, with a long promenade, restaurants, tour desks, big hotels and boats to Comino and Gozo. Neighbouring St Paul’s Bay, Salina and Xemxija are quieter. Here is which part to choose and what to expect.
Comino
Boat trips leave from Buġibba and Qawra
Bus hub
Buġibba Bus Terminal, with routes across the island
Rocky
Much of the coast is rocky
Resorts
Large hotels and all-inclusive packages
Where to Stay in Buġibba and Qawra: Best Parts
| Part | What it is like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Buġibba | The liveliest part, with restaurants, bars, shops, tour desks and the bus terminus close together | Car-free stays and nightlife |
| Qawra | Next door, more open and calmer, with larger hotels and pools | Families and older travellers |
| Old St Paul’s Bay waterfront | Quieter and more local, with bay views and apartment stays | A quieter stay with fewer tourist facilities |
| Salina and Xemxija | Quiet, on the edge of St Paul’s Bay and closer to Mellieħa | Guests with a car or who use taxis |
Is it right for you?
Are Buġibba and Qawra a Good Place to Stay?
Good for
- Budget-friendly hotels, apartments and package holidays
- Families, especially in Qawra
- Boat trips to Comino, the Blue Lagoon and Gozo from the promenade
- A relaxed, holiday-style evening atmosphere
Watch out for
- It is not a historic or romantic base, and some Buġibba streets can feel busy and noisy
- Daily trips to Valletta take longer than the map suggests
- Parking is difficult in central Buġibba and Qawra
- Much of the coast is rocky, so it is not ideal for a classic sandy-beach holiday
Getting Around From Buġibba and Qawra
Buġibba Bus Terminal sits where Buġibba and Qawra meet, with routes to Valletta, Sliema, Mellieħa, Golden Bay, Ċirkewwa, Mdina, Rabat and the airport. Boats to Comino, the Blue Lagoon and Gozo leave from Buġibba and Qawra, and the Gozo fast ferry calls at Buġibba.
- Around Malta: fares, cards and routes are in our Malta bus guide.
- To Gozo and Comino: see how to get to Gozo and our Comino ferry guide.
- On the water: compare Malta boat trips.
Sandy beaches
For large sandy beaches, take a bus or taxi to Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay or Għajn Tuffieħa. Hotel pools and lidos are popular in Buġibba and Qawra itself.
Hotels and Apartments in Buġibba and Qawra
Hotels suit short stays with breakfast and pools, while apartments suit families and longer stays, so check the street, lift, air conditioning and distance to shops and buses. Some examples:
- db San Antonio Hotel + Spa and the Seashells Resort at Suncrest: large Qawra resort hotels, many offering all-inclusive packages. See our all-inclusive holidays guide.
- AX ODYCY Hotel and Park Lane Boutique Aparthotel: Qawra stays on or near the seafront.
- Seaview Hotel Malta: an adults-only hotel on the Buġibba promenade.
- Salini Resort: on the quieter Salina edge of St Paul’s Bay.
Prices, availability and reviews change often, so compare before you book.
Where to Stay in Buġibba and Qawra: FAQ
Is Buġibba a good place to stay in Malta?
Yes for budget stays, families, boat trips and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. It is a resort area, not a historic one, and it is further from Valletta than Sliema or St Julian’s.
Buġibba or Qawra: which is better?
Buġibba for the most lively base and car-free stays, Qawra for a calmer stay with larger hotels and pools, especially for families.
Can I take a boat trip to Comino from Buġibba?
Yes. Boats to Comino, the Blue Lagoon and Gozo leave from Buġibba and Qawra. Compare options in our Malta boat trips guide.
Does Buġibba have a sandy beach?
There are a few small beaches and swimming spots, many with rocky access. Hotel pools and lidos are popular, and the big sandy beaches are at Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa.
Is it easy to get to Valletta from Buġibba?
There is a bus from Buġibba Bus Terminal, but the trip takes longer than the map suggests, so it suits day trips more than daily commutes.
How we wrote this guideThis guide was researched and written by us at Experiences Malta, using the official and local sources listed below, and we review it through the year. Prices, timetables and opening hours change, so please check before you travel. More about Experiences Malta.
Sources: Malta Info Guide: where to stay in St Paul’s Bay, Malta Public Transport: Airport Direct.