Buġibba and Qawra (essentially one town, separated by St. Paul's Bay) form Malta's largest tourist resort — cheap, lively in season, full of all-inclusive hotels hosting British retirees in winter and budget-conscious families from across Europe in summer. It lacks the charm of Valletta or the quiet of Gozo, but has everything the average tourist needs: a promenade, water park, restaurants, bars, places to swim and excellent connections to the rest of the island.
Getting there: Bus 212, 221 or 225 from Valletta (around 45 min, €2). Bolt/eCabs from Valletta: around €12–15. From here, bus or Bolt to Cirkewwa (Gozo ferry, 10 minutes) and Mellieħa Bay.
The Promenade and Town Centre
Buġibba Promenade — a several-kilometre walkway around the peninsula. Evening strolls, sea views, restaurants and cafés. Less atmospheric than Sliema, but lively and functional.
Buġibba Square — the hub of Buġibba. Fountain, bars, restaurants, live music in the evenings. The main meeting point and reference for everything.
Qawra Point — rocky headland at the tip of Qawra. Beautiful views across open sea towards Mellieħa. Good for an evening walk and photos.
Malta National Aquarium — Buġibba's Best Attraction
The Malta National Aquarium in Qawra is one of Malta's finest attractions for children. Mediterranean fish species, sharks, octopus, colourful reef displays. The underwater tunnel through the main tank is a highlight for kids.
Prices: Adult: around €13, child (3–12): around €8, under-3s free. Hours: 10am–6pm (ticket office closes at 5pm). Air-conditioned — a good midday stop in summer heat.
Swimming and Beaches
Buġibba has no sandy beach — the coastline is rocky with concrete sun-terraces and ladders into the sea. Typical of Malta. Kennedy Grove is the best swimming spot in Buġibba: shaded by trees, rocky descent, benches. Clean water, good for snorkelling.
Buġibba Water Park (seasonal) — pools, slides, jacuzzis. Good for families when the sea is rough.
For a proper sandy beach: Mellieħa Bay, 10 minutes by bus.
Restaurants and Food in Buġibba
| Place | Type | Price/person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cliffs | Mediterranean, fish | €20–35 | Sea views, terrace |
| The Carriage | Grilled meats, Maltese | €15–25 | Good value |
| Tal-Familja | Traditional Maltese | €18–28 | Authentic cooking, popular with regulars |
| New Dolci | Pizza, pasta | €10–18 | Casual, family-friendly, affordable |
Street food: Pastizzi (around €0.80–1 each) — flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas. Malta's national snack for next to nothing.
Buġibba vs Sliema — Which is Better?
- Buġibba: cheaper hotels (30–40% less than Sliema), quieter, more families. Closer to Mellieħa and Gozo ferry. Fewer premium restaurants. Best if budget matters or travelling with young children.
- Sliema: better dining scene, ferry to Valletta, closer to the centre. 30–40% more expensive. More cosmopolitan.
St. Paul's Bay — History Nearby
St. Paul's Bay connects Buġibba and Qawra. According to tradition, this is where Saint Paul's ship was wrecked in 60 AD. St. Paul's Island, visible from the promenade, is one of Malta's historic symbols. A quieter, less touristy area with a church and relaxed restaurants.
Practical Information
- Hub: Buġibba Square
- Supermarket: Lidl on Triq il-Qawra (budget shopping)
- Parking: free on the outskirts, paid near the promenade
- Gozo ferry (Cirkewwa): 10 min by bus or cab
- Blue Lagoon: boats from Buġibba harbour (season: June–September)