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Bugibba/Qawra/St. Paul's Bay What's it really like ? Transfer time: Approx 40 minutes Location: St. Paul's Bay is the name given to this particular stretch of coastline. Bugibba: An old-fashioned resort where cash has been spent restoring and renovating some of the more run-down areas but that means building work could be in progress. It needs it, however. Bugibba in particular suffers from a cramped feeling with bland concrete buildings rammed around the bay. It may well be friendly, but it isn't pretty. The contrast between Malta's beautiful ancient architecture and the ugly shoebox apartments is the island's main flaw. Qawra: More modern and quieter than its neighbour with a main road cutting along the coast. Money has been spent here on improvements to the promenade which links up with Bugibba within walking distance. Qawra is home to several large hotels on the seafront road which links up with Bugibba which is larger, residential in places and offers a good variety of shops in its warren of back streets St Paul's Bay: A traditional fishing town with very little accommodation for tourists although there's a bustling atmosphere due to day-trippers. It's popular with visitors to Mgarr Church in its picturesque square and Mgarr shelter which was dug by hand to protect the villagers from bombings in World War 2. Beaches: Qawra has a narrow pebbly stretch; Bugibba's rocky seafront provides bathing in natural lidos and St Paul's is close to Golden Bay which is now overlooked by a large hotel. There are water sports all along the coast with opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Good amenities along the promenade including shops and bars. NOTE: Watch for public warning signposts erected where swimming is not recommended and take heed of them. Days out: Boat trips and water sports. Valletta's cathedrals, palaces and museums draw visitors from around the island. Further inland there are villages and the Mdina (pron: Im Deena) - an ancient walled city and former capital. Cruises to Gozo and the Blue Grotto. Shops are spread around the resorts with the main concentration in Bugibba. To fully enjoy the sites around the island we recommend hiring a car. Nights out: Clubs and 'live' music bars compete with British-style pubs, some of which are quite authentic. Restaurants to suit mass tourist trade, more traditional menus can be found near the old fishing village in Bugibba. Bucket and Spade Brigade: Not the best resort for children due to lack of beach and attractions. Rock pools are interesting to explore but care should be taken of little ones around the coast where the sea can be rough. |
