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Bugibba

Bugibba

Bugibba is a coastal town in the North east of Malta, known for its popularity with visitors who flock here during the summer months. Close to the towns of St Paul's Bay and Qawra, Bugibba has restaurants, bars, beach cafes and lidos a'plenty, ready to cater for the families and groups who call this area their second home. There's a lot of people in love with the town, who return year after year, and really give it it's own unique community feeling. Bugibba's popular with locals and visitors year-round, but it's during the summer months that it really comes alive as its numbers swell with people, all coming to enjoy the beaches and outdoor lifestyle so characteristic of Malta in general, and Bugibba in particular. There are watersports and cruises, lidos and a whole stretch of coast to swim and sunbathe from, and snacks and refreshments are always within easy reach.

Bugibba Square

The centre of town is the main circular 'square' right next to the sea, with a range of cafes, pubs and restaurants gathered round it, and central seating for people to relax in the evening, or brave the midday sun. The road and beaches along the coast stretch left to St Paul's Bay, and right to Qawra, and the sea is very popular here, as people come from miles arund to enjoy the cool clear waters and join in the summer fun.

Bugibba's chiefly seen as catering for tourists from the U.K, and it's a character the locals seem to have embraced and enjoy. Having said this, you can find just about every nationality amongst Bugibba's year-round visitors, all anjoying the square, the coast, and the facilities the town has to offer. Shops can, at times, be a little pricier than elsewhere, as some shop owners target tourists for a few extra euros (it's often a very small increase), so shop around, as some places may charge a little more than others - all in all, though, the price changes aren't too significant and are still lower than other parts of the island, so don't get too wary!

Bugibba Hotels

There are quite a few htels in Bugibba, from the large to the small, so there's plenty to choose from. It's not a large town, and everywhere's within ten or fifteen minutes walking distance, so unless there are special circumstances, getting to the square or the beach shouldn't be more than a short walk no matter where your hotel is.

Beaches

From St Paul's Bay to Qawra, the entire coast can be used for swimming and sunbathing, and Bugibba's right in the centre. The beaches are all rocky, apart from the small man-made snady beach, so the water's crystal clear, and you're dry within minutes of getting out of the sea. It's a beautiful place to swim - from the more crowded areas near Bugibba's main square to the more secluded spots on the way to Qawra, you can choose your spot, relax, and enjoy Malta's wonderful water. A promenade stretches along the entire length of the Bugibba seafront, from St Paul's Bay, through Bugibba, and most of Qawra - it's a great place for a walk, overlooking the sea and beaches with little kiosks along the way serving refreshments. It can get really hot during the summer, so early evening might be the best time for the promenade, with its view across to St Paul's island - the place where St Paul, Malta's patron saint, is said to have been shipwrecked, bringing Christianity to the island. If you do head out at midday, you can always cool down with a swim anywhere along the coast - bring plenty of water !!

Attractions

Apart from the sea, lidos, and a variety of restaurants and shops, Bugibba also has one of the iisland's largest cinemas, as well as amusement arcades, pubs, bars and other live entertainment. By night, the square comes alive during the summer months with musicpouring out into the streets, and the typical Maltese lifestyle comes into effect, as visitors and locals come out to enjoy the cooler night air. As with the rest of Malta, it's common for some shops to be closed in the middle of the afternoon as shop-owners sleep off the midday heat, so the nights are usually well populated and enjoyed by all.
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