Bugibba - Gateway to Malta

Malta is one of the most beguiling and evocative islands on Earth. The first stop for many visitors is the famous tourist resort of Bugibba, which overlooks the splendour of St.Paul's Bay.

Bugibba and its suburb of Qawra are highly developed resorts with the usual panoply of hotels, restaurants and bars. Yet development, while intense, is not overwhelming and a stroll round the Qawra peninsula reveals spectacular views and a delightful palm-fringed harbour.

Stand on the promenade here and look out over the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean to St. Paul's Islands. Today a great statue marks the very spot where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked as he spread the gospel in the first century after Christ. His entire crew swam to safety in this sheltered bay, and the islanders gave him sanctuary by a fire. As the saint gathered wood, he was bitten by a viper - but suffered no harm. As a result of this miracle the first Maltese converted to Christianity. Paul stayed on Malta preaching in the caves near Mdina. Among the converts was the Roman governor - and now saint - Publius. Today the site of his former villa in the walled city of Mdina is a magnificent Cathedral. Malta remains one of the most devout Catholic nations on earth.

"Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. (Acts of the Apostles 28:1-2).

While Bugibba has many of the standard commercialised trappings of a Mediterranean tourist resort, the dramatic views out to St. Paul's Islands are a unique feature. Moreover, its superb connectivity to the historic cities of Malta mark it out as a convenient base for exploration of the Maltese archipelago.

Bugibba is located on the north east of the island and is an ideal base to explore the principal sights of Malta. It is also superbly located for those wishing to visit the northern islands of rural Gozo and rocky Comino, the jewels of the Maltese archipelago.

Bugibba's central bus station is the gateway to the island. Buses run here to the capital of Valletta (no. 49 and no. 50) and the historic walled citadel of Mdina (86), amongst other destinations. A full list can be found here.

The Maltese bus system is extraordinary. Bright yellow vintage buses connect all main population centres quickly and efficiently. Each bus is full of character and charm as well as being ridiculously cheap, with many journeys costing just over one Euro. Malta is a tiny island of 121 square miles but its 414,000 people require quick and efficient transportation around this densely populated territory. The famous Maltese bus system provides it and the system converges at the immense roundabout outside the Valletta city gates.

Each bus carries a number on a card at the front bearing the route and as the working language of the island is English, tourists should have no difficulty finding their way. In a legacy of British rule, driving on the left is strictly observed. This is only one legacy of the protectorate - it is still surreal to see deep red British pillar boxes and telephone boxes glinting in the bright Mediterranean sunshine.

A visit to the rural, quiet island of Gozo is highly recommended. The Azure Window and Inland Sea are justly famous destinations and the sleepy provincial town of Rabat (Victoria), with its ramparts and citadel, is a pleasant and unhurried sight. Quaint resorts such as Xlendi offer magnificent seaside views in an unspoiled environment, largely free of the over-building and bustle of the Maltese mainland. Comino offers the famous Blue Lagoon and is a sparse and rocky outcrop with only one hotel and a permanent population of four residents! It also boasts the majestic St.Mary's Tower and ferries operate to the islet during the summer months.

Bugibba is superbly placed for transport connections to both islands, since it is a short bus trip (no.48) to the Gozo Channel Ferries terminal at Cirkewwa on the northern Maltese coast.

Bus 49/50 to Valletta.

Valletta is Malta's picture-perfect capital city. Stand on the beautiful Upper Barrakka Gardens, where the cannon fire at 12 noon daily, and gaze down over the Mediterranean's most impressive harbour. Carved out of the barren and high slopes of Mount Sciberras by Jean de la Vallette of the Knights of St.John, the capital is a grid system sloping down to old Fort St.Elmo. The Grand Master's Palace and the Malta Experience are both essential visits. The ancient Co-Cathedral of St. John houses untold treasures, including Caravaggio's justly celebrated masterpiece, The Beheading of St.John the Baptist,

Bus 86 to Mdina.

Mdina is an ancient inland hilltop citadel boasting stunning views of the entire island. Here you can stroll ancient city walls and soak up the deep history on every street corner. The Cathedral is stunning and in nearby Rabat you can explore the cave where St. Paul lived on the island. A craft village is also situated in the former RAF air base at the foot of the old town.

All trademarks are acknowledged.

The information contained in this website is for entertainment purposes only. While we endeavour to keep the information correct at the time of writing, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

In no event will we be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of this website.

(c) This hubpage and its content is copyright of Daniel Belize © 2011 Daniel Belize All rights reserved.