Rooms for Rent in St. Paul's Bay
St. Paul's Bay (San Pawl il-Baħar) is northern Malta's most popular residential area for expats seeking affordable coastal living. With a scenic promenade, diverse restaurants, and easy access to boat trips, it offers Mediterranean lifestyle without Sliema prices.
St. Paul's Bay is steeped in history—tradition holds that this is where the apostle Paul was shipwrecked on his way to Rome in 60 AD, an event commemorated by the iconic St. Paul's Islands visible just offshore. Today, the town is a sprawling coastal settlement that merges seamlessly with neighbouring Buġibba and Qawra to form Malta's largest tourist and residential zone outside the central area.
Unlike the touristy Buġibba or the more commercialised Qawra, St. Paul's Bay retains more local character. You'll find traditional Maltese fishermen alongside expat residents, family-run restaurants mixed with international chains, and a genuine community atmosphere. The promenade offers beautiful evening walks, numerous swimming spots dot the rocky coastline, and the area serves as the departure point for boat trips to Comino's famous Blue Lagoon.
What Makes St. Paul's Bay Special
Coastal Living
Rocky coastline with swimming spots and boat trips
Affordable North
Lower rents than central Malta, decent value
Dining Scene
Waterfront restaurants and diverse cuisine
Boat Trips
Easy access to Comino, Blue Lagoon excursions
Room Rental Prices in St. Paul's Bay
| Room Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Shared Room | €200 - €300 |
| Private Room (basic) | €350 - €450 |
| Private Room (quality) | €450 - €550 |
| En-suite Room | €500 - €650 |
Prices exclude utilities (add €50-100/month). Updated for 2026.
Best Areas & Neighbourhoods
St. Paul's Bay Centre
€€Traditional, local shops
Xemxija
€€€Upmarket, hillside views
Qawra Border
€€More developed, busy
Near Promenade
€€€Seafront, restaurants
Wardija Area
€€Quieter, residential
Near Kennedy Grove
€€Shopping, practical
📚 English Language Schools
St. Paul's Bay is home to several English language schools, attracting students from around the world—particularly from Europe, South America, and Asia. This creates a young, international atmosphere in the area and means there's always demand for shared accommodation. If you're a language student, you'll find plenty of flatmates and social opportunities. Schools like BELS and others offer accommodation packages, but independent room rentals are usually better value.
Pros & Cons of Living in St. Paul's Bay
Advantages
- Affordable coastal living
- Beautiful rocky coastline for swimming
- Good selection of restaurants
- Gateway to Comino and Blue Lagoon
- Growing international community
- More authentic than tourist areas
- English language schools attract young crowd
- Good value for seafront access
Challenges
- •Remote from central Malta
- •Long bus commute to Valletta (45+ mins)
- •Limited upscale amenities
- •Can feel quiet outside summer
- •Car recommended for most activities
- •Mixed building quality in some areas
Getting Around from St. Paul's Bay
St. Paul's Bay is connected to Valletta by routes 31, 45, and 48, though the journey takes 45-55 minutes. The TD (Tallinja Direct) express services are faster but run less frequently. Within the St. Paul's Bay/Buġibba/Qawra area, you can walk along the promenade or use local buses. The area is spread out, so having a car makes life significantly easier.
If you work in central Malta, the commute will be a consideration. Traffic heading south in the morning can be heavy. Many residents choose to live in St. Paul's Bay specifically because they work remotely or have jobs in the northern part of the island. The Kennedy Grove shopping centre and various supermarkets mean you don't need to travel far for daily needs.
Who Should Live in St. Paul's Bay?
St. Paul's Bay is perfect for: Language students studying English in Malta. Remote workers seeking affordable coastal living. Expats who prioritize value over location prestige. Anyone who enjoys seafood restaurants and waterfront dining. People planning frequent trips to Comino and Gozo. Budget-conscious individuals who still want sea access.
St. Paul's Bay might not suit: Anyone commuting daily to central Malta. Those seeking vibrant nightlife (Buġibba is better for that). People who want sandy beaches—the coast here is rocky. Anyone without a car who needs maximum mobility. Expats seeking upscale, modern accommodation.
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