Mini travel guide to Bugibba, Malta
This family-friendly town in St Paul's Bay on Malta's north coast has plenty to appeal to both young and old, while catering to all budgets. In this mini travel guide to Bugibba we'll show you where to go and what to do in this vibrant, fun-filled destination.
Buzzing Bugibba is one of the Mediterranean island's largest seaside resorts. The main square and palm tree-lined promenade are crammed with hotels, al fresco bars and restaurants that come alive during the summer months, while the crystal clear waters and picturesque coastline create the perfect backdrop for holiday selfies.
Mini travel guide to Bugibba: The best beaches, bars, sights and more
As any mini travel guide to Bugibba will tell you, it's a place popular with those keen to enjoy the clean, clear sea, lively bars and international cuisine on offer. And if it's a taste of real Malta you're after, there's plenty to experience, from traditional Maltese dishes, to diving in spectacular caves and relaxing at a lido.
Bugibba beaches
We have to start our mini travel guide to Bugibba with the beaches. While this stretch of coastline offers sweeping open sea views, it is burdened with a sharp, rocky shoreline. Don't let this put you off: a long stretch of Bugibba's coast has been filled in with sand to create an artificial beach for holidaymakers to enjoy. It's called Bugibba Perched Beach as it sits, literally, 'perched' above the water, with bridges and ladders in place for swimmers to access the sea.
Bugibba Perched Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag, certifying its cleanliness and quality. The water is deep and very clean, ideal for swimming - though parents should judge whether it is suitable for youngsters as there is no shallow entry. There are also plenty of water sports on offer, as well as umbrellas and sunbeds available for hire. Lifeguards patrol from June to September.
If you prefer some service with your sunbathing, you can spend the day at one of the lidos (or, beach clubs) in the area, often connected to restaurants or hotels. Huggy Bear Lido and Amazonia Lido at the Dolmen Hotel are both popular options. Here you'll find bars, as well as sunbeds and umbrellas for hire.
Bugibba restaurants
As you might expect in such a bustling place, there's a plethora of Bugibba restaurants to suit every taste. Wander down the main promenade and take your pick of international cuisine. For an authentic Maltese meal, you can't go past Mal'et Restaurant on St Simon Street. Reasonable prices and traditional recipes with an emphasis on seafood will ensure a real taste of Malta.
For something special, try Venus Restaurant on Pioneer Road. Slightly more sophisticated than most holiday eating options, this sleek modern European restaurant is well known for its fantastic cuisine and impeccable service. Booking recommended.
In the height of summer you'll be craving an ice cream, and no mini travel guide to Bugibba restaurants would be complete without mentioning Sottozero Gelato Factory - the most popular for good reason! It's a small shop on the corner of St Anthony and Spring Streets offering a huge range of unusual flavours.
Bugibba nightlife
Bugibba's nightlife is thriving, from bars and nightclubs, to karaoke and casinos. Maltese and tourists alike gather in the main square in the summer months for a spot of people watching, and al fresco drinking and dining to the soundtrack of youngsters cruising in their cars with music blasting.
There's a whole host of Irish and English pubs, and almost all of them have screens to show live sport, so there'll be no moaning about missing the football. Like most resort towns, the price of a pint is higher in the bars and pubs in Bugibba Square and on the main streets, so venture further afield for a better deal.
The Grapevine Pub on Pioneer Rd is a meeting point for both locals and tourists. It has a relaxed and jovial atmosphere with live music and a breezy terrace on which to kick back with a pint. Fat Harry's Pub and Diana's Pub are also favourites for many regular visitors. There are a number of nightclubs that stay open late in summer, including Velvet Lounge, Below Zero and Amazonia.
Other things to do in Bugibba
Located on the northern side of the island, Bugibba is ideally located for taking cruises to Gozo and Comino islands. Multiple tour companies operate daily trips to one or both of these paradise-like islands - it's not to be missed while you're in Malta!
Ideal for families is Bugibba Waterpark, a smaller, safer alternative to Splash & Fun Water Park which is also in Bugibba. The park is 800 square metres of water cannons, water umbrellas, and fountains.
Among the many water sports on offer in Bugibba, there's scuba diving for the more adventurous. Malta offers a variety of dive sites to suit all levels, from shallow reefs to caves and world class wrecks. Numerous dive centres offer beginners courses and excursions ensuring there's something for everyone.
Reading this mini travel guide to Bugibba, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's all bright lights and buzzing bars, but there are also more traditional sights to be seen, such as the small harbour, which is home to colourful bobbing fishing boats, while the historic charm of Valletta is a mere half an hour away.
You'll never be short of things to do and see in Malta, and this mini travel guide to Bugibba only scratches the surface. If you're after fun in the sun with a lively ambience, Bugibba is a great, family (and wallet) friendly choice for your next holiday. Check out our latest selection of dedicated Malta holidays page for the latest travel deals and discounts to see if you could escape to Bugibba for less.
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