One of the largest and most-populated towns of Malta, St Paul’s Bay is set on the picturesque northeastern coast of the island. It’s well known for its vibrant promenade, water sports, great food, and general summer holiday vibe. The town and its surrounding area have become a firm favourite with tourists looking for a friendly, easy-going destination with diverse appeal, but for lovers of the great outdoors (with a touch of history on the side), the Roman Road offers a wonderful opportunity to work on your tan whilst also working on your mind!
- Why Stay in St Paul’s Bay?
- What You’ll See Along the Xemxija Heritage Trail
- How Hard is the Trail?
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
Why Stay in St Paul’s Bay?
As a Mediterranean tourist destination, Malta continues to grow in popularity. Its rich history, beautiful beaches, charming villages and towns, and stunning natural environment make it a wonderful place for a short break. Its compact size allows you to pack in a lot in a short space of time. Basing yourself in the seaside gem of St Paul’s Bay (an area that officially encompasses several small towns, including neighbouring Buġibba, Xemxija, and Wardija) situates you in the perfect place to get out and explore, either by car or, if you’re a lover of walking, on foot.
The Roman Road (aka the Xemxija Heritage Trail or the Pilgrims’ Way) is a fantastic place to start and is cited as one of the best walks in Malta. Apart from the physical landscape and gorgeous views you’ll encounter along the way, the real beauty of this 2,000-year-old pathway established by the Romans, is in seeing the remnants of its fascinating history.
What You’ll See Along the Xemxija Heritage Trail
There’s a lot of history condensed along this relatively short road, and it’s a good idea to do a little bit of pre-reading so you’ll understand the significance of the things you’ll come across. Even better is to pick up a free copy of the Xemxija Heritage Trail map, which points out all the highlights and sites of interest at a glance.
An ancient apiary: Thought to be from the Punic-Roman era, this impressive apiary (a system of terracotta beehives) is an important relic of Malta’s long history of honey production. The scale and intricacy of the apiary is very impressive, and it’s genuinely fascinating to be able to look behind the facade to the interiors.
Don’t miss the old carob tree: A tree is not just a tree along the Xemxija Heritage Trail! Estimated to be at least a thousand years old, the carob can be identified by its plaque and a poem (by Frans Scerri) carved into the adjacent stone wall. Imagine if trees could talk…
Burial caves and rock carvings: Keep an eye out for several burial caves and multiple rock carvings. The pilgrims traversing the route (often in self-imposed chains) would rest here and gouge crosses of different sizes into the rocks as part of their penance.
A Punic shaft tomb and a farmer’s house: A Punic shaft is an ancient vertical (downwards) burial structure with subterranean chambers used for the remains of multiple people. The one you’ll encounter on the trail is thought to date back to 500BC. Close by is a stone farmer’s hut, which has actually been reconstructed from the original stones that were used on the site centuries ago.
Cave houses: These cool, dark caves made perfect dwellings to protect the inhabitants from the harsh island elements – and they lived there along with all their animals! You can go inside and wander around to imagine what life was like for these hardy ancient cave dwellers.
Neolithic tombs and Roman silos: There are quite a few Neolithic tombs to discover if you step off the pathway and explore, and you can also see a Roman grain silo, which at one stage was converted for use as a well.
Military “pillbox”: Part of a more modern history, this low-set stone building was constructed during WWII as a defensive fortification. Its austere exterior looks slightly out of place rising out of the landscape compared to the “softer” stone structures and ruins of ancient times.
Cart ruts: Close to the pillbox you’ll be able to make out the limestone cart ruts, which are thought to have been created to facilitate the smoother running of carts across the island.
How Hard is the Trail?
The good news is that it’s not difficult at all, so anyone with reasonable mobility won’t have any problems – beginners and children are welcome! It’s around 4km long, so allow for a couple of hours, depending on your pace. You’ll also probably want to make stops along the way at the numerous sites of historical interest.
The path is well-marked. You’ll set off from Xemxija Hill so, as the name suggests, there’s a bit of uphill walking at first – but it’s not too strenuous. From there on, the narrow dirt track is mostly flat, allowing you to walk at your own pace while taking in far-reaching views across the landscape.
It’s important to note that there’s very little shade along the way; so wear good shoes, make sure you slather on the sunscreen, use a hat, and take plenty of water. The best time to walk the trail is early morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Along with the specific highlights mentioned, there’s a lot more to see and experience along the Roman Road, and it’s all offset by fantastic views over the towns of St Paul’s Bay, the valley, and across to Golden Bay. If you’re staying longer than several days, you might even want to hit the trail more than once, to experience it at different times of the day. It’s a true opportunity to walk, quite literally, in the footsteps of Malta’s history – and why would you want to miss that?
Where to Stay
Salini Resort: Inviting a relaxing and stylish stay, this lovely resort is set on a gentle hillside with far-reaching views over the Mediterranean. Enjoy the excellent appointments of the spacious, airy rooms, with air-conditioning for your comfort and a balcony to take in the beautiful outlook. Onsite you can make use of the great range of amenities, including tennis courts, wellness and fitness facilities, a guest lounge, restaurant, bar, an indoor pool, and two outdoor pools. You may never want to leave!
Gillieru Harbour Hotel: Set on the beautiful seafront, this gorgeous hotel gives you a front row seat to the horizon. Choose a sea view room and take in the spectacular vista while relaxing on your private balcony. The spacious rooms feature air-conditioning, stylish modern decor and furnishings, and a host of quality appointments to make you feel welcomed and at home. Dine in the onsite restaurant, take a dip in the pool with a view, or stroll five minutes to local shops, cafes and bars.
Ocean Pearl Apartment: Apartment number four offers a fresh, spacious place to stay with a large terrace and direct beach access. The three-bedroom apartment comprises generous living, a full kitchen, and two bathrooms, all set in an unbeatable beachfront location that puts you within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, bars, buses, and grocery shops. The ideal location for a relaxed holiday with everything on the doorstep.
How to Get There
Getting to your short break in St Paul’s Bay is easy to plan for. Book a flight into Malta Airport from the UK, with multiple operators offering a range of options (more than 140 a week) for the 3.5 hour flight. Choose from British Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Malta Air and others.
Once you land, an airport transfer with Shuttle Direct is your best bet to get you quickly and comfortably from Malta Airport to St Paul’s Bay. You can choose either an affordable shared shuttle bus, a pre-booked taxi, or a private luxury transfer.
Overview
UK to MLA Flight Time: 4 hours
MLA to St Paul’s Bay: 20 kilometres approx.
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 30 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
At Shuttle Direct we understand the need to offer options as diverse as the travellers we service. Getting from Malta Airport to St Paul’s Bay quickly and promptly is easy when you choose the airport transfer that suits your individual needs. From affordable shared shuttles to private luxury rides, our promise is a safe, comfortable ride in a modern vehicle.
Shuttle Bus: Our most popular service is also the most economical, so if you’re on a budget, one of our shared shuttles will suit your needs. After landing at the airport, you’ll make your way to a pre-arranged place outside the terminal to board your clean, modern shuttle bus along with other passengers. You’ll be taken to a central drop-off point in St Paul’s Bay, as close as possible to your accommodation.
Taxi: If you prefer the convenience of a door-to-door ride, a pre-booked local taxi with Shuttle Direct from Malta Airport to St Paul’s Bay gives you the benefit of a service to yourself, without the higher cost of a private transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you, so there’s no need to queue with other travellers waiting for a taxi.
Private Transfer: For the most luxurious ride we offer, a private airport transfer in a high-end vehicle is a wonderful way to start and end your holiday. Your friendly, professional driver will meet you in the terminal then escort you to your ride. You’ll be taken right to the doorstep of your accommodation with no delays and no hassle. The ultimate St Paul’s transfer to and from the airport.
Minibus Transfer: If you’re travelling with multiple friends or an extended family group, simplify the logistics of getting from Malta Airport to St Paul’s Bay by pre-booking a large capacity minibus. There’s plenty of room for larger groups and all the associated luggage, and this service is door-to-door.
Choosing the Right Transfer
When you need to get from Malta Airport to St Paul’s Bay, and back again, travelling with Shuttle Direct ensures you have choice. While it’s an individual decision which of our services you choose, it will always come down to the prioritisation of two factors: cost and convenience.
Convenience: If non-negotiable convenience is the most important thing to you, you should choose one of our reliable door-to-door services for your St Paul’s Bay transfers. You can book one of our high-end luxury private transfers, or alternatively, a pre-booked local taxi service. Both of these will take you right to the door and there are no other passengers to consider.
Cost: If you’re just looking for the best price though, our very affordable and reliable shared shuttle buses will get you to St Paul’s safely and comfortably. Although this isn’t a door-to-door service, you can choose from multiple stops so you’ll end up as close as possible to your accommodation.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is proud to be one of the leading providers of onward ground transport throughout Europe and the world. Offering a reliable, comfortable, safe ride to and from a huge range of destinations, you can choose a service to suit your style and budget. Friendly drivers, excellent communication, and comfortable, modern vehicles ensure you get where you need to be without delay. Pre-book your airport transfers with Shuttle Direct then sit back and enjoy the scenery.
