St Paul's Island

Island Small Maltese islet linked to Saint Paul's shipwreck legend

Off Malta’s north coast near Mellieħa, St Paul’s Island comprises small rocky islets reachable by boat; visitors take short trips for snorkeling, shoreline walks and views toward Ċirkewwa.

St Paul’s Island consists of two small, uninhabited islets off the coast of St Paul’s Bay in northern Malta, within the Mellieħa area. The rocks are modest in size and sit close to the mainland shoreline.

The islets are principally of interest for short boat visits, shoreline views and coastal scenery rather than built attractions. The surrounding shallow waters are used for swimming, snorkeling and local boat excursions.

The islands are traditionally associated with the account of Paul the Apostle’s shipwreck in AD 60, a connection found in Maltese historical tradition and local place names. There is no continuous settlement on the islets and they retain a largely natural, rocky character.

Geographically the islets lie immediately off the northern Maltese coast at St Paul’s Bay, a short distance from the village and tourist facilities on the mainland. They are visible from the bay promenade and reached by small private or tour boats.

Access: The islands are uninhabited and commonly visited by small boat trips from the nearby St Paul's Bay shoreline during the summer months.
Historical association: Local tradition identifies these islets with the location where Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked on Malta in AD 60; the association is a long-standing element of Maltese cultural history.

How to Get to St Paul's Island #

St Paul’s Islands (off St Paul’s Bay / Mellieħa) are reached by short boat trips from St Paul’s Bay or Mellieħa harbours; local boat operators run excursions from the bay. By road the St Paul’s Bay / Mellieħa area is north of Valletta (reachable by Malta’s main coastal road), where you can park or use local buses to the harbour and join a boat.

Tips for Visiting St Paul's Island #

Take a licensed boat from Marfa or Mellieħa rather than attempting to swim or make your own crossing-local operators know safe landing spots and current conditions around St Paul's Island.
Avoid landing in rough seas; the island is low and exposed so wind and swell can make landing hazardous even on otherwise calm days-check forecasts before you go.
If you plan to snorkel or visit shallow reefs, choose an operator that briefs you on protected areas and local rules-the island's immediate waters can be ecologically sensitive and landing access is sometimes restricted.