Saint Paul's Bay
San Pawl il-Baħar | |
---|---|
Motto(s): In Christo Renati Sumus (Born again in Christ) | |
Coordinates: 35°56′54″N 14°24′6″E / 35.94833°N 14.40167°E | |
Country | Malta |
Region | Northern Region |
District | Northern District |
Borders | Mellieħa, Mġarr, Mosta, Naxxar |
Government | |
• Mayor | Ċensu Galea (PN) |
Area | |
• Total | 14.47 km2 (5.59 sq mi) |
Population (2021[1]) | |
• Total | 32,042 |
• Density | 2,200/km2 (5,700/sq mi) |
Population exceeds 60,000 in summer[2] | |
Demonym(s) | Pawlin (m), Pawlina (f), Pawlini (pl) |
Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Postal code | SPB |
Dialing code | 356 |
ISO 3166 code | MT-51 |
Patron saints | Our Lady of Sorrows Sacred Heart of Mary St. Francis of Assisi |
Website | Official website |
Saint Paul's Bay (Maltese: San Pawl il-Baħar) is a town located on the northeast coast of Malta in the Northern Region. It is a major residential and commercial area and a centre for shopping, bars, dining, and café life. As per the 2021 population census, it has also become the most populated town in the country.
Its name refers to the shipwreck of Saint Paul as documented in the Acts of the Apostles on St. Paul's Islands near St Paul's Bay, on his voyage from Caesarea to Rome, which laid the foundations of Christianity on the island.
Burmarrad, Wardija, Qawra, Buġibba, Xemxija, and San Martin, as well as parts of Bidnija and Mistra, form part of St. Paul's Bay Local Council.[3] The area of the locality is 14.47 km2 (6 sq mi).
The population in 2021 was 32,042. This nearly doubles, going up to about 60,000, between June and September with Maltese residents and tourists lodging in hotels, especially in Buġibba and Qawra. Heading north is Mistra Bay, its headland and St Paul's Island. Going west and crossing the island towards Ġnejna Bay and Golden Bay is the scenic Wardija Ridge.