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Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands)

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Island
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Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)

Weather…

Selmunett Island, commonly referred to as St. Paul's Islands, consists of two main islets connected by a narrow isthmus that is often submerged during high tide or stormy weather. Located off the coast of Selmun and Mellieħa, these islands hold immense historical and religious significance in Malta, as tradition holds that the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked here in 60 AD while on his journey to Rome. A majestic statue of Saint Paul, erected in 1844, stands prominently on the larger islet, serving as a landmark for sailors and a symbol of Malta's Christian heritage. Geologically, the islands are composed of Upper Coralline Limestone, featuring rugged terrain and several sea caves carved by the action of the Mediterranean waves. The islets were inhabited by a single farming family until the early 20th century, but today they are a protected nature reserve, home to the endemic Maltese Wall Lizard. Visitors can reach the islands by boat, enjoying the clear waters for snorkeling and exploring the historical ruins of a small farmhouse and a well that still remain.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Reaching this uninhabited island typically requires chartering a small private boat or joining a localized boat tour operating from the nearby mainland bays. There is no regular ferry service, so access is completely dependent on pre-arranged water transport.
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Best season
The summer months are generally the most reliable time to visit, as calmer seas make the boat crossing much safer and more pleasant. Winter visits are frequently impossible due to rough Mediterranean water conditions and unfavorable weather.
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Terrain & paths
The island's surface is characterized by rugged, rocky terrain covered with sparse coastal vegetation. Walking involves navigating uneven limestone surfaces and craggy edges, as there are no smoothly paved tourist pathways available.
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What to bring
Sturdy, close-toed shoes with good grip are strictly necessary to safely walk on the sharp rocks. Because the island completely lacks facilities, visitors must bring an ample supply of drinking water, robust sun protection, and a hat.
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Parking
Vehicles must be parked on the mainland near the bay or marina where the chartered boat departs. Depending on the exact departure point, public coastal parking is usually available but can fill up quickly during peak tourist season.
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Safety
Extreme caution is required near the edges of the island, as the rocky cliffs drop sharply into the sea. Additionally, always arrange a firm pick-up time with your boat operator, as there is no shelter or phone signal guaranteed on the island.
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Time needed
Most boat tours allocate roughly one to two hours for passengers to explore the island, view the statue, and take photographs. This is generally more than enough time to appreciate the isolated historical significance without feeling rushed.

Geography

Coordinates
35.96500, 14.39800

Facts

  • Tradition claims Apostle Paul was shipwrecked here in 60 AD.
  • The islands are uninhabited today but were once farmed.
  • A large statue of Saint Paul was built on the island in 1844.
  • The islets are officially recognized as a nature reserve.
  • They are home to the endemic Maltese Wall Lizard subspecies.
  • The islands appear as one or two depending on the sea level.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Mistra BayMistra Bay1 km · SWExplore →
Malta National AquariumMalta National Aquarium2 km · SEExplore →
Il-Qortin RidgeIl-Qortin Ridge3 km · WExplore →
Bird Park MaltaBird Park Malta3 km · SEExplore →
Wardija HighlandWardija Highland3 km · SExplore →
MellieħaMellieħa3 km · WExplore →
Ghadira Bay Boat RentalsGhadira Bay Boat Rentals4 km · WExplore →
Ghajn Tuffieha BayGhajn Tuffieha Bay5 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (10)

Fort Campbell

Former fort in Malta, built to defend the coast.

Mistra Battery

Artillery battery in Mistra Bay, Mellieħa, Malta.

Torri t' Għajn Ħadid

De Redin Tower, a former watchtower in Malta.

Imgiebah Bay

Beach in the north of Malta, with natural surroundings.

🕒 24/7

Il-Palazz ta' Selmun🗼 tower

Villa in Mellieħa, Malta, with historic architecture.

Bajja tal-Għażżelin

Beach on the Maltese coast, a quiet spot.

Hornblower Cruises

Cruise company offering tours along the Maltese coast.

Wignacourt Tower🗼 tower

Watchtower from the Knights' period in Malta.

Bathing pools

Ruins of former bathing pools along the coast.

Palazzo Pescatore🏰 castle

Palace in Malta, a historic building.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is there to see on St. Paul's Islands?
A large statue of St. Paul the Apostle, commemorating his shipwreck here in 60 AD.
How can you get to the islands?
Only by boat; many excursion boats from Bugibba pass by or stop nearby.
Is it allowed to land on the islands?
Yes, you can land on the rocks and walk up to the statue.
Is there drinking water on the islands?
No, the islands are completely uninhabited and have no facilities or water.
Are the islands always accessible?
Access depends on sea conditions; landing is dangerous during rough weather.
Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands): where is it located?
Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) is located in Malta.
Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands): what is there to see?
Highlights include Fort Campbell, Mistra Battery, Torri t' Għajn Ħadid.
Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands): why is it worth visiting?
Selmunett Island, commonly referred to as St.
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Nature

🗺️
Mistra Bay
A sheltered bay near St.
Coral Lagoon (Malta) — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Coral Lagoon (Malta)
A large sea cave with a collapsed roof, forming a hidden lagoon.
Golden Bay — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Golden Bay
One of Malta's most popular sandy beaches.
Ta' Ċinċ Hill — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Ta' Ċinċ Hill
A hill near Birkirkara that functions as part of the interior topography.
Victoria Lines Fault — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Victoria Lines Fault
A natural geological fault along which a line of fortifications was built in the 19th century.
Qammieh Point — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Qammieh Point
A rocky headland with great views towards Ghadira Bay and Gozo.

More places

City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
City Sightseeing Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus
An easy way for families to explore Malta's main attractions on an open-top bus.
Three Cities Ferry Service — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Three Cities Ferry Service
A ferry service connecting Valletta to the Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea).
St. Paul's Islands — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
St. Paul's Islands
Two small islands that are a haven for wildlife, including the endemic Maltese wall lizard.
Malta National Aquarium — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Malta National Aquarium
A modern aquarium featuring fish from the Mediterranean and tropical waters.
Simar Nature Reserve — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Simar Nature Reserve
Another important wetland area near Xemxija, providing a habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Mistra Valley — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Mistra Valley
Mistra Valley stretches between Xemxija and Selmun.
Is-Simar Bird Sanctuary — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Is-Simar Bird Sanctuary
A protected area attracting a variety of birds, especially during migration seasons.
Il-Għallies Plateau — Selmunett Island (St. Paul's Islands) (Malta)
Il-Għallies Plateau
A plateau north of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.