One of Malta’s most popular seaside resort towns, Qawra teems with energy from its lively collection of cafes, boutiques and open-air bars, as well its waterfront activities and a thriving casino. A colourful promenade parades along the rocky seafront for more than 3.5 kilometres, constantly filled with joggers, active families and sunset admirers along its path to St. Paul’s Bay.
Swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and diving enthusiasts flock to Qawra’s waterfront and Ta Fra Ben beach, while sunbathers enjoy the tranquil bay beneath the area’s historical watchtower, built by knights in 1637 and now housing a picturesque restaurant. Automobile admirers can visit the Malta Classic Car Museum, displaying more than 100 classic cars and motorbikes, and nature lovers relax at the village’s small bird sanctuary. The nearby village of Bugibba extends the nightlife scene to include sports bars and British-style pubs.
A bus terminus at Bugibba, within walking distance of Qawra, is the source of most public transportation in the area, providing access to the airport, St. Paul’s Bay and Bugibba Square, with numerous stops along the way. Cars or taxis use the main roadways of Dawretil-Gzejjer, also known as Islet Promenade, Kennedy Drive, Tourist Street and Qawra Promenade. Cycle and motorbike rentals are often arranged by hotel concierges or the local tourist bureau and are also available in Bugibba.
Qawra Tower at Qawra Point is one of the oldest intact structures built by order of St. John in 1638. It was the fourth of seven Lascaris towers surrounding coastal Malta, created by Italian knight Giovanni Paolo Lascaris. It later received an upgrade to a coastal battery for Malta’s coastal defence in 1715, with an artillery platform and subsequent entrenchment towers.