Qawra Things To Do

Qawra has its own beach and year-round water sports. Neighbouring Bugibba offers a selection of beach lidos and Malta’s largest sandy beach, Mellieha Bay, is just a short bus ride away, as are the aptly named Golden and Paradise Bays.

 

There’s a choice of excellent dive centres and sites, including caves, wrecks, reefs and plentiful sea life in and around Qawra. Malta offers a rewarding diving experience at any time of the year, whatever your level of experience, and its warm water is probably the clearest in the Med.

 

Qawra has the benefit of being right next door to the brasher, busier resort of Bugibba. Close enough to walk to the clubs, karaoke bars and casino, as well as some very good restaurants, but just far enough away to enjoy the peace and tranquillity.

Reminders of Malta’s past include prehistoric megaliths and ancient catacombs at nearby Salina. The Qawra Tower, overlooking St Paul’s and Salinas Bays, was built by the Knights of Malta in 1637. 12 years later they built St Agtha’s Tower, which offers views all the way to Gozo and Comino. The island’s patron saint is commemorated by the St Paul’s Shipwreck Church. Maltese hospitality pleased him so much that he’s said to have removed the venom from all the island’s snakes. So visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling or horse riding without worrying about poisonous reptiles.

 

The cosmopolitan area around Sliema and St Julian’s includes Paceville, Malta’s foremost nightlife district. In contrast, Mdina is the Silent City where cars are limited on the narrow medieval streets. Be sure to visit the Mdina Experience for its audio-visual account of the city’s 3,000 year history. Nearby Rabat is known for its ancient catacombs. The island’s capital, Valletta, is a World Heritage site with an imposing Cathedral, fortresses, palaces, museums, timber-balconied houses and the spectacular Grand Harbour.

 

These include underwater safaris on a glass-bottomed boat and the short but beautiful journey to neighbouring islands of Malta. Small, uninhabited Comino is great for watersports and relaxing, while Gozo has stunning scenery, ancient temples and impressive architecture. Valletta also offers interesting boating experiences, including tours of the Grand Harbour and day trips to Sicily.

 

Well worth a visit for anyone here in winter, this salt marsh next to Mellieha Bay’s beach is home to over 200 species of birds as well as wild rabbits and chameleons.

 

Festas, the religious feasts held in villages throughout the summer to celebrate the local saint, have developed into events lasting days, with processions, fireworks and a general celebration of local culture. The local area also hosts beer, wine and music festivals.