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Qawra is a town within the St. Paul’s Bay area, on the north coast of Malta. It is close to Buġibba and Salina, and the towns can be hard to separate from each other as they naturally flow into each other.
With plenty of seaside hotels, restaurants and things to do, Qawra is popular among tourists and visitors, and it is a great place to stay in the north of Malta. The town is known for its salt pans, is-Salini, and the promenade stretching along the coast from Qawra to St. Paul’s Bay. Along the seaside, you will also find popular rocky bathing areas.
Qawra is a popular tourist location for families with children and couples. It is a good spot from where to explore the islands, as tours are departing from nearby Buġibba to the other islands Gozo and Comino, as well as day tours around Malta. However, as Qawra is not centrally located, you will be far away from most tourist attractions, and travelling by bus tends to be a hassle.
Because Qawra borders Buġibba and it’s a pretty small area really, it doesn’t matter much whether you stay in one or the other. Both are popular tourist resorts, and you will find the same amenities near your accommodation within walking distance most of the time.
The town was in fact built to attract British tourists, something it still does today. You will find lots of hotels, apartments, restaurants, cafes, shops and pubs. You can also do plenty of water sports, and the rocky coast allows for sunbathing and swimming.
That also means that, unlike many other parts of Malta, Qawra isn’t a traditional Maltese town, and there aren’t as many cultural and historical attractions to find here.
The famous promenade stretches three kilometres along the coast, all the way from Qawra to St. Paul’s Bay. Locals and tourists alike love to stroll about on hot summer nights, enjoying a drink or an ice cream on their way.
Just like any other place, Qawra has its pros and cons. Here are some reasons to stay (or stay away), and tips for those vacationing in Qawra:
Reasons to stay here
Stay in Qawra if you want:
But keep in mind that Qawra is:
The airport is 20 kilometres away from Buġibba. By taxi or rental car, this should take about half an hour to an hour, depending on traffic. You can choose to head towards Haz-Zebbug, past Mdina and Mosta towards St Paul’s Bay and Qawra. The other way you can head to Marsa, Msida, St. Julian’s, Pembroke and then St. Paul’s Bay and Qawra.
By public transport, head outside to find the bus stops right in front of the airport. From here, take bus X3 towards Buġibba, and get off at the final stop Buġibba Bay 1. The journey will take about an hour and a half.
You can also take bus X1 towards Cirkewwa, get off at Kennedy, then take bus 212 to Buġibba and get off at Buġibba Bay 1.
Alternatively, take bus X4 towards Valletta till Marsa Park & Ride, where you can get on bus X3 to Buġibba. Get off at Buġibba Bay 1.
Qawra is around 10 kilometres away from St. Julian’s. By taxi or rental car, this should take about 15 to 20 minutes when following the Coast Road.
By public transport, take bus 212 from Spinola Bay towards Buġibba and get off at Buġibba Bay 1 in Qawra. This should take about half an hour.
Alternatively, take 222 or 225 from Spinola Bay towards Ċirkewwa and get off the bus at Mwiezeb. From here, take bus route 48, 186, 212, 221 or 223 towards Buġibba and get off at Buġibba Bay 1. The trip should take around 45 minutes.
Qawra is 13 kilometres away from Sliema, which is a 20 to 30-minute drive by taxi or rental car when following the coast road.
If you’re travelling by bus, take route 212 towards Buġibba and get off at Buġibba Bay 1. This will take around 40 minutes.
Alternatively, take route 222 or 225 towards Għajn Tuffieħa and get off the bus at Mwiezeb. From here, take route 48, 203, 212, 221 or 223 to Buġibba and get off at Buġibba Bay 1. The trip will take 45 minutes in total.
Qawra is 15 kilometres away from Valletta. By taxi or rental car, this will take around half an hour depending on traffic.
By public transport, take bus route 45 or 48 towards Buġibba and get off at Buġibba Bay 1. The trip will take around one hour.
Mellieħa is about 9 kilometres away from Qawra, which is a 20-minute drive by taxi or rental car.
By bus, it takes around 20 minutes with routes 221 and 223 towards Mellieħa.
This all-inclusive hotel and spa overlooks St. Paul’s Bay and is praised for its cleanliness and prime location. Start your day with a rich breakfast buffet and head over to the beach, or enjoy one of the indoor and outdoor swimming pools. For pure relaxation, head to the Moroccan-style spa with a hot tub, steam bath and a fitness centre. There are various options of restaurants and cafés for lunch and dinner, so you’re always spoilt for choice.
DoubleTree by Hilton is located on the seafront at St. Paul’s Bay. The hotel has a private beach and six swimming pools, as well as a spa with a hot tub, sauna and a fitness centre. Most rooms have a balcony overlooking the sea. If you decide to go all-inclusive, you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner at one of the four restaurants serving Maltese and Mediterranean food. You can also enjoy one of the themed bars or try your luck at the hotel-casino. Bikes, boats and jet skis can be rented at reception, and there is even a diving school.
DoubleTree by Hilton is located on the seafront at St. Paul’s Bay. The hotel has a private beach and six swimming pools, as well as a spa with a hot tub, sauna and a fitness centre. Most rooms have a balcony overlooking the sea. If you decide to go all-inclusive, you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner at one of the four restaurants serving Maltese and Mediterranean food. You can also enjoy one of the themed bars or try your luck at the hotel-casino. Bikes, boats and jet skis can be rented at reception, and there is even a diving school.
Park Lane Aparthotel is located on the Qawra peninsula, and the rooftop pool and terrace offer stunning views of St. Paul’s Bay and the Mediterranean. The apartments come with a kitchenette and a private bathroom, as well as a satellite TV.
This resort is perfect for families with children, as there’s a play area and daily entertainment. The friendly staff will gladly tell you about the area and provide tourist information. For breakfast, lunch and dinner you can visit the on-site Coral Cove restaurant, or head into town to visit one of the nearby restaurants and cafés. AX Seashells Resort offers a swimming pool with a hydromassage corner, a splash pool with a slide, and a wellness centre.
Qawra Palace Hotel has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and each room has a balcony overlooking Salina Bay or the internal courtyard. There is entertainment for people of all ages, as the hotel features a mini-golf course and a games room with a pool table. Wake up for a buffet-style breakfast and relax in the large internal garden. The nearest bus stop is 25 metres away, so you can easily explore the rest of the island.
If you’re looking for a self-catering apartment with a balcony overlooking the bay, AX Sunny Coast Resort & Spa is your best bet. The apartments are modern and all have a kitchenette, so you are completely independent. If you’d like a break from the beach, you can relax in one of the swimming pools or the three hot tubs. The resort also includes a leisure and fitness centre, as well as a squash court.
Stay in a room overlooking the pool, the gardens, the city or the sea in Il Palazzin Hotel. The hotel is tucked away in a quiet area of Qawra, but the sea is a ten-minute walk away and it’s just 100 metres away from the seaside promenade. The value of this hotel is great, and guests love the breakfast and dinner that is served. It’s also close to various entertainment options and public transport.
If you’re looking for a self-catering apartment with a balcony overlooking the bay, AX Sunny Coast Resort & Spa is your best bet. The apartments are modern and all have a kitchenette, so you are completely independent. If you’d like a break from the beach, you can relax in one of the swimming pools or the three hot tubs. The resort also includes a leisure and fitness centre, as well as a squash court.
Located in Qawra, the Triton provides accommodation just a stone’s throw away from the seafront promenade. Despite the slightly outdated décor, the Triton has a great location and the staff will make sure you have the best time in Malta. All units in the aparthotel have a kitchen, including a toaster and a kettle. Everything you’ll need at the tips of your fingers!
This guesthouse is lovely and especially popular among couples. Located at St. Paul’s Bay, these super cosy apartments are near anything you might need. There is also a shared kitchen and a shared lounge, and the friendly tour desk staff can provide information on the area. LA88 also provides a free airport shuttle.
The north of the island lies close to Comino Island and the stunning Blue Lagoon. As the Blue Lagoon is super popular with tourists, it gets crowded in summer, which is why I recommend taking a boat tour rather than staying on the island. This Comino Island boat trip takes you to the famous Blue Lagoon as well as the more secluded Crystal Lagoon, which is definitely worth seeing.
If you’re in Malta for a week or longer, your trip isn’t complete without a visit to Malta’s gorgeous and serene sister island Gozo. Hop on a Comino & Gozo boat tour for a super relaxed and convenient trip to both islands.
Alternatively, you can take the bus and ferry by yourself. From Qawra, you can easily head to Ċirkewwa, where you can catch the ferry to Gozo. Hop on bus 221 and it will take around half an hour.
Consider taking a fun day trip to Gozo with this all-inclusive, highly-recommended Tuk Tuk tour.
Discover the most beautiful parts of Malta’s sister-island at a leisurely pace, driven around by a local driver who will guide you on your day out.
Organised transport will pick you up in the morning and drop you off at the end of the day. You’ll also enjoy a boat ride past Comino and its Blue Lagoon on a boat used exclusively for this tour.
Prefer a little more adrenaline? Consider the same provider’s Quad Bike tour instead!
Experience Malta’s underwater life at the Malta National Aquarium. Divided into different zones, the aquarium takes you on a journey through Roman times to tropical oceans, and underwater life is abundant at the Malta National Aquarium. The museum is both fun and educational for the whole family. You can get tickets online in advance here.
At the end of the promenade, you’ll find the rocky Qawra Point Beach, which is the locals’ favourite place to go for a dip or have an afternoon barbecue. It’s easily accessible, as it’s just behind the Malta National Aquarium. You can also go for a snorkel, as there is plenty of fish.
This manmade beach is Buġibba’s main beach and offers a nice place to swim. Though it definitely isn’t Malta’s best beach, it is within walking distance from Qawra and it’s worth a visit for the views.
Just beyond Buġibba you can find a tiny beach called Il-Bajja tax-Xama. Calling it a beach might be overdone, but it’s a little sandy bay where you can go for a quick dip. Get there by descending the limestone stairs.
Malta’s most beautiful sandy beaches, Golden Bay and Riviera Bay, are a 30-minute bus ride away from Qawra. Take route 223 or 225 to Għajn Tuffieħa from Buġibba Bay 1 and get off at the final stop. Golden Bay is right there, and Riviera Bay is just a ten-minute walk down the road.
Qawra Point Beach is great for snorkelling, as marine life is abundant. And if you’re interested in scuba diving, you can go with one of the many dive centres in the area. Try breathing underwater for the first time with a try dive, do the open water course, or visit one of Malta’s many wrecks if you’re already a licensed diver.
The three-kilometre promenade that stretches from Qawra to St. Paul’s Bay is perfect for a morning jog or an afternoon stroll. With views of the Mediterranean and a fresh sea breeze, you’ll enjoy this even if you’re not a seasoned runner.
Malta’s biggest beach club, Café del Mar, is located in Qawra. With an infinity pool overlooking the sea, you’ll have the ultimate Mediterranean clubbing experience. Go for dinner and a dip before you get tipsy on ice-cold cocktails. Good times guaranteed!
South of Qawra, you’ll find a beautiful bit of nature. In Salina National Park you’ll find the Kennedy Grove, where you can enjoy the nature and greenery you might be missing in town. The park is well-kept and perfect for families and visitors who want to enjoy some outdoor relaxation in the shadow of a tree.
This unique museum is interesting for car fanatics and curious minds alike. An enthusiastic car collector curated a collection of over 100 exhibits on show. These classics are in great condition and are surrounded by memorabilia from the 40s, 50s and 60s.
At the tip of Qawra, you’ll find Ta’ Fra Ben Bay. It’s a spot where people come to enjoy the sun while swimming, eating and drinking. In the bay, you’ll also find the Ta’ Fra Ben Bay Reggae Bar, which undoubtedly has the most laid-back vibes in Qawra.
BirdPark Malta is one of Malta’s best-kept secrets. With over 200 species of birds and other animals, this is a must-see for animal and nature lovers. Besides birds like flamingos, pelicans, owls and parrots, there is also a variety of friendly mammals and reptiles to admire. Educational and recreational for people of all ages!
Perfect for brunch or high-tea afternoons, Carolina’s Petit Café looks like it comes straight out of your grandparents’ era, in the best possible way. For cupcakes, scones and a great selection of teas, Carolina’s is the place to be.
The Salina Nature Reserve is Malta’s main production area of salt. You can visit the salt pans, that once produced over 4,000 tons of coarse salt over two harvests. Walk around the Nature Reserve to see all it has to offer.
Nearby the salt pans are the Salina Catacombs. Slightly hidden and barely advertised, this is a spot you need to know how to find. Starting at the Chapel of the Annunciation, follow the signs to the Paleo-Christian Catacombs. The pathway will lead you to the catacombs, which is a cluster of smaller tombs surrounding a rectangular court. Head inside if you’re adventurous, but make sure to be mindful.
Address: 14 Triq L-Imhar Qawra, Qawra
Surf N Turf offers a selection of Mediterranean cuisine with a French fusion, truly making the menu the best of both worlds. With luxurious and delicious meals, this restaurant will give you everything you want and more. Prime meat cuts and fresh local fish are paired with brilliant wines, and the mouth-watering homemade desserts will surely end your dining experience on a positive note.
Address: Triq L-Imhar, Qawra
With top quality meals cooked to perfection, super friendly staff and an amazing atmosphere, Lovage Bistro never disappoints. Welcoming waiters will make sure you enjoy every minute you spend here, and the chefs only use the best ingredients for their delicious meals. The bistro also has great vegetarian and vegan options. Guests love to return here, and it’s not hard to see why!
Address: Qawra Road, Qawra
Originally a South African restaurant, you’ll be given a warm welcome by the waiters at Ocean Basket every time. The local seafood is served in generous portions, and the menu is extensive. From sushi to oysters and from calamari to prawns, everything is to die for! The shared platters at Ocean Basket embrace the concept of sharing food, which makes every bite even tastier.
Address: Triq It- Turisti, Qawra
A real staple in the area, this family-run restaurant serves Mediterranean dishes that are flavourful at reasonable prices. Solid choice for dining out in a more casual setting.
Address: Triq it-Turisti, Qawra
Yushasn Restaurant in Qawra offers the best Asian cuisine. If you’re looking for something different, this is the place to go! With plenty of choices and stunning views, your dining experience will be more than enjoyable. The hotel is part of db San Antonio Hotel + Spa, but the staff gladly welcomes guests from all over.
Address: Triq it-Turisti, Qawra
This Italian restaurant offers the best of Italian and Maltese cuisine. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is pleasant, thanks to the excellent staff that will make sure you feel right at home. No matter what you pick from the menu, you can’t go wrong.
Address: 205 Triq It-Turisti, Qawra
Different from the other restaurants on this list, Kebab Factory is a fast-food restaurant – but not your typical fast-food experience. The menu has an emphasis on Turkish cuisine, but the burgers, pizzas and salads are just as tasty. The portions are large and always include fresh, high-quality ingredients. This place wins customers hearts with great value for money!
Address: Triq It-Turisti, Qawra
If you’re up for a traditional Maltese meal, Ta’ Randu ensures you’ll have the best experience. The ambience is great and the food is even better, as the local staff will tell you all about the mouth-watering Maltese dishes. Try traditional rabbit or go for the horsemeat stew for a great introduction to the local cuisine.
Address: Pioneer Road, Buġibba
The Chef’s Table is situated in the heart of Buġibba and offers fine dining avant-garde cuisine. The chef patron Alain James Grech uses the best local seasonal produce and focuses on healthy and sustainable eating. The delicious meals are presented perfectly and go great with the varied wine selection.
Address: Pioneer Road, Buġibba
Though not technically in Qawra, Venus Restaurant is well worth a mention. With rave reviews, Venus prides itself on giving guests the best possible experience. The small, family-run restaurant is set in the heart of Buġibba and offers a selection of Mediterranean dishes. You can’t go wrong with a fresh special of the day or one of their prime meat cuts.
2 Responses
Your information is incredible! I haven’t been to Malta since 1996 but I’m coming in November of 2024 and staying for 3 weeks. I will eventually be staying there for at least a few months a year and your info is absolutely perfect.
Thanks again!
Happy to hear that Deio, all the best!