Qawra Point Beach
Qawra Point Beach: A Coastal Gem in St. Paul's Bay
Qawra Tower: A Coastal Sentinel Turned Restaurant
Explore Malta's history at Qawra Tower, a 17th-century watchtower turned restaurant with stunning coastal views and delicious cuisine.
Qawra Tower, also known as Fra Ben Tower, is a 17th-century watchtower in Qawra, Malta, built by the Knights of Malta. Once a vital part of the island's coastal defense system, it now houses a restaurant offering panoramic sea views.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Qawra Tower
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
XC5F+MVJ, St Paul's Bay, MT
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Getting There
Walking
From the Qawra Seafront, walk east along the promenade towards Bugibba. Continue for about 15-20 minutes, passing cafes and shops. Upon reaching Bugibba Square, follow signs to St. Paul's Bay. Turn left onto Triq il-Luzzu, proceeding straight until the roundabout. Take the first exit onto Triq Sant' Elija; Qawra Tower will be on the right, with coastal views.
Public Transport
From Bugibba Bus Station, take a bus towards St. Paul's Bay. Several bus lines serve this route, including 225 and 45. Alight at the Qawra bus stop, a 1-minute walk to the tower. A single bus fare costs €3.
Local tips
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Visit in the late afternoon to enjoy panoramic views and a meal at the restaurant inside the tower.
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Combine your visit with a walk around St. Paul's Bay for a scenic and historical excursion.
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Wear comfortable shoes, as the climb to the top of the tower can be steep.
Discover more about Qawra Tower
Qawra Tower, or Torri tal-Qawra, stands as a testament to Malta's rich maritime history. Constructed in 1638 as one of the Lascaris towers, it formed a crucial link in the island's defense network. The tower's strategic location near Qawra Point, overlooking St. Paul's Bay and Salina Bay, allowed for effective surveillance against potential invaders.In 1715, an artillery battery was added to the tower, further enhancing its defensive capabilities. This semi-circular battery featured a low parapet and two blockhouses connected by a V-shaped redan. The tower was included on the Antiquities List of 1925. Before World War II, concrete gun emplacements and a pillbox were added.Today, Qawra Tower has been transformed into a restaurant, offering visitors a unique dining experience within its historic walls. While the battery has been altered to accommodate a swimming pool, the tower itself retains much of its original charm. Though some cement plastering has caused dilapidation, the structure still provides a glimpse into Malta's past. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding coastline while savoring Maltese cuisine.
A brief summary to Qawra Tower
Use Qawra Tower as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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