Park Lane Boutique Aparthotel

Discover Qawra

The town of Qawra is part of the resort of St Paul’s Bay to the north of Malta. (St Paul’s Bay also includes Bugibba) Qawra’s rocky coastline & beautiful sea views explain why it is a popular resort in Malta. Until the early 1970’s, this part of Malta had not been considered as a tourist area & was at that time just a barren, rocky peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean. The area has developed rapidly since that time and now abounds with hotels, restaurants, shops and much more. Qawra is also a residential area for both Maltese & permanent residents from the UK & other countries. Its coastline, although rocky rather than sandy, has many small inlets offering access to the clear, shallow water of the Mediterranean which are utilised all summer long particularly by the Maltese people.

Historical attractions in the area include a watchtower, namely Qawra Tower located at Qawra Point (also referred to as Fra Ben Tower, see picture left). This tower was used as a watchtower guarding this small bay along with Ghallis Tower on the opposite peninsula also overseeing any incoming vessels into St Paul’s Bay to the east. Qawra Tower was built by the ‘Knights of Malta’ in 1637 to which they added a gun battery in 1715 to fortify the location further. The tower & battery are now a well established restaurant & swimming pool known as ‘Ta Fra Ben’ and with construction of Malta’s National Aquarium now complete (see picture left), the famous tower now has to share its location with a very large and modern ‘next door neighbour’. Ghallis Tower which looks back at Qawra from across Salina Bay was also constructed by the ‘Knights of Malta’ and completed in 1659. Its primary task of watchtower at this location also enabled communications to be made from Gozo and passed on to ‘the Knights’ headquarters at Valletta’s Grand Harbour. [A similar fortification in the area is St Paul’s Bay Tower, also known as Wignacourt Tower, see About St Paul’s Bay page] Another historical monument stands undisturbed in the grounds of an Qawra Hotel. The Neolithic Dolmen [a portal tomb consisting of a large flat stone supported by upright ones, see picture left] can be found on the site of the Dolmen Resort Hotel and is classed as a further example of prehistoric monuments to be discovered in Malta along with the temples at Tarxien & Hagar Qim in Malta.

Another of Qawra’s main features is the long, well maintained promenade which extends from the Qawra Palace Hotel hugging the craggy coastline for 2km all the way into the heart of Bugibba & beyond into St Paul’s Bay offering uninterrupted beautiful sea views the whole time. This is a truly lovely walk of 20-30 mins and is enjoyed immensely by all who indulge, particularly on summer evenings as the sun goes down and also on clear, sunny winter afternoons. Several kiosks & snack bars line the route offering refreshments to those in need during their walk as well as shaded tables to enjoy the view for others with time to relax.

Around Us

Relish sea and sun - Enjoy a pleasant walk or jog along the Islets Promenade enjoying breath-taking views of the Mediterranean and St Paul’s Islands, or stop for a drink in one of the many kiosks and seaside venues scattered along the way and simply relax.

Get sunkissed on the beach - Get sunkissed and relaxed on the comfortable sands of the Perched Beach just five minute’s walk from the Park Lane. Snorkelling is best along one of the several other bathing spots along the rest of the rocky coast.

Wonder at the aquarium - This unmissable experience of the Malta National Aquarium new to the Maltese Islands is just five minutes’ walk from the Park Lane and invites the whole family to discover the Mediterranean underwater world.

Enjoy a movie night - Sometimes all we want is to sit back and enjoy a good movie, especially during the winter. Ten minutes’s walk is all that separates you from the local Empire Cinema and a selection of the latest international and local films of all genres.

Classics - Located just three minutes’ walk from the hotel, get ready for a remarkable display of epic automobiles, complete with documentary cinema and gift shop to fascinate you. Finish off your visit with a relaxing stop at the Cafe’.

Explore

Valletta - Malta’s fortified capital city, built by the Knights of St John during the 16th Century, is nothing short of an open-air museum; its architecture and history so remarkable that the entire city has UNESCO world heritage site status. Include a visit to the Upper Barrakka gardens for amazing views.

Mdina and Rabat - Mdina, the old capital, is probably one of Malta’s top spots to visit. The “Silent City” is stunning and the views spectacular. In Rabat, you can visit the Roman Villa and St Paul’s catacombs. Buskett forest, once the forest garden of Verdala Palace, lies on the outskirts and offers a beautiful natural retreat.

The Three Cities - Birgu (Vittoriosa), Bormla (Cospicua) and Isla (Senglea) known as the three cities command the peninsulas stretching out onto the Grand Harbour even before Valletta was built. Visit the Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu, enjoy wine bars and admire luxury yachts in the Birgu Waterfront.

Palazzos - Malta’s heritage includes several historical noble homes. These palazzos include elaborately decorated interiors and some have extensive gardens. We recommend a visit to Casa Rocca Piccola and Palazzo Parisio. Visit San Anton Gardens, the garden of the President’s Palace.

Churches - There are over 360 churches and chapels scattered across the islands. Nothing can prepare you as you enter the Knights’ very own St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta; guaranteed jaw-dropping with its gilded golden walls, fine painting and sculptures. The Rotunda in Mosta is also awe-inspiring.

Gozo - Malta’s more traditional and greener little sister is the perfect getaway for a bit of peace or outdoor adventure. Visit the Citadel, the Azure Window and inland sea, Xerri’s and Ninu’s caves, Ta’ Kola Windmill and Ggantija Temples in Xaghra and the unusual Ramla l-Hamra beach with its reddish sand.

Comino - There are no roads or residents on Comino – it is the perfect retreat. The Blue Lagoon’s crystal waters and caves are simply breath-taking. There are also two smaller sandy beaches and the Crystal Lagoon to discover. Take a boat trip, try snorkelling and visit the interior of the 15th century watch tower.

Trips and Activities

Diving - Malta and Gozo offer some of the world’s top dive sites, with sea-temperatures and visibility conditions ideal all the year round. Scattered with shipwrecks, fascinating underwater caves, rock formations and Mediterranean species, our waters are sure not to leave you disappointed.

Gardens and Country Walks - Malta can often appear highly developed however there are several locations of natural beauty to enjoy. These include a number of well-kept public gardens while several beautiful country walk routes have been designed for travellers in the cooler months to enjoy.

Watersports - We are blessed with some of the cleanest, warmest waters of the Mediterranean and we certainly love make the most of it – from hiring a paddle boat to jet skiing. Let us put you in the experienced hands of one of the local companies so you can try anything from kayaking to chartering a speedboat.

Visit the Bird Park - Perhaps the area’s best kept secret, this beautiful natural haven is located just 15 minutes’ walk from the Park Lane. This conservation area is home to several species of birds, antelopes, meerkats, deer, marmosets, snakes and other reptiles.

Sail Out to Sea - Several boat trips depart daily from the Pier on various tours around the island. We recommend a trip to the Blue Lagoon, which is perhaps the most remarkable of the many gems around the Maltese Islands. You can also charter a boat for the day.

Hal-Saflieni Hypogeum - Another UNESCO site is the complex of underground passages and burial chambers dating 4,000-2,500BC. The hypogeum requires booking in advance. This beautiful site has architectural elements common in the above-ground temples including the only prehistoric paintings in Malta.

Theme Parks - Delight the child within with a visit to one of Malta's theme parks. You can enjoy the Popeye Village, the Limestone Heritage, Mediterraneo and the Splash and Fun Park among others.

Indulge

Dining al Fresco - Malta boasts a multitude of good, atmospheric restaurants offering various types of cuisines. Several restaurants have an outdoor area for al fresco dining – to enjoy beautiful views and the cool summer’s evening air under the night sky as part of your wining and dining experience.

Traditional Festa - Every weekend throughout the summer the traditional village festa is a fun and colourful way to discover Maltese culture and mingle with the locals. Entertainment is guaranteed by simply observing the local traditions and extreme displays of devotion mixed with lots of fun, enjoying stall food and fireworks.

Cruises - A wonderful way to discover the Maltese Islands is from the water. A Harbour Cruise departs from Sliema Jetty to show you around Marsamxett Harbour and the Grand Harbour. Other cruises take you around Malta, Gozo and Comino islands… approach us to find out what’s available.

Enjoy live music - Several pubs and bars around Qawra offer live music or you could have your moment at a Karaoke. Enjoy Thursday nights at Ta’ Fra Ben’s spontaneous jamming sessions or Wednesday Summer Chillout DJ Sessions at Cafe’ del Mar.

Sliema and St. Julians - Sliema’s old village core strikes a stunning contrast with its trendier coastline of high-rise apartments, shopping malls and numerous wining and dining establishments. St Julians is a tourism hub for visitors on business, leisure and learning English. Visit Paceville in St Julians for the nightlife.

Take risks at the Casino - If nothing makes your heart beat like the anticipation of the ball spinning on the roulette or the sound of the slot machine, then visit the Oracle Casino just two minutes from the hotel. Occasionally, Poker tournaments are also held.

Nightlife - At night, especially in summer, the island comes alive with open-air events, gigs and concerts while in winter you can enjoy theatre and opera. Paceville remains the hub of Malta’s club scene while the old cities of Birgu, Mdina, Rabat and Valletta offer quaint little wine-bars for a quieter evening.

Get to Know Qawra

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Around Us

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Trips and Activities

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