Qawra Point Beach
Qawra · North · 35.958°N, 14.422°E
Qawra Point Beach is not a sandy beach but the rocky point that closes off St Paul’s Bay, home among other things to the Malta National Aquarium. Entry into the water is fully fitted out: concrete platforms, flat rocks and metal ladders. The shallow, crystal-clear water, partly sheltered by an islet and breakwaters, lends itself particularly well to first-time snorkelling and diving. This is a spot for locals and underwater enthusiasts rather than a family beach, valued for its calm lagoon, its marine life and its sunsets. Rarely for Malta, the point holds a Blue Flag and offers water access for visitors with reduced mobility.
Qawra Point Beach is one of the 10 Blue Flag beaches in Malta. The Blue Flag is an internationally recognised eco-label awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) to beaches that meet rigorous criteria in four areas: water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services. It is one of the most trusted quality marks for a clean, safe and well-managed beach worldwide.
Amenities at Qawra Point Beach
- Toilets
- Parking
- Disabled access
- Supervised beach
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Snack bar
- Sun loungers
- Umbrellas
- Snorkeling
- Diving
Activities available at Qawra Point Beach
Qawra Point is above all a snorkelling and diving spot: its shallow, sheltered water is ideal for a first try. This is in fact where the first scuba diving experience takes place, run by a local centre in pools about a metre and a half deep.
Right behind the beach, a ticket to the Malta National Aquarium is the natural extension of the day, with its underwater tunnel and six zones. And to head out to sea, Blue Lagoon cruises depart from nearby St Paul’s Bay.
Where to stay near Qawra Point Beach
Qawra Point sits at the heart of the Qawra resort area, which lines its promenade with hotels.
A few minutes’ walk away, the Qawra Palace Hotel and the DoubleTree by Hilton Malta overlook the seafront, while the Soreda Hotel, set slightly back, offers a more affordable option. From any of them, the aquarium, the promenade and the point are an easy walk away.
Location of Qawra Point Beach
Qawra Point sits at the northern end of the Qawra and Buġibba promenade, on Malta’s north coast, at the tip of St Paul’s Bay. It backs onto the national aquarium, whose building marks the skyline, and faces the open sea across water sheltered by a small islet. The man-made beach of Buġibba lies a few hundred metres along the same promenade. The Café del Mar lido borders the point, but access to the water remains public and free.
Getting to Qawra Point Beach
By bus to Qawra Point Beach
Qawra Point is well served by bus: the stops are on the promenade, north of Buġibba, a few minutes’ walk from the point and the aquarium. From Mellieħa, route 221 is direct; from Valletta, route TD13 reaches Qawra in under an hour; from Sliema, route 212 serves St Paul’s Bay. Only the airport requires a change.
* Summer fare Jun–Oct (€2.00 the rest of the year)
Calculate the current journey time on Malta Public Transport
By car to Qawra Point Beach
Qawra Point lies at the end of the Qawra promenade, north of Buġibba, right behind the national aquarium. The area is one of the best connected in northern Malta: many bus routes reach Qawra and Buġibba, and the point is then a short walk along the seafront.
If you have rented a car, there is a car park near the point. It is limited, however, and sometimes paid: better to arrive early in summer, or fall back on the Buġibba car parks and finish on foot.
To be free of parking constraints, a car with driver is convenient. Maltese white taxis are best avoided in favour of a ride-hailing service: eCabs (a local provider), Uber and Bolt are on a par in price and quality.
Reviews of Qawra Point Beach
Qawra Point is a beach in name only: it is a fully fitted-out rocky point backing onto the national aquarium, where entry into the water is via concrete platforms, flat rocks and ladders. That mineral character is its strength as much as its limit.
The strength lies in remarkably transparent water, in a lagoon sheltered by an islet and breakwaters that stays swimmable when the rest of the coast churns, and in fish-rich seabeds that make it one of the best snorkelling and first-dive spots in the north of the island. The limit is the total absence of sand: the rocks are sharp and slippery, towel space is scarce, and the place is a poor fit for toddlers. Add the wind, a few jellyfish in season and heavy crowds in the middle of the day.
Rarely for Malta, the point offers water access for reduced mobility and flies the Blue Flag. It is best enjoyed early in the morning and away from summer weekends.
Strengths
- Crystal-clear turquoise water over a rocky seabed, among the clearest in the north of the island
- Outstanding snorkelling and diving: abundant marine life, shallow pools to get started
- A lagoon sheltered by an islet and breakwaters, calm even in wind and swell
- Natural rock pools, shallow and protected
- Water access fitted out for reduced mobility (ramp, hoist chair), rare in Malta
- Blue Flag beach with a lifeguard in season, and the national aquarium a stone’s throw away
Weaknesses
- No sand at all: rocks and concrete, sharp and slippery (water shoes essential)
- Little flat space to lay out a towel
- Not well suited to young children (access by ladders and steps, rocky seabed)
- Exposed to the wind
- Jellyfish possible in season, and venomous fireworms in the seagrass
- Packed at midday and at weekends; limited, sometimes paid parking
Frequently asked questions about Qawra Point Beach
Is Qawra Point a sandy beach?
No. It is a fitted-out rocky point: entry into the water is via concrete platforms, flat rocks and ladders, with no sand. Water shoes are essential, as the rocks are sharp and slippery.
Where is Qawra Point and what is nearby?
At the northern end of the Qawra and Buġibba promenade, at the tip of St Paul’s Bay. The beach backs onto the Malta National Aquarium, which makes it easy to combine a visit with a swim.
Can you snorkel and dive there?
Yes, it is one of the best spots in the north of the island: very clear water, fish-rich seabeds and shallow pools (about a metre and a half) perfect for a first dive, supervised by a local centre.
Is Qawra Point suitable for children?
It is mixed. The shallow, protected lagoon is pleasant for children who can swim, but the access by ladders and rocks makes it a poor fit for toddlers.
Is the beach accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Yes, which is rare in Malta: a step-free concrete path leads to the beach, a hoist chair helps with entering the water and a disabled parking space is provided.
Are there jellyfish or other hazards?
Jellyfish can appear in season, and venomous fireworms live in the seagrass: best not to touch the bottom. A lifeguard is on duty in season.
When is the best time to come?
Early in the morning and away from summer weekends: the point fills up fast by midday. The water is warmest in August; in winter it drops to around 16–17 °C.
