Qawra Tower (Fra Ben Tower) - Image 1
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Qawra Tower (Fra Ben Tower)

4.3
·183 reviews·St. Paul's Bay, Malta

Historic Qawra Tower integrated into a family-friendly lido with two saltwater pools and stunning Mediterranean views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful start to the day

CrowdLow
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Qawra Tower (Fra Ben Tower) - Image 1

Qawra Tower (Fra Ben Tower)

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful start to the day

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic Qawra Tower integrated into a family-friendly lido with two saltwater pools and stunning Mediterranean views.

4.3
(183 reviews)

"Excellent place, especially Ta Fra Ben, lovely salt water pool as clean and clear as you like, and the food was great too!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Poolside Relaxation

Enjoy the clean saltwater pools, one deep and one shallow for kids. Great value!

🌅 Sunset Spot

Spectacular views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Don't miss it!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fra Ben Saltwater Pool

Fra Ben Saltwater Pool

Adjacent to Qawra Tower

Crystal clear saltwater pool, perfect for swimming and relaxing with a view.

Qawra Tower (Fra Ben Tower)

Qawra Tower (Fra Ben Tower)

Qawra, St. Paul's Bay

An intact historic tower offering a unique backdrop to the lido and sea.

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Overlooking the sea

Breathtaking sunset views over the Mediterranean Sea from the tower's vicinity.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Views, Skip the Crowds

Qawra Tower, also known as Fra Ben Tower, offers stunning sea views and a refreshing saltwater pool. Visit during off-peak hours to fully enjoy the tranquility and avoid the midday rush. Consider it a peaceful escape with great sunset potential.

Know Before You Go: Fra Ben's Charm

This historic tower is part of a family-friendly lido with two pools, one for swimming and a shallower one for kids. It's a good value spot for drinks and snacks, offering a quieter alternative to nearby attractions. Showers are available for rinsing off.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful start to the day
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour for views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer local crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Definitely recommend going with company! But such a cute immersive experience. #malta #thingstodoinmalta #stpaulsbay #maltanationalaquarium
@rodaniaa
24.6K likes • 263.3K views

🎯 Poolside Relaxation

Enjoy the clean saltwater pools, one deep and one shallow for kids. Great value!

🌅 Sunset Spot

Spectacular views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Don't miss it!

Life in Malta 🇲🇹 Morning refresing dip to start the day at Xemxija Bay. #malta #stpaulsbay #xemxija
@wonderwithash
17.7K likes • 256.5K views
How to avoid the crowds in Lindos, Rhodes There a bunch of great things to do in Lindos and hanging out at St Pauls Bay is our favourite. Just down the road from The Acropolis of Lindos but infinitely more peaceful. See a full guide to Lindos and another on St Pauls Bay on the Rhodes page - link in Bio ☝🏼 #rhodes #lindos #acropolislindosgreece #stpaulsbay #greecetraveltips #greecevacation
@greecetravelsecrets
16.9K likes • 445.5K views

🚶‍♀️ Hidden Gem

You might walk past it! Know it's part of the Fra Ben restaurant/pool area.

🏊‍♀️ Rinse Off

Showers are available to wash off the salt after swimming.

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Poolside Relaxation

Enjoy the clean saltwater pools, one deep and one shallow for kids. Great value!

🌅 Sunset Spot

Spectacular views, especially during sunrise and sunset. Don't miss it!

🚶‍♀️ Hidden Gem

You might walk past it! Know it's part of the Fra Ben restaurant/pool area.

🏊‍♀️ Rinse Off

Showers are available to wash off the salt after swimming.

What Travellers Say

4.3
(183 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Qawra Tower (Fra Ben Tower) for its excellent saltwater pool, clear waters, and great value. The peaceful atmosphere, especially compared to busier nearby spots, is a significant draw, along with the spectacular sunset views. Some note that the tower itself is partially obscured by fencing, but the overall experience at the lido is highly positive.

"Excellent place,especially Ta Fra Ben ,lovely salt water pool as clean and clear as you like, and the food was great too😎🤩😋"

Eddy Mcwilliams

"This tower is still intact and stands in a restaurant/pool in Qawra. This is a small family friendly lido, quieter than its neighbour and is good value for money. Drinks and snacks are reasonably priced.
There are two pools. One is deep for swimming, the other suitable for children and non swimmers. There are showers available to wash off the salt water from the pools.
Great view of the sea and surrounding rocky beaches. It’s also a good place to watch the sunset."

Sharon Crosland

"Spectacular views especially during sunrise and sunset. Sea almost always clean and crystal clear and inner bay is most often protected from rough seas so more likely to have calm and safe water for swimming and snorkelling :)"

Mario Zammit

What People Like

Crystal clear saltwater pool
Great value for money
Spectacular sunset views

What People Dislike

Tower partially obscured by fence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Qawra Tower is located in Qawra, St. Paul's Bay. You can reach it by public bus, with several routes stopping nearby. Driving is also an option, though parking might be limited during peak times. It's a short walk from the main promenade.

The area around Qawra Tower is generally accessible. The lido and pool area have pathways, but some rocky beach sections might be less so. Check local accessibility information if needed.

Public buses are a convenient and affordable way to explore St. Paul's Bay and surrounding areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Qawra Tower itself is a historical structure. Access to the Fra Ben lido and its pools typically involves a fee or minimum spend, especially during the summer season. It's best to check with the establishment directly for current entry requirements and pricing.

Opening hours for the Fra Ben pool and restaurant can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on operating times.

While the tower is visible from the outside, accessing the Fra Ben restaurant and pool area usually requires a fee or a minimum spend on food and drinks. This often includes access to the pools and facilities.

You can see Qawra Tower from the outside without entering the Fra Ben lido. However, to get a closer look and appreciate its setting within the lido, you'll likely need to pay for entry or make a purchase.

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Fra Ben offers two saltwater pools (one for swimming, one for children), showers, and a restaurant/bar area. It's a family-friendly lido designed for relaxation and enjoying the sea.

Reviews consistently mention the sea and pool water being clean and crystal clear, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

Yes, Fra Ben is described as family-friendly with a dedicated shallow pool for children, making it a suitable spot for a relaxed day out with kids.

The area around Qawra Tower offers access to the sea, which is often calm and clear, making it good for swimming and snorkeling. The Fra Ben lido also provides direct sea access and pools.

From the vicinity of Qawra Tower, you can expect great views of the sea and the surrounding rocky coastline. It's particularly noted as a good spot for watching the sunrise and sunset.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the Fra Ben establishment adjacent to Qawra Tower has a restaurant and bar that serves food and drinks. Reviews suggest the food is good and reasonably priced.

Travelers have noted that drinks and snacks at Fra Ben are reasonably priced, offering good value for money within the lido setting.

Fra Ben offers a menu that typically includes a range of food and drinks suitable for a lido experience. Specifics would depend on their current offerings, but it's generally well-regarded.

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the historic Qawra Tower against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea. The saltwater pools and the coastline offer scenic shots, especially during sunrise and sunset.

The golden hours of sunrise and sunset provide the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography around Qawra Tower and the Fra Ben lido.

Due to fencing around the tower, getting a complete, unobstructed view of the entire structure might be challenging. However, you can still capture its essence within the lido setting.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Fra Ben is a fantastic choice for families. The dedicated shallow pool is perfect for little ones to splash around safely, while the larger pool offers space for older children to swim. The lido is generally quieter than other spots in St. Paul's Bay, providing a more relaxed environment for families. Parents can enjoy the scenic views while keeping an eye on their children in the water. Remember to bring sunscreen and hats, as the Maltese sun can be strong.

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Fra Ben offers good value. While there might be an entry fee or minimum spend, it often includes access to the pools and facilities, which can be more affordable than booking separate activities. The reasonably priced drinks and snacks at the restaurant also help keep costs down. It's a great way to enjoy a day by the sea without breaking the bank, especially compared to some of the more commercialized attractions.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Qawra Tower and the Fra Ben lido a charming subject. The juxtaposition of the historic tower with the clear blue waters and modern pool facilities offers unique visual opportunities. The best times for photography are undoubtedly sunrise and sunset, when the light casts a warm glow over the landscape. Be mindful of the fencing around the tower, which might limit some angles, but the overall scenery is very photogenic.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Significance of Qawra Tower

Qawra Tower, also known as Fra Ben Tower, is a historic watchtower that stands as a testament to Malta's coastal defense history. While its exact construction date is debated, it's believed to have been built during the Knights of Malta period, likely in the 17th century, to guard against pirate raids and invasions.

Today, the tower is famously integrated into the Fra Ben restaurant and lido complex. This unique setting means that while the tower itself is preserved, its accessibility and viewing points are managed by the private establishment. Visitors can admire its architecture from the lido grounds, which offer a picturesque contrast between historical fortification and modern leisure.

The integration of the tower into a popular recreational spot makes it a distinctive landmark. It serves as a visual reminder of Malta's past while providing a vibrant present-day experience for locals and tourists alike. The surrounding area, St. Paul's Bay, has a rich maritime history, and Qawra Tower is a key part of that narrative.

Experiencing the Fra Ben Lido

The Fra Ben lido offers a delightful escape with its two distinct saltwater pools. One is a deeper pool perfect for swimming laps and cooling off, while the other is a shallower, more accessible pool ideal for children and those who prefer to wade. Both are fed by the clear Mediterranean waters, providing a refreshing and invigorating experience.

Beyond the pools, the lido is a place to relax and soak in the coastal atmosphere. Showers are available to rinse off the salt, and the on-site restaurant and bar serve food and drinks. Reviews highlight that drinks and snacks are reasonably priced, making it a good value option for a day out. The overall vibe is described as family-friendly and more tranquil than some of its neighbors.

The combination of historical charm from the nearby tower and the modern amenities of the lido creates a unique destination. It’s a spot where you can enjoy a leisurely swim, savor a meal with a view, and appreciate the beautiful Maltese coastline. The spectacular views, especially during sunrise and sunset, are a major draw for visitors seeking a peaceful and scenic experience.

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