Tower curator Martin Vella and volunteers from the re-enactment group Show of Arms restored the 1782 cannon located on the roof to firing condition. This was officially fired on the 10/02/2020 to mark the 410th anniversary from the laying of the tower's first foundtion stone.
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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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Tower curator Martin Vella and volunteers from the re-enactment group Show of Arms restored the 1782 cannon located on the roof to firing condition. This was officially fired on the 10/02/2020 to mark the 410th anniversary from the laying of the tower's first foundtion stone.

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

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 183 reviews

Type

Museum

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.

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