Gone are the days when Qawra was thought of a ‘just a tourist spot’. Today it’s experiencing something of a renaissance, with millions of euros being invested in the area and countless new entertainment spots to discover. Here’s why there is now so much more to love about Qawra.

When was the last time you really explored the Qawra seafront? And specifically the stretch between the newly-renovated Seashells Resort at the Suncrest, and the Sunny Coast Resort & Spa?

If it’s been a while, then it’s definitely time to take another look.

This picturesque stretch has recently been given a whole lot of attention.

From millions of euros worth of investment in refurbishment projects, to the opening of fantastic new eateries and bars, Qawra has quickly become one of Malta’s hippest spots to spend one’s time.

“We’ve believed in Qawra’s potential for a very long time,” says Claire Zammit Xuereb, the hospitality director for AX Group, which has been responsible for so many of the positive changes that Qawra has experienced.

“After years of hard graft and investment, this stretch of coastline has now become a one-stop shop for entertainment, for wining and dining to accommodation and seaside leisure. Our aim is for it to become a place that everyone will enjoy, whatever they are looking for – a destination in itself.”

Wining and dining

If variety is the spice of life, then Qawra is the place to find it. There are literally all sorts of flavours to discover, with cuisines from around the world.

For family and casual dining, it’s hard to beat the relaxed atmosphere and quality cooking at Tal-Kaptan. Established since 1988, it has recently be given new life to its brand as well as a makeover in its décor and menu. Pizza is the order of the day, with all sorts to choose from and a fantastic menu of both classic and more unusual toppings. And if you’re not in the mood for pizza, then dig into their pasta, salads, grills or homemade desserts instead.

Sticking with the Mediterranean theme, Quattro Fratelli is home to the kind of food that ‘mamma’ used to make. There are light starters and healthy soups, as well as pasta dishes, grills, meats and – a firm favourite – their well-loved fish platters. You could have pizza too, or, if you’re not as hungry, order some meze to share with the rest of the table.

It-Tokk, meanwhile, is the ultimate choice for wholesome Maltese cuisine. Whether you’re introducing foreign guests to our local food or simply embracing the flavours you love so much, you’ll find that authenticity is at the core of every dish. The view is gorgeous too – overlooking the pool at the Seashells Resort and beyond, out to sea.

Buffet lovers, meanwhile, will be excited by the Coral Cove, which specialises in lunches and dinners that the whole family will relish. One is spoilt for choice as there are a variety of dishes to satisfy anyone’s tastebuds. It’s an ideal option for special occasions, and there’s even a children’s buffet to keep the little ones happy.

And then there are flavours from further afield to sample. For instance, the Butcher’s Grill at the Sunny Coast Resort & Spa is well-known for its delicious South African spread of quality meat.

Just along the road, Garam Masalaa is an authentic Indian eatery with a menu of dishes from both the north and south of the country. Both of these restaurants serve a tantalising choice of international favourites, as well as lesser-known dishes from their respective parts of the world. They promise excitement, whether for a family gathering, meeting with friends, or a romantic evening.

The latest addition to this stretch of Qawra coast is the Cheeky Monkey Gastropub, which really has brought a new breed of fun to the area. Combining everything there is to enjoy about an evening at the pub – including an extensive drinks menu and regular live or big-screen entertainment – with really good food, this is the island’s first gastropub. If you’re on the hunt for the best place to meet friends, sample international beers and chow down on really fantastic food, then this is it.

Finally, there’s also another new-kid-on-the-block to meet in the weeks to come. The popular South African franchise Ocean Basket, which is well-known for its casual approach to good-value seafood dining, will be opening its doors shortly. Their menu will include a selection of seafood and sushi platters, combos and individual dishes, including their three-way calamari, seared tuna salad and the famed Ocean Basket fish and chips. It promises to complement all the other fantastic restaurants in this area.

Lidos and spas

What better way to enjoy our Maltese summer than with a relaxing day by the pool?

This stretch of the coastline has now become a one-stop shop for entertainment, from wining and dining to accommodation and seaside leisure

This stretch of the Qawra shore provides not one, but two, choices for lidos – there’s the Sunny Coast Resort & Spa Lido with its large outdoor pool, a children’s splash pool, sunbeds and umbrellas, and the Luzzu Lido which has pools and facilities for adults as an alternative for some quiet leisure. Day and seasonal memberships are available for both lidos.

While relaxing at the Sunny Coast Resort & Spa Lido, there’s always time for some poolside drinks or snacks, so you can pop over to the Malibu Bar & Restaurant. This is a great place to find anything you may fancy, from a hearty English breakfast or burger, to a salad and fresh fruit. The kids will love it too, and they can run around and have fun while you enjoy a treat of your own.

Meanwhile, over at the Luzzu Lido, you can also enjoy the fresh menu at the Luzzu Restaurant & Cafeteria. There’s an endless selection of pizza, pasta, salads and grills, as well as gluten-free options. And then there’s their famous Cassatella Siciliana – which is worth trying while watching the gorgeous sunset over the sea.

Of course, if you prefer relaxing indoors, then you could also book a day at one of the spas in Qawra.

Soul Solutions Spa at the Sunny Coast Hotel has a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness room, sauna and a squash court all with beautiful views of the sea. The team is fantastic and there are lots of treatments to choose from, including massages, as well as nail and beauty treatments, many of which are available for men, women and children – so the whole family can relax together.

Just along the road, forming part of the Seashells Resort at Suncrest, the Carisma Spa and Wellness and Thalasso Centre promises superior products and services for one’s rejuvenation. The main speciality here is the Turkish bath, or Hammam, which is an ancient bathing ritual. A treatment promises a true treat for the senses, as well as skin hydration, toxin elimination and relief for muscle tension. Other therapies are also available, including massages and beauty treatments.

Staying over

Finally, if a day at the lido or spa, followed by a fantastic meal, isn’t enough for you, then you may want to make a weekend of it. Qawra is the ideal spot for a weekend break with plenty of attractions nearby and lots to entertain the whole family.

Following a €7 million investment, the Seashells Resort at the Suncrest has undergone major refurbishment works, and is now a really lovely destination for a ‘staycation’ in Malta.

There are 452 rooms at the hotel, many with open sea views, as well as other excellent facilities including a 42-metre-long outdoor pool and two splash pools for children. The rooms have all been renovated and have new flat-screenTVs, new bathrooms and complimentary Wi-Fi, plus double-glazed windows to ensure one enjoys complete peace and quiet.

This complete overhaul has made the Seashells Resort at the Suncrest a truly luxurious place to holiday in this part of the island. Staying here will give you the chance to get to know everything that this exciting stretch of Qawra coastline has to offer – and you certainly won’t be disappointed!

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