San Pawl Il-Baħar offers several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip: evidence of coastal defence, archaeological traces, a historic road and a protected bird sanctuary. Those focusing on culture can explore architectural and settlement history from different periods. For nature enthusiasts, the Simar Nature Reserve offers a different focus. The Malta National Aquarium is located in Qawra, San Pawl Il-Baħar. You can choose what to focus on depending on whether you are more interested in historical evidence, observing nature or the aquarium.
Coastal defence and archaeological traces
The Wignacourt Tower was built in 1610 by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt and is Malta’s oldest surviving coastal defence post. These details complement each other: the year it was built establishes when the tower dates from, while its designation as the oldest surviving post describes its particular significance to Malta’s coastal defence. This combination of date, patron and function is especially striking for a cultural and historical focus.
The Wignacourt Tower is usually open from 10 am to 1 pm Monday to Saturday, as well as on the first Sunday of each month, subject to volunteer availability. Confirm a specific visit in advance with the organisation responsible for the tower; opening depends on volunteer availability.
The Xemxija Heritage Trail passes a Punic-Roman road that has survived over a considerable length. It is also known as Pilgrims Way. The two names offer different clues for understanding it: one refers to its Punic-Roman classification, while the other is an alternative name for the same road. This allows the route to be considered as a cultural and archaeological subject without mistaking the two names for two different roads.
At San Pawl Milqi, the earliest traces of a farm complex with residential areas date from the 3rd century BC and indicate Punic cultural influence. These are early archaeological traces of a farm complex, not a construction date like that of the Wignacourt Tower. The comparison offers two different historical perspectives: the construction of a coastal defence post in 1610 and evidence of a much earlier history of settlement and farming.
Nature watching at the Simar Nature Reserve
The Simar Nature Reserve is a fully protected bird sanctuary. Its habitat features include open water, reed beds and trees. These different features make the area interesting for travellers who want to focus on nature and birds. Simar thus offers a different focus from the historical sites: here, habitat and observation take centre stage.
There is one specific condition for visiting the observation hide: booking is required. From the hide, wading birds can be photographed at eye level. If you plan to take advantage of this, book your visit in advance and check the visitor information before your trip. This lets you plan for the nature-watching experience you want without assuming that walk-in access is available.
Another place to visit in Qawra
The Malta National Aquarium is located in Qawra, San Pawl Il-Baħar. Check the aquarium’s visitor information before travelling. This way, the historical sites, the nature reserve and the aquarium remain distinct options that you can prioritise according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Ghammar, Paola, Luqa, Valletta, Rabat, Mdina, Gozo, Gharb.
For the main travel overview: Malta.
