Marsaskala: Watchtowers, Bay and Wetland

When looking for a hotel in Marsaskala, you can plan your trip around three local highlights: cultural heritage, the coastal area and nature. St Thomas Tower and Torri Mamo represent different architectural purposes. Along the coast, the points of interest range from a sandy beach and swimming spots to the promenade; Il-Magħluq ta’ Marsaskala adds a wetland as a distinct natural attraction. Decide what matters for your stay, then compare those priorities with the location of a particular hotel.

Cultural history at two towers

St Thomas Tower was built in 1614 as a bastioned watchtower. It is one of six Wignacourt towers built by the Knights of St John. The tower houses the Corsair and Piracy Museum, Malta’s first museum dedicated entirely to the complex history of corsair activity and piracy in the Mediterranean. Two distinct historical subjects therefore come together here: the tower’s function as a watchtower and the history covered by the museum. When planning your trip, you can consider the building and the museum’s subject as related but not identical aspects.

Torri Mamo had a different purpose: the Mamo family built it as a fortified family stronghold. Its shape resembles a St Andrew’s cross and has at least sixteen sides. St Thomas Bay can still be seen from the roof of Torri Mamo. When comparing the towers, purpose and form are useful criteria: St Thomas Tower is primarily a watchtower, while Torri Mamo is a family stronghold with a distinctive shape. The view of St Thomas Bay adds a scenic dimension to Torri Mamo.

Wetland and nature

Il-Magħluq ta’ Marsaskala is one of only two remaining wetlands in southern Malta and is rich in biodiversity. It is home to a sizeable population of the Mediterranean killifish, Malta’s national fish; population size may vary. This natural area offers a distinct point of interest alongside the historic buildings. When planning your trip, you can consider Il-Magħluq as a natural attraction alongside the towers and coastal area.

Bay and waterfront

San Thomas Bay is a sandy beach in Marsaskala. In Marsaskala Bay, there are two swimming spots with concrete platforms on Żonqor Street. Swimming facilities may change, so check the latest information before visiting. If you have a particular type of waterfront in mind, the information about the sandy beach and platforms offers specific pointers for your plans.

The Marsaskala promenade runs around the bay from Zonqor Point to St Thomas Tower. This route provides a point of reference if you want to include a walk around the bay in your plans. The promenade and its named landmarks thus complement the individual coastal spots with a route around the bay.

Getting around and choosing a hotel

The nearest bus stops to St Thomas Tower are Grigal, a two-minute walk away, and Sdieri, a three-minute walk away. Check journey times before setting off if you plan to visit the tower by bus.

Then check the location of the specific hotel against its listing details and your travel plans. This will help you choose a destination based on your own interests and select accommodation that suits the places you plan to visit.

Discover more destinations: Paola, Gharb, Żabbar, St. Julians, San Lawrenz, Victoria, Qormi, Iklin

For the broader travel overview: Malta.