Il-Ponta tal-Qawra, also known as Qawra Point, is a small peninsula off Qawra, in St Paul’s Bay, declared a nature reserve area in September 2022. It is of ecological importance due to the marine life and migrating birds, and of historical interest because it was used by the Royal Air Force for training purposes.
image credit: emilianogram [https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/116798028288190916822]
On the peninsula tip is a circular navigation aid and practice bombing target only really visible now from the air (or on satellite images). It has bisecting lines aligned with the compass cardinal points.
image credit: google maps
Nearby there is also a Ground Control Point [GCP] painted on the rocks, used for georeferencing aerial and satellite images against ground surveys. There are quite a number of these around Malta and Gozo.
image credit: Ольга [https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/110247408706961740892]
The peninsula also features a pool excavated in the rock by the late Carles Debattista, a contractor from Rabat using pneumatic drills (which was still a novelty when the excavation was done). The pool was constructed as a backstop for incoming fire, featuring a series of central blocks for supporting targets. Locals have recovered rusting bullets from the soft rocks around the pool. It is now commonly used for swimming.
NOTE: Please be careful in poor weather, and at any time you will be required to get your feet wet 😜.