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SALINA
BAY is so called because of the salt-pans cut in the inner segment of
this sea inlet. The water on both verges of the bay is not deep but
is quite suitable for swimming off the rocks. The bay is well frequented
throughout the summer.
THE
SALINI CATACOMBS: Salina is full of catacombs and burial sites, dating
back to between the second and the fourth Centuries AD. Many of these
tombs include resting places for the head carved in stone, and some
had been re-opened so that couples could be buried together. One burial
place also has an 'agape' table, where the relatives of the dead would
eat together after the burial. One of the Catacombs is decorated with
simple sculptures. Evidence that the Salini Catacombs are from the Christian
era are the Greek crosses carved on the walls.
The
QAWRA promontory to the north-west has now been devel- oped into a distinct
resort, with hotels along the coastline and numer- ous vacation premises
in the inland area. Some of the hotels have beach concessions which
provide facilities for swimming for their guests. Stretches of rocky
coastline are accessible to the public for swimming and sunbathing.
On
the other side of Qawra Point, the promontory forms the southern limits
of St. Paul's Bay. This area is also under development for tourist purposes.
Further inland stands Bugibba, the largest tourist centre in Malta.
The
beach at BUGIBBA is not sandy, and so far it has no special facilities
for bathers. However, many visitors housed in that locality throng the
flat, rocky beach which is convenient for swimming in deep water. Several
of the big hotels and other establishments have swimming pools for those
of their guests who prefer them. The two resorts of Qawra and Bugibba
are major holiday centres. All kinds of amenities are available by day
and by night for their many visitors.
Text courtesy of the National Tourism Organisation - Malta.
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