St Julian's

The St Julian's issue, November 2026

St Julian's

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The St Julian's reading list

All 44 St Julian's stories

More from the St Julian's issue

Paceville After Dark: St Julian's Nightlife, Sorted

Paceville After Dark: St Julian's Nightlife, Sorted

Dylan Grech
Sleeping Near St Julian's Restaurants and Away From Paceville

Sleeping Near St Julian's Restaurants and Away From Paceville

Dylan Grech
St Julian's on Foot: The Cliff Walk to Dragonara Point

St Julian's on Foot: The Cliff Walk to Dragonara Point

Callum Reid
Parks, Cliffs and Coast Paths Near St Julian's

Parks, Cliffs and Coast Paths Near St Julian's

Callum Reid
Portomaso Marina, St Julian's: Yachts by Day, Dinner by Dusk

Portomaso Marina, St Julian's: Yachts by Day, Dinner by Dusk

Ana Ferreira
Where St Julian's Actually Swims This Summer

Where St Julian's Actually Swims This Summer

Dylan Grech
Mdina and Rabat in a Day from St Julian's

Mdina and Rabat in a Day from St Julian's

Callum Reid
October in St Julian's Means Warm Water and Free Tables

October in St Julian's Means Warm Water and Free Tables

Callum Reid
Band Marches and 21:45 Fireworks at the St Julian's Festa

Band Marches and 21:45 Fireworks at the St Julian's Festa

Callum Reid
Seeing Malta from St Julian's Without Hiring a Car

Seeing Malta from St Julian's Without Hiring a Car

Callum Reid
Four Hours on the Water from St Julian's

Four Hours on the Water from St Julian's

Callum Reid
The St Julian's Festa Turns Side Streets Into Dining Rooms

The St Julian's Festa Turns Side Streets Into Dining Rooms

Ana Ferreira
Eating Balluta Bay: A St Julian's Food Crawl

Eating Balluta Bay: A St Julian's Food Crawl

Ana Ferreira
What to Sort Out Before You Book St Julian's in 2026

What to Sort Out Before You Book St Julian's in 2026

Callum Reid
Maltese Wine from St Julian's Bars to Inland Cellars

Maltese Wine from St Julian's Bars to Inland Cellars

Ana Ferreira
St Julian's in September When Paceville Quiets Down

St Julian's in September When Paceville Quiets Down

Callum Reid
Two Days in Malta from a Base in St Julian's

Two Days in Malta from a Base in St Julian's

Callum Reid
Walking St Julian's Alone After Dark

Walking St Julian's Alone After Dark

Callum Reid
Beating the Blue Grotto Boat Queue from St Julian's
Tours and tickets

Beating the Blue Grotto Boat Queue from St Julian's

Callum Reid
Half a Day in Marsaxlokk from St Julian's
Tours and tickets

Half a Day in Marsaxlokk from St Julian's

Callum Reid
What to Do in St Julian's When the Rain Kills the Beach

What to Do in St Julian's When the Rain Kills the Beach

Ana Ferreira
Walking the Qaliet waterfront in St Julian's

Walking the Qaliet waterfront in St Julian's

Callum Reid
Walking the St Julian's waterfront from Spinola to Balluta

Walking the St Julian's waterfront from Spinola to Balluta

Callum Reid
Walking St Julian's When Winter Empties the Promenade

Walking St Julian's When Winter Empties the Promenade

Callum Reid
Where to shop, eat and stay in Mercury, St Julian's

Where to shop, eat and stay in Mercury, St Julian's

Callum Reid
How to Stay in St Julian's and Skip the Party Crowds

How to Stay in St Julian's and Skip the Party Crowds

Dylan Grech
St Julian's With Kids Beyond the Paceville Strip

St Julian's With Kids Beyond the Paceville Strip

Callum Reid
Walking Valletta Waterfront Around the Cruise Crowds
Tours and tickets

Walking Valletta Waterfront Around the Cruise Crowds

Callum Reid
Walking St Julian's old village core around Spinola Bay

Walking St Julian's old village core around Spinola Bay

Callum Reid
Under the Mosta Dome on a Day Trip from St Julian's
Tours and tickets

Under the Mosta Dome on a Day Trip from St Julian's

Callum Reid
Walking St Julian's rocky swimming coast

Walking St Julian's rocky swimming coast

Callum Reid
Hidden Gems of St Julian's Only Locals Know (2026)

Hidden Gems of St Julian's Only Locals Know (2026)

Callum Reid
Walking Dragonara Point in St Julian's

Walking Dragonara Point in St Julian's

Callum Reid
Riding Gozo by Buggy on a Private Day from St Julian's
Tours and tickets

Riding Gozo by Buggy on a Private Day from St Julian's

Callum Reid
Walking the St Julian's Waterfront the British Built

Walking the St Julian's Waterfront the British Built

Callum Reid
Walking St Julian's Church Quarter from Lapsi to Balluta

Walking St Julian's Church Quarter from Lapsi to Balluta

Callum Reid
Gozo and Comino from St Julian's on Foot and by Ferry

Gozo and Comino from St Julian's on Foot and by Ferry

Callum Reid
Balluta Bay at Dawn: St Julian's Before Paceville Wakes

Balluta Bay at Dawn: St Julian's Before Paceville Wakes

Callum Reid
Gozo by Tuk Tuk and the Blue Lagoon in a Day from St Julian's
Tours and tickets

Gozo by Tuk Tuk and the Blue Lagoon in a Day from St Julian's

Callum Reid

An insider’s read on St Julian's

Originally a quiet coastal outpost centered around a chapel dedicated to Saint Julian, the town evolved into a summer retreat for wealthy Maltese families during the British colonial era. The mid-20th century triggered a commercial boom, transforming the rocky shoreline into Malta's primary entertainment and tourism hub. Today, the character is unapologetically commercial and fast-paced, though pockets of its maritime past still linger around the old boat slips of Spinola.

St Julian's
St Julian's, Malta

By night, the neon grid of Paceville takes over, drawing crowds to Malta's densest concentration of clubs, casinos, and late-night eateries.

From our St Julian's guide

13 neighbourhoods, 13 ways to stay

Pick the neighbourhood first and the trip follows. Each one opens its own guide, with the hotels inside it.

Spinola Bay

Spinola Bay

Dining enthusiasts and those who want classic coastal views, though it comes with high foot traffic and premium prices.

The scenic heart of the town, defined by its curved waterfront, traditional colorful luzzu boats, and waterfront dining terraces.

Where to stay Upscale boutique hotels overlooking the bay or apartments set just one block back from the water.

Stay in Spinola Bay
Balluta Bay

Balluta Bay

Travelers seeking a slightly calmer atmosphere while remaining within walking distance of the nightlife.

A more architectural and relaxed neighborhood, dominated by the neo-Gothic Parish Church and grand Art Nouveau apartment buildings.

Where to stay Mid-range to luxury hotels situated around the main square and the rocky beach area.

Stay in Balluta Bay
Paceville

Paceville

Younger travelers and partygoers. The trade-off is constant noise, crowded streets, and a gritty late-night atmosphere.

The undisputed nightlife capital of Malta, packed with multi-story clubs, bars, strip clubs, and fast-food joints.

Where to stay Budget hotels and party-oriented hostels, though light sleepers should look elsewhere.

Stay in Paceville
Portomaso

Portomaso

Luxury travelers seeking privacy, security, and high-end amenities away from the main tourist crowds.

An exclusive, modern marina development featuring luxury yachts, high-end apartments, and fine-dining establishments.

Where to stay Five-star resort accommodation with private pool decks and marina views.

Stay in Portomaso
St. George's Bay

St. George's Bay

Beach lovers and students, though the beach gets incredibly crowded during summer afternoons.

A busy sandy beach area surrounded by language schools, shopping malls, and large resort hotels.

Where to stay Large international resort chains offering direct beach access or private lido decks.

Stay in St. George's Bay
Ta' Giorni

Ta' Giorni

Budget-conscious travelers and long-term visitors seeking peace and lower rental prices.

A quiet, residential neighborhood located uphill, away from the immediate coastline.

Where to stay Residential apartments, guesthouses, and quiet boutique hostels.

Stay in Ta' Giorni
St Julian's Waterfront Promenade

St Julian's Waterfront Promenade

This lively coastal walk links rocky swimming spots, cafés, sunset viewpoints and the town's most photogenic bays without requiring a specific attraction ticket. Most enjoyable from April to October, especially around sunset; summer evenings are busiest.

Stay in St Julian's Waterfront Promenade
Dragonara Point

Dragonara Point

The limestone headland combines open-sea views, a historic palace casino and one of St Julian's most rewarding short cliff walks. Good year-round; avoid the exposed headland in strong winter winds, while the casino operates throughout the year.

Stay in Dragonara Point
Mercury Shopping District

Mercury Shopping District

Malta's most conspicuous new lifestyle quarter offers Zaha Hadid architecture, designer shopping, restaurants, immersive attractions and elevated views. Reliable in all weather; evenings and weekends are liveliest, with extended shopping hours in summer.

Stay in Mercury Shopping District
St Julian's Old Village Core

St Julian's Old Village Core

The compact historic centre is the best place to see the town's parish church, older streets and remnants of its former fishing-village identity away from the resort strip. Best explored in the late afternoon or during the summer village feast, usually held around August.

Stay in St Julian's Old Village Core
Qaliet Waterfront

Qaliet Waterfront

The small inlet and surrounding seafront provide a quieter, restaurant-led alternative to the major resort bays, with rocky bathing and attractive coastal views. Best for swimming and outdoor dining from May to October; winter is quieter and better for a short coastal walk.

Stay in Qaliet Waterfront
St Julian's Rocky Swimming Coast

St Julian's Rocky Swimming Coast

The shoreline east of the main bays is a distinctly Maltese half-day stop for swimming, sunbathing, ladder access to the sea and informal waterfront drinks. Best from June to September when sea temperatures are warm; check conditions after storms and during rough winter weather.

Stay in St Julian's Rocky Swimming Coast
St Julian's Church Quarter

St Julian's Church Quarter

The streets around the parish church offer the clearest surviving sense of local community life, with cafés, festa traditions and a few historic buildings within an easy walk. Particularly atmospheric during the annual patron-saint festa in summer; otherwise visit in the morning or early evening.

Stay in St Julian's Church Quarter

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The St Julian's guide

Where to eat, drink and look, how to get around, and what locals expect of you. Open any chapter.

Where to eat

Dining

8 places
Zeri's
Portomaso€€€

Zeri's

Overlooks the marina and is highly regarded for its consistent handling of fresh daily catches and Mediterranean classics.

Signature: Salt-crusted sea bass carved tableside.

Piccolo Padre
Balluta Bay€€

Piccolo Padre

Housed in a converted 18th-century villa directly over the water, offering exceptional coastal views alongside fresh seafood.

Signature: Octopus carpaccio with local capers and olive oil.

Caviar & Bull
St. George's Bay€€€€

Caviar & Bull

An upscale venue focusing on molecular gastronomy and high-end seafood presentation.

Signature: Ancient grain-crusted tuna with local honey glaze.

Sciacca Grill
St. Julian's€€€€

Sciacca Grill

A unique concept where there is no set menu; diners choose their specific cuts of meat directly from the display counter.

Signature: Dry-aged ribeye cooked over charcoal.

Wigi's Kitchen
Balluta Bay€€€

Wigi's Kitchen

A family-run bistro that sources premium beef globally, changing its menu daily based on market availability.

Signature: Slow-cooked USDA beef short ribs.

Lore & Fitch
Paceville€€€€

Lore & Fitch

An elegant steakhouse overlooking Spinola Bay that specializes in premium cuts of Wagyu and Black Angus.

Signature: Tomahawk steak shared between two.

Gululu
Spinola Bay€€

Gululu

The most accessible spot to try authentic Maltese dishes in a casual, waterfront setting.

Signature: Fenkata (traditional rabbit stew cooked with garlic and red wine).

The Avenue
Paceville€€

The Avenue

A long-standing local favorite known for its massive portions of pasta and casual Mediterranean dishes.

Signature: Spaghetti with rabbit sauce.

Timing

When to visit

Spring

April to May brings comfortable temperatures around 20°C, ideal for walking the promenade before the intense summer humidity arrives.

Summer

June to August is hot, dry, and crowded. Temperatures frequently exceed 30°C, making air conditioning essential and driving crowds to St. George's Bay.

Autumn

September and October feature warm sea temperatures and fewer tourists, though short, heavy rain showers become more common.

Winter

November to March is quiet and windy. Many outdoor venues close, but accommodation prices drop significantly.

What it costs

Budgeting

Backpacker
€50-70
Mid-range
€120-180
Luxury
€250+

Logistics

Getting around

Map of St Julian's

From the airport

The TD2 express bus runs directly from Malta International Airport to St. Julian's. Alternatively, local ride-hailing apps like Bolt, eCabs, and Uber offer direct transfers taking approximately twenty to thirty minutes depending on traffic.

Public transit

Malta Public Transport operates a network of buses connecting St. Julian's to Valletta, Sliema, and northern ferry terminals. Buses can get crowded and delayed during peak summer hours.

Passes & tickets

The Tallinja Card offers multi-day or multi-ride options, which are highly cost-effective if you plan to use the bus network daily.

On foot

The coastal promenade is highly walkable and flat, linking St. Julian's directly to Sliema. However, walking inland requires navigating steep hills and narrow, uneven pavements.

Local etiquette

Safety & etiquette

  • When visiting churches, ensure your shoulders and knees are covered; wraps are often provided at the entrance.
  • Tipping of 10% is customary in sit-down restaurants if a service charge is not already included.

Travel smart

Practical tips

  1. Download ride-hailing apps like Bolt or eCabs before arriving; they are far cheaper and more reliable than traditional street taxis.
  2. Buy a Tallinja card at the airport if you plan to use the bus network; it saves money and hassle with cash fares.
  3. Wear sturdy shoes; the streets leading inland from the bays are incredibly steep and can get slick when wet.
  4. Book weekend dinners in Spinola Bay well in advance, as waterfront tables are highly sought after by locals.
  5. Be prepared for slow bus journeys during the summer peak hours due to heavy coastal traffic.

Before you go

St Julian's FAQs

Is the tap water safe to drink in St. Julian's?

Yes, the tap water is safe to drink, but it is desalinated seawater and has a distinct, heavily chlorinated taste that most visitors dislike. Bottled or filtered water is widely preferred.

Can you swim in St. Julian's?

Yes, you can swim at the sandy beach of St. George's Bay, or join locals diving off the flat rocks along the promenade in Balluta Bay.

Is Paceville too noisy to stay in?

Yes, if you value quiet sleep. If you prefer peaceful nights, book accommodation in Balluta Bay or Portomaso instead of central Paceville.