
The St Julian's issue, November 2026
St Julian's
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Guests & rooms
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The St Julian's reading list
All 44 St Julian's stories
Tours and ticketsThe lead story
Seeing the Grand Master's Palace Properly From St Julian's
The Order of St John ran Malta from these rooms for 250 years. This is what is inside now, what entry costs, and when to make the trip from St Julian's.
Callum Reid

Tours and tickets
Senglea and the Quiet End of Malta's Grand Harbour
A walking route through one of Malta's quieter fortified towns, with the ferry fares, opening hours and door rules to check before you cross.
Callum Reid

Spinola Bay: A Boat-to-Table Lunch Crawl in St Julian's
Ten kitchens ring Malta's prettiest working harbour — here's how to eat your way around Spinola Bay without wasting a single lunch seat.
Ana Ferreira

Getting Around St Julian's When the Coast Road Jams
Two rush hours clog St Julian's every day. This is the walk, the bus numbers and the five-minute ferry crossing that get you round them.
Callum Reid

St Julian's for Grandparents, Teenagers and Everyone Between
How to run a St Julian's trip when the group spans forty years: a flat waterfront, tables you can reach without steps, and sightseeing you can do sitting down.
Callum Reid
More from the St Julian's issue

Paceville After Dark: St Julian's Nightlife, Sorted
Dylan Grech

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

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

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

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

Where St Julian's Actually Swims This Summer
Dylan Grech

Mdina and Rabat in a Day from St Julian's
Callum Reid

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
Callum Reid

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

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

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

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

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

Maltese Wine from St Julian's Bars to Inland Cellars
Ana Ferreira

St Julian's in September When Paceville Quiets Down
Callum Reid

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

Walking St Julian's Alone After Dark
Callum Reid

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

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
Ana Ferreira

Walking the Qaliet waterfront in St Julian's
Callum Reid

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

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

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
Dylan Grech

St Julian's With Kids Beyond the Paceville Strip
Callum Reid

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

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

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

Walking St Julian's rocky swimming coast
Callum Reid

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

Walking Dragonara Point in St Julian's
Callum Reid

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
Callum Reid

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

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

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

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.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 QuarterBook before you land
Top-rated tours and tickets in St Julian's, with live prices from Viator.

Full Day Private Tour around the Island in Malta
from $534

Half-Day Malta Highlights
from $755

Malta Sightseeing Tour licensed Taxi - flexible and personalized
from $284

Valletta Private Historical and Cultural Walking Tour
from $306

PicPerfect Tour of Malta
from $158

Good Friday Easter Procession with Live Commentary and Transport
from $43

Gozo Full Day Tour with Private Driver
from $613
Prices from Viator; we may earn a commission when you book — at no extra cost to you. Tours are sold and operated by Viator, the merchant of record. Ratings are collected by Viator and Tripadvisor.
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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

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
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
An upscale venue focusing on molecular gastronomy and high-end seafood presentation.
Signature: Ancient grain-crusted tuna with local honey glaze.

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
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
An elegant steakhouse overlooking Spinola Bay that specializes in premium cuts of Wagyu and Black Angus.
Signature: Tomahawk steak shared between two.

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
A long-standing local favorite known for its massive portions of pasta and casual Mediterranean dishes.
Signature: Spaghetti with rabbit sauce.
After dark
Nightlife

Havana
A massive multi-room club that has been the anchor of the local hip-hop and R&B scene for decades.

Toy Room
An international club brand offering a more polished clubbing experience with regular themed nights.

Shadow Club
Features an open-air terrace area and a focus on house music, attracting a slightly older crowd.

TwentyTwo
Located on the 22nd floor of the Portomaso Tower, offering panoramic views over the entire island.

Hugo's Terrace
Directly faces the beach, offering comfortable outdoor sofas and a massive cocktail menu.

The Thirsty Barber
A Prohibition-era themed bar serving highly creative craft cocktails in a detailed vintage setting.
Art & history
Culture

Balluta Buildings
One of the finest remaining examples of Art Nouveau architecture in the Mediterranean, featuring intricate stone carvings.

Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
A striking neo-Gothic church that rises directly from the water's edge, defining the skyline of the bay.

Spinola Palace
A grand 17th-century palace built by the Knight Giovanni Spinola, featuring a well-kept public garden.
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
Logistics
Getting around
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
- Download ride-hailing apps like Bolt or eCabs before arriving; they are far cheaper and more reliable than traditional street taxis.
- Buy a Tallinja card at the airport if you plan to use the bus network; it saves money and hassle with cash fares.
- Wear sturdy shoes; the streets leading inland from the bays are incredibly steep and can get slick when wet.
- Book weekend dinners in Spinola Bay well in advance, as waterfront tables are highly sought after by locals.
- 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.