Plizio Visual Lab

Portomaso Marina

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

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Portomaso Marina in St. Julian's is Malta's most prestigious residential and commercial development, serving as a landmark of modern luxury and urban planning. The project was completed in the late 1990s on the site of the former Hilton Hotel, featuring a unique three-basin marina design. The focal point of the development is the Portomaso Business Tower, which stands at 98 meters with 23 floors, making it the tallest building in Malta. The marina provides berthing for over 100 yachts and is encircled by luxury residential units designed with high architectural and environmental standards. Geographically located on the northeast coast, Portomaso features expansive views of the Mediterranean Sea. The complex is designed as a car-free zone, with all parking and service infrastructure located underground to enhance the pedestrian experience and tranquility. In addition to residential areas, Portomaso hosts the Hilton Malta hotel, numerous award-winning restaurants, and high-end boutiques, establishing itself as a hub for international business and lifestyle.

Location: Malta
Top sights: Cat Vilage · Memories · Merkanti Beach Club 16+
Nearby: Naxxar (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	14	15	16	19	23	26	27	25	23	20	16
Rain mm	74	65	51	33	17	11	4	10	63	82	95	82

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Portomaso Marina is a publicly accessible waterfront area. You can walk freely along the promenade and admire the luxury yachts and the iconic tower, while some private sections may be restricted.

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Typical hours

As an open marina, there are no fixed opening hours for the outdoor spaces. Shops and restaurants typically open from late morning until late evening, but exact times vary.

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Photography

Photography is permitted in all public areas of the marina. The best shots are from the promenade with the Portomaso Tower in the background; tripods are usually allowed.

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Time needed

A typical visit lasts around 30 minutes to 1 hour. You can extend your stay by dining at a waterfront restaurant or browsing the shops.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with nearby St. Julian's Bay and the Spinola Palace. The bustling Paceville nightlife area is just a short walk away.

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Getting there

The marina is easily reached by bus from Valletta (routes 13, 14, 16) or by car with parking nearby. From the main bus stop in St. Julian's, it's a 5-minute walk.

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Insider tip

Visit during the late afternoon to enjoy golden hour light on the yachts. Avoid the midday heat in summer and come later; after sunset the area becomes lively.

Geography

Coordinates

35.92080, 14.49250

Facts

Portomaso Business Tower was inaugurated in 2001 and remains Malta's tallest skyscraper.
The marina won the 'International Marina of the Year' award in 2005.
The development covers a total land area of approximately 128,000 square meters.
The Hilton Malta hotel features five pools and extensive conference facilities within Portomaso.
It was the first project in Malta to utilize a fully underground parking system for a large scale.
The residential part of the complex is known for its high eco-certification and luxury finishings.