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St. Julian's

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St. Julian's (Malta)
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Practical info — St. Julian's

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The promenade walk from Spinola Bay to Sliema is beautiful but gets very hot; it's best enjoyed in the early morning or at sunset.
  • Avoid booking accommodation directly in Paceville if you prefer a quiet night, as it is the epicenter of Malta's nightlife.
  • Balluta Bay's small sandy beach disappears at high tide; check the tide schedule before planning a beach day there.
  • Buses along the coast can get stuck in traffic; to reach Valletta, consider taking the bus just to Sliema and catching the ferry across.

🍽 Food

🍽
Stuffat tal-Fenek (Rabbit Stew)

Malta's national dish. Try it at a traditional Maltese restaurant tucked away in the side streets off Spinola Bay.

🍽
Pastizzi

Flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Grab them hot from small, local pastizzerias along the main road.

🍽
Fresh Seafood

Best enjoyed at the restaurants with terraces overlooking the Luzzu (traditional boats) in Spinola Bay.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Bay Street Shopping Complex

Located near St. George's Bay, this open-air mall is great for international brands and stays open late.

🛍
Maltese Lace & Filigree

Look for small artisanal and souvenir shops near the bays to buy traditional silver filigree jewelry or lacework.

🧘
Independence Gardens

Walk towards Sliema to find this peaceful seaside park, complete with a famous cat sanctuary and benches facing the sea.

🧘
Portomaso Marina

Despite its luxury yachts, walking around the marina during the day gives a surprisingly calm and quiet atmosphere away from the traffic.

Highlights of 2026

1

St. Julian's (Maltese: San Ġiljan) is a lively coastal town north of Sliema and is regarded as the center of Malta's entertainment industry. Originally a small fishing village centered around a 16th-century chapel, the town has evolved into one of the island's most exclusive residential and tourist areas. The cityscape is defined by the pretty Spinola Bay, where traditional luzzu fishing boats still anchor today, and the modern district of Paceville, famous for its intense nightlife. Architectural highlights include the Portomaso Tower, Malta's tallest building, and the historic 17th-century Palazzo Spinola. St. Julian's features a blend of luxury five-star hotels, high-end restaurants, and modern office complexes. The town is also a major hub for English language schools, attracting thousands of students from around the world annually. The coastal promenade seamlessly connects St. Julian's with the neighboring towns of Sliema and Gżira.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C151415161923262725232016
Rain mm74655133171141063829582

Geography

Population
13,792
Coordinates
35.91890, 14.48970

Facts

  • St. Julian's is named after Saint Julian the Hospitaller.
  • Palazzo Spinola was built in 1688 for the knight Fra Paolo Spinola.
  • The Portomaso Tower is the country's tallest building at 98 meters.
  • St. George's Bay features one of Malta's few artificial sandy beaches.
  • Paceville developed into the nightlife center of Malta in the 1960s.
  • The Dragonara Palace, now a casino, was once the summer residence of a noble family.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town St. Julian's (18)

Our Lady of Mount Carmel⛪ religious

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a Carmelite church in Balluta, near St. Julian's.

Saint Julian's Parish Church⛪ religious

A modern Catholic church in St. Julian's serving the local community.

Jesus of Nazareth Church⛪ religious

A Roman Catholic church in Sliema, located near the seafront promenade.

St Julian's Bay📍 landmark

An easy on the eye bay in St. Julian's, known for its restaurants and seaside promenade.

St. George's Bay📍 landmark

A popular bay in St. Julian's featuring a sandy beach and many leisure facilities.

Garden Battery📍 landmark

A restored historic artillery battery in Sliema, now serving as a garden area.

Fond Għadir Beach🎡 recreation

A rocky coastal stretch in Sliema, popular for swimming among locals.

Malta International Contemporary Art Space🏛 museum

A center for contemporary art in Malta, housed within historic fortifications.

🕒 We-Th,Sa-Su 10:00-18:00; Fr 10:00-20:00; Tu 12:00-18:00

111 Art Gallery🏛 museum

An art gallery in St. Julian's showcasing works by contemporary artists.

R Gallery🏛 museum

A gallery in Sliema focusing on exhibiting modern and contemporary art.

Gżira's Old Gate🏺 historical

Gżira's Old Gate in St. Julian's is a historical gate from the city's past.

Lazzaretto Ruins🏺 historical

Ruins of a former quarantine hospital on Manoel Island.

Dun Karm Monument🏺 historical

A monument honoring Dun Karm Psaila, the national poet of Malta.

Teatru Salesjan🎭 culture

The oldest theatre in Sliema, known for community performances and concerts.

Tespi performance space🎭 culture

A small venue in Valletta for theatrical performances and performing arts.

Tigne Point Beach🌿 nature

Tigne Point Beach in Sliema is a prominent rocky coastal point offering spectacular views of Valletta and the open Mediterranean Sea. The urban yet relaxed atmosphere draws locals and tourists alike to the limestone coastline. The clear water tempts you for a quick cooldown, although you enter the water from rocks rather than sandy shores. Sturdy water shoes are highly recommended here for a safe entry.

Memories🌿 nature

A viewpoint in St. Julian's known for its peaceful atmosphere and nice views.

Neptunes👨‍👩‍👧 family

This facility in St Julian S provides a great spot for swimming and water-based family fun.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the center of nightlife?
The Paceville district is famous for its high density of clubs, bars, and discos that stay open until late at night.
Is there a sandy beach?
Yes, St. George’s Bay provides a man-made sandy beach, which is very popular and busy during the summer.
Is the area family-friendly?
During the day yes, especially around Spinola Bay. At night, however, Paceville can be very loud and rowdy.
What is there to see in Spinola Bay?
The bay is known for its traditional colorful Luzzu boats and the famous upside-down 'LOVE' statue on the shore.
What is the parking situation like?
Very difficult. It is recommended to use the large parking garages under Eden Cinema or Portomaso.
St. Julian's: where is it located?
St. Julian's is located in Malta.
St. Julian's: what is there to see?
Highlights include Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Saint Julian's Parish Church, Jesus of Nazareth Church.
St. Julian's: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.
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