Feast of St Julian
Village feast on the last weekend of August featuring the Ġostra greased-pole competition over the water and fireworks over Spinola Bay.
PlizioGo
Malta's national dish. Try it at a traditional Maltese restaurant tucked away in the side streets off Spinola Bay.
Flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Grab them hot from small, local pastizzerias along the main road.
Best enjoyed at the restaurants with terraces overlooking the Luzzu (traditional boats) in Spinola Bay.
Located near St. George's Bay, this open-air mall is great for international brands and stays open late.
Look for small artisanal and souvenir shops near the bays to buy traditional silver filigree jewelry or lacework.
Walk towards Sliema to find this peaceful seaside park, complete with a famous cat sanctuary and benches facing the sea.
Despite its luxury yachts, walking around the marina during the day gives a surprisingly calm and quiet atmosphere away from the traffic.
Water temperature…
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.
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 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your walk begins at the elegant Balluta Bay, admiring the neo-gothic Carmelite Church. Continue to the picturesque Spinola Bay with its traditional fishing boats, a perfect photo spot. At midday, you'll explore Paceville, the vibrant heart of St. Julian's, for lunch. The afternoon is more relaxed, leading you to the towering Portomaso Tower and the historic Dragonara Palace. End your day at St. George's Bay, relaxing on the sandy beach or swimming in the clear waters.
Morning rain finds you sheltered under the neo-gothic arches of Balluta Church. By noon, navigate the covered walkways of Spinola Bay between coffee stops. The afternoon is best spent inside the Portomaso complex, watching the yachts through the glass. Evening offers a dry retreat in the entertainment hubs of Paceville, where the rainy streets reflect the neon lights of St. Julian's.
Morning brings a crisp breeze and gentle sun to Balluta Bay, perfect for a long walk. By noon, Spinola's cafes offer cozy outdoor seating with heaters for a seaside lunch. The low winter sun casts long shadows across Portomaso Tower in the afternoon. With sunset arriving early at 17:00, the day concludes with the sparkling lights of St. Julian's reflecting in the cool sea.
Your bike tour takes you along the stunning coastline of St. Julian's. Starting from Balluta Bay, you'll cycle to the picturesque Spinola Bay, the heart of the town. After a photo stop at the LOVE Monument and lunch in Paceville, you'll continue towards the modern Portomaso Tower. In the afternoon, explore the historic Dragonara Palace before ending your day at St. George's Bay, where you can reward yourself with a refreshing swim in the sea.
Rainy days require extra caution on two wheels around Balluta Bay. By noon, the flat coastal path to Spinola is your safest bet away from heavy spray. The afternoon reveals the modern pavements of Portomaso, which drain faster than old roads. Evening ride through Paceville is atmospheric, provided you watch for the slick painted road markings.
Winter cycling in St. Julian's is a treat with mild temperatures and less sweat. Noon by Spinola Bay offers crisp air and stunning blue water visibility. In the afternoon, the low sun illuminates the promenade perfectly for a scenic ride. As evening approaches, the cooling air makes the final stretch to St. George's Bay invigorating.
Your day by car begins at the tranquil Balluta Bay. After a waterfront stroll, you'll drive to bustling Paceville, the centre of the action, where you'll park to explore the Portomaso Tower and Dragonara Palace on foot. This is the perfect cluster for lunch. In the afternoon, a final drive takes you to Spinola Bay. From here, you can wander over to the sandy shores of St. George's Bay to spend the rest of your day relaxing by the sea.
Rainy mornings are best managed from the comfort of your car while heading to Balluta. By noon, the drive along the coast to Spinola offers dramatic views of the choppy Mediterranean. The afternoon is best spent using the multi-story car parks in Paceville as a dry base. Evening drives reveal a glowing St. Julian's, with rain-slicked roads reflecting the city lights.
Winter days in St. Julian's are perfect for a scenic drive past Balluta Bay. By noon, finding a parking spot in Spinola is much easier than in peak summer. The afternoon drive to Portomaso Tower offers spectacular clarity of the coastline. With early sunsets, your late afternoon drive through Paceville already features the vibrant city lights.
A center for contemporary art in Malta, housed within historic fortifications.
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.
