Welcome to St Julian’s, a bustling and cosmopolitan town that serves as the island’s hub for a variety of pleasures, culinary adventures and entertainment. This vibrant destination offers everything from luxurious shops and casinos to a wealth of bars and restaurants.
Once a quiet fishing village, St Julian’s has transformed into a remarkable tourist hotspot. Considered Malta’s nightlife and entertainment capital, it entices both locals and visitors with its abundance of leisure options, including restaurants, bars, clubs, casinos, and shops.
The town is divided into four distinct areas: St Andrew’s, Ta’ Giorni, Tal-Ghoqod, and Paceville, the latter boasting the largest selection of nightlife venues on the island. As you stroll from the neighbouring Sliema promenade, you’ll pass through Balluta, a laidback area named after the oak trees that grace its charming square. Balluta Bay, home to historical treasures like the Gothic Revival Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the striking Art Nouveau-style Balluta Buildings, provides a picturesque setting.
Complementing these landmarks are modern establishments – cafés and restaurants – along the seafront, offering both delectable cuisines and stunning vistas.
iStock-1493250822 st julians Nigel Harris credit INTRO WEB
Continuing your journey, you’ll reach Spinola Bay, where vibrant fishing boats and old boathouses hark back to the town’s fishing village origins. Don’t miss the captivating inverted LOVE monument by esteemed Maltese architect Richard England, reflecting the world when the nearby waters are calm.
Ascending the hill towards the town centre, you’ll encounter Portomaso, an area featuring one of Malta’s tallest buildings – the Portomaso Business Tower. Here, an exclusive marina accommodates over 100 yachts, alongside luxury shopping outlets and exceptional dining establishments. If an exciting clubbing experience beckons, make your way to Paceville, Malta’s premier nightlife hotspot, teeming with lively venues, clubs, bars, and eateries.
Continuing along the coast, you’ll discover the popular St George’s Bay, where sun-seekers flock during the summer months. Conveniently located near a shopping mall, cinema, and myriad bars and restaurants, it offers a perfect blend of leisure and relaxation.
St Julian’s Heritage
Balluta Buildings
Balluta Buildings is a landmark Art Nouveau block of residential apartments set in the heart of Balluta Bay. Built in 1928, it was designed by architect Giuseppe Psaila, and features a beautifully sculptured façade with angel motifs and flying buttresses that stand out from anything else in the vicinity. It’s classified as a Grade 1 monument, giving it the protection it deserves as a national heritage building that has long been considered one of the most prestigious addresses on the island.
Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Balluta Church)
Balluta Church, a Gothic Revival architectural marvel built in the early 20th century, stands on the site of a Neo-Gothic church from 1859, just a few metres away from Balluta Buildings. This Carmelite Church, filled with valuable artwork and overlooking Balluta Bay, is still an active place of worship for Catholics in the area.
iStock-1473503704 Balluta Church St Julians Stefano Zaccaria Credit WEB
St Julian’s Attractions
Balluta Bay Beach
Blink and you’ll miss this tiny stretch of sandy beach right in the heart of the bustling Balluta Bay, which features a lively square that’s dominated by the imposing Balluta Buildings and the Gothic Revival Church overlooking it. This beach is a good spot for a quick dip if you’re staying in the area.
Portomaso Marina
Portomaso became one of Malta’s most sought-after residential addresses the minute it was inaugurated in the late 1990s. At the heart of the complex is a luxurious, fully-serviced marina that berths just over 100 boats. It’s a lovely spot for a stroll and also houses several excellent bars, restaurants and cafés.
Spinola Bay
Even though it’s hard to believe it now, Spinola Bay was once a quiet fishing spot. If you look hard enough, you can still make out the remnants of the old Spinola, but today, you’re more likely to notice the famed LOVE monument or the many busy restaurants, bars and cafés that line the bay. Spinola Bay is positioned at the very beginning of one of Malta’s longest promenades, making it a favourite place among many for a stroll or jog at any time of the day or night.
St George’s Bay
This man-made sandy beach enjoys Blue Flag status, a prestigious mark of quality for a beach, indicating that it demonstrates excellent safety, amenities, cleanliness, and environmental standards. It’s just outside Paceville, Malta’s main entertainment district, and is surrounded by hotels, bars, a shopping mall, and several nightclubs.