Balluta, Spinola or Paceville?
St Julian's is not one place but several. Balluta Bay, at the Sliema end, is residential and calmer, with a small beach, the church on the square and the promenade. Spinola Bay is the picture-postcard harbour, with fishing boats and waterside restaurants. Paceville, uphill, is where the clubs and late bars are, next to St George's Bay.
Most of our St Julian's apartments are around Balluta Bay: close to the sea and the restaurants, but away from the late-night noise of Paceville.
Who St Julian's suits
It suits couples and groups of friends who want restaurants and nightlife within walking distance, and families who choose the Balluta end. Light sleepers should avoid the heart of Paceville, especially on summer weekends.
Getting there from the airport
The drive from Malta International Airport to St Julian's usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are available outside arrivals, and public buses also run, though they are slower with luggage. We can arrange a private transfer with a driver waiting for you at arrivals: just ask when you book.
Getting around
Buses along the coast road link St Julian's with Sliema and Valletta in one direction and the north of the island in the other. The Sliema Ferries terminal, with boats to Valletta, is a pleasant walk along the promenade from Balluta Bay or a short bus ride. As in Sliema, parking near the bays is limited.
Beaches and swimming
St George's Bay has one of the few sandy beaches in this part of Malta, with sunbeds and beach clubs around it. Balluta Bay has a small beach and rocks to swim from. For the Blue Lagoon, Comino and Gozo, boat trips leave from nearby Sliema, and we can book them for you.
Eating out and nightlife
St Julian's has more restaurants and bars than anywhere else in Malta, from casual places on the Spinola waterfront to the marina at Portomaso. Paceville's clubs, cinema and bowling stay open late, and on summer weekends the area is busy until the early hours.
Practical tips
Book a table on Spinola Bay in advance on summer evenings. If you are arriving late, tell us your flight: some of our St Julian's apartments have an in-person welcome, and we plan it around your arrival. Taxis are easy to find around Paceville at any hour.
