Saint Julian’s in Malta (San Ġiljan)

Saint Julian’s is a former modest fishing village that transformed in just about thirty years by taking advantage of its privileged seaside location with its beach and turquoise-water bays. Today, the town, although in constant flux (omnipresent construction), has become Malta’s tourist hotspot and is almost exclusively geared towards tourism and entertainment, with numerous infrastructures under construction such as the immense Mercury Tower.

The dynamic town, although no longer the haven of tranquility it once was, still retains some traces of its history, such as the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel overlooking Spinola Bay.

Are you looking for excursions or activities to do in Saint Julian’s? Here are the 8 most popular activities among travelers in Malta.

Besides lounging on Saint Julian’s beach with its crystal-clear waters, St. George’s Bay and Spinola also serve as starting points for numerous water activities. Whether you want to soar, speed along the water, or dive deep, there is a wide range of options to satisfy every traveler’s desires.

A must for lovers of lively nights, the Paceville nightlife district is an unmissable stop for anyone under 35. The buzz of this iconic party area opens its dozens of bars and nightclubs for unforgettable evenings, seven days a week. To experience the area differently, organized bar crawls are even offered.

The promenade along the waterfront, from Spinola to Exiles Bay, is one of the most pleasant in Malta. A simple and free activity that allows you to fully enjoy the Mediterranean environment of the archipelago. For those more motivated, the walk can be extended to Sliema Beach.

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Saint Julian’s, take refuge at Portomaso Marina. It’s a calm and sheltered spot to relax, or simply to dine or have a drink in an elegant atmosphere.

Head to Mercury Tower to indulge in shopping at its brand boutiques. The ideal place in Malta for shopping enthusiasts.

Spinola Bay is the perfect spot to enjoy a brunch, dinner, or simply a seaside drink. The upper area features numerous bars and restaurants (CUBA Café, Gululu, San Giuliano, MÉZ) where you can dine (almost) with your feet in the water. The establishments around Spinola offer all types of cuisine, with some specializing in Maltese dishes. So, grab a table and order “fenek”, the iconic rabbit stew of Malta.

For the most daring travelers, Saint Julian’s offers several casinos, including the famous Dragonara Casino, located on the peninsula.

There’s nothing better than gaining some altitude over the bustling town of Saint Julian’s. For that, head to Infinity at Hugo’s Hotel, the FLO Skypool, or the SKYBEACH at the Intercontinental. These three unique spots offer a breathtaking panorama of Saint Julian’s. You can view the town from a deck chair by the pool during the day or while sipping a drink, even if you’re not a hotel guest.

Saint Julian’s offers a wide variety of accommodation options for every budget. One thing to keep in mind: if you plan to stay near Paceville, make sure to check reviews regarding the soundproofing of your future lodging, as the area becomes very noisy once night falls.

For travelers seeking a prestigious accommodation option in Saint Julian’s, the town boasts 9 luxury hotels among the 5-star hotels in Malta. Among all the establishments, the Westin Dragonara Resort, painted in pink, is often considered the best hotel in Saint Julian’s.

For travelers seeking a superior and comfortable experience, Saint Julian’s also has 15 4-star hotels. These hotels often offer very affordable prices in the off-season and represent great opportunities for reasonably priced travel in Malta.

Among all these hotels, one undoubtedly stands out: the H Hotel & Spa, a unique establishment that impresses with its design and ambiance.

Saint Julian’s is also home to more than twenty 3-star hotels, as well as an equal number of boutique hotels of equivalent standard. The prices and quality of these establishments vary greatly.

Saint Julian’s also offers 4 youth hostels, affordable accommodation options with dormitory rooms that facilitate meeting people for young adults arriving on the archipelago.

It is interesting to note, however, that during the off-season, youth hostels in Saint Julian’s can cost more than some 3-star hotels.

Paceville is undoubtedly the festive hub of Saint Julian’s. A true epicenter of Maltese nightlife, this district—almost resembling a single street—is packed with dozens of bars, nightclubs, and other entertainment venues. Here, alcohol flows freely and hundreds of young partygoers, mostly aged 17 to 30, gather daily in a deafening musical atmosphere. In addition to its iconic nightclubs, Paceville also offers a cinema, a bowling alley, and even a shopping center: the Bay Street Shopping Complex.

St. George’s Bay is a small beach located just below the nightlife district, one of the few beaches in Malta. With its charming little lagoon, it is very popular with tourists and language school students.

Just a few steps from the bustle of Paceville lies the beginning of the very pretty bay of Saint Julian’s. Stretching from Spinola to Exiles Bay, which marks the boundary with Sliema, it offers a lovely seaside promenade. Spinola Bay, with its famous “Love Monument”, is a former small fishing port where you can still see “luzzus”, the traditional Maltese boats inherited from another time. It’s the ideal spot to stroll by the water or to sit and enjoy the view of the sea.

Balluta Bay is the second bay in continuation of Spinola. It offers a slightly more peaceful alternative, with a small artificial sandy beach ideal for relaxing and swimming. A place full of charm, featuring the iconic Balluta Church, dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which provides a lovely setting for a relaxing stroll.

Portomaso represents the other side of Saint Julian’s: luxury and exclusivity. A true jewel of prestige, this district houses a spectacular marina where yachts and luxury boats gather, surrounded by some of the most expensive apartments in Malta and the iconic Hilton hotel. The refined restaurants and cafés lining the marina invite you to an exceptional culinary experience. This high-end, calm, and elegant setting offers a striking contrast to the liveliness of Paceville, while being just a few meters away.

Mercury Tower is the tallest building in Malta, reaching 121 meters, and is a must-see in Saint Julian’s. Designed by the renowned architect Zaha Hadid, it stands out with a unique twist between floors 10 and 13. Inaugurated in 2023, it houses a three-level shopping center, a lively public square, as well as a mixed complex of residential and hotel spaces. It is now the go-to place in Malta for shopping.