St Julian's is the beating heart and the most dynamic and cosmopolitan location in Malta, situated along the northern coast a short distance from the capital Valletta. Originally a quiet fishing village, it is now the destination of choice for those seeking luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, concentrated primarily in the Paceville area. Its picturesque bays, such as Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay, retain an elegant and Mediterranean charm, combining the ancient splendor of historic palaces with the energy of a modern tourist destination.

What Our Local Guides Recommend to See: Bays, Architecture, and Entertainment

• Spinola Bay – Our advice is to visit the bay at sunset, an ideal time to admire the traditional Maltese fishing boats (luzzu) and the famous 'Love' sculpture by Richard England.
• Balluta Bay – Characterized by the imposing Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Art Nouveau (Liberty) architecture of Balluta Buildings.
• Paceville – The center of Malta's nightlife, with clubs, bars, casinos, and a lively atmosphere at any hour, ideal for young clientele or those seeking entertainment.
• St George's Bay – One of the few sandy beaches in the area, perfect for enjoying a day of sun and sea.

Gastronomy and Mediterranean Flavors

• Pastizzi – Savory puff pastries filled with ricotta or peas, the quintessential Maltese street food, to be tasted in one of the many pastizzerias.
• Lampuki Pie – A traditional dish based on Lampuki (dolphin fish or mahi-mahi), potatoes, spinach, and olives, typical of the autumn season.
• Maltese Wine – Taste a local wine, particularly those produced with indigenous grape varieties like Gellewza (red) or Ghirghentina (white).

Excursions and Experiences Selected by Local Experts

• Walk to Sliema – A walk along the promenade connecting St Julian's to nearby Sliema, offering a splendid view of Valletta.
• Diving and Snorkeling – The Maltese coast is renowned for its seabeds, and St Julian's is well connected to the best diving centers.
• Visit to Valletta – The capital, a UNESCO Baroque masterpiece, is easily reachable by bus or water taxi from Sliema.

Institutional Links

• Official Malta Tourism Website
• St Julian's Local Council

Top 5 Luxury Hotels Recommended by Our Travel Designers

• Hilton Malta – Iconic 5-star hotel with a waterfront location and several swimming pools, renowned for high-level services.
• Malta Marriott Resort & Spa – Luxury resort with spa and spectacular views, located near Balluta Bay.
• Hotel Juliani – Boutique Hotel – An independent and family-run charming option, with elegant design and a view of Spinola Bay.
• Hyatt Regency Malta – Modern luxury structure, strategically located near Paceville and the bays.
• InterContinental Malta – Grand 5-star hotel with a central location and a large rooftop pool.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants (Starred and High-Level Cuisine)

• The Noni – Michelin-starred restaurant in Valletta (nearby), offering modern Maltese cuisine. Being very close to St Julian's, it is an excellent option for a gourmet dinner.
• Caviar & Bull – Elegant restaurant in St Julian's, known for its innovative cuisine, particularly high-quality fish and meat dishes.
• Barracuda Restaurant – Located in a historic palace in Balluta Bay, it offers refined Mediterranean cuisine and a romantic sea view.