St Julian's (San Ġiljan) is the town that doesn't sleep. By day: seafront restaurants, small beaches and boat trips. By night: Paceville — one of the most concentrated nightlife districts in the whole Mediterranean. It's loud, fun, sometimes chaotic, and very much Malta.
Spinola Bay — the Heart of St Julian's
Before you head to Paceville, spend time at Spinola Bay. Colourful luzzu fishing boats, waterside restaurants, aperitivo culture and calm. This is where Maltese locals actually eat dinner. It's beautiful in the evening when the lights reflect on the water.
Great spots around Spinola Bay:
- Barracuda — seafood restaurant, excellent view, pricey but worth it
- Gululu — pasta and fish at reasonable prices
- Dolce Vita — solid pizza for lunch
Beaches in St Julian's
Balluta Bay — small sandy beach in the centre of town. Convenient if you're staying nearby. Gets crowded in summer.
St George's Bay — wider, more sand. Sun loungers and parasols available (around €8–10). Near the Westin Hotel.
Be realistic: St Julian's beaches are OK, not spectacular. For Malta's best sand (Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, Comino's Blue Lagoon), you'll need to travel further. St Julian's is primarily a restaurant and nightlife destination.
Paceville — Nightlife Guide
Paceville is a small area packed with bars and clubs. It runs from around 10 PM to dawn.
Clubs: Eden Super Bowl complex, Shadow Lounge, Sky Club (rooftop), Hugo's Skybar Bars: Gianpula Village (outdoor summer), Skippy's (students), O'Leary's Irish Pub Entry age: 18+, ID checked. Generally safe, be aware of your surroundings. Best nights: Wednesday and Friday attract students from English language schools (cheaper entry). Weekends busier but pricier.
Not only for 20-somethings — but if you want a quiet dinner and wine, go to Spinola Bay and skip Paceville.
Where to Stay in St Julian's
Luxury: Westin Dragonara Resort — directly on the beach, casino nearby Mid-range: Corinthia St George's Bay, Hotel Valentina (Sliema-adjacent) Budget: Airbnb apartments from around €60–90/night peak season
Tip: St Julian's is pricier than Sliema. Consider staying in Sliema and walking the promenade to St Julian's for evenings (about 20 minutes).
Getting There
- From Valletta: bus 12, 13, X1 — 20–30 min
- From Sliema: 20 min walk along the promenade or bus 13
- From airport: bus 13 direct, about 45 min
- Bolt from Valletta: €8–12
What to Skip
Don't pay tourist prices at restaurants right on the seafront strip — you'll pay 30–40% more for the same food as a place 200 metres inland. Follow the Maltese, not the tour groups.