On the east coast of Malta is one of the country’s buzziest towns named St Julian’s. It is considered a hotspot for travelers, but despite its popularity, this town has managed to retain all of its Mediterranean charms. When you visit St Julian’s, you will still be able to see remnants of the old life of Maltese fishing villages that are charmingly intertwined with a cosmopolitan and vibrant atmosphere. Considering its abundance of restaurants, bars, attractions, and close proximity to the Maltese capital of Valletta, St Julian’s is the ideal base for a Malta itinerary.
To help you make the most of your trip to this town, here are 8 of the absolutely best places you should see:
1- St Julian’s Promenade
Beginning from Spinola Bay, St Julian’s promenade stretches to Balluta Bay and it passes through several resort towns that are located on the coast of Malta. You can begin your day by taking a stroll along this coastal road and enjoy the lovely views of the Mediterranean Sea. One of the most popular things that tourists do in St Julian is to take a picture of the LOVE sign in Spinola.
If you need refreshments or a break during your walk, you will find plenty of food kiosks lining the promenade. You can also find excellent beachfront restaurants and cafes if you stop by Gzira or Sliema. Upon arrival in Balluta, you will be able to check out the historic Balluta Buildings. These are 20 apartments and are some of the few Art Nouveau buildings remaining in Malta.
2- St George’s Bay
A Blue flag beach in St Julian’s, St George’s Bay is very popular for sunbathing and swimming. As it is close to Paceville, which is the busiest nightclub in town, it is known to attract a younger crowd. Numerous events are hosted on the beach during the summer, such as beach cleanups and demonstrations on first aid and marine life rescue.
There is a 7-km long promenade that you can find at St George’s Bay, which helps connect St Julian’s to the resort towns nearby, such as Ta’ Xbiex, Sliema, and Gzira. You will also find many food kiosks, cafes, and restaurants that line the promenade, which makes it convenient for anyone to enjoy a full meal or grab a snack, while also taking in the soft sands and clear water of St George’s Bay.
3- Portomaso Marina
An eco-friendly complex, Portomaso Marina boasts several casinos, high-end hotels, and apartments that overlook the three basins. There are 110 stern-to berths for servicing luxury yachts all year round. The marina is at a 10-minute walking distance from several landmarks, including the Spinola Palace that was built in the 17th century and Malta’s tallest building named Portomaso Business Tower.
You can enjoy a nice and sheltered walk at the Portomaso Marina that gives excellent views of the ocean, as well as the berthed yachts. You can visit Paceville in the evening, where you will come across the most popular restaurants and bars in St Julian’s. There is also a wine lounge in Portomaso Business Tower called Level 22, which gives you expansive views of the bay and allows you to unwind.
4- Spinola Bay
On the Maltese east coast, the Spinola Bay is actually part of the much larger St Julina’s Bay. There are several sculptures on the main street, including the Fisherman and the Cat and the Statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The LOVE sign, as mentioned above, is a popular landmark for photographs, and couples can secure locks here as a symbol of their love.
There is also a small harbor on Spinola Bay where you can see traditional Maltese fishing boats called Luzzu and modern yachts. There are also some great restaurants to be found on the surrounding promenade that have open-air terraces for you to admire views of the beautiful bay and enjoy a nice meal.
5- Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Part of a waterfront in Balluta Bay is occupied by the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, between Sliema and St Julian’s. It is a neo-Gothic building that hosts Sunday masses for serving the local Roman Catholic community, along with parish feasts and traditional Maltese weddings throughout the year. The church is illuminated at night with colorful lights and the still waters of the Mediterranean Sea show its reflection.
6- Fort Manoel
The Knights of the Order of St John created this 18th-century structure. Fort Manoel protected the main bastions in Valletta from the Isolotto. This star-shaped fort can be found in Gzira on Manoel Island, which is 2.5 kilometers away from St Julian’s. It showcases baroque architecture and houses historical buildings like Couvre Porte, Polverista, and the Chapel of St. Anthony. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you can enter it for free. It was also shown in the TV show Game of Thrones.
7- Spinola Palace
An Italian knight by the name of Fra Paolo Raffaele Spinola, belonging to the Order of St. John, built this 17th-century retreat. It boasts a sculpted clock in the center that was the first one in Malta and has baroque architecture stylings that are very elegant. The Maltese government owns it partially, so the public can only visit two areas; the front and back gardens. You can explore these gardens and take photos. You can also enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at a restaurant named Milano Garden.
8- Casinos in St Julian’s
These are luxurious venues that offer a wide range of slot machines and card games for those who want to try their luck. Dragonara Casino is one kilometer north of Portomaso Marina and is one of the most popular spots. It was a former summer residence built in the 1800s and offers 14 table games and 250 slot machines. It also has an onsite restaurant with an outdoor patio giving views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The town of St Julian’s sounds like an exciting place to visit for everyone, whether you are in the mood for shopping, learning history, or an adventure!
