St. Julianʼs holidays

How to reach St Julian’s

Flight time: Flights to Malta International Airport take 3 hours 10 minutes from London.

Best time to visit St Julian’s

Summer sun and lidos, late-night parties or destination dining? The best time for your St Julian’s holidays depends on what’s on your vacation wish list.

March to May can be Goldilocks months – sunny with low rainfall and pleasantly warm at 17–25°C for seaside promenades.

June to August is made for heat lovers. Dry and sunny, with temperatures climbing into the high 20s and low 30s, these are the perfect months for lido lounging, siestas and nightclubbing.

September to November sees temps dip to a more comfortable 28–21°C and, less welcome, an increase in rainfall (68–90mm). With the crowds thinning out (the October half-term bump is an outlier), this is a more relaxed time to holiday in St Julian’s.

December to February is the perfect time to go if you want to swap cold weather for winter sun. You’ll have to take your chances with some rain (winter is the wettest season), but 5 to 6 hours of daily sunshine and temperatures hovering around 16°C go a long way to compensate.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English and Maltese are both official languages.

• Currency: Malta is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: St Julian’s can be easily navigated on foot or by bike. Pay-per-use Tallinja Bike rentals cost €3 for the first 30 minutes, then €2 for every additional 30 minutes. The town is well connected by bus, with routes to and from Valletta, Sliema and other key spots. Tickets cost €2.50–€3 and are valid for 2 hours from first use (validate at the ticket machine near the driver on any service you use). If you plan to use public transport frequently, purchasing a 7-Day Explore card (unlimited transport for 7 days) may work out cheaper in the long run at €25. The base fare for metered taxis is €3.50, then €2.50 for the first 1km, €1.60 over 1km to 5km, €1.40 over 5km to 10km and so on. Ride-hailing services like Bolt or eCabs (the homegrown option) use dynamic pricing, so fares depend on when, where and how much demand.

• Electricity and plug types: Malta operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz and uses type G plugs (the same three-pin plugs as the UK).

• Time zone: Malta is on Central European Time (1 hour ahead of GMT during standard time and 2 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

Best things to do in St Julian’s

Best known for its vibrant nightlife, luxury hotels and seaside promenade, holidays to St Julian’s offer a perfect blend of leisure and entertainment.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Portomaso Tower: For nighttime cityscapes from the 22nd floor, put on your glad rags and make a beeline for the TwentyTwo nightclub.

• Balluta Bay: Tiered stone steps forming a miniature theatre for the greeny-blue sea, this teensy cove is one of the most picturesque spots in St Julian’s.

The best districts

• Paceville: Clustered with bars, clubs, restaurants and casinos, this is St Julian’s entertainment district. It won’t be for everyone – there’s a definite Benidorm/Magaluf vibe – but if you’re ready to hit the party scene hard, this is the go-to destination.

• Spinola Bay: Backed by bistros, bars and shops, with colourful luzzu boats bobbing in the harbour, this picture-pretty neighbourhood feels a world apart from boisterous Paceville.

Parks and gardens

• Pembroke Gardens: A short walk from St George’s Bay, these gardens are split over five levels and interlinked by a streaming water feature and a meandering pathway – perfect for some zen moments.

• Independence Garden: A little way up from Balluta Bay (strictly speaking, it’s in Sliema), this small, well-maintained waterfront garden is a haven for stray cats.

Historical monuments

• Spinola Palace: Built in the 17th century for an Italian knight of the Order of St John and rejigged by Romano Carapecchia in the 18th, this is a masterpiece of secular Baroque architecture.

• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church: Overlooking Balluta Bay, this imposing neogothic church with its tall spires is one of the most recognisable landmarks in St Julian’s. The interior doesn’t quite live up to the exterior's promise, but it’s worth a peek.

Day trips in the area

• Valletta: A short bus or ferry ride away, Malta’s UNESCO-listed capital is wall-to-wall historical landmarks, including St John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace.

• Mdina: A half-hour drive from St Julian’s, this history-steeped, fortified city has an almost magical atmosphere with its narrow streets, beautiful buildings and panoramic views from its ramparts.

Activities for families in St Julian’s

From poolside escapes to family-friendly attractions, there’s something for everyone on St Julian’s holidays.

• Swimming pools: Local lidos offer day memberships. The Edge Lido at the Radisson Blu Resort, with a small interconnecting water slide, and The Lido St George’s Bay, with a separate kids’ pool, are good family options.

• Playgrounds: Beside the car park at Pembroke Gardens, there’s a fantastic children’s playground for younger kids, with all sorts of brightly coloured play equipment.

• Aquariums and zoos: A 20- to 30-minute drive away in St Paul’s Bay, the Malta National Aquarium is the perfect place to discover the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indo-Pacific.

• Interactive museums: Slightly further afield in Kalkara, the Esplora Interactive Science Centre is a fantastic place for curious young minds, with over 200 interactive exhibits and a planetarium.

• Bowling alleys: With modern lanes and facilities for younger kids, St Julian’s Superbowl is fun for the whole family, whether you get a strike or strike out.

Free things to do in St Julian’s

Whether it’s a quick sea dip or getting your fest on, holidays to St Julian’s needn’t break the bank.

• Annual festivals and free events: St Julian’s hosts various free events throughout the summer, including outdoor concerts, cultural festivals and even open-air cinema screenings. The Feast of St Julian in August is a must-see, featuring parades, fireworks and traditional Maltese festivities.

• Beaches: St Julian’s has a few sandy stretches, though it has to be said that most could use some TLC.

• Self-guided tours in St Julian’s: Winding along the coast, the Sliema-St Julian’s promenade hits many of the town’s architectural highlights.

Wellness in St Julian’s

• Spas and thermal baths: St Julian’s is home to several luxury spas, including the well-regarded Myoka Lotus Spa, which offers a range of treatments, from massages to facials, as well as relaxing saunas and steam rooms.

• Yoga and meditation centres: If you’re up for a challenge, try SUP yoga at St George’s Bay.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Fanning out behind Pembroke Gardens and crossed with a heritage trail, the Pembroke Natura 2000 site is ideal if you want to stay local, while the Dingli Cliffs on the western coast offer more challenging treks and spectacular scenery.

• SUP: Local outfits rent out paddleboards if you want to take to the water and explore Spinola, St Julian’s and St George’s bays.

• Scuba diving: There are several dive spots in and around St Julian’s, including shipwrecks. Local dive centres offer courses and dive packages.

• Cycling: Take a ride along the coastal paths to Sliema or venture further afield to explore Malta’s more rural areas.

• Boat trips: Take your pick. A leisurely cruise or a more adventurous trip to Blue Lagoon, Comino Island or Gozo?

Beaches to enjoy on St. Julian's holidays

While St. Julian’s is best known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife, it also offers great access to Malta’s beautiful coastline. Whether you’re after rocky shores for swimming or sandy beaches for sunbathing, there’s plenty to enjoy during your St. Julian’s holiday.

• St. George’s Bay: This sandy beach is right in the heart of St. Julian’s, making it a convenient option for those staying nearby. It’s ideal for families and groups, with calm waters, sun loungers, and plenty of bars and restaurants just steps away.

• Balluta Bay: Located along the promenade, Balluta Bay offers a small sandy area and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s great for a quick swim or relaxing by the water while enjoying views of the surrounding architecture.

• Exiles Beach: A rocky cove near the Sliema border, Exiles Beach is perfect for snorkelling and enjoying quieter surroundings. The flat rocks provide plenty of space for sunbathing, and the crystal-clear waters make it ideal for a refreshing dip.

• Golden Bay: Just a short drive or bus ride away, Golden Bay is one of Malta’s most famous sandy beaches. Its soft sands, turquoise waters, and scenic surroundings make it a must-visit for anyone staying in St. Julian’s.

• Mellieha Bay: For a larger, family-friendly beach experience, head to Mellieha Bay. With its shallow waters and wide stretch of sand, it’s perfect for kids and water sports enthusiasts.

St. Julian’s may be a bustling town, but its proximity to Malta’s stunning beaches ensures plenty of options for relaxation and fun by the sea. Whether you’re exploring local bays or venturing to nearby sandy shores, your holiday will be filled with unforgettable coastal moments.

Local dishes in St Julian’s

Party holiday destinations and fine dining don’t usually go hand in hand, which makes holidays to St Julian’s a pleasant surprise. There are plenty of great places (including a few with Michelin cred) to try Maltese or international cuisine.

Some typical dishes

• Ftira: Stuffed with tuna, capers, olives and fresh tomatoes or drizzled with honey – however you have it, this flatbread is a must-try.

• Bigilla: Served with crackers or sourdough bread, this traditional Maltese dip mashes broad beans with garlic, parsley and olive oil.

Meat dishes

• Fenek Moqli: You might have to break a psychological barrier here – slow-cooked rabbit with red wine, tomato paste, garlic and onions.

• Bragioli: Malta’s famous beef olives, thin beef slices wrapped around a filling of minced meat and herbs braised in tomato sauce.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Torta tal-lampuki: Fresh lampuki (dolphinfish) mixed with spinach, olives and capers encased in flaky pastry. Look for it between August and December.

• Aljotta: This traditional garlicky, tomatoey fish soup needs little more than a squeeze of lemon.

Street food

• Pastizz: Filled with ricotta or peas, these flaky pastries are a Maltese street food classic.

• Timpana: This Italian-influenced baked casserole is pure comfort food: buttery puff pastry, macaroni or penne, beef, pork, chicken liver, bacon, onions and tomatoes.

Sweets and desserts

• Pudina tal-ħobż: The Maltese take on British bread pudding. It’s not a million miles away from a nutty brownie.

• Ottijiet: Figure 8 shaped, these spicy, shortbread biscuits are Malta’s go-to teatime treat.

Local drinks

• Cisk Lager: It’s hard to beat a cold beer at the end of a hot summer’s day. Malty, with a mild bitterness and a clean finish, this lager is Malta’s big boy brewery’s signature product.

• Kinnie: Malta’s favourite carbonated soft drink. Made with bitter oranges, aromatic herbs and wormwood extracts, it’s worth trying to see what all the fuss is about.