DOES ST JULIAN’S BAY HAVE BEACHES AND IS IT WORTH VISTING?
St Julian’s Bay is one of the most well-known areas in Malta, particularly for nightlife and dining. But if you’re considering it as a beach destination, you might want to pause for a moment.
When John and I walked around the perimeter of Malta, we passed through St Julian’s, and while we enjoyed certain aspects of it, we wouldn’t necessarily call it an idyllic beach getaway.
So, does St Julian’s Bay actually have beaches, and is it worth visiting for a holiday? Let’s break it down.
Does St Julian’s Bay Have Beaches?
The short answer: not really.
The longer answer: it depends on what you consider a beach. If you’re looking for long stretches of golden sand where you can spread out a towel and sink your feet into soft grains, then no, St Julian’s Bay doesn’t have that. But if you’re happy with small, rocky swimming spots or man-made sandy patches, then there are a few options.
Balluta Bay – This is the closest thing to a beach in St Julian’s itself. It’s a small, artificial sandy section near Balluta Square, but it’s tiny and gets packed quickly in summer. The water here is clean, and it’s fine for a dip, but it’s not the sort of place you’d lounge all day with a book.
St George’s Bay – Just on the edge of St Julian’s, near Paceville, this is the only proper sandy beach in the area. It’s small, man-made, and tends to be busy, especially since it’s close to the party district. The water is usually clear, and it’s convenient if you’re staying nearby, but it doesn’t compare to Malta’s better beaches.
Exiles Beach – More of a rocky swimming spot than a beach, Exiles is a popular place for locals and expats. You can enter the sea via ladders, and the water is deep and clear, making it a good spot for a refreshing swim.
If a proper beach holiday is what you’re after, you’re better off heading to Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, or Mellieħa Bay, all of which are further north and offer real sandy beaches.
You can find my guide to the best beaches and swimming spots in Malta here.
Alternatively, if you want a desert island feeling vacay, my pick for beaches in Gozo island – Ramla Bay is stunning and there are oodles of swimming spots.
Is St Julian’s Worth Visiting for a Holiday?
It depends on what you want from a holiday. St Julian’s Bay has its charms, but it’s not the most picturesque or relaxing part of Malta. Here’s an honest take:
The Good
Great for nightlife and dining – If you want lively bars, good restaurants, and a buzzing atmosphere, St Julian’s has plenty to offer.
Convenient location – It’s well-connected to Valletta and other parts of Malta, making it a practical base. St Julian’s also blends into Silema, so you kind of get a “two for one” – it’s hard to know where one town ends and the other begins.
Good for a short city break – If you’re coming for a weekend and want a mix of dining, coastal walks, and swimming, it’s a solid option.
The Not-So-Good
A little pricey – whilst accommodation can be reasonable (especially off season), the bars/ restaurant are mostly more expensive than in other areas of Malta. If you want budget, we found St Paul’s and Gozo to be better priced.
Not the prettiest – St Julian’s is a mix of modern high-rises, busy roads, and a somewhat chaotic feel. It lacks the historic charm of Valletta or Mdina and the natural beauty of Gozo or the north coast.
Can be noisy and crowded – Especially in summer, it’s full of tourists and partygoers. Paceville, in particular, is loud and can feel a bit overwhelming.
Limited real beaches – If you’re expecting a classic beach destination, you’ll likely be disappointed.
Where to Stay in St Julian’s
If you do decide to stay in St Julian’s, choosing the right location within the area makes a big difference. Here are a few suggestions:
BUDGET: Follow the sun hostel is a stylish hostel that looks more like a hotel. It has a pool and lots of communal space.
MID-RANGE: Rotas B has a great central location and comfortable rooms.
LUXURY: Hotel Juliani has a smart rooftop terrace, gym and views of the water.
How to Get to St Julian’s
From the airport: The easiest way is by taxi (about 20 minutes, costing around €20-25). Buses are cheaper but take longer, with routes like the X2 running to St Julian’s.
From Valletta: Buses run frequently and take about 20-30 minutes.
From Gozo or other parts of Malta: A combination of buses or ferries and taxis will get you there, but it’s best to check the routes in advance as public transport isn’t always the fastest option.
Things to Do in St Julian’s Bay
Even if it’s not the most stunning part of Malta, St Julian’s has plenty to keep you entertained:
1/ Walk along the promenade – The seafront walk from St Julian’s to Sliema is lovely, with views over the Mediterranean. There are also natural swimming pools in Silema to take advantage of.
2/ Go for a swim – Exiles or Balluta Bay are your best bets for a dip.
3/ Enjoy the restaurants – There’s a huge variety of dining options, from seafood at Barracuda to casual eats at The Avenue.
4/ Try water sports – You can rent paddleboards or go on a boat trip from the area.
5/ Experience the nightlife – Paceville is the party hub, though it’s very much a love-it-or-hate-it kind of place.
6/ Visit Spinola Bay – The small harbour here is charming and a good spot for dinner. Stop by Happy Dayz Shack, which offers a great spot by the water and chilled vibe.
7/ Walk or take the bus to Valletta. You can actually walk to Valletta from St Julian’s in just a few hours. Find out more here.
8/ Walk in Pembroke – the area to the wets ofJulian’s offers quieter natural areas to walk.
Final Verdict: Should You Stay in St Julian’s?
If you’re after nightlife, easy access to restaurants, and a lively atmosphere, then St Julian’s might be a good choice. It’s also convenient if you want to be close to Valletta without staying in the capital itself. However, if your idea of a holiday is a peaceful, scenic escape or long days on sandy beaches, you’d be better off staying elsewhere in Malta.
For John and me, St Julian’s was an interesting place to pass through, but we wouldn’t choose it as a base for a relaxing holiday. It’s lively, yes, but it’s not the most beautiful or tranquil part of the island. If you do visit, knowing what to expect will help you make the most of it!
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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