ST PAUL’S BAY VERSUS JULIAN’S BAY: WHICH COASTAL TOWN TO CHOOSE?
Malta’s coastline is all cliffs, coves, and flashes of blue. Dotted along it are bays and towns that each have their own pace and rhythm. Two of the most talked-about spots — St Paul’s Bay and St Julian’s Bay — both pull in visitors, but for very different reasons.
As someone who has visited both, whilst walking the Malta coastal path, I wanted to take a step back and reflect on what makes each place special, and crucially, who they might suit best.
If you’re planning a Maltese adventure, this comparison will help you decide which bay to pick for your travel adventures.
Location and Setting
St Paul’s Bay sits on the northern coast and has the air of a place that doesn’t need to try too hard. It’s part working town, part seaside resort, with enough hotels and cafés to keep visitors happy, but without tipping over into chaos. It’s also practical — the Gozo ferry is just up the road, and buses connect you with the rest of the island.
St Julian’s Bay, on the other hand, hugs the shoreline just northeast of Valletta. It’s compact, buzzy, and feels more like an extension of the capital’s social scene than a stand-alone seaside town. The restaurants, bars, and nightlife are front and centre, and while it’s not huge geographically, it feels bustling.
Beaches and Swimming Spots
If we’re being honest, neither St Paul’s Bay nor St Julian’s Bay is home to Malta’s best beaches. You’ll find better sand further north or on Gozo. But each has its charms.
St Paul’s Bay has rocky coves like Qawra Point and small sandy patches such as Mistra Bay. The water is beautifully clear, and there’s a relaxed, snorkel-and-snooze feel to swimming here. It’s also the better base if you want to spend your days at Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, or even the Blue Lagoon — all easy day trips.
St Julian’s Bay is more about swimming spots than beaches. Balluta Bay has a small sandy strip that gets busy fast, while St George’s Bay is the only proper sandy beach nearby — and it’s tiny. For something more local, Exiles Beach (in nearby Silema) is all about diving straight into deep, blue water from the rocks.
Atmosphere
St Paul’s Bay feels lived in. There are locals chatting in cafés, expats who’ve settled in for the long haul, and tourists who prefer a slower pace. The promenade is perfect for an evening wander, and you can still find old-school bars like Le Maltais that haven’t been redesigned for Instagram.
St Julian’s Bay is unapologetically lively. Come evening, Paceville turns into a neon-lit tangle of music, cocktails, and club queues. The daytime scene is just as social — think long lunches, iced coffees by the water, and never quite escaping the hum of activity.
That said, neither place is picture-postcard Malta. Both are firmly in the tourist zone, with high-rises, loud bars, and more English on menus than Maltese. If you want cobbled lanes and church bells, head to Rabat, the Three Cities, or hop over to Gozo.
Food and Drink
St Paul’s Bay does well for unfussy, good-value meals. You’ll find fresh seafood, hearty Mediterranean plates, and a few curveballs like Su Swagat — an excellent Indian restaurant.
St Julian’s Bay leans more towards polished dining. You can still find casual spots, but there are plenty of sleek restaurants and late-night eateries that keep pace with the nightlife.
Both have their waterfront bars: Nine Lives in St Paul’s Bay for a mellow sunset cocktail, and in St Julian’s, a choice of beach clubs and terrace bars where things run late. Just expect higher prices in St Julian’s Bay.
Things to Do
From St Paul’s Bay, you can walk to Wignacourt Tower, visit the aquarium, wander the Salina Nature Reserve, or take a boat to Gozo or Comino. There’s also scuba diving, windsurfing, and quirky detours like Popeye Village.
St Julian’s Bay is more about urban entertainment — casinos, shops, and people-watching with a spritz in hand. And Valletta is close enough for a day of history and culture before heading back for dinner by the water.
Accommodation
St Paul’s Bay skews budget to mid-range — hotels here are more about practicality than boutique charm.
St Julian’s has more trendy and upscale options, often with rooftop pools and design-led interiors that match its nightlife scene.
So, Which to Choose?
Pick St Paul’s Bay if you want a cheaper base for exploring the island, with easy access to beaches and a calmer evening vibe (but don’t expect peaceful!)
Go for St Julian’s Bay if you want nightlife, a busy social scene, and to be within easy reach of Valletta.
Ready to explore? Check out my detailed guides to St Paul’s Bay and St Julian’s Bay for more tips and local insights. And if you’re curious about Malta’s best beaches, I’ve got you covered here.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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