St Julian’s is Malta’s lively seaside base: restaurants around Spinola Bay, large hotels along the coast and the bars and clubs of Paceville a short walk away. Where you stay inside St Julian’s matters, because the noisy streets and the calmer bays are only minutes apart. Here is which part suits you.
TD2 and TD3
Airport Direct buses, €3, about 30 minutes
About €20
Fixed-fare taxi from the airport, per car
No ferry
Go to Sliema Ferries for the Valletta ferry
Paceville
The noisiest part, for late nights
Where to Stay in St Julian’s: Best Parts
| Part | What it is like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Paceville and St George’s Bay | The main late-night area, centred on Bay Street and the bar streets | Nightlife, with the noisiest rooms |
| Spinola Bay | Scenic and restaurant-focused | Couples and a central, prettier base |
| Balluta Bay | Calmer, with promenade walks and a swimming spot | Staying close to Sliema |
| Portomaso, Dragonara and the outer St George’s Bay seafront | Quieter parts of St Julian’s | A hotel stay without the late-night noise |
Is it right for you?
Is St Julian’s a Good Place to Stay?
Good for
- Nightlife, restaurants and bars within walking distance
- Large hotels with pools and sea access
- Short breaks and couples, especially around Spinola Bay
- Getting around without a car, with buses and taxis nearby
Watch out for
- Rooms near Paceville and the St George’s Bay bars are the noisiest
- Summer prices can be high, especially for sea-view and luxury hotels
- Parking is difficult in the busiest spots
- St George’s Bay has only a small sandy beach, so it is not a quiet sandy-beach holiday
Getting Around From St Julian’s
There is no direct ferry from St Julian’s to Valletta. For the harbour ferry, walk, take a bus or a taxi to Sliema Ferries. Buses and taxis cover the rest of the area, and you do not need a car.
- From the airport: the TD2 and TD3 Airport Direct buses cost €3 and take about 30 minutes to St Julian’s. A taxi from the arrivals booth is around €20 per car. See our airport to Sliema guide, which covers St Julian’s too.
- Around Malta: fares, cards and routes are in our Malta bus guide.
- Valletta: see our things to do in Valletta for what to visit.
Choosing a room
If you want to be near the nightlife but still sleep, pick a hotel a few streets back from Bay Street, or a sea-facing room away from the bars.
Hotels and Apartments in St Julian’s
St Julian’s has the island’s larger resort hotels, plus apartments and aparthotels. Hotels suit short breaks and sea views, while apartments suit families and longer stays.
- Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay, Hilton Malta, InterContinental Malta and The Westin Dragonara: large hotels with pools and sea access, close to the bars of Paceville and the restaurants of Spinola Bay.
- Aparthotels and apartments: a middle ground with kitchens, useful for families and longer stays.
Prices, availability and reviews change often, so compare before you book.
Where to Stay in St Julian’s: FAQ
Is St Julian’s a good place to stay in Malta?
Yes if you want nightlife, restaurants and large hotels close together. It is not Malta’s quietest area, so choose your part of St Julian’s carefully.
Is St Julian’s noisy?
Paceville and the St George’s Bay bar streets are the noisiest parts. Spinola Bay, Portomaso, Balluta Bay, Dragonara and the outer St George’s Bay seafront are quieter.
Does St Julian’s have a beach?
St George’s Bay has a small sandy beach. For large sandy beaches, take a bus or taxi to Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay or Għajn Tuffieħa.
Should I stay in St Julian’s or Sliema?
St Julian’s for nightlife and larger hotels, Sliema for a calmer seafront and the ferry to Valletta. They are next to each other. See where to stay in Sliema.
How do I get from the airport to St Julian’s?
Take the TD2 or TD3 Airport Direct bus for €3, about 30 minutes, or a fixed-fare taxi from the arrivals booth at around €20 per car.
How we wrote this guideThis guide was researched and written by us at Experiences Malta, using the official and local sources listed below, and we review it through the year. Prices, timetables and opening hours change, so please check before you travel. More about Experiences Malta.
Sources: Malta Info Guide: where to stay in St Julian’s, Malta Public Transport: Airport Direct.