St. Julianʼs vacation packages

How to get to St Julian’s

• Transfer time: A taxi from the airport will get you to St Julian’s in about 15 minutes. If you choose the express bus, expect a travel time of around 35 minutes.

• Price: Prepaid taxis (pay at the taxi booths in arrivals and give the voucher to your driver) cost about $22 before any additional fees. Bus tickets for the X2 service range from $3 to $3.50.

Best time to visit St Julian’s

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

• March to May can be ideal months with sunny weather, low rainfall, and warm temperatures ranging from 63–77°F, perfect for seaside promenades.

• June to August is perfect for heat lovers. It’s dry and sunny, with temperatures climbing into the mid-80s to low 90s°F-great months for lounging, siestas, and nightclubbing.

• September to November has temperatures dipping to a more comfortable 82–70°F, along with increased rainfall (about 2.7–3.5 inches). With fewer crowds (except for an uptick during late October), this is a more relaxed time to visit St Julian’s.

• December to February is great to escape the cold. You might encounter some rain (as winter is the wettest season), but 5 to 6 hours of daily sunshine and temperatures around 61°F can make up for it.

Practical information

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

• Currency: Malta uses the Euro.

• Getting around:

  • St Julian’s can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Tallinja Bike rentals cost $3.20 for the first 30 minutes, then an additional $2.10 every 30 minutes.

  • The town is well-connected by bus, with routes to and from Valletta, Sliema, and other key spots. Tickets cost $3 to $3.50 and are valid for 2 hours from the first use (validate at the ticket machine near the driver on any service you use).

  • If you plan to use public transport frequently, a 7-Day Explore card (unlimited transport for 7 days) might be more cost-effective at around $27.

  • The base fare for metered taxis is approximately $3.80, then $2.70 for the first 0.6 miles, $1.70 for distances over 0.6 miles to 3.1 miles, $1.50 over 3.1 miles to 6.2 miles.

  • Ride-hailing services like Bolt or eCabs (a local option) use dynamic pricing, so fares vary based on demand.

• Time zone: Malta follows Central European Time.

Best things to do in St Julian’s

Famous for its lively nightlife, luxury accommodations, and beachfront promenades, vacations in St Julian’s offer an ideal mix of relaxation and entertainment.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Portomaso Tower: For stunning nighttime views of the city from the 22nd floor, dress up and head to the TwentyTwo nightclub.

• Balluta Bay: With tiered stone steps that form a miniature theater for the green-blue sea, this tiny cove is one of the most picturesque spots in St Julian’s.

The best districts

• Paceville: Packed with bars, clubs, restaurants, and casinos, this is the go-to entertainment district in St Julian’s. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea with its vibrant party vibe, but it’s perfect for those looking to explore the nightlife.

• Spinola Bay: Surrounded by bistros, bars, and shops, with colorful luzzu boats in the harbor, this charming neighborhood feels distinct from the lively Paceville.

Parks and gardens

• Pembroke Gardens: Just a short walk from St George’s Bay, these gardens are split over five levels with a streaming water feature and a winding path, ideal for moments of relaxation.

• Independence Garden: A bit further from Balluta Bay (technically in Sliema), this well-maintained waterfront garden is a sanctuary for cats.

Historical monuments

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

• Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church: Overlooking Balluta Bay, this imposing neo-Gothic church with its tall spires is one of the most recognizable landmarks in St Julian’s. While the interior may not match the exterior’s grandeur, it’s worth a glance.

Day trips in the area

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

• Mdina: A half-hour drive from St Julian’s, this fortified city steeped in history offers narrow streets, stunning architecture, and panoramic views from its ramparts.

Activities for families in St Julian’s

From poolside relaxation to family-friendly attractions, vacations in St Julian’s offer something for everyone.

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

• Playgrounds: Next to the parking at Pembroke Gardens, there’s a fantastic playground for young children with brightly colored play equipment.

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

• Interactive museums: A bit farther 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 suitable for kids, St Julian’s Superbowl offers fun for the entire family, whether you score a strike or not.

Free things to do in St Julian’s

From ocean dips to local festivals, vacations in St Julian’s can be affordable.

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

• Beaches: St Julian’s has a few sandy stretches that invite exploration, though some may need a little care.

• Self-guided tours in St Julian’s: The coastal Sliema-St Julian’s promenade showcases many of the town’s architectural highlights.

Wellness in St Julian’s

• Spas and thermal baths: Home to several luxury spas, St Julian’s boasts the well-regarded Myoka Lotus Spa, offering a range of treatments, from massages to facials, along with relaxing saunas and steam rooms.

• Yoga and meditation centers: For a unique challenge, try SUP yoga at St George’s Bay.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: Behind Pembroke Gardens, the Pembroke Natura 2000 site with its heritage trail is perfect for local hikes, whereas the western coast’s Dingli Cliffs offer more challenging treks and spectacular views.

• SUP: Rent a paddleboard to explore Spinola, St Julian’s, and St George’s Bays.

• Scuba diving: Discover various dive spots, including shipwrecks, with local dive centers offering courses and packages.

• Cycling: Ride along the coastal paths to Sliema or venture into Malta’s rural areas for exploration.

• Boat trips: Choose from leisurely cruises or more adventurous trips to Blue Lagoon, Comino Island, or Gozo.

Beaches to enjoy on St. Julian's vacation

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 vacation.

• 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 snorkeling 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 vacation will be filled with unforgettable coastal moments.

Local dishes in St Julian’s

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

Some typical dishes

• Ftira: Whether stuffed with tuna, capers, olives, and fresh tomatoes, or drizzled with honey, this flatbread is a must-try.

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

Meat dishes

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

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

Fish and seafood dishes

• Torta tal-lampuki: Fresh dolphin fish mixed with spinach, olives, and capers, all 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 classic Maltese street food.

• 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 somewhat similar to a nutty brownie.

• Ottijiet: Shaped like figure eights, 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 the signature product of Malta's leading brewery.

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