Things to do in St Julian’s, Malta
Things to do in St Julian’s Malta – While St Julian’s has a fantastic nightlife in Paceville, it’s also got a stylish side and a family friendly side, if you know where to look. I have relatives living here so we receive some great recommendations. Get everywhere on foot or by affordable Bolt cabs.
FYI, when we recently visited it was 35 degrees, and high season in August.
A Great Base in St Julian’s
If you don’t have relatives then, in Malta’s temperatures, I’d book a hotel with a pool. The Hilton Malta is wonderfully family friendly, there was even a kids inflatable session in the afternoon from 2pm. But you can also find an adult only pool, plus an infinity pool which welcomes swimmers aged 11+. Day passes can be bought if you wish to use the facilities as a non-resident, plus there are restaurants onsite. Check here for room prices and availability.
Beaches & Swimming – Things to do in St Julian’s Malta
Spinola Bay
We needed to be near water every day! My favourite spot was a little pier on Spinola Bay where locals sunned themselves on the rocks. Ladders into the water encourage and recognise this as a popular swimming spot. Grab drinks or some shade at Happy Dayz cafe, we opted to have brunch at Two Buoys (see info further down). [No facilities but feels an authentic wee spot.]
Balluta Bay
This small sandy beach was a hit with our boys, always quite busy with views towards the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. We grabbed an iced latte at Crema cafe as the boys played in the sand.
St George’s Bay
This was my least favourite St Julian’s beach in high season, as it was quite built up, really busy, so harder to find a nice spot or keep an eye on the boys in the sea, but it was certainly popular. We also grabbed a pint in low key Andrew’s Bar to cool down.
Neptune’s Pool
I loved Neptune’s pool because it looks like it’s floating on the sea. It offers sun loungers and umbrellas. It’s a deep pool, used for Malta’s water polo and swimming clubs, so we could watch a youth training session as we hung out. Due to its depth it suits stronger swimmers. Pay for the day then come and go as you please – the Klay bar is just upstairs for a spot of lunch. We were €50 for the day, for a family of four, including 3 sun loungers.
Food & Drink – Things to do in St Julian’s Malta
While Malta has its own specialties, due to the proximity of Sicily, the Italian influences are strong too, from pasta to gelata. Prices feel reasonable too.
Promenade & Ice cream
At any hour of the day, walking by the water and grabbing an ice cream seems a popular choice. The gelato here has a softer, creamier texture than ice cream at home. The new Cremilla parlour is smart with indoor seating, but we also were happy with the more informal Rivareno Gelato
Restaurants – You’re spoiled for choice in St Julian’s. It’s a good-time place where food is enjoyed and the drinks flow, but here are some fantastic venues.
Wigi’s – the Classic One
Wigi’s has the relaxed chic air of a French bistro. Reserve a table for when it opens (around 6.45pm) to get a window table with views out over the water. The meat and fish is brought to your table to talk through the cuts and dishes available that day. I opted for an Irish fillet steak, which probably cost less than it would in Ireland. Wigi’s is a grown up option in St Julian’s.
Mamachi – the Glam One
Down by the luxury yachts in Portomaso marina is the trendy, stylish Mamachi, which is an experience as much as a restaurant. Book a table indoors to appreciate the dark, glitzy interiors, and at the weekend singers and dancers perform from around 9.30pm. It’s not a case of style over substance, as the Nikkei (Japanese/Peruvian) food is fantastic. Order around 5 dishes to share between a couple, and the cocktails are quirkily presented, one even comes in a bathtub. The Claro Y Puro is one of the best cocktails I’ve had in my life. Only niggle, check the prices of the specials before you order as we found them surprisingly high.
Ta’Kris – the Maltese One
To be fair, Ta’Kris is more Sliema than St Julian’s, but we did walk here from St Julian’s so it’s not desperately far. Dinner started with a complimentary Maltese broad bean dip, followed with traditional dishes such as rabbit and Dad’s Famous Braglioli (strips of beef stuffed with minced meat, cooked in red wine, herbs and tomato sauce). Plenty of pasta and seafood are also on the menu. End with Maltese pastry and date dessert Helu Malti. Another Maltese restaurant, which is closer to home is Gululu.
Two Buoys – the Brunch One
The brunch menu at Two Buoys is so varied, from light, fresh and fruity to rich, hearty and meaty. While one child savoured fruity pancakes, the other tore into pulled pork waffles. It’s the ideal brunch spot, often busy, with both indoor and terrace seating with views over Spinola Bay. The smoothies are great too, and the place has an Australian vibe, you can even find kangaroo on the menu. Open 0900-1600.
Oka’s at the Villa – the One for Tranquil Drinks and/or Michelin Star Dining
Passing the gates of Villa Oka, it’s hard to guess at the elegance beyond. While St Julian’s readied for a Saturday evening we opted for drinks on the terrace with excellent views over the bay. Fantastic service, and two restaurants. Choose between Oka’s, or Rosami with its one Michelin star. [We simply popped in for drinks at Oka’s after dining at Wigi’s, it was no problem that we weren’t dining.]
Drink Cisk & Kinnie – Things to do in St Julian’s Malta
Cisk is Maltese lager, I adored the lemon version in the sweltering heat. Kinnie is Maltese fizzy pop, and, a bit like Irn Bru, I can’t really tell you what it tastes of! Snack on Twistees if you wanna try local crisps.
The Spar
The Spar is a lot sexier in Malta than in the UK! Great place to pick up quality picnic goods, with air conditioning to die for! The free Spar beach ball and windscreen shade were greatly appreciated too.
Boat Trip – Things to do in St Julian’s Malta
Loads of group boat trips and experiences depart from St Julians, including parasailing. As a birthday treat we booked a boat skippered by experienced captain Peter at Malta Sailing Charter. It set sail from Ta’Xbiex and cost around €750 for the day divided between your party, but it was the very best day of our holiday, welcoming up to 12 guests welcome. Listen to what you get = the entire boat to yourselves, and Peter will go where you wanna go.
If you want to see the Blue Lagoon, he’ll take you there, if you’d prefer hidden gems, he’s your man. Snacks, lunch and soft drinks are provided, bring your own vino/beer and store it in the fridge. Two SUPs were available and we rowed into the caves at the Crystal Lagoon. Snorkels, goggles and suncream were also on hand. It was the most blissful, memorable day with food and water toys provided too.
Indoor Attractions – Things to do in St Julian’s Malta
The flying theatre ride telling Malta’s historical story, it’s Odyssey! We didn’t venture here but it’s on my bucket list for next time. Another family friendly indoor option is St Julian’s Museum of Illusions.
Shopping is also big news in St Julian’s, especially with the opening of new mall St George’s.
Day Trips from St Julian’s Malta
Gozo Island
A fast ferry from Sliema takes you to Gozo where most visitors explore the capital of Victoria on day trips. We got a Bolt cab from St Julian’s to the ferry port in the morning, but walked home from Sliema at the end on the return leg. While day trips are feasible, we opted to stay for four nights at the Kempinski Hotel.
Splash & Fun Waterpark
Not only are there ample flumes and a wave machine to entertain the kids, there are numerous sun loungers with extensive shade for adults to relax in/under. Splash and Fun is Malta’s biggest waterpark, with food and drink for sale on site. There are also shallow fun splash areas for wee ones. A family day ticket is €85.
Valetta
Visit the capital of Malta, Valletta, with its fortress, canons, rich history and Unesco status.
Pop Eye Village
This former film set has been transformed into a fun day out for kids at Pop Eye Village, near Mellieha in the north of the island. Read a full review here. Even after visiting our kids refused to eat spinach…
Enjoy St Julian’s!
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