St Julian’s wraps around a series of bays — Balluta, Spinola and St George’s — just north of Sliema. It was once a fishing village; it is now the heart of Malta’s hospitality scene, with marinas, five-star hotels, restaurants on the water and some of the island’s most desirable apartments.
Neighbourhoods within St Julian’s
| Area | Character |
|---|---|
| Spinola Bay | The postcard view — fishing boats, waterfront restaurants and apartments with bay views |
| Balluta Bay | Art nouveau buildings, a small beach and the border with Sliema |
| Portomaso | A gated marina development and SDA — see our Portomaso guide |
| Pender Gardens | A modern SDA development with apartments and amenities |
| Paceville & St George’s Bay | Nightlife, hotels and a sandy beach — lively, especially in summer |
| Upper St Julian’s | Quieter streets rising towards Swieqi |
Homes and investment
St Julian’s attracts owner-occupiers who want the waterfront lifestyle and investors attracted by strong rental demand from professionals. The two SDAs — Portomaso and Pender Gardens — let foreign buyers purchase and let without an AIP permit. If you plan holiday lettings, you will need a Malta Tourism Authority licence; for long lets, read letting your property.
Everyday life
- Waterfront dining around Spinola and in Portomaso.
- Swimming at St George’s Bay and from the rocks along the coast.
- Walking along the coastal promenade to Sliema.
- Schools — Pembroke’s international schools are a short drive. See international schools.
What to check
Views, noise and parking vary street by street. Ask about nearby development applications, the building’s management and condominium fees, and whether the unit’s status allows the kind of letting you plan.
