St. Julian's & Sliema

St. Julian's (San Ġiljan) and Sliema (Tas-Sliema) are Malta's tourist centers — here, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, and promenades are concentrated. Those looking for nightlife, shopping, and modern infrastructure are in the right place. Those seeking tranquility and authenticity, not so much.

St. Julian's & Paceville

St. Julian's is a former fishing village that has developed into Malta's party capital. Spinola Bay with its colorful Luzzu boats and waterfront restaurants is charming by day and romantically lit by night. Right behind it lies Paceville — Malta's clubbing district. Bars, clubs, and fast-food outlets line up within a few hundred meters. On weekends, it gets loud and crowded, especially in summer when thousands of language students and party tourists are out and about.

Away from Paceville, St. Julian's has its charm: Balluta Bay with the neo-Gothic Carmelite Church, the Portomaso Tower (Malta's tallest building), and the promenade towards Sliema are lovely walks.

Sliema

Sliema is Malta's shopping and promenade center. The long waterfront promenade (Ix-Xatt ta' Tas-Sliema) stretches from the ferry terminal (ferry to Valletta!) over rocky bathing spots to St. Julian's. On Tower Road and in Bisazza Street, you'll find international brands and local boutiques. The Point Shopping Mall at the ferry terminal is Malta's most modern shopping center.

Sliema has no sandy beaches, but flat rocky coast with ladders into the sea — perfect for locals who want to get into the water quickly. Many hotels and apartments are located here because the connections (bus + ferry) are excellent and Valletta is only 10 minutes away by ferry.