A neighbourhood guide to St Julian’s

Find out why it's the best place to eat, drink, shop and soak up the sun

With waterfront restaurants, modern nightlife and glistening blue bays, St Julian’s is one of Malta’s most popular coastal districts. With so much going on, it’s easy to while away a summer’s day in this lively neighbourhood. From dining at The Villa Restaurant and partying at Bar Celona Lounge to sunbathing on the beach, relaxing at Corinthia’s Apollo Day Spa and shopping at Bay Street Shopping Complex, here’s how to spend your time in St Julian’s.

Relax: Corinthia St George’s Bay

If the summer heat gets a little too much, take a dip in one of Corinthia Hotel St George’s Bay’s pools, or secure a spot on the hotel’s private beach and enjoy a swim in the sparkling Mediterranean. If you’re feeling adventurous, take part in a range of water-based activities offered by Sun & Fun Water Sports and Yacht Charter. Alternatively, take a break at Apollo Day Spa and enjoy natural treatments such as massages, scrubs, wraps and facials.

Dine: The Villa Restaurant

Set in a stunning 19th-century building overlooking Balluta Bay, The Villa Restaurant is one of St Julian’s most impressive eateries. In the kitchen, the focus is on fresh produce and there are four seasonal menus presenting a selection of seafood, meat, pasta and tapas dishes. Choose to sit outside on one of two beautiful terraces or dine inside in the striking settings of the 1920s-style dining room. There’s also a bar serving classic and experimental cocktails and wine, a charming spot for an aperitif or digestif.

Dine: Peperoncino

For somewhere a little more intimate, head to the family-run Peperoncino. The venue itself is warm and welcoming while the menu reflects Malta’s multicultural dining scene with a fusion of Maltese, Sicilian and Italian fare. The restaurant is particularly famous for its fresh seafood offerings – you can’t go wrong with the fish special of the day.

Drink: Tiffany Champagne and Wine Bar

If you like to enjoy your cocktails in glamorous surroundings, visit Tiffany Champagne and Wine Bar. Located on the waterfront overlooking St Julian’s marina, the bar is a place to see and be seen. Select from an extensive menu of over 300 wines and 50 Champagnes and watch the sunset over the harbour. Visit on a Friday for live jazz performances or don your most vibrant red attire for the weekly ‘Party in Red’ each Saturday.

Shop: Bay Street Shopping Complex

With over 60 retail outlets, Bay Street Shopping Complex is a one-stop shop for fashion and pampering. Italian fashion stores such as Liu Jo, Nadine Milano and Mangano sit alongside more casual brands like Armani Jeans and Tommy Hilfiger. There’s also a wealth of beauty stores and salons that will ensure every visitor looks their best on their holiday.