St Julians

Once a peaceful fishing village, St Julians is now the cosmopolitan hub of Maltese nightlife and entertainment. Although the picturesque Spinola Bay still pays homage to times gone by, St Julians a buzzing hive of activity. With many bars, restaurants, night clubs, casinos and Hotels, it has hard to ignore. The promenade which stretches from Spinola to Sliema, is a popular meeting place for locals. The early evening stroll is a popular pastime in Malta, where local gossip and the importance of being seen is the order of the daily constitutional. There are places for bathing, appropriately marked, although they can be become crowded during the high season.

 HISTORY

 Although, now a concentration of high rise concrete, St Julians still has it's page in history. As the northern coastline was open to attack and left defenceless prior to 1565, there was very little population outside the larger 'fortress' cities. The fishing village had it's parish church, circa 1580, and a few huts and farm dwellings. An Italian Knight, Fra Paola Raffaele Spinola, built his palace overlooking Spinola bay in 1688, and as the inscription on the Portico reads, 'For The Public Entertainment'. An apt description into what is now, Paceville, at the centre of St Julians.

 Things to Do

 If you are looking for a relaxed stroll to take in the Mediterranean summer, then Spinola & Ballutta bays are a popular spot, with Bistrots and Restaurants overlooking the sea. Also noted is Portomaso, a recent addition, which caters towards the high end of the market. If you are looking for water activities then a whole range can be found at Ballutta, including the local water polo venue which is built adjacent to the sea. The main activity remains firmly in it's historic epitaph 'Public entertainment', with Paceville being the centre.

 PACEVILLE

 A densely populated area consisting of restaurants, pubs, bars and night clubs. The cosmopolitan nature of Paceville offers a wide variety of cuisines, musical tastes, and atmosphere's, be it from blues to Heavy Metal. With the Bay Street shopping complex, one can also take in a bit of late night shopping or catch a movie at the multi screen cinema complex. Also available on the Dragonara point, is Le Meridien hotel complex offering a lido, Bedouin tent (during summer months), and a casino. During the peak summer months, Paceville can be seen as crowded all week long, with a carnival atmosphere. During the quieter winter months, the local population choose Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday as their preferred days.

 PLACES TO STAY

 If you are looking for a central location then St Julians would be the choice location, check out the hotels listed below for availability and suitability ;

Restaurants / Bars / Nightclubs

 There are a variety of places in St Julians, catering for all tastes and budgets ;