How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in St Julian's, Malta

St Julian’s brings together several sides of Malta in one compact coastal neighbourhood. Around Spinola Bay, traditional fishing boats share the waterfront with restaurants, cafés and evening terraces. Continue along the coast and you will find swimming spots, marinas, nightlife and long promenades overlooking the Mediterranean.

This makes St Julian’s particularly well suited to a Malta weekend break. You can experience plenty without filling every hour or spending much of your stay travelling.

Spinola Hotel places you directly by Spinola Bay, giving you a comfortable base within walking distance of the area’s main attractions. Here is how to make the most of a weekend in St Julian’s.

Friday Evening: Arrive and Settle into Spinola Bay

After checking in, begin your weekend with a gentle walk around Spinola Bay. The harbour is at its most atmospheric towards the end of the day, when the light softens across the limestone buildings and the waterfront begins to fill for the evening.

Walk around the curve of the bay to see the traditional fishing boats from different angles. The promenade is compact, so there is no need to rush. Stop for a drink beside the water or choose one of the surrounding restaurants for your first dinner in St Julian’s.

If you arrive before sunset, use our guide to the [best sunset spots near Spinola Bay] to choose your viewpoint.

Guests staying in a Sea View Room can end the evening with the lights of the bay visible from their balcony.

Saturday Morning: Coffee and a Coastal Walk

Start Saturday slowly with breakfast before returning to the waterfront. Spinola Bay is quieter in the morning, making this a good time for photographs and an unhurried coffee near the harbour.

From the bay, follow the promenade south towards Balluta Bay. The route passes coastal viewpoints, cafés and places to sit beside the water. Balluta Bay is framed by elegant waterfront architecture and the Carmelite church, giving it a different character from Spinola’s fishing harbour.

Continue towards Sliema if you feel like a longer walk, or turn back towards St Julian’s for a relaxed lunch. Comfortable shoes are worthwhile, particularly during warmer months, and carrying water will make the walk more enjoyable.

Saturday Afternoon: Choose Your Pace

A weekend should leave room to slow down. Spend Saturday afternoon according to the kind of break you want.

For a relaxed afternoon, return to Spinola Hotel and enjoy some time by the rooftop pool, subject to seasonal opening arrangements. The elevated setting provides a welcome pause from the livelier streets below.

If you would rather stay by the coast, continue towards St George’s Bay for a sandy swimming spot within easy reach of the hotel. During summer, arrive earlier in the afternoon because the beach can become busy.

For more sightseeing, St Julian’s is also a convenient base for a short visit to Valletta or another part of the island. Keep the outing focused, however. Trying to cover too much of Malta in one weekend can quickly turn a short break into a transport schedule.

Saturday Evening: Waterfront Dining or St Julian’s Nightlife

Begin the evening around Spinola Bay or nearby Portomaso Marina. Both areas offer waterfront dining, but their atmosphere is different: Spinola feels lively and traditional, while Portomaso has a more contemporary marina setting.

Reserve ahead if you want an outdoor table on a Friday or Saturday evening, particularly during the warmer months. A table with a view is rarely guaranteed unless it is requested.

After dinner, choose the evening that suits you. Paceville’s bars and clubs are nearby for visitors looking for nightlife. Couples seeking something quieter can remain around Spinola Bay, enjoy a cocktail at a rooftop venue or take an evening walk towards Balluta.

Staying close to Spinola Bay means the energy of St Julian’s is accessible without making the busiest streets the centre of your entire stay.

Sunday Morning: Portomaso and the Quieter Side of St Julian’s

Spend Sunday morning exploring Portomaso Marina, a short walk from Spinola Hotel. The sheltered marina, yachts and waterfront terraces offer a polished contrast to the traditional boats of Spinola Bay.

Morning is an excellent time to explore before the restaurants become busy. Walk around the marina, stop for coffee and enjoy the slower pace before returning towards the hotel.

Alternatively, revisit the Spinola promenade for one final waterside breakfast. A short weekend often feels more satisfying when you return to a favourite place rather than forcing another attraction into the itinerary.

Before You Leave

If your departure time allows, enjoy a final walk along the waterfront or relax at the hotel before checking out. Reception can help with practical local information and onward travel arrangements.

St Julian’s works so well for a weekend because everything feels close: coastal walks, restaurants, swimming, nightlife and quieter harbour views can all be combined without overplanning.

Stay in the Heart of St Julian’s

Spinola Hotel overlooks Spinola Bay and provides a convenient base for couples, friends and short-break travellers who want to explore St Julian’s on foot.

Choose a Sea View Room for a private balcony overlooking the bay, or select the room type that best suits your weekend plans.