Guide to St Julian's Bay

'Centred on a traditional harbour, bustling St. Julian's Bay is a magnet for fun-lovers and fine diners.'

Brightly-painted fishing boats sleeping in a honey-toned harbour. Squadrons of ducks dawdling along the warm quayside. The sound of lapping waters serenading diners at bougainvillea-decked restaurants. This little postcard-perfect picture comes straight from the shores of St. Julian's Bay. Embracing the bay of the same name (sometimes called Spinola Bay just to confuse you) just north of Valletta, this quaint harbour scene pans out to a thriving, buzzing, switched-on modern resort. Along the lamppost-studded waterfront, packs of ochre-stone hotels, apartments and restaurant terraces doze happily in the sun. Wander towards the open sea and take it all in – it's modern day Malta with a dash of old-time magic. Along the shoreline you'll find smooth rocks jutting out into the bay, each an open invitation to plunge into cool, refreshing waters. Or if you like your swimming made easy, hightail it to the lidos peppering the shoreline or the sandy beach at St. George's Bay over the headland. When you're through with doing nothing, let the streets behind the bay draw you into their shopping malls, fast food outlets, smart hotel bars and every now and again, traditional Maltese restaurants. Or, lured by the glorious views of Valetta, savour the other, older face of Malta, beautifully encapsulated in its charming capital. At sundown, there's no need to go elsewhere for blistering nights out. Head for Paceville, St. Julian's nightlife district, filled with throbbing clubs, music spots and bars. Or stay at the quayside for a different kind of evening - dinner and drinks watching the shimmering lights reflected in the bay waters.

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