San Ġiljan 3-Day Itinerary

A day-by-day plan for San Ġiljan: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.

Day 1

Arrive & Explore the Highlights

Morning
St. George's Bay

A public sandy beach with calm, shallow water—good for swimming. Sheltered by cliffs and surrounded by hotels and casual eateries.

🕐 24 hours

Free entry

💡 Go early morning to avoid the crowd; the sun hits the bay by 9am and lounger hire is costly, so bring your own towel.

Hotels near St. George's Bay →
Afternoon
San Ġiljan Parish Church (St. Julian's Church)

A 19th-century parish church with a baroque altar and a small museum of religious artefacts. Quiet and cool inside.

🕐 Mon-Sat 7am-12pm, 4pm-7pm; Sun 7am-1pm

Free entry

💡 Check if the bell tower is open for visits (donation only) — the view over the bay is worth the climb. No photography inside during services.

Hotels near San Ġiljan Parish Church (St. Julian's Church) →
Evening
Where to eat

Ta' Kolina · ££

Café Jubilee · ££

Day 2

Deeper Into San Ġiljan

Morning
Spinola Bay

A working fishing harbour with colourful traditional boats (luzzus) and waterfront restaurants. Active day and night.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Bring binoculars to spot the 'roul' boats, which Maltese fishermen paint with the 'Eye of Osiris'. Best photos from the bridge at dusk.

Midday
Balluta Bay Gardens

A small terraced park above Balluta Bay, with mature trees, benches, and a view of the church dome and sea. Less crowded than the main seafront.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Take the steps down from the garden to a rocky ledge for a quiet spot to swim. No facilities — bring water.

Evening
Dining tonight

Inspirations

Hard Rock Cafe

Day 3

Final Favourites & Departure

Morning
Paceville Promenade

A paved coastal walkway running from St. George's Bay towards Spinola Bay. Lined with benches, palms, and street art. Great for a stroll or jog.

💡 Walk it at sunset for the best light over the marina. No shade during midday, so pick early or late.

Final meal

Café Royale

Café Cordina

Getting Around San Ġiljan

Local Bus (San Ġiljan - Sliema Ferry) From €1.50 10 min

Use route 12 or 13 from the bus stop near be.Hotel to reach Sliema Ferry. Then take the Valletta ferry (€1.50) for quick access to the capital without traffic.

Public Bus (Malta Public Transport) From €2.00 45 min

Take route X2 from the airport to San Ġiljan, then it's a 5-minute walk to the hotel. Buy a Tallinja card at the airport for €15 to get cheaper fares on multiple rides.

Airport Taxi (White Taxi) From €25.00 25 min

Book at the official taxi desk inside the arrivals hall to avoid overcharging. Fixed rates to San Ġiljan are around €25, even at night.

eCabs or Bolt From €8.00 15 min

Use Bolt or eCabs apps for rides within St Julian’s—cheaper than white taxis. A 10-minute trip to Valletta costs around €8 median. Avoid surge pricing on Friday nights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for San Ġiljan?

Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like St. George's Bay and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.

What is the best time to visit San Ġiljan?

See our full best time to visit San Ġiljan guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.

Where should I stay for this itinerary?

A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include The District Hotel, Luma Residence, Blue Sea Saint George's Park. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.