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Sliema and St Julian's (Paceville)Beach

St George's Bay

St Julian's town beach, Malta's first Blue Flag

WaterSheltered inlet; check current bathing-water notices
SandImported granite sand
VibeUrban and lively
WaterSheltered inlet; check current bathing-water noticesCurrentVaries: check wind and swell before swimmingSandImported granite sandVibeUrban and lively

St George's Bay is the sandy town beach of St Julian's, at the foot of Paceville. It is compact, a short arc of sand inside a sheltered inlet ringed by hotels, restaurants and the nightlife streets behind, making it a convenient beach if you are staying in St Julian's or Sliema. According to the Malta Tourism Authority, it earned Malta's first Blue Flag in 2009 and has kept the award every year since.

Check swimming conditions and local safety flags before entering the water. In summer the sand is busy from morning, with cafes and restaurants close by, and the crowd gets younger and louder as the day goes on. It is a practical swim between sightseeing days rather than a scenic escape. Watch the safety flags: the lifesaving boundary is marked with red-over-yellow flags, and a double red flag means the water is closed.

Visiting St George's Bay

  • Blue Flag beach in the centre of the St Julian's hotel district.
  • Cafes, shops and restaurants behind the sand; check any rental services locally.
  • Buses 13, 13A, 14, 16, 21 and TD13 run from Valletta to Sliema and St Julian's.
  • Arrive early in July and August, when the small beach fills quickly.
  • Seasonal lifeguard coverage is listed by Malta Red Cross. As of November 2026, the season is closed; check local signs before swimming.

From St George's Bay, walk along the seafront to Spinola Bay and on to Sliema, or take a boat across to Valletta. Day trips to Comino and Grand Harbour cruises leave from the Sliema waterfront nearby. For sandier, wilder bays, head north to Golden Bay or Mellieha Bay.

Good to know

St George's Bay questions

Is St George's Bay a Blue Flag beach?

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Yes. The Malta Tourism Authority says St George's Bay earned Malta's first Blue Flag in 2009 and has kept the award every year since.

Where is St George's Bay?

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St George's Bay is in St Julian's, at the foot of Paceville, a short walk from the hotels and bars of the area and from Spinola Bay.

How do you get to St George's Bay from Valletta?

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Malta Public Transport routes 13, 13A, 14, 16, 21 and TD13 run from Valletta to Sliema and St Julian's. For an airport connection, check the operator's current journey planner.

Is St George's Bay sandy?

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Yes. It is a small sandy beach inside an inlet, replenished with imported granite sand. Check conditions before swimming.

Is St George's Bay busy?

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Very, in summer. It is small and central, so arrive in the morning for space. The crowd gets livelier through the afternoon.