St. Julian's vs Zebbug
Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.
Living in St. Julian's
St. Julian's is where Malta goes to play. By day it's a pleasant coastal town spread around Spinola Bay — one of the most photographed fishing boat harbours on the island — and Balluta Bay with its grand art nouveau houses. By night it becomes Paceville, the island's densest concentration of bars, clubs, casinos, and restaurants, drawing revellers from across Malta until the early hours. The town has a split personality that works in its favour. The Paceville side is loud, youthful, and commercial, home to international hotel chains and the Dragonara Casino. The Spinola and Balluta side is refined, with upscale restaurants housed in converted townhouses and a promenade that connects westward to Sliema. Portomaso, with its signature tower and marina, sits between the two — a luxury residential and commercial complex that symbolises the area's premium positioning. St. Julian's is the heart of Malta's iGaming and tech industries. Office buildings cluster around the Mriehel area and along the coast, making it the most convenient base for professionals working in these sectors. Property here commands some of the highest rents on the island, particularly in developments with sea views.
Highlights
- Spinola Bay — iconic fishing boat harbour lined with restaurants
- Paceville — Malta's nightlife district with dozens of bars and clubs
- Portomaso Marina and luxury tower
- Heart of Malta's iGaming industry
- Balluta Bay with its art nouveau buildings
Living in Zebbug
Haz-Zebbug is one of Malta's largest inland towns — a substantial hilltop community on the western side of the island with a history stretching back to Phoenician times. The name means 'olives' in Maltese, and the town was once surrounded by olive groves that produced oil exported across the Mediterranean. A Phoenician tomb discovered in the town centre contained gold jewellery now displayed in the Valletta museum. The town centre is built around a large square with an impressive parish church dedicated to St. Philip. The church contains works by Mattia Preti and other notable Maltese artists, reflecting the town's historical wealth from olive oil and cotton production. The surrounding streets have a mix of traditional townhouses and modern developments, though Zebbug retains a stronger village character than its size would suggest. Property in Zebbug is affordable and practical. The hilltop position offers views and cooler breezes, and the town has full amenities including schools, shops, and medical services. It's a 20-minute drive to Valletta, and the western position gives easy access to Rabat, Mdina, and Dingli.
Highlights
- Phoenician gold jewellery discovered in town-centre tomb
- One of Malta's largest inland towns
- Parish church with works by Mattia Preti
- Hilltop position with views and breezes
- Affordable property with full amenities
