St. Julian's vs Zejtun

Side-by-side comparison of property prices, lifestyle, and practical info to help you choose the right area.

Summary

St. Julian's is better for young professionals and nightlife lovers seeking an energetic coastal lifestyle, while Żejtun is the clear choice for families wanting affordable, traditional Maltese living. St. Julian's scores 10/10 for nightlife and dining but just 4/10 for family suitability. Żejtun flips this with an 8/10 family rating, 8/10 safety, and some of the lowest property prices in urban Malta. The two towns sit roughly 8 km apart — a 15-minute drive — but offer entirely different daily life.

St. Julian's has strong transport links (rated 8/10) with bus routes 12, 13, 14, and 16 connecting to Valletta, plus the Sliema ferry 5 minutes away. Airport access takes 25 minutes by car. It suits iGaming professionals working nearby and those who want Paceville's bars, Spinola Bay restaurants, and Portomaso marina on their doorstep — though parking is limited and summer crowds are intense.

Żejtun relies on buses 81, 82, and 85 for Valletta connections (25–30 minutes), but its real advantage is road access: just 10 minutes to the airport by car. With limited nightlife (3/10) and fewer dining options, it appeals to buyers prioritising community traditions, baroque architecture, and space over coastal entertainment. A car is essential here.

St. Julian's

Lively coastal entertainment hub

Zejtun

Traditional southern olive town

€2093

Avg. Rent

€1450

Listings

2.1

Avg. Bedrooms

2.5

Very good. Flat coastal promenade connects to Sliema. Paceville is entirely walkable. Some uphill streets heading inland.

Walkability

Moderate. Town centre walkable. Spread-out residential areas require a car.

Difficult, especially on weekends and evenings. Paceville is nearly impossible by car after 8pm. Portomaso has underground parking (paid).

Parking

Good. Ample street parking. Easier than central Malta.

High in Paceville area. Moderate elsewhere. Spinola and Balluta are surprisingly peaceful considering proximity.

Noise Level

Low. Quiet residential atmosphere. Festa season (June) generates fireworks for several days.

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 Zejtun

Zejtun is a substantial southern town that takes its name from the Maltese word for olive oil — zejt — a reminder that this area was once covered in olive groves supplying oil across the Mediterranean. The town is one of Malta's largest and has a distinctly southern identity, with strong festa traditions, a sprawling residential area, and a historic core that's among the best-preserved in the south. The old centre clusters around the impressive parish church of St. Catherine, a baroque building with one of the finest church facades in Malta. The surrounding streets contain substantial townhouses with enclosed courtyards, some dating back to the Knights' period. The village of Birzebbuga, Hal Far industrial estate, and the Freeport all sit within Zejtun's broader boundaries. Property in Zejtun is very affordable — among the lowest prices in urbanised Malta. The town has all essential amenities and good road connections, but public transport to Valletta takes 25–30 minutes and the tourist appeal is minimal. It's a practical choice for local buyers and budget-conscious investors.

Highlights

Named after centuries of olive oil production
One of Malta's finest baroque church facades
Among the most affordable property in urban Malta
Strong festa and community traditions
Good road connections to the south and harbour area

Lifestyle Comparison

10/10

dining

5/10

4/10

family

8/10

6/10

safety

8/10

5/10

beaches

5/10

10/10

nightlife

3/10

8/10

transport

6/10

Which Area Is Right For You?

Choose St. Julian's

young professionals nightlife lovers tourists

St. Julian's comes out ahead in dining, nightlife, transport .

Choose Zejtun

families

Zejtun comes out ahead in family, safety .

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Julian's is the stronger pick for dining, nightlife, transport. Zejtun stands out for family, safety. St. Julian's is popular with young professionals and nightlife lovers and tourists. Zejtun is popular with families.

Zejtun has a lower average rent at €1450/month compared to St. Julian's €2093 — a difference of around €643.

St. Julian's and Zejtun are around 8 km apart — roughly a 20-minute drive depending on traffic.