St. Julian's: The Heartbeat of Malta's Coastline

• HelloBonġu
  [bon-joo]
• GoodbyeĊaw
  [chaw]
• YesIva
  [ee-va]
• NoLe
  [leh]
• Please/You're welcomeJekk jogħġbok/Il-ħoss
  [yek yoh-hob-ok/eel-hos]
• Thank youGrazzi
  [grat-see]
• Excuse me/SorrySkuzi/Sorry
  [skoo-zee/sorry]
• How are you?Kif int?
  [keef eent]
• Fine. And you?Tajjeb. U int?
  [tai-yeb. oo eent]
• Do you speak English?Titkellem bl-Ingliż?
  [tit-kel-lem bing-leez]
• I don't understandMa nifhimx
  [ma neef-heems]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNixtieq nara l-menù, jekk jogħġbok
  [nix-teyq na-ra l-mey-new, yek yoh-hob-ok]
• I don't eat meatMa niekolx laħam
  [ma nee-ek-olsh la-ham]
• Cheers!Saħħa
  [sa-ha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNixtieq nħallas, jekk jogħġbok
  [nix-teyq n-hal-las, yek yoh-hob-ok]

• Help!Għajjat!
  [ai-yat]
• Go away!Mur!
  [mur]
• Call the Police!Ċempel l-Pulizija!
  [chem-pel l-pu-leet-see-ya]
• Call a doctor!Ċempel tabib!
  [chem-pel ta-beeb]
• I'm lostInħallas
  [in-hal-las]
• I'm illJien imdejjaq
  [yeen im-dey-yak]

• I'd like to buy...Nixtieq nagħmel ix-xiri...
  [nix-teyq na-mel ish-she-ree]
• I'm just lookingQed nara biss
  [ked na-ra beess]
• How much is it?Kam jiswa?
  [kam yis-wa]
• That's too expensiveDan huwa wisq sħiħ
  [dan hoo-wa wees-shi]
• Can you lower the price?Tista' tnaqqas il-prezz?
  [tis-ta tna-kwas il-prez]

• What time is it?Xi ħin hu?
  [she heen hoo]
• It's one o'clockHuwa waħda
  [hoo-wa wa-hda]
• Half past (10)Noqs f'għaxar
  [noqs fay-ashar]
• MorningFilgħodu
  [fil-odoo]
• AfternoonWaranofsinhar
  [wa-ra-no-sin-har]
• EveningFilgħaxija
  [fil-a-ksee-ya]
• YesterdayIlbieraħ
  [il-bi-er-ah]
• TodayIllum
  [il-lum]
• TomorrowGħada
  [a-da]
• 1Wieħed
  [wee-hed]
• 2Tnejn
  [t-neyn]
• 3Tlieta
  [tlee-ta]
• 4Erba'
  [er-ba]
• 5Ħamsa
  [ham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Sebgħa
  [seb-a]
• 8Tmienja
  [tmeen-ya]
• 9Disgħa
  [dis-a]
• 10Għaxra
  [a-shra]

• Where's a/the...?Fejn hemm...
  [fyen hemm]
• What's the address?X'inhu l-indirizz?
  [shin-hu l-ind-ee-rez]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Tista' turieli (fuq il-mappa)?
  [tis-ta too-ree-li fooq il-map-pa]
• When's the next (bus)?Meta hu l-ewwel (karozza)?
  [me-ta hoo l-ewel ka-rot-za]
• A ticket (to ....)Biljett (għal ....)
  [bil-yet tal]

St. Julian's, known locally as San Ġiljan, has a history that dates back to the Bronze Age. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was inhabited by ancient civilizations, with various artifacts and structures discovered in the region. The town was named after Saint Julian, the patron saint of hunters, which reflects the area's historical significance as a hunting ground.

During the medieval period, St. Julian's was a small fishing village. Its strategic location along the coast made it an important spot for maritime activities. The arrival of the Knights of St. John in the 16th century marked a significant turning point. The Knights fortified Malta, including the area around St. Julian's, to protect against Ottoman invasions. The Balluta Bay area, in particular, became a focal point for these defensive measures.

In the 17th century, Fra Paolo Raffaele Spinola, a Knight of St. John, constructed the Spinola Palace in St. Julian's. This Baroque-style palace remains one of the most iconic landmarks in the town. Spinola also initiated the development of the area, turning it into a summer retreat for the Knights. The palace and its surrounding gardens played a central role in the social and cultural life of the time.

With the arrival of the British in the early 19th century, Malta, including St. Julian's, underwent significant changes. The British introduced modern infrastructure, including roads and public services. The establishment of the Malta Railway in 1883, which connected Valletta to various parts of the island, facilitated travel and commerce. St. Julian's began to transform from a quiet village into a bustling town.

World War II brought considerable hardship to Malta, and St. Julian's was no exception. The area suffered from aerial bombardments, leading to significant destruction. Post-war reconstruction efforts saw the rebuilding of damaged structures and the development of new residential and commercial properties. This period marked the beginning of St. Julian's transformation into a modern urban center.

From the latter half of the 20th century, St. Julian's emerged as a premier tourist destination. The construction of luxury hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues, particularly in the Paceville area, attracted visitors from around the world. St. Julian's became synonymous with vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The town continues to evolve, blending its rich historical heritage with modern amenities.

St. Julian's is located on the northeastern coast of Malta. The nearest international airport is Malta International Airport (MLA), approximately 10 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi directly to St. Julian's, which takes around 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can use the public bus service, with routes X2 and TD2 connecting the airport to St. Julian's. Car rental services are also available at the airport for those who prefer to drive.

St. Julian's is well-connected by public transportation. The Malta Public Transport buses are frequent and cover most areas within and around St. Julian's. Taxis are widely available, and ride-hailing apps like Bolt operate in the area. For a unique experience, try the local ferry services that connect various coastal locations. Renting a bicycle or an electric scooter is also a popular option for getting around, especially in the summer months.

The official currency in Malta is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful and can be found throughout St. Julian's. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and for public transportation. Currency exchange services are available at the airport, banks, and in some hotels.

St. Julian's is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any tourist area, it is important to stay vigilant. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, especially in crowded areas such as Paceville, which is known for its nightlife. Avoid walking alone late at night in secluded areas, and always keep an eye on your belongings.

In case of emergency, dial 112, the general European emergency number. The nearest police station is located in St. Julian's, and medical facilities, including clinics and pharmacies, are readily available. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, numerous pharmacies in the area offer over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Avoid overly revealing clothing when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Public Transport: Do have exact change ready for bus fares and be respectful to drivers and fellow passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Hello' or 'Bonġu' (Good morning). A handshake is common among acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and specialties like pastizzi and rabbit stew. Don't leave a tip on the table; it is more customary to hand it directly to the server.

To experience St. Julian's like a local, take a stroll along the Spinola Bay waterfront and enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafes. Visit the Balluta Bay area for a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere. If you enjoy nightlife, Paceville offers a variety of clubs and bars. For a cultural experience, don't miss the local festas (festivals) that often include fireworks, music, and traditional Maltese food. Engage with locals, as they are friendly and willing to share insights about their town.