Paceville Beaches

Overview

Paceville is famous as Malta's vibrant nightlife capital, a place buzzing with energy. While it's more of a party destination than a traditional beach resort, you can certainly enjoy the Mediterranean waters. The town's own beach, St George's Bay, is a man-made stretch of sand right in the heart of the action, offering a convenient spot for a swim. It's a popular Blue Flag beach, but it's best to know that it's small and can get quite lively, reflecting the energetic atmosphere of the surrounding area.

For those seeking classic sandy shores, some of Malta's most celebrated beaches are just a trip away. Our editor's picks highlight the best experiences, from the action-packed Golden Bay to the unspoiled, scenic sands of Għajn Tuffieħa, a local favourite for watching the sunset. Families will find the shallow, calm waters of Mellieha Bay, Malta's largest sandy beach, to be an ideal choice. And for a truly memorable swim in famously clear water, the iconic Blue Lagoon on Comino island is an essential day trip.

Beyond the main bay, the coastline around Paceville offers different kinds of swimming experiences, including rocky shores that are popular with locals. For those willing to explore further, Malta's northern coast is home to other beautiful coves like the picturesque Paradise Bay. Whether you prefer the convenience of a town beach or the adventure of discovering a secluded bay, you can find a spot that suits your style by checking our complete guide to the island's best beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Paceville a good destination for a beach holiday?

Paceville is Malta's undisputed party capital, known for its vibrant nightlife with numerous clubs, bars, and restaurants. While it offers a lively atmosphere, it's not primarily a beach holiday destination. The main beach, St. George's Bay, is a small, man-made sandy beach that can get very crowded, especially in summer. If your main goal is a relaxing beach-focused vacation, you might prefer the larger sandy beaches in the north of Malta, like Mellieħa Bay or Golden Bay.

St George's Bay

Mellieha Bay

Golden Bay

Can you swim at the beaches in Paceville?

Yes, you can swim in the sea around Paceville. The main swimming spot is St. George's Bay, a sandy Blue Flag beach with generally calm and clear water, making it suitable for swimming. There are also several rocky beaches and private lidos, often belonging to hotels, where you can access the sea. Water quality is monitored, but it's always a good idea to check for any recent advisories from the local health authorities before swimming.

St George's Bay

What is St. George's Bay beach like?

St. George's Bay is a man-made sandy beach located right next to the heart of Paceville. It's relatively small and enclosed by hotels and restaurants. As a Blue Flag beach, it meets standards for cleanliness and has amenities like lifeguards in summer. The sand is described as grainy, and it gets very crowded with a younger, tourist-heavy crowd due to its proximity to language schools and nightlife. It's a convenient spot for a quick dip but can be noisy and busy.

St George's Bay

Are there any quieter, more natural beaches near Paceville?

Yes, if you're looking for a more natural and less crowded experience, you can walk from Paceville to the Pembroke coast. Here you'll find rocky shores that are popular with locals for swimming and sunbathing away from the main tourist crowds. These aren't sandy beaches but offer beautiful clear water and a more tranquil atmosphere. Another option is to head towards Sliema to find rocky beaches like Exiles Bay.

Exiles Beach

Can I find a hotel with a private beach in Paceville?

Several luxury hotels in the Paceville and St. Julian's area offer private beach access. These are typically rocky lidos or designated sections of the coastline with sun loungers, umbrellas, and direct sea access, rather than extensive private sandy beaches. Hotels like The Westin Dragonara Resort and the Corinthia St George's Bay are well-known for these facilities, providing a more exclusive and less crowded alternative to the public St. George's Bay.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

St George's Bay

Is Paceville suitable for a family holiday with kids?

Paceville is primarily known as a nightlife district and can be very lively and noisy, especially at night and during weekends, which may not be ideal for families with young children. However, many of the larger hotels, particularly those on the coast like the Corinthia St George's Bay or the Hilton, are set back from the main nightlife area and offer family-friendly amenities like pools and kids' clubs. For a more family-focused holiday, areas further from the center of Paceville or in other parts of Malta might be more suitable.

St George's Bay

How do you get from Paceville to the better sandy beaches in the north of Malta?

The larger sandy beaches like Golden Bay and Mellieħa Bay are in the north of Malta. The most common way to get there from Paceville is by public bus. Several bus routes connect St. Julian's to the northern parts of the island. The journey can take around an hour, depending on traffic. Alternatively, you can use ride-hailing services like Bolt or rent a car for more flexibility.

Golden Bay

Mellieha Bay

What's the difference between staying in Paceville vs. Sliema for beaches?

Paceville's main beach is the sandy St. George's Bay, which is small and busy. The area is defined by its intense nightlife. Sliema, its neighbour, does not have sandy beaches but features a long promenade with flat, rocky beaches. These 'beaches' are popular for sunbathing on the rocks and accessing the sea via ladders. Sliema generally has a more relaxed, residential, and shopping-focused atmosphere compared to Paceville's party vibe.

St George's Bay

People Also Ask

Are there beach clubs in or near Paceville?

Yes, there are several beach clubs and lidos in and around the Paceville area, many of which are part of the 5-star hotels. These clubs, such as those at the Corinthia or The Westin, offer access to pools, sun loungers, restaurants, and direct sea access for a daily fee or as part of a hotel stay. There are also dedicated beach clubs like the Toy Room Beach Club that focus on a party atmosphere with DJs and events.

What is the vibe on Paceville's beaches at night?

Given its location within Malta's main entertainment district, St. George's Bay can be quite active at night. It's not uncommon to see people, particularly a younger crowd, gathering on the beach after leaving the nearby clubs and bars. While some find the atmosphere lively, others might find it noisy. It is not a tranquil, stargazing type of beach in the evenings.

St George's Bay

Is it better to stay right in Paceville or in a quieter part of St. Julian's?

This depends on your holiday style. If you want to be in the absolute center of the nightlife and a few steps from the clubs, staying directly in Paceville is ideal. However, if you prefer a quieter night's sleep while still being within walking distance of the action and restaurants, consider staying in other parts of St. Julian's, such as the areas around Spinola Bay or Balluta Bay. These locations offer a more relaxed atmosphere but are still very well-connected.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Balluta Bay Beach

What are the rocky beaches near Paceville like?

The rocky beaches, such as Westin Rock Beach or the coastline towards Sliema, consist of flat limestone rock formations leading into the sea. They are very popular with locals and offer excellent, clear water for swimming and snorkeling. Access to the water is often via metal ladders fixed to the rocks. You won't find sand, so people typically lay their towels directly on the flat rocks to sunbathe.

Westin Rock Beach

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