Besides its pleasant climate and gorgeous coastlines, the island of Malta also attracts tourists with its thriving clubbing scene. This is a major attraction for many international students who come to Malta for weeks or months at a time to study English, with this being one of the archipelago’s two official languages.
Unlike other European islands that are renowned for their nightlife such as Ibiza and Mykonos, Malta is much more affordable for travellers of all budgets.
This article will give you a run-through of the best places to go out in Malta and list some of the island’s best nightclubs, ranging from small establishments to party boats.
St. Julian’s
St. Julian’s (San Ġiljan in Maltese) is an old fishing village that, over time, has evolved into a popular tourist destination. After the country’s independence in the 1960s and as a result of its rapid urban development in the following years, many hotels (including some of the island’s most luxurious resorts), bars and nightclubs were built in this municipality.
Its most famous neighbourhood is Paceville, which is widely regarded as the country’s nightlife epicentre. However, outside of this thriving party hub, St. Julian’s is home to other areas where you can hop from bar-to-bar or settle down on a sea-facing terrace to slowly sip on a delicious cocktail.
Paceville
The coastal neighbourhood of Paceville is located to the north of St. Julian’s. It is characterised by an international atmosphere, which is brought about by the arrival of foreign students who come to celebrate the end of the school year or to study English in academies.
Many late-night bars, Irish pubs and nightclubs can be found along Dragonara Road, Wilga Street, St. Georges Road and St. Rita Steps. The Portomaso Marina is also home to several nightclubs, although these tend to be for more exclusive clientèle.
Whether you’re looking for somewhere to eat dinner before going out – be it pizza, burgers or traditional Asian cuisine – or somewhere to have a quiet nightcap before going to bed, Paceville has got you covered.
Sliema
Located between St. Julian’s and the Maltese capital of Valetta, the municipality of Sliema has followed a similar trajectory to that of St. Julian’s in that it has evolved from a peaceful fishing village to a tourist destination brimming with hotels, shops, restaurants and bars.
Sliema enjoys excellent bus and boat connections. It has a long beachfront promenade which is punctuated by inviting-looking bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshing drink while looking out to sea. There are fewer nightclubs and late-night bars than in St. Julian’s, so the average age of the tourists tends to be slightly higher.
Nightclubs in Malta
Most of Malta’s most popular nightclubs are located in the Paceville neighbourhood of St. Julian’s.
A continuación, una lista con cuatro de las más conocidas:
Havana. Havana is located on St. George’s Road, just off Paceville Piazza. It is a huge two-storey nightclub with a capacity for up to 3,000 people which is renowned for playing electronic, hip-hop, soul and commercial music. In short, there really is something for everyone. It also has a room called Flashback, which you’ll enjoy if you like listening to hits from decades past.
Clique. Clique is located right next door to the Havana nightclub. It has a licence to stay open until seven or eight in the morning, which makes it a popular after-party venue. Its resident DJs mainly play techno music. Despite being one of the most famous nightclubs in all of Malta, it does not open every day – even in high season.
Sky Club Malta. This nightclub in Triq Dragunara is a short five-minute stroll from Havana. With a capacity for around 3,500 people and a total surface area of 2,000 m2, the Sky Club Malta is one of the largest nightclubs on the island of Malta. It offers a diverse schedule of DJ sets and sessions.
Gianpula Club. Gianpula Club is another of Malta’s most famous nightclubs which attracts prestigious DJs from around the world. Despite being a half-hour drive from the Paceville neighbourhood, it could be worth considering if you want to spend a night listening to good music surrounded by thousands of like-minded partygoers.
Party boats
As with many other cities and islands on the Mediterranean, Malta boasts a fleet of ‘party boats’. As the name suggests, these vessels provide an authentic nightclub experience as you cruise through the Mediterranean waters.
The parties, which tend to include DJ sets, a free bar and some food (aperitifs, fruit, etc.), tend to last for several hours.
The Lazy Pirate Boat Party Malta, which is one of the island’s most popular packages, departs from Sliema Port at 7 p.m. and returns at 11.30 p.m.
Where should I stay in Malta
The Barceló Hotel chain has a five-star hotel in the capital city of this Mediterranean archipelago: the Hotel Barceló Fortina Malta.
Located right on Sliema’s beachfront promenade and with views across the UNESCO-recognised city of Valetta, this wonderful hotel has 183 rooms with their own private terrace, most of which have views of the capital. The hotel also boasts an adults-only spa service and a menu comprising a wide range of delicious local and international cuisine.
It’s a luxurious option that allows you to enjoy the very best of Maltese hospitality, regardless of the time of day.
