BUSES. From Valletta 62, 64, 66, 67, 68.

St Julian's is now an extension of Sliema although it started life as a small fishing port based on Spinola and Balluta Bays.

Like Sliema, it is now a major residential and tourist centre, and home to some of Malta's newest hotels.

St Julian's merges with Paceville, Malta's main nightlife centre where there are clubs, casinos and numerous restaurants, cafes and bars.

Picturesque Spinola Bay is still used by fishermen whose traditional boats are housed just below the restaurants. The bay is particularly attractive at night and as a venue for open-air dining. T

he elegant Spinola Palace, built in 1658 by an Italian knight, Giovanni Spinola, is the landmark historic building on the bay. Another fine building with superb sea views is Villa Dragonara, now a casino, on the headland of St George's Bay.