About Spinola Bay
Spinola Bay is the small horseshoe harbour at the heart of St Julian's, ringed by restaurants, bars and apartment blocks, with brightly painted luzzu and kajjik fishing boats moored in the middle. It takes its name from Spinola Palace, the summer residence a Knight of St John began building on the hill above it in 1688.
So, can you swim here? Not really. There is no beach, the edge of the bay is quay and seawall, and the water is full of moored boats and boats coming and going. Spinola is the place to eat, drink and walk, not to swim. For a swim, walk a few minutes to Balluta Bay or Exiles, or about 15 minutes to the sand at St George's Bay.
What Spinola Bay is like
The bay is a narrow, enclosed inlet with the coast road wrapped around it. The inner end is lined with restaurant terraces right at the water's edge, and the outer arms are seawall and rock, with Portomaso's tower and marina just beyond the northern headland. The water inside is usually calm, which is why fishermen still keep boats here.
On the promenade stands the LOVE sculpture by a Maltese artist, its letters set upside down so that the word reads correctly in the reflection when the water is still. It is one of the most photographed spots in St Julian's, and people attach padlocks to it. Spinola Palace itself is now barely visible from the water behind newer buildings. The palace is not open to the public, but its public front garden is a quiet spot just up the hill.
Can you swim at Spinola Bay?
The water in the bay is monitored as official bathing water, but swimming here is not a good idea. There are no steps or ladders meant for swimmers, the boats moored across the bay leave little open water, and boats move in and out all day. You would also be swimming right below busy restaurant terraces. In the past the bay has been closed to bathing after damage to the drainage system, and reopened once repairs were made.
The nearest proper swims are close by. Balluta Bay, about 350 m west, has steps and rocky ledges in a sheltered bay. Exiles, about 500 m along Tower Road, has platforms and ladders into deep, clear water. St George's Bay, just under 1 km away past Paceville, is the nearest sandy beach and the easiest with children.
When to go to Spinola Bay
Spinola Bay faces north-east, but it is enclosed enough to be sheltered from most winds. Northerly, north-easterly and easterly winds can push some swell into the mouth of the bay. The bay is at its prettiest in the evening, when the restaurants light up, the boats rock in the harbour and the LOVE sign is reflected on the water. Mornings are quiet, with fishermen working on their boats.
Things to do near Spinola Bay
Spinola sits on the seafront walk that runs all the way from Sliema to St George's Bay, so it fits easily into a longer stroll. Heading west takes you past Balluta's Carmelite church and Art Nouveau buildings towards Sliema. Heading east brings you to Portomaso and on to Paceville.
Divers use the bay's surroundings too. A fireworks barge that sank in 2009 lies at about 10 m between Spinola and Exiles, and the Tug 2 wreck is a shore dive off Exiles, about 600 m away. Dive centres in St Julian's run guided dives to both.
Around the bay there is a wide choice of restaurants, cafés and bars, from snack places to fish restaurants. There are no sunbeds, umbrellas or toilets for bathers, as it is not a beach.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a beach at Spinola Bay?
Not really. Spinola Bay is a small harbour with restaurants and boats, and there is no easy access into the sea.
Where can I swim near Spinola Bay?
St George's Bay, about 15 minutes' walk away, is the nearest sandy beach. Balluta Bay is closer for a quick dip.
What is the upside-down LOVE sign at Spinola Bay?
It is a sculpture by a Maltese artist. The letters are inverted so that the word reads correctly in its reflection on the water.
Why is it called Spinola Bay?
It is named after Spinola Palace, built on the hill above from 1688 by a Knight of St John from the Spinola family.
Are there sunbeds at Spinola Bay?
Yes. Cavalieri Art Hotel Lido rents sunbeds in summer.
Can you get to Spinola Bay by boat?
Yes. Boat trips to Spinola Bay run with Fly Time Malta.
