
Balluta Bay | An introduction.Balluta Bay is splendid. This inlet on the east coast of Malta forms part of St. Julian’s and is complementary to St. Julian’s Bay. The stretch along the seafront is a daily routine to many either for commuting between two major cities, a quick stop in between for a break, a lunch or drink, a great place to dine by night or a leisurely stroll at any time of day. On the weekends, the traffic around this area becomes more manageable and less urgent. The sun comes out and the people slow down, to better enjoy the surroundings. Café’s, bars and restaurants seem to be consistently full especially around the summer months – we would obviously recommend those with a view of the bay.
Balluta Bay is known for it’s little beach, which although small in size, always accommodates for the demand. Hundreds make this their ideal day out on a summer’s day because it’s conveniently in the center of Malta with access to lidos and your own spot seaside. During the evening months of summer, lovers will walk along the seaside as it makes for a very romantic scene. The lights from the coastline create a stunning image projected into the sea and the quiet spots along the sea edge are gorgeous and best enjoyed in a summer breeze. The waters are excellent for swimming, and water sport activities aplenty – even for beginners who wish to dip their feet in first. The beaches are rocky, however some areas have been flattened to accommodate. The seabed is sandy and this makes it excellent for kids and families also.
As you enter seamlessly from either end, whether St. Julian’s or Sliema, you immediately recognise that Balluta Bay is less populated, has slightly fewer food establishments and this means it retained even more of its charm. Balluta Bay forms part of the promenade and upon entering you’ll immediately notice the imposing size and beauty of the Carmelite Parish Church, a neo-gothic structure that seems to occupy most of this landscape. Much smaller in size, the quaint cafés make for a perfect getaway at all times of the day. Like neighbouring areas such as Exiles and St. Julian’s Bay, Balluta Bay has intangible qualities best experienced in person – a sense of open community, with friendly locals and foreigners who live harmoniously in a relatively small area, that cater for tourists and locals alike.
The cons of living here are very few. Seafront apartments are in demand for their proximity to the sea and impressive views. Further inland and you’ll enjoy even more tranquil side roads away from the main road that stretches alongside the promenade. The traffic does get congestive, especially during the week. Over the weekends, its more an opportunity for people to slow down and drive through with ease – many also choose to ditch their car and go for the more recommended option of going for a stroll. Commuting is fairly simple seeing as it is between two big cities and whilst parking will be an issue, it’s not among the very worst of central locations. The pros on the other hand are more than a handful; close to the sea, quiet in the evenings, plenty good quality restaurants, more reasonable costs than the neighbouring city of Sliema with less footfall and the views of the coastline are as good as any. Property is available around this area however the good qualities it retains makes for a quick sell and always in demand.
