Sliema
Sliema is Malta's main hotel and shopping town: a long seafront promenade, rocky swimming spots, Tigne Point and a ferry that crosses to Valletta in minutes.
Sliema
Sliema is Malta's main hotel and shopping town: a long seafront promenade, rocky swimming spots, Tigne Point and a ferry that crosses to Valletta in minutes.
Sliema (Tas-Sliema) faces Valletta across Marsamxett Harbour on Malta's northeast coast. Once a fishing village and a summer retreat for Valletta families, it is now a dense town of apartment blocks, hotels, shops and cafes, and Visit Malta lists it among the island's main resorts. Its appeal is practical: a long seafront for walking, plenty of places to eat, and a direct public link to the capital.
Two waterfronts define the town. On the harbour side, The Strand looks straight across to the bastions of Valletta and Manoel Island; this is where the Valletta ferry and most harbour cruise boats depart. On the open-sea side, the Tower Road promenade runs northwest toward St Julian's, above flat limestone rocks where locals swim from ladders and small lidos in summer. Tigne Point, at the tip of the peninsula, has a shopping centre and the remains of an old fort.
What to do
- Walk the promenade from Tigne Point to St Julian's in the late afternoon.
- Take the harbour ferry to Valletta rather than the bus.
- Join a Grand Harbour cruise or a Comino boat trip from The Strand.
- Swim from the rocks on calm days, or try stand-up paddleboarding along the shore.
Sliema's coast is mostly rocky, but Exiles Bay includes a small sandy and pebble beach. For a larger sandy beach, take a bus to St George's Bay in St Julian's or head north to Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay. The rocky shore is pleasant on still days but can be dangerous when waves come in from the northeast, so watch the flags and local advice.
As a base, Sliema suits first-time visitors and anyone without a car. Hotels range from budget to upmarket, buses run along the seafront, and Valletta is a short boat ride away. Evenings are livelier than in the capital but calmer than Paceville next door. For a broader comparison of bases, see where to stay in Malta.
Practical information
Sliema questions
Does Sliema have a beach?
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Sliema's shore is mostly rocky, with a small sandy and pebble beach at Exiles Bay. People also swim from the limestone rocks and small lidos along Tower Road. Balluta Bay in neighbouring St Julian's has sand, and larger sandy beaches such as Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay are in the north.
Is Sliema a good base for a first trip to Malta?
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Yes. Sliema has a wide choice of hotels, plenty of places to eat, buses along the seafront and a direct ferry to Valletta. Harbour cruises and Comino boat trips leave from The Strand, so it is easy to explore without a car.
How long is the ferry from Sliema to Valletta?
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The crossing over Marsamxett Harbour is short, a matter of minutes, and runs directly between the two towns. Check the current timetable on the Valletta Ferry Services site before you travel, as hours differ between summer and winter.
Is Sliema safe to swim from the rocks?
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On calm days the rock swimming spots are popular and easy to use with ladders. When waves come in from the northeast the shore becomes dangerous. Watch for red flags and local advice, wear water shoes on the rocks and avoid swimming alone.
How far is Sliema from the airport?
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Sliema is reached by road from Malta International Airport. Direct buses connect the airport with Sliema, and taxis and ride-hailing cars are available at arrivals. Allow extra time at rush hour, when the coast road is often congested.
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