Who Sliema suits
Sliema works best for guests who want to walk everywhere. Couples, families and groups of friends all do well here, especially on a first visit to Malta. It is a busy, lived-in town rather than a resort, so expect traffic and people during the day and a relaxed promenade in the evening.
If you want clubs and late bars on your doorstep, look at St Julian's instead. If you want quiet streets and easy parking, look at Swieqi.
Getting there from the airport
Malta International Airport is in the south of the island. The drive to Sliema usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, and taxis and ride-hailing apps are available outside arrivals. Public buses also run from the airport, but they are slower and can be crowded when you have luggage. We can arrange a private transfer with a driver waiting for you at arrivals: just ask when you book.
Getting around
The Sliema Ferries terminal on the Strand has boats across Marsamxett Harbour to Valletta, which is usually quicker than going round by road. Buses along the seafront connect Sliema with St Julian's, Valletta and the rest of the island.
Parking in Sliema is hard to find. Many guests do without a car in town and rent one only for the days they explore further afield.
The sea and swimming
Sliema has no sandy beach. The coast is flat limestone rock with ladders and small lidos into deep, clear water, ideal for a swim before breakfast. Bring water shoes: the rock can be sharp, and hot in summer.
For sand, the nearest option is St George's Bay in St Julian's. For the Blue Lagoon on Comino, boat trips leave from the Sliema seafront.
Eating out and evenings
The Strand and Tower Road are lined with cafés, restaurants and bars, from a quick pastizz to seafood by the water. Tigné Point, at the tip of the peninsula, has a shopping centre and a quieter waterfront. In the evening the promenade fills with people walking towards St Julian's for the sunset.
Day trips from Sliema
Sliema is one of the easiest bases in Malta for day trips. Valletta and the Three Cities are a ferry ride away. Hop-on hop-off bus tours of the north and south of the island start from Sliema, and boat trips run to Comino, the Blue Lagoon and Gozo.
We run several of these trips ourselves and can book them for you. Message us on WhatsApp for dates and prices.
Practical tips
In autumn and winter the wind can make the sea rough, and ferries and boat trips are sometimes cancelled at short notice, so keep boat days flexible. Summers are hot and sunny: carry water and sun cream. In Malta you drive on the left.
