Sliema
Visited in 2009, 2018 and 2025
At a glance
- Country
- Malta
- Region
- Northern Harbour District
- Population
- 22,730
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- None — nearest is Malta International (MLA)
- Coordinates
- 35.90°N, 14.51°E
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Overview
Sliema was once a quiet fishing village and a summer retreat, and is now Malta's busiest resort town, lined with apartment blocks, hotels and shops. Its long seafront promenade is where the whole island seems to come for an evening stroll.
It is not historic like Valletta, but it is a practical, sociable base. The capital is a short ferry ride across the harbour, and boat trips around the islands leave from the waterfront.
Things to see
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Photo: Txllxt TxllxT, CC BY-SA 4.0 Tower Road promenade
A long seafront walk with views across the water, busiest at sunset.
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Photo: Continentaleurope, CC BY-SA 4.0 St Julian's Tower
A small coastal watchtower built by the knights in the seventeenth century.
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Photo: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0 Fort Tigné
An early nineteenth-century fort on the point facing Valletta.
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Photo: Matthew Benn, CC BY-SA 4.0 Manoel Island
The island off Sliema's harbour, with a historic star-shaped fort.
Things to do
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Photo: Frank Vincentz, CC BY-SA 3.0 Ferry to Valletta
The short crossing gives one of the best views of the capital's bastions.
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Swim from the rocks
Flat limestone shelves along the shore have ladders down into clear water.
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Photo: Sudika, CC BY-SA 3.0 Boat trip to Comino
Day cruises leave the waterfront for the Blue Lagoon and the coves of Gozo and Comino.
Find tours
Where to stay
Sliema seafront
Hotels with sea views, close to the ferry and promenade.
Hotels in Sliema seafrontTigné Point
Modern apartments and shops on the headland facing Valletta.
Hotels in Tigné PointSt Julian's
Next door, livelier and better for nightlife.
Hotels in St Julian's
Getting around
Sliema is walkable along the front. Buses run to the rest of the island, and ferries cross to Valletta.
The airport is around 12 kilometres away; buses or a taxi take roughly 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
When to go
Summer is the season for swimming and boat trips, though July and August are hot and crowded. May, June, September and October are warm and calmer. Winter is mild but can be windy.
Plan your trip to Sliema
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.