Sliema, Malta: Travel Guide to Malta's Seaside Hub

Sliema, on Malta's northeast coast, is one of the island's busiest and most cosmopolitan towns, with a long seafront promenade, modern shopping centres, cafés and stunning views across the harbour to Valletta. Once a quiet fishing village and later a fashionable summer resort for wealthy Maltese families, it's now a lively base for exploring Malta, with frequent ferries to the capital and harbour cruises to Comino and Gozo. Together with neighbouring St. Julian's, Sliema offers swimming spots, restaurants and nightlife.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Sliema

1. Tower Road and the Sliema Promenade

The Sliema Promenade, running along Tower Road and The Strand, stretches for several kilometres along the coast from Sliema to St. Julian's. It's the place to stroll, jog or cycle, with cafés, restaurants and gelato shops on one side and the sea on the other. Along the way, you'll find rocky beaches and swimming platforms, small parks and historic towers, such as St. Julian's Tower, built by the Knights of St John in 1658 as part of a chain of coastal watchtowers. The Independence Garden is famous for its colony of cats, cared for by local volunteers.

Booking tip: walk the promenade at sunset; a Malta highlights tour on GetYourGuide can depart from Sliema.

2. Views of Valletta and the Ferry Crossing

The Sliema Ferries waterfront on Marsamxett Harbour offers one of the best views of Valletta's skyline, with the dome of the Carmelite Church and the spire of St. Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral rising above the city walls. A short ferry ride of about five to ten minutes takes you straight to Valletta, a scenic and practical way to reach the capital. The waterfront is also the departure point for harbour cruises.

Booking tip: the ferry is a great alternative to traffic, especially at rush hour.

3. Harbour Cruises and Boat Trips to Comino and Gozo

From Sliema, boats depart on harbour cruises around Valletta's two natural harbours, Marsamxett and the Grand Harbour, passing fortifications, the Three Cities and historic docks. Full-day boat trips sail to Comino and its famous Blue Lagoon, as well as to Gozo's coastline, with stops for swimming and snorkelling in crystal-clear water.

Booking tip: harbour cruises and Comino boat trips can be booked on GetYourGuide; check whether visitor time slots apply at the Blue Lagoon.

4. Tigné Point, Fort Tigné and Manoel Island

At the tip of the Sliema peninsula, Tigné Point is a modern development of apartments, restaurants and The Point shopping mall. It's also home to Fort Tigné, built by the Knights in the 1790s and one of the earliest polygonal forts in Europe. Nearby, Manoel Island, connected by a bridge, is home to Fort Manoel, built in the 1720s, a beautiful example of Baroque military architecture, and the island is a popular spot for walks and views.

Booking tip: combine a visit to Tigné Point with shopping at The Point.

5. St. Julian's, Balluta Bay and Spinola Bay

Just north of Sliema, Balluta Bay is a small sandy cove overlooked by the Art Nouveau Balluta Buildings and the neo-Gothic Carmelite Church. Spinola Bay, in St. Julian's, is lined with colourful fishing boats and restaurants and features the famous "LOVE" sculpture. Beyond lies Paceville, Malta's nightlife district, full of bars and clubs.

Booking tip: book seafood restaurants at Spinola Bay in advance in summer.

Practical Travel Tips for Sliema

Before You Go

• Entry: Malta is a member of the EU and the Schengen Area; check visa requirements for your nationality.
• Swimming: most beaches in Sliema are rocky, so bring water shoes.

Getting Around

• By air: Malta International Airport is about 20–30 minutes away by taxi or bus.
• Ferries: connect Sliema with Valletta.
• Buses: connect Sliema with the rest of Malta.
• Ride-hailing apps: Bolt and eCabs are popular.
• Money: the currency is the euro.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Pastizzi: flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas, Malta's favourite snack.
• Lampuki pie: a pie made with dorado fish, in season from late August to December.
• Stuffat tal-fenek: rabbit stewed in wine and garlic, the national dish.
• Fresh seafood: grilled octopus and fish at Spinola Bay.
• Kinnie and Cisk: a bitter orange soft drink and the local lager.

Best Time to Visit

• May–June and September–October: warm weather and pleasant sea temperatures.
• July–August: hot and busy, with lively nightlife in St. Julian's.
• Winter: mild and quiet, ideal for walks along the promenade.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Sliema

Sliema combines a seaside promenade, harbour views and easy access to Malta's highlights. Whether you're strolling along Tower Road, cruising to the Blue Lagoon or taking the ferry to Valletta, Sliema is a convenient and lively base for your Maltese holiday.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover Sliema.