Sliema
,Sliema is a bustling town located on the northeast coast of Malta. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and bars lining the waterfront promenade. The town offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts.
Visitors can also explore historical sites like the impressive Fort Tigné while enjoying the lively cosmopolitan vibe of Sliema.
- "Kif inti?" - How are you?
- "Grazzi" - Thank you
- "Jiena mghandni" - I don't understand
- "Fejn hu?" - Where is it?
- "Tajjeb" - Good
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $70 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1.50 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Beach Day
morning
:Start your day with a refreshing swim at Sliema Beach. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a nearby café with stunning sea views.
afternoon
:Spend the afternoon sunbathing on the sandy shores or trying out water sports. Explore the local shops for souvenirs and beach essentials.
evening
:Dine at a seaside restaurant and savor fresh seafood while watching the sunset. Take a peaceful stroll along the promenade to end your day.
Historical Adventure
morning
:Visit the historic Fort Tigne for its breathtaking views of Valletta. Explore the museum and learn about Malta's rich military history.
afternoon
:Head to the nearby Valletta using a ferry. Discover the stunning architecture and visit the National Museum of Archaeology.
evening
:Return to Sliema and enjoy dinner at a traditional Maltese restaurant. Relax with a gelato as you walk along the waterfront.
Highlights
Good
- Beautiful coastal views and beaches
- Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options
- Rich history and culture with historical sites
- Excellent dining options and international cuisine
- Good public transport connectivity to other parts of Malta
Bad
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons
- Higher cost of living compared to other Maltese towns
- Limited green spaces and parks
- Traffic congestion during busy periods
- Some areas may feel overly commercialized
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Stroll along the Sliema Promenade
Enjoy a scenic walk along the coastline, taking in the stunning views of Valletta and the surrounding sea.
Visit the Sliema Beaches
Relax or swim at the popular rocky and sandy beaches, such as Exiles Beach and Balluta Bay.
Kayaking Tours
Explore the beautiful coastline and nearby caves by renting a kayak or joining a guided kayak tour.
Diving and Snorkeling
Discover the underwater world around Sliema with various diving centers offering lessons and excursions.
Boat Trips to the Blue Lagoon
Take a boat trip to the stunning Blue Lagoon at Comino Island, known for its crystal-clear waters.
Cycling along the coast
Rent a bike and cycle along the promenade or through nearby towns to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful scenery.
Visit Tigne Point
Explore the beautiful parks and shopping areas at Tigne Point, while enjoying views of the sea.
Participate in outdoor yoga sessions
Join local yoga classes held at scenic outdoor locations, often with views of the Mediterranean.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Sliema with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Promenade
Enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean sea and the city skyline
Tigné Point
Ideal for capturing panoramic shots of Valletta and the harbor
Fort Tigné
Offers historical charm and beautiful vistas of the coastline
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pastizzi
A savory pastry filled with either ricotta cheese or mushy peas, a popular Maltese snack. Best enjoyed at Crystal Palace or Serkin.
Must-Try!
Fenek (Rabbit Stew)
A traditional Maltese dish featuring rabbit stewed with wine, garlic, and herbs. Recommended at Ta' Kolina or Tas-Serena.
Lampuki Pie
A delicious fish pie made with dorado or mahi-mahi, tomatoes, spinach, and olives, perfect at local bakeries or Il-Mercanti in Sliema.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Sliema better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Sliema Sunday Market
A bustling market offering a variety of street food, fresh produce, and local delicacies. Don't miss the mouthwatering selection of pastries and sweets.
Tower Road Promenade
Lined with food stalls and vendors offering freshly prepared seafood, traditional snacks, and refreshing drinks. Perfect for a leisurely stroll and sampling local treats.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Understand Local Greetings
In Sliema, a friendly greeting is commonly used. A simple 'Bongu' (Good morning) or 'Bona Sera' (Good evening) is appreciated. It's polite to greet shopkeepers or locals upon entering places.
Dress Modestly at Religious Sites
When visiting churches or religious sites, dress respectfully. This includes covering shoulders and knees. It's part of the local culture to show reverence in sacred spaces.
Mind Table Manners
During meals, wait for the host to start before you begin eating. It's also customary to keep hands on the table and not to place elbows down, following traditional dining etiquette.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Sliema with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Sliema, Malta, tipping is generally appreciated but not obligatory. It is common to leave a tip of around 10% of the bill in restaurants if the service is satisfactory. In bars and cafes, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is customary. Tipping in other service industries, like taxis and hotels, is also welcomed but not expected.
Payment
Payment methods in Sliema are versatile, with cash and credit cards widely accepted. Euro is the official currency, and most establishments prefer card payments, particularly in tourist areas. ATMs are available for cash withdrawal. Mobile payment options are also becoming popular, though it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and local markets.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Sliema.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (March to May)
Spring is a great time to visit Sliema, Malta. The temperatures are mild, and the island is blooming with colorful flowers. It's a perfect time for outdoor activities and sightseeing without the sweltering heat of summer.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the peak tourist season in Sliema, Malta. The weather is hot and perfect for beach activities and water sports. The town comes alive with events, festivals, and a vibrant nightlife.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn in Sliema, Malta is a pleasant time to visit. The temperatures start to cool down, and the summer crowds begin to dwindle. It's a great time for sightseeing, enjoying the local cuisine, and exploring the island's rich history.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Sliema, Malta is the quietest season for tourists. The weather is mild, and it's a great time for enjoying the local culture, taking leisurely walks along the coast, and experiencing traditional Maltese festivities.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Mellieha Bay
A popular beach and hiking area with scenic views, offering trails that lead to coastal cliffs and historical sites.
Ghadira Nature Reserve
A beautiful natural reserve featuring diverse ecosystems and walking trails that allow for a peaceful hike amidst nature.
Pembroke Nature Reserve
Located near St. Julian's, this area has various walking paths through a mix of Mediterranean flora and fauna.
Buskett Gardens
A historical agricultural area with wooded pathways and beautiful surroundings, perfect for hiking and picnicking.
Dingli Cliffs
Known for its stunning sea views and dramatic cliffs, this area offers several hiking trails along the coast.
Xemxija Heritage Trail
An archaeological trail that combines history with nature, taking hikers through scenic landscapes near St. Paul's Bay.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Sliema through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Sliema by plane.
Malta International Airport (MLA)
The main airport serving Malta, located in Luqa, approximately 8 km from Sliema.
Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Located in Sicily, Italy, about 140 km from Sliema. It serves a variety of international flights.
Palermo Airport (PMO)
Located in Sicily, Italy, approximately 230 km from Sliema and offers international connections.
Lampedusa Airport (LMP)
Located on Lampedusa Island, Italy, around 300 km from Sliema, mainly serving domestic and some international flights.
Comiso Airport (CIY)
Located in Sicily, Italy, about 160 km from Sliema, used for regional and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Maltese Citizens
The native population of Malta, who primarily speak Maltese and enjoy various cultural traditions unique to Malta.
Expatriates
Individuals from various countries residing in Sliema for work or study, contributing to the multicultural environment.
Tourists
Visitors from around the world who come to Sliema for its beaches, shopping, and historical attractions.
Foreign Residents
Non-Maltese individuals and families living in Sliema on a long-term basis, attracted by its lifestyle and amenities.
Elderly Population
Residents aged 65 and above, often involved in community activities and services tailored for seniors.
Young Professionals
Individuals in their 20s and 30s, typically working in various industries such as tourism, IT, and finance.
Families with Children
Households raising children, contributing to the educational and recreational needs of the community.
The Soul of Sliema
Discover the essence of Sliema through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football
Football is extremely popular in Sliema, with many local teams and a strong community following the sport.
Waterpolo
Given Sliema's location by the sea, waterpolo holds a significant place in local culture, with the Sliema Waterpolo Club being one of the top clubs in Malta.
Basketball
Basketball is also popular in Sliema, with local clubs and enthusiastic support from the community.
Sailing
The proximity to the sea makes sailing a popular activity, with many residents participating in the sport.
Running
With its scenic coastline, running and jogging are common pastimes for both locals and visitors.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Sliema has a growing number of restaurants and cafes offering innovative vegetarian and vegan dishes. Many establishments are happy to accommodate dietary preferences upon request.
Gluten-Free Choices
Travellers with gluten intolerance will find options like gluten-free pasta, bread, and desserts in select restaurants and bakeries across Sliema.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Sliema with these cultural adventures.