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Latest update: 11 May 2023
An endless promenade along the rocky beaches embraces Sliema. The former fishing village is now one of Malta’s leading tourist destinations. And that is not surprising because the sea is calling, and the brightly colored doors and balconies immediately put you in a holiday mood.
Sliema is a coastal town in Malta, right next to St. Julian’s (San Ġiljan) and with the capital Valletta on the other side of the water. Balluta Bay pretty much marks the dividing line between Sliema and St Julian’s. It is busy along the promenade and shopping street, but turn into any side street, and you will immediately find peace. The Malta of the Maltese. Fun fact: Sliem-a means ‘rest’.
Do not expect hundreds of sights in Sliema. It is mainly a pleasant coastal town to relax, walk around and visit the restaurants. If you ask me, it is a perfect base to discover Malta. But first, let’s get to know Sliema better…
Promenade along the sea
With the coast on one side and Tower Road (Triq It – Torri) on the other, you can actually walk around Sliema. No sandy beaches, but rocky shores and beautiful sea views. You can either walk directly over the rocks or follow the promenade. Or alternate the two. This is a relaxed stretch along the sea where the Maltese also like to take a walk, run, or enjoy the playground equipment with their kids.
Cat statue in the cat park
Following the promenade, you will pass the cat park where children and cats play. The street cats from the neighborhood like to stay here. Space has been made for various cat baskets and other cat accommodations underneath some palapas. The people from the area come to feed the cats. The statue is not legendary, by the way, but it does stand out nicely. And it helps you spot the park. It is a nice place to enjoy the view or read a book on a bench.
Tip! Looking for more inspiration? Check out this blog with things you should definitely do in Malta!
Tigné Point viewpoint
Tigné is the area at the very tip of Sliema. From Tigné Point, you can almost touch Valletta – so to speak. You come mainly to take in the view of the city and maybe to take a dip. Unfortunately, you cannot visit the fort on site.
Tigné shopping area and lock bridge
A lot has been built in this part, especially luxury apartments and chic shops. So you can certainly do some excellent shopping on the streets and in the shopping center The Point. You will also see a white pedestrian bridge with ‘love locks’.
Knisja tal-Karmnu Church
Ok, secretly, this church is only just in St. Julian’s. But it is so close that I still include it in this list. The church is on Balluta Bay and is well-maintained. It is a Roman Catholic church that you can visit for free.
Ferry from Sliema to Valletta
From Sliema, you can get to Valletta in no time (here you will find all Valletta tips, by the way). You simply jump on the ferry that only costs € 1.50. To be paid in cash. You have a beautiful view of Sliema and Valletta from the ferry, and you sail past Manoel Island.
Boat trip from Sliema to Comino and Blue Lagoon
If a ferry crossing to Valletta isn’t enough sailing fun, you can also make very cool boat trips from Sliema. For example to Gozo, Comino, the Blue Lagoon, or along the ports. On the GetYourGuide site, you will find many options for boat trips.
Restaurant Fresco’s
Friendly priced and friendly service: that is restaurant Fresco’s in the Exiles Bay. You can eat with a view of the bay. Very atmospheric. The menu includes pizzas, pasta, and fish and meat dishes. Just a simple restaurant with Italian vibes and fresh food. If you dare, you can also order rabbit dishes – typically Maltese.
Carolina’s Petit Café
Very sweet. Pink. Curlicues. That’s Carolinas. Inside you will be amazed by the decoration, and you can look out over the water on the sunny terrace. The interior is very sweet, and the sweet-toothed among us can also enjoy cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. But you can also just come for a glass of wine. By the way, you order at the bar; I didn’t realize that for about 15 minutes. 😉
Vegan food at Balance Bowl
At Balance Bowl, you can have super tasty vegan food. It is a modern restaurant with very helpful service. And the portions are huge. I tried the vegan No Doner Kebab and it was so good. So really, I promise, meat lovers will also enjoy this restaurant.
Balance Bowl is actually not in Sliema, but a few more steps into Gżira. But trust me; you’ll want to leave Sliema for this restaurant.
The prettiest ice cream at Amorino
Amorino is an ice cream parlor that you see more often in Europe. Fortunately, because this Italian ice cream is very tasty. And very beautiful! Go for a cone, and the employees will make a beautiful flower out of ice cream for you. Macaron on top, take a picture, and enjoy!
Get a coffee at Coffee Fellows
Coffee Fellows is a sustainable German coffee chain that opened a branch in Sliema in 2022. Good coffee and smoothie bowls, but unfortunately, they can’t make the latter for me during my visit. It’s a nice coffee shop to grab a quick coffee, but they also have comfortable seats where you can chat or work a bit. You will find Coffee Fellows opposite the ferry to Valletta.
COFFEE & strangers Espresso Bar
Are you looking for a small, local coffee shop? Then go to COFFEE & strangers Espresso Bar. The coffee is made with a lot of love and attention. The baristas do their very best to give you the best coffee and make you feel at ease. If you have questions about the coffee, they are there for you. And if you want to know even more about coffee, you can join a workshop. Check the website for the options.
Hostel tip in Sliema: Granny’s Inn Hostel
If you enjoy staying in a hostel, I can highly recommend Granny’s Inn Hostel. This lovely, small-scale hostel is run by a nice couple with an even nicer dog. The dormitories have five or six beds. And there are also some private rooms. It’s all spotless, from common areas to showers and toilets. Cheerful paintings alternate with murals in the corridors and the walls of the common areas. You can admire the sunset from the roof terrace. So definitely a great stay.
Cheap hotel in Sliema: Carlton Hotel
The Carlton Hotel is a simple 3-star hotel in Sliema. The rooms are basic but clean. If you plan to go out a lot, this is really perfect. The hotel is on Exiles Bay, so you can easily reach the rocky beach. There is a swimming pool on the top floor, but it is tiny and not very inviting. The older gentleman at the reception is amiable and helpful. I get a cheerful smile whenever I enter or leave the hotel. Carlton Hotel prices vary a bit on Booking, but occasionally they have an excellent deal.
Wonderful studio in Sliema: Sliema Studios
If Sliema Studios has availability, you MUST book it. It is a small-scale stay, although they are expanding considerably at other locations. The service is super personal and fast. If no one is behind the reception, you can just use Whatsapp. And the studio is very stylishly furnished, including a washing machine, dryer, and fully equipped kitchen. I even have two TV screens! Sliema Studios is one street back from Tower Road. That means less traffic, but you will be on the boulevard in a heartbeat.
Check availability on Booking.
More Malta inspiration?
Useful links for your Malta trip
- Accommodation. Still favorite: Booking.com. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. For ‘free’ walking tours, try Freetour.com or GuruWalk and for bike tours, Baja Bikes offers excellent service.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Boat. For ferries in Malta, check Direct Ferries.
- Car rental. My go-to car rental companies are EasyTerra and Sunny Cars as they have all-inclusive / worry-free offers. You could also check Discover Cars for good deals.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Momondo, Transavia, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip to Malta? There is plenty of choice all over. For the Dutch: ANWB vakanties, Tui or Vakantie Discounter. Or maybe D-Reizen or Sunweb.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Travel gear. Buy your gear at Bever or Decathlon, or simply at Bol.com.
- Travel guides. I like paper travel guides to browse through, for sale at Bol.com and Amazon, among others.
- Yoga retreat. Or treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Malta!
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