If you are planning your trip to Malta and want to explore beyond Valletta, Sliema is a must-see stop. We visited as a day trip from Marsaskala, where we lived for almost two months, and we were enchanted by everything it has to offer. Knowing things to do in Sliema Malta will help you make the most of every hour in one of the most lively and cosmopolitan neighborhoods on the island.
Sliema is the quintessential commercial and tourist city of Malta. It has an incredible promenade, cafes with sea views, shops of all kinds, and an energy different from the rest of the island. If you have already visited the historic center of Valletta, Sliema will surprise you with a different pace, more modern and relaxed.
In this guide, we tell you everything we saw, what we liked, and also the spots that aren’t quite worth it based on our experience.
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Summary of Things to do in Sliema | Malta
| Point of interest | Key description |
|---|---|
| Promenade | Ideal for walking with Mediterranean views, especially at sunset. |
| Tigné Point | Modern complex with shops and the best panoramic views of Valletta. |
| Swimming platforms | Natural rocky areas perfect for swimming in crystal-clear water. |
| Exiles Beach | Small sand and pebble beach, ideal for resting in the sun. |
| Balluta Bay | Picturesque bay with an art deco church and seaside terraces. |
| The Ferries | The city’s commercial heart and maritime connection point with the capital. |
| Sliema Churches | Noted for their baroque architecture and great ornamental wealth. |
| Shopping area | The nerve center for shopping, electronics, and souvenirs in Malta. |
| Local gastronomy | A must-try: “pastizzi” at local street food spots. |
| Views of Valletta | The most recommended visual spectacle at sunset from the coast. |
How to get to Sliema from anywhere in Malta
Getting to Sliema is very easy. From Valletta, you can take the ferry (a journey of just 10 minutes crossing the harbor, which costs very little) or the bus. We, who lived in Marsaskala, took the direct bus line connecting the south with Sliema, which took about 45-50 minutes.
Malta has a very complete public bus network. With the Tallinja app, you can buy tickets and check schedules in real-time. A single trip costs around €1.50 off-season and €2 in summer. If you plan to move around a lot during the day, the unlimited day pass is the best option.
If you come by rental car, keep in mind that parking in Sliema can be a headache. The most practical thing is to leave the car on the outskirts or in a parking garage and explore the center on foot, which is perfectly walkable.
Things to do in Sliema Malta: the 10 unmissable ones
1. The Promenade (The Strand and Triq It-Torri)
The Sliema coastal promenade is undoubtedly the first thing that will catch your attention. It stretches for several kilometers along the Mediterranean and is ideal for walking, running, or just sitting at one of the cafes with sea views. The walk is peaceful; from the Tigné area to the tip of the cape is beautiful, with the light blue water on one side and the city buildings on the other.
During the day, the atmosphere is quiet, but in the afternoon and at sunset, the promenade fills up with locals exercising, families, and tourists. It is the ideal time to grab a coffee with a view or try a snack at one of the kiosks.
2. Tigné Point
Tigné Point is a modern complex (The Point Shopping Mall) located at the tip that separates Marsaxlokk harbor from the open sea. It has shops, restaurants, and a spectacular view of Valletta and the Grand Harbour. It is perfect for photos, especially at sunset when the capital’s skyline lights up.
Inside the complex, there is a shopping mall with international brands and several food outlets. It’s not the most authentic place in Malta, but the walk to the tip is worth it for the views it offers.
3. The Rocky Coast and Swimming Platforms
Sliema does not have sandy beaches, but it has something just as interesting: natural rocky platforms that people use for swimming. All along the coastline, you will find stairs leading down to the sea and areas designated for swimming. The water is crystal clear, and the seabed is quite interesting for those who enjoy snorkeling.
Maltese people have this deeply incorporated into their culture. In summer, the whole city seems to live on these platforms. We swam several times from these areas, and the experience was very different from what we are used to, but quite enjoyable.
4. Exiles Beach
If you insist on looking for some sand, the closest option in Sliema is Exiles Beach, a small beach with sand mixed with pebbles located on the promenade. It is not the most spectacular in Malta, but it has a vibe, especially in the afternoon when the sun hits from the side and the light is perfect.
There are some beach bars and sunbed rentals in the area. It’s a good place to stop for a few hours if you are traveling with kids or just want to lie on the sand for a while.
5. Balluta Bay
Balluta Bay is a small, charming bay found by walking a few minutes from the center of Sliema towards the St. Julian’s area. It has a small beach, a beautiful art deco church, and several restaurants with terraces over the sea.
It is one of those places that is a pleasure to photograph. The architecture of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel church contrasting with the blue water of the Mediterranean is an unbeatable combo. At the very end of the day, the light that falls on the bay is spectacular.
More Info: Things to do in San Julian (St. Julian)
6. Sliema Ferry / Ferry Area
The area known as “The Ferries” is the heart of Sliema’s center. Ferries to Valletta depart from here, and it is also one of the busiest points in the city. There are several cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and food stalls.
From here you can take a ferry to Valletta. The short trip across the harbor with views of the capital’s walls from the water is something worth experiencing at least once.
7. Sliema Churches
Malta in general has a density of churches per square kilometer that is impressive, and Sliema is no exception. The most important one is the Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church, but it is also worth visiting San Gregorio and the aforementioned little chapel in Balluta Bay.
Maltese churches have a very particular baroque architecture and many are richly decorated inside. Even if you are not particularly religious or a fan of religious tourism, Malta’s churches surprise with their ornamentation and history.
8. Shopping in Sliema
Sliema is the main shopping hub of Malta. The Triq ix-Xatt street and its surroundings are full of shops, from international chains to local boutiques. If you need to buy clothes, electronics, souvenirs, or anything for your trip, Sliema is the place.
There are also several large supermarkets and a pharmacy every two blocks, making it a useful place to restock on what you need. For souvenir shopping, look for Maltese ceramic items, lace, and products with the Maltese Cross.
9. Local Gastronomy: Pastizzi and more
One of the pleasures of being in Sliema is the gastronomy. Pastizzi are the quintessential street food of Malta: small puff pastries filled with ricotta cheese or peas. They cost very little and are delicious. In Sliema, there are several places that make them very well.
In addition to pastizzi, Malta has influences from Italian, Arabic, and British cuisine, which creates quite an interesting gastronomy. Fresh pasta restaurants, English pubs, and street food stalls coexist without any problems in Sliema.
10. Sunset from the Promenade with a View of Valletta
If you have to pick just one experience in Sliema, make it watching the sunset from the coast with Valletta in the background. The golden walls of the capital, the movement of the ferries in the harbor, and the orange sky over the Mediterranean form one of the most beautiful pictures we saw in all our years of traveling.
The best point to enjoy it is from the area near The Ferries or from Tigné Point. Take something to drink, find a comfortable spot, and enjoy the show without rushing.
How much time to spend in Sliema
A full day is enough to see the main points of Sliema if you are visiting. We did exactly that from Marsaskala and managed to walk the entire promenade to San Julian and swim on the rocks.
If you stay in Sliema as a base (it is one of the most popular areas to stay in Malta), you will have time to explore it more calmly and take excursions to the rest of the island from there. The location is unbeatable for getting around.
Where to stay in Sliema
Sliema has options for all budgets. There are budget hostels near the center, boutique hotels with sea views, and some apartments that are rented by the week for those traveling like us, looking to stay longer.
The Tigné area and the promenade are the most sought-after and expensive. If you are looking for something more accessible, the streets inside the neighborhood have good options. You can search and compare accommodations on Booking.com to find the best option for your dates and budget.
Where to Stay in Sliema - Malta: Map & Pricing
Sliema vs Valletta: which one to choose to stay?
This is a question often asked. The answer depends on what you are looking for. Valletta is the historic and cultural heart of Malta, with its stone streets, palaces, and baroque churches. It is incredible, but can feel a bit saturated with tourism.
Sliema, on the other hand, has more services, more nightlife, and is more oriented towards the modern traveler. It is more convenient for staying for several days and has easy access to the whole island. For long stays like ours, Sliema (or Marsaskala, or St. Paul’s Bay which were our choice) offers fewer amenities and a quieter pace than the historic center.
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Practical tips for visiting Sliema
- Wear sunscreen: Malta has very strong sun, especially from spring onwards. In summer, it is almost mandatory to cover up between 11 am and 4 pm.
- Comfortable footwear: The promenade and the city center streets are explored on foot, so it is best to go with sneakers or comfortable sandals.
- Water shoes: If you want to swim from the rocks, it is useful to have some protection for your feet.
- Cash and card: The vast majority of businesses accept cards, but it is always good to have some euros on you.
- Travel insurance: Traveling to Malta (and all of Europe) with good travel insurance is fundamental. We always use IATI Seguros, which also has an exclusive 5% discount for readers of Recalculando Viajes.
Excursions from Sliema
From Sliema, you can easily organize excursions to the main points of interest in Malta. Some options that we explored and recommend:
- Valletta: 10 minutes by ferry, it is a must-visit.
- The island of Gozo: The quiet sister of Malta, perfect for a full day or staying on the island (there is much to see).
- The temples of Hagar Qim and Mnajdra: World Heritage site and some of the oldest temples in the world.
- The Blue Lagoon (Blue Lagoon): On the island of Comino, with incredibly blue water.
- Mdina: The ancient medieval capital of Malta, about 30 minutes by bus.
Malta is ‘small’ and everything is relatively close, so Sliema as a base works very well for doing the whole country.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Sliema Malta
How much time is needed to visit Sliema?
A full day is enough to cover the main points: the promenade, Tigné Point, Balluta Bay, and the commercial area. If you stay as a base, you can explore at your own pace throughout your entire stay.
Does Sliema have beaches?
Sliema does not have large sandy beaches. It has rocky platforms for swimming and a small sand and pebble beach called Exiles Beach. For larger beaches, options are in other areas of Malta such as Mellieha Bay or Golden Bay.
How to get to Sliema from Malta airport?
From the airport, you can take the direct bus (line X2) which takes about 30-40 minutes and costs around €2. There are also taxis and private transfer services, which are more expensive but more comfortable if you arrive with large luggage.
Is Sliema expensive compared to the rest of Malta?
Sliema is one of the most touristy and commercial areas of Malta, so accommodation and restaurant prices are somewhat higher than in more remote towns. That said, it is still quite accessible compared to other European capitals or Mediterranean destinations.
What is the most recommended thing in Sliema?
Without a doubt, the sunset walk overlooking Valletta. It is a priceless experience that summarizes very well the particular charm that Malta has: history, sea, and Mediterranean light at its finest.
Is Sliema safe for tourists?
Malta in general is a very safe destination and Sliema is no exception. It is a very busy and cosmopolitan area where tourists move without problems at any time. As in any city, the basic thing is to be careful with valuables in very crowded areas.
Is travel insurance necessary to go to Malta?
Malta is part of the European Union, but that does not mean that medical care is free for tourists from outside the EU. From Argentina or any Latin American country, it is essential to travel with travel insurance. We use IATI Seguros and with the exclusive Recalculando Viajes code you get a 5% discount.
Conclusion: Sliema, an unmissable stop in Malta
After living for almost two months in Malta and traveling across the island from end to end, we can say with confidence that Sliema is a visit you cannot skip. It is not the most historic or the most photogenic place on the island (those awards go to Valletta), but it has an energy of its own, a beautiful coast, and a combination of services and atmosphere that make it unique.
Whether you come as a day trip from another part of Malta or you settle here as a base to explore the island, Sliema has much to offer. The sunsets overlooking the Grand Harbour, the swims on the rocks, the freshly baked pastizzi, and the constant movement of the promenade are experiences that stay with you.
If you want to continue planning your itinerary for Malta and the Mediterranean, check out our guide to destinations in Europe and the section on travel insurance for Europe so you are covered on every adventure.
Have you already visited Sliema? What did you like the most? Tell us in the comments, we love reading your experiences.
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