Sliema is Malta’s most practical base for a first trip. It has a long rocky promenade, shops and restaurants, buses to most of the island and the ferry across the harbour to Valletta. It is not a sandy beach resort, so choose it for convenience and sea views rather than swimming. Here is which part of Sliema to pick, what to watch out for and how to get around from there.
TD3
Airport Direct bus, €3, about 40 min to Sliema Ferries
About €20
Fixed-fare taxi from the airport, per car
Rocky
Swimming is from the rocks, not sand
Ferry
Sliema Ferries is the main departure point
Where to Stay in Sliema: Best Parts
| Part | What it is like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Sliema Ferries and The Strand | Busy and central, close to the ferry and buses | First-time visitors who want the easiest transport |
| Tigné | Modern apartments and shopping | Self-catering stays and shoppers |
| Tower Road and the Exiles | Promenade walks, sea views and café stops | Rock swimming and evening strolls |
| Balluta | Between Sliema and St Julian’s, away from the Paceville bar streets | A calmer stay with St Julian’s restaurants close by |
Is it right for you?
Is Sliema a Good Place to Stay?
Good for
- First visits, with a short ferry ride to Valletta
- Getting around without a car, thanks to buses and harbour links
- Shops, cafés and restaurants on the doorstep
- Walking the seafront promenade, which runs between St Julian’s and Gżira
Watch out for
- No sandy beach: swimming is off the rocks and from lidos
- It can be crowded in summer
- Parking is difficult in the busiest streets
- The feel changes street by street, so check the exact location before you book
Getting Around From Sliema
Sliema works as a transport hub. Buses run to Valletta, St Julian’s and the beaches, and Sliema Ferries is the main departure point for the harbour ferry to Valletta. Many harbour cruises and Comino boat trips also leave from the seafront, and the fast ferry to Gozo sails from Sliema.
- From the airport: the TD3 Airport Direct bus costs €3 and takes about 40 minutes to Sliema Ferries. A taxi from the arrivals booth is around €20 per car. See our Malta airport to Sliema guide.
- Around Malta: fares, cards and routes are in our Malta bus guide.
- To Gozo: see how to get to Gozo.
- On the water: compare Malta boat trips that leave from the seafront.
Beach day trips
For sandy beaches, take a bus or taxi to Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay or Għajn Tuffieħa. Our best beaches in Malta guide has the full list.
Hotels and Apartments in Sliema
Sliema has hotels and apartments at every price, from the busy Strand to quieter Tower Road. Two examples to help you get your bearings:
- The Palace: a modern hotel a short walk from the seafront and the ferry to Valletta.
- Preluna Hotel + Spa: has a private beach club with a saltwater pool and a children’s pool, useful if you want a swim without the rocks.
Prices, availability and reviews change often, so compare before you book.
Where to Stay in Sliema: FAQ
Is Sliema a good place to stay in Malta?
Yes for a first trip, if you want easy transport, shops and restaurants. It is a practical base rather than a sandy beach resort, and travellers who want more charm often choose Valletta instead.
Does Sliema have a beach?
Not a sandy one. The seafront is rocky, with flat areas for swimming. The nearest big sandy beaches are Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa, a bus or taxi ride away.
Which part of Sliema is best?
Sliema Ferries and The Strand for the easiest transport, Tigné for modern apartments and shopping, Tower Road for sea views and swimming off the rocks, and Balluta if you want to be near St Julian’s without the Paceville bars.
How do I get from the airport to Sliema?
The TD3 Airport Direct bus costs €3 and takes about 40 minutes to Sliema Ferries. A fixed-fare taxi from the arrivals booth takes about 20 minutes and costs around €20 per car.
Should I stay in Sliema or St Julian’s?
Sliema is calmer and has the ferry to Valletta. St Julian’s has more nightlife and larger hotels. They are next to each other, so you can walk between them. See where to stay in St Julian’s.
How we wrote this guideThis guide was researched and written by us at Experiences Malta, using the official and local sources listed below, and we review it through the year. Prices, timetables and opening hours change, so please check before you travel. More about Experiences Malta.
Sources: Malta Info Guide: where to stay in Sliema, Malta Public Transport: Airport Direct.