Sliema is Malta's most cosmopolitan town, a sophisticated seafront settlement directly across the harbour from Valletta that combines excellent shopping, a beautiful promenade, good restaurants and the best views of the capital's dramatic skyline. It is the most popular accommodation base for visitors who want to explore Malta thoroughly, thanks to its central location, ferry connection to Valletta and easy access to beaches and attractions across the island. For Irish visitors who want convenience and a pleasant urban atmosphere, Sliema is a smart choice.
Location and Getting There
Sliema is on Malta's north-east coast, approximately twenty minutes from Malta Airport (MLA). The flight from Dublin takes around three hours. The town stretches along the waterfront from the Valletta ferry terminal to the border with St Julian's. Regular ferries cross to Valletta in about five minutes.
Beaches
Sliema's coastline is predominantly rocky, with swimming spots accessed via ladders and platforms cut into the limestone. The water is crystal-clear and the swimming is excellent once you are in. For sandy beaches, St George's Bay in St Julian's is walking distance, and the larger beaches at Mellieha and Golden Bay are accessible by bus. Sliema's rocky shore is popular with locals for its clear water and lacks the sand but compensates with cleanliness and convenience.
Malta's coastline is predominantly rocky limestone, which creates a different bathing experience from sandy-beach destinations. The advantage is exceptional water clarity — the visibility in Malta's seas is among the best in the Mediterranean, which is why the island is a world-renowned diving destination. Where sandy beaches do exist, they tend to be in sheltered bays with calm, shallow water. The rocky swimming areas, accessed by cut stone steps or natural ledges, are a quintessentially Maltese experience — the water is deep, clean and intensely blue. Many hotels compensate for the lack of sand with excellent pool facilities, including some with spectacular views from rooftop infinity pools.
Things to Do
The promenade is Sliema's centrepiece — a long waterfront walk with spectacular views across to Valletta, Manoel Island and Fort Manoel. The Sliema-Valletta ferry provides a scenic and practical connection to the capital. Tower Road and the Strand are the main shopping streets, with a mix of international brands, local shops and the large Point shopping centre. Boat trips to the Blue Lagoon on Comino depart from the Sliema waterfront. The panoramic views of Valletta from Sliema, particularly at sunset when the limestone city glows amber, are some of the finest urban vistas in the Mediterranean.
Malta's cultural calendar is packed with events that visitors can enjoy. The village festas (patron saint festivals) are held throughout summer and feature spectacular fireworks, brass bands, processions and communal celebrations that offer a genuine insight into Maltese community life. The Malta International Arts Festival, Notte Bianca (a free cultural night in Valletta) and the Carnival are all significant events. For diving enthusiasts, Malta is a world-class destination — wreck dives, cave dives and reef dives are available for all levels, with visibility often exceeding thirty metres.
Dining and Nightlife
Sliema has a strong dining scene. The waterfront has restaurants with harbour views, and the side streets have everything from traditional Maltese cuisine to sushi, Italian and contemporary Mediterranean. Tower Road has cafes and casual dining. Prices are moderate by Maltese tourism standards. Nightlife in Sliema is more refined than neighbouring Paceville — wine bars, cocktail lounges and restaurant terraces dominate. For clubbing, Paceville is a short walk or taxi ride.
Maltese cuisine is a fascinating blend of Sicilian, North African, British and Middle Eastern influences. Beyond the signature dishes, look out for kapunata (the Maltese ratatouille), ross il-forn (baked rice), and timpana (baked pasta with meat). Ftira, a traditional Gozitan flatbread topped with potato, tomato and capers, is a must-try. Maltese bread (hobza) baked in traditional stone ovens is exceptional. The island produces its own wines from local grape varieties, and the Marsovin and Delicata wineries offer tastings. Cisk, the local beer, is a refreshing light lager perfect for a hot day. Dining in Malta is generally good value by European standards.
Best Time to Visit
Sliema works year-round as a base for exploring Malta. The waterfront swimming is best from June to October. Shopping and sightseeing are pleasant in any season. Summer evenings on the promenade, with Valletta illuminated across the water, are particularly memorable.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Malta is in the EU. Euro, no visa. One hour ahead of Ireland. English everywhere. Public buses connect Sliema to all parts of Malta.
Malta is one of the easiest Mediterranean destinations for Irish visitors. English is an official language, so there is absolutely no communication barrier — menus, signs, TV and conversation are all available in English. The currency is the euro. Malta drives on the left, just like Ireland, which makes hire-car driving intuitive. Public buses serve the entire island network from the central terminus at Valletta, though services can be crowded in summer. The Tallinja card (a tap-on travel card) makes bus travel convenient and affordable. Healthcare is accessible through the EHIC. Malta's compact size means nowhere is more than an hour's drive from anywhere else, making it one of the most explorable holiday destinations available.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. Sliema has Malta's widest range of accommodation — the team can find the right option for your Malta base.
Sliema is one of Malta's most popular residential and commercial hubs, offering a vibrant atmosphere for Irish holidaymakers. It's renowned for its extensive shopping opportunities, a long seaside promenade perfect for strolling with fantastic views across to Valletta, and numerous cafes and restaurants. Rock-cut 'lidos' provide access to the sea for swimming. Sliema is also a major transport hub, with ferry services to Valletta and numerous bus routes, making it an excellent and convenient base for exploring the island.