Discover Sliema

Our Product Manager Thomas has been visiting Sliema on inspection trips for many years, and his assessment of the area is consistent and clear: if St Julian's is Malta's energy capital and Mellieha is its peaceful northern retreat, Sliema sits comfortably and confidently between the two — and for many of our customers, it is the most satisfying base on the entire island.

What defines Sliema above all else is its promenade. The seafront walkway that stretches along the coastline is, in Thomas's view, one of the finest urban walking routes in the Mediterranean. Early in the morning, when the light is low and the sea is still, it is as peaceful a spot as you will find anywhere on the island. In the evening, as the sun drops behind Valletta and the bars along the waterfront begin to fill, it takes on an entirely different but equally compelling character. Sliema's promenade is not simply a path — it is where the area's daily life plays out, and spending time on it is one of the most genuinely pleasurable things you can do on a Malta holiday.

The boutique hotel offering in Sliema is the strongest on the island for guests who want character and intimacy over resort-scale facilities. The properties here tend to be smaller and more personally run than the large international hotels of St Julian's — and that distinction makes the everyday experience of staying in Sliema noticeably more rewarding for the right type of traveller.

The restaurant and bar scene along the waterfront is excellent. A sundowner at one of Sliema's seafront bars — watching the last light fade over the water as the evening begins — is one of those simple pleasures that guests consistently describe as a highlight of their Malta stay. The dining options range from affordable neighbourhood restaurants to genuinely refined establishments, and the quality across the board is strong. For shopping, Sliema is Malta's best option — The Point shopping centre is located here, and virtually every brand you might be looking for is available within easy walking distance from most parts of the area.

For guests who want to explore Malta beyond Sliema itself, the location is outstanding. The Valletta ferry departs from the waterfront and crosses the Grand Harbour in approximately 25 minutes — one of the most scenic short crossings in the Mediterranean, depositing you directly into the heart of one of Europe's most beautiful capitals. Public transport from Sliema connects to every part of the island with ease, making it an ideal base for guests who want to use their time in Malta actively rather than staying in one place throughout.

It is also worth noting that St Julian's — Malta's nightlife capital, home to Paceville and the famous bar district — is just 15 minutes on foot from Sliema. For guests who want the option of a lively evening without committing to staying in the thick of it, this proximity is a genuine advantage. The Dragonara Casino is approximately two miles away and accessible by taxi, Uber or Bolt at any hour.

Sliema is a Wonderful Base — But Know What You Are Booking

Thomas is refreshingly straightforward when advising customers about Sliema. The area has two characteristics that are worth understanding clearly — not because they are failures, but because misunderstanding them leads to the wrong booking.

The first is the sea. Sliema's coastline is predominantly rocky. At certain points along the promenade, concrete lido platforms have been built to provide access to the water, and the swimming is perfectly enjoyable — the water quality is excellent and the setting can be beautiful. But this is not a sandy beach. Guests who arrive in Sliema expecting the kind of beach experience available at Mellieha Bay will find something entirely different. If a sandy beach is non-negotiable, Mellieha is your destination. If the promenade, the bars, the restaurants and the Valletta ferry matter more to you than the beach, Sliema will exceed your expectations every time.

The second is the evenings. Sliema has a genuinely pleasant and sociable bar scene — sunset drinks along the waterfront, relaxed restaurant dinners, a cosmopolitan atmosphere that feels distinctly Maltese rather than touristy. What it does not have is the late-night intensity of St Julian's. Paceville is 15 minutes away on foot and always an option, but if you are booking Sliema expecting Paceville on your doorstep, you will need to adjust your expectations. Sliema is refined. St Julian's is electric. Both are excellent — they are simply different evenings entirely.

For guests who understand what Sliema genuinely offers — a beautiful promenade, excellent boutique hotels, outstanding dining, superb transport connections and a cosmopolitan atmosphere that is uniquely and authentically Maltese — it is one of the most satisfying places to stay anywhere in the Mediterranean. GotoBeach offers a carefully selected range of Sliema properties at exclusive rates, all available as complete package holidays with flights included. Your perfect Sliema holiday starts here.