Sliema holidays

How to reach Sliema

• Flight time: Flights to Malta International Airport take around 3 hours 30 minutes from Dublin or other major Irish airports.

• Transfer time: An airport taxi will have you in Sliema in about 20 minutes. The journey by bus can take over 1 hour, with a bus change in Valletta.

• Price: Prepaid taxis (pay at the taxi booths in arrivals and give the chit to your driver) cost around €20 before admin fees. Bus tickets cost €2.50–€3 and are valid for 2 hours after first use.

Best time to visit Sliema

Full-on sunshine or a winter warmer? Beat the crowds or be in the thick of things? The best time for your holidays to Sliema depends on your preferred holiday.

• March to May can be a sweet spot. Warm rather than intensely hot, at 17–25°C, with 7 to 10 hours of daily sunshine and petering rainfall, these are lovely months for seaside strolls and sightseeing, especially if the cultural sites in nearby Valletta are on your radar.

• June to August brings clear blue skies and fun-loving festa-going crowds. With temperatures soaring into the high 20s and low 30s and up to 12 hours of daily sunshine, these are great months to get out on the water.

• September to November sees temperatures dip into a more comfortable 28–21°C range, nicer temps for sightseeing (thinning crowds helps, too), but still warm enough for a quick dip. You'll have to take your chances with rain, though.

• December to February is mild, wet and breezy. With temperatures hovering around 16°C, it's much warmer than most of Europe, perfect if you're desperate for winter sun. Transport will be scaled back, but accommodation will be cheaper.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: English and Maltese are both official languages.

• Currency: Malta is in the eurozone.

• Getting around: Sliema is pretty compact and easy enough to navigate on foot, but just as a heads-up, the back streets are steep. If you'd prefer not to hoof it, buses and taxis are the most convenient way to get around. The daytime fare for a bus ticket is €2.50 and €3 for night services. A 7-Day Explore card (unlimited transport for 7 days) may work out cheaper at €25. The base fare for metered taxis is €3.50, then €2.50 for the first 1km, €1.60 over 1km to 5km, €1.40 over 5km to 10km and so on. Ride-hailing services like Bolt or eCabs use dynamic pricing, so fares depend on when, where and how much demand.

• Electricity and plug types: Malta operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz and uses type G plugs (the same three-pin plugs as in Ireland).

• Time zone: Malta is on Central European Time (1 hour ahead of Irish time during standard time and 2 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

Best things to do in Sliema

Close enough to dip in and out of Valletta and St Julian's, Sliema has its fair share of sites and attractions: historic forts, art galleries, scenic swimming spots and a dynamic dining scene.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Belvedere Point at Tigné Bridge: Of all the vantage points of Valletta's skyline, this might be the best (at least before you get out on the water).

• Lounge 360: Set on the 9th floor of AX The Palace, this bar offers panoramic rooftop vistas.

The best districts

• The Strand: It won't be everyone's cup of tea, but this is where the action happens: boat parties to one side, a stream of cacophonous bars with outdoor terraces to the other (and some less-than-happy residents in the overlying apartments).

• Pjazza Tigné: Upscale boutiques, casual and fine-dining eateries and pop-up markets. Check, check and check.

Parks and gardens

• Independence Gardens: Right on the waterfront, there's a lot to like here, such as shaded benches, neat box hedging, flowers, water features and paved paths, but the cat colony might be the best bit.

Galleries

• R Gallery: Promoting visual, performance, literary and sonic art through exhibitions and events, this Tigne Street art space is the new darling of Sliema's art scene.

• Christine X Art Gallery: A Tigne Street stalwart, this small commercial gallery offers everything from figurative, landscape and abstract paintings to photography and sculpture.

Historical monuments

• Fort Manoel: Set atop Manoel Island, this early 18th-century star fort is one of Malta's most impressive Hospitaller military fortifications. Public access is limited, but if stars align, your Sliema holidays will synch with a rare open day.

• Fort Tigné: Standing sentinel at Tigné Point, incongruously backed by high-rise blocks, this low-lying fort seems rather unassuming at first glance, especially compared to Fort Manoel. A forerunner of the modern 19th-century fort, it takes a second look to fully appreciate the genius of its design.

Day trips in the area

• Valletta: A hop across the water, Malta's UNESCO-listed storied capital is a must-see for architecture, history and culture buffs. The ferry ride itself is a highlight, providing stunning views of Valletta and Sliema.

• The Three Cities: If you make the trip to the capital, spare some time for Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla), which are across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. They are less touristy but equally beautiful and steeped in history.

Activities for Families in Sliema

Whether it's cooling off at a lido, discovering marine life or science and stars, families will have plenty to do in and around Sliema.

• Playgrounds: There's a nice playground at Independence Gardens, but the one at Qui-Si-Sana Park has it beat with all sorts of enticing play equipment and plenty of space to run around.

• Swimming pools: If your kids prefer a pool over the sea, MedAsia Playa is conveniently close to Qui-Si-Sana Park and has a separate kids' pool.

• Aquariums and zoos: A 25-minute drive away in St Paul's Bay, the Malta National Aquarium is the perfect place to discover the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea and the Indo-Pacific.

• Interactive museums: The Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara, a 25-minute drive away, has over 200 interactive exhibits and a planetarium.

Free things to do in Sliema

Maltese culture at a festival or sunning on the shoreline? Holidays to Sliema needn't cost the earth.

• Annual festivals and free events: Summer is festa season in Sliema. Bands and banners in July for Sacro Cuor, flags and fireworks in August for Stella Maris and parades and processions in September to celebrate St Gregory the Great.

• Public beaches: Teensy Balluta Bay in St Julian's is the nearest sandy beach, but if you don't mind rocky shoreline, try Exiles, Fond Ghadir or Qui-Si-Sana. Fond Ghadir is a particularly lovely option with Victorian-era baths.

• Self-guided tours in Sliema: The best way to get a feel for Sliema is on foot. Running between Qui-Si-Sana and St Julian's and punctuated with historic buildings, including a De Redin watchtower, the seafront promenade is an excellent starting point.

Wellness in Sliema

• Spas and thermal baths: Sliema is home to several luxury spas offering a full range of treatments, from massages to facials. The Pearl Spa at the Fortina Hotel is one of the most well-known, offering a serene escape from the busy town with its full-service spa facilities.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Yoga Malta offers outdoor Hatha Vinyasa and Vinyasa yoga classes for those looking to stretch and relax.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Snorkelling: Exiles and Fond Ghadir are great for snorkelling. You may even spot octopuses.

• SUP: Several local outfits run paddleboard tours, including around Manoel Island.

• Open water swimming: Accessed by ladders, with deep water, Qui-Si-Sana is a popular swimming spot.

• Hiking: Running along a natural geographical barrier across the width of Malta, the Victoria Lines Fortifications are only a 20-minute drive away. This is the perfect hike if you want to mix history with nature.

Beaches to enjoy on Sliema holidays

While Sliema is known for its lively promenade and modern vibe, it also offers fantastic spots for enjoying Malta's beautiful coastline. Whether you prefer rocky shores or sandy beaches, Sliema holidays provide plenty of options for sun and sea lovers.

• Sliema rocky shores: The town's iconic flat limestone platforms are perfect for sunbathing and provide easy access to the crystal-clear waters for swimming or snorkelling. These spots are dotted along the promenade and offer stunning views of Valletta across the bay.

• St. George's Bay: Just a short trip from Sliema, this sandy beach is ideal for families and those looking for a mix of relaxation and water sports. It's surrounded by bars, cafes, and shops, making it a vibrant spot for a day out.

• Balluta Bay: Located near the neighbouring town of St. Julian's, Balluta Bay is a small sandy beach perfect for a quick swim or some downtime in the sun. Its picturesque setting and nearby dining options make it a favourite for visitors.

• Exiles Beach: This rocky cove near Sliema's promenade is a quieter spot for swimming and snorkelling. With fewer crowds and clear waters, it's great for those seeking a more peaceful beach experience.

• Golden Bay: For a classic sandy beach experience, take a short drive to Golden Bay. Known for its soft sands and turquoise waters, it's one of Malta's most famous beaches and a must-visit during your stay.

While Sliema offers mostly rocky shores, its convenient location means you're never far from some of Malta's best beaches. Whether you're sunbathing by the promenade or exploring sandy bays nearby, Sliema holidays ensure plenty of opportunities to enjoy the island's stunning coastline.

Local dishes in Sliema

From Michelin-starred bistros to food trucks, Sliema's culinary scene offers something for everyone.

Some typical dishes

• Kapunata: More like Sicilian caponata than a Provenşal ratatouille, this vegetable stew combines aubergines, tomatoes, capers and olives.

• Bigilla: Served with crackers or sourdough bread, this traditional Maltese dip mashes broad beans with garlic, parsley and olive oil.

Meat dishes

• Tal-majjal u patata: A must-try on Sliema holidays, this traditional Maltese casserole combines pork, potatoes, peppers, onions, garlic and fennel seeds.

• Stuffat tal-fenek: Malta's national dish, marinated rabbit braised with carrots, tomatoes, onions, garlic and seasoned with aromatic herbs.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Torta tal-lampuki: Fresh lampuki (dolphinfish) mixed with spinach, olives and capers encased in flaky pastry. Look for it between August and December.

• Stuffat tal-qarnit: This slow-cooked stew usually combines octopus with wine and Mediterranean mainstays like capers, olives, onions, tomatoes and potatoes.

Street food

• Pastizz: Filled with ricotta or peas, these flaky pastries are a Maltese street food classic.

• Timpana: One for meat lovers, buttery puff pastry layered with macaroni or penne, beef, pork, chicken liver, bacon, onions and tomatoes.

Sweets and desserts

• ƒ¶elwa tat-tork: Made with sugar, tahini and roasted almonds, these crumbly nougats go down a treat with coffee.

• Imqaret: Filled with a citrusy date paste, these diamond-shaped deep-fried pastries are traditionally finished with a dusting of icing sugar.

Local drinks

• Kinnie: Perfect for cooling off on a sunny day, this fizzy soft drink is made from bitter oranges and a secret blend of aromatic herbs and spices.

• Cisk lager: Malta's very own lager beer. Malty, with a mild bitterness and a clean finish, it pairs well with just about anything on the menu.