Sliema Holidays 2026 / 2027 | Cheap Holidays to Sliema

On Malta’s northeast coast, Sliema blends seaside promenades with city-style living. Think rocky beaches, chic cafés, shopping streets, and sunset views across the water to Valletta. It’s one of Malta’s most popular bases, perfect if you want a bit of everything in one place.

Holidays to Sliema highlights

Seafront promenade for miles – perfect for walking, jogging, or sunset coffees
Ferry to Valletta – across the water in just minutes
Shopping & cafés everywhere – from high street stores to boutique finds
Rocky beaches & swim spots – crystal-clear water straight off the rocks
Lively but polished vibe – busy, but not chaotic

3 fun facts about Sliema you didn’t know

Sliema means “peace” – ironic, given it’s one of Malta’s liveliest hubs today
It was once a fishing village – now it’s full of modern apartments and hotels
Best Valletta views – the skyline across the harbour is one of Malta’s most photographed sights

Local lingo – talk like a Maltese

English is widely spoken in Sliema, but a few Maltese phrases always help:

“Hello / Bye” – English works everywhere
“Grazzi” – thank you
“Jekk jogħġbok” – please
“Kollox sew?” – all good?
“Saħħa!” – cheers

What are the best beaches in Sliema?

Sliema is more rocky coastline than sandy beach, but the sea access is unreal:

Sliema Promenade Swim Spots – ladders straight into crystal-clear water
Fond Ghadir – natural rocky pools carved into the coast
Exiles Beach – small sandy patch popular with locals
Qui-Si-Sana – calm, clean swimming areas along the seafront

Where to stay on your holidays to Sliema

For couples – Sliema Waterfront & Fort Cambridge Area

If you’re after sea views, sunset walks, and a more polished vibe, this stretch is ideal for couples wanting a stylish base by the water.

For Families – Central Sliema

Right in the heart of things, close to shops, restaurants, ferry links, and easy promenade access. Great for keeping everything simple and walkable.

For Groups – Sliema / Gzira Border

A livelier edge of town with great transport links, bars nearby, and easy access to both Sliema and St Julian’s nightlife.

Best Hotels in Sliema

For Couples

Barcelo Fortina Malta – modern luxury right on the waterfront, perfect for sunset views and relaxed evenings

For Families

Preluna Hotel & Spa – seafront pools, spa facilities, mini golf, and plenty of on-site entertainment for all ages

For Groups

The Plaza and Plaza Regency Hotels – central, well-connected, and ideal for exploring Malta by day and enjoying nearby nightlife by night

Sliema holidays 2026 travel guide

Things to do in Sliema for families

Take the ferry to Valletta – quick, easy, and fun for kids
Boat trips around the harbour – see Malta from the water
Beach clubs & pools – safe, easy swimming options nearby
Shopping days – malls and boutiques for relaxed exploring

Things to do in Sliema for couples

Sunset promenade walks – the harbour glow is unreal
Valletta evenings – dine across the water with city views
Rooftop cocktails – skyline views and chilled vibes
Spa days – perfect for slowing things down

Things to do in Sliema for groups

Bar hopping along the seafront – everything is walkable
Day trips to St Julian’s – nightlife just minutes away
Boat parties & cruises – big energy on the water
Late-night dining – plenty of spots open late

Things to do for foodies in Sliema

Fresh seafood – caught daily and served seaside
Maltese platters – local cheeses, olives, and breads
Italian influence everywhere – pasta, pizza, gelato
Harbourfront dining – unbeatable sunset backdrops

Other Destinations:

Popular Sliema hotels

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Weather in Sliema

JAN

14^°C

FEB

14^°C

MAR

18^°C

APR

22^°C

MAY

25^°C

JUN

27^°C

JUL

28^°C

AUG

28^°C

SEP

25^°C

OCT

23^°C

NOV

19^°C

DEC

16^°C

Sliema's weather makes it an ideal place to visit all year round. In the summer temperatures can reach above 30°; Celsius - the perfect time for topping up your tan on holidays to Sliema. Even in the winter months the temperatures rarely dip below 10°; Celsius, so you can still enjoy a stroll along the promenade whilst sampling some of its many other attractions.

FAQs

English and Maltese are both official languages. English is widely spoken everywhere, especially in hotels and restaurants.

Malta uses the Euro (€). Card payments are widely accepted, but it’s useful to carry some cash for small shops and cafés.

Yes, Sliema is considered very safe, with a low crime rate and a strong tourist infrastructure. Usual travel awareness is advised.

Flights from the UK to Malta typically take around 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on departure airport.

Holidays to Sliema offer you some of the best shoping on the island. In addition to well-known high street brands, there are plenty of boutiques and upmarket designer labels to tempt your fancy. In fact, Sliema attracts many of Malta's high society, most of whom can be seen mingling around The Ferries - an area renowned for its haute couture. Additionally, there are plenty of shops selling Maltese lace, pottery, knitwear and silverware.

The Aquanauts Dive School caters for beginners and the more advanced scuba divers. Other sporting activities are well catered for too with horse riding, cycling, squash, ice skating and tennis just some of the many things you can do on holidays in Sliema.

Culture
Holidays to Sliema are an ideal opportunity to soak up the cosmopolitan blend of its many cuisines and to mingle with the locals to find out what Maltese life is truly like although if it's architecture and history you're after, Valletta is only a short distance away.
Nightlife
Sliema holidays are a paradise for food lovers with an eclectic mix of Indian, Chinese, Turkish and Russian restaurants to name but a few. Bars and cafes are always bustling and it's the perfect setting in which to wind down and relax and, when your dining is done, you can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment from ballroom dancing and floor shows to the latest hip nightclubs.

Much of Sliema's coastline is made up of rocky beaches but there is also a small stretch of golden sand as you approach St Julians where you can soak up the rays to your heart's content. Even where it's rocky, there are plenty of flat platforms for sunbathing with easy access down to the sea when you need to take a refreshing dip to cool off.

Sliema Holidays

Enjoy our lowest-priced travel months!