Sliema Travel Guide

Start on the harbour side

Sliema Ferries on The Strand is a useful meeting point and a convenient area to stay if Valletta is central to your trip. The public ferry makes a short harbour crossing, with daytime adult fares of €3 single or €5 return. Allow time to walk to the landing and wait for the boat; the sailing itself takes about five minutes.

Spend a morning in Valletta, then come back for lunch or a rest. If the sea disrupts the ferry, ordinary buses provide a road option around the harbour. A sightseeing cruise is a separate purchase, so you do not need one just to cross the water.

Walk towards Balluta and Spinola

For a longer outing, follow the seafront towards Exiles, Balluta Bay and Spinola Bay in St Julian’s. You can stop at Balluta and turn back, or continue to Spinola for a meal. The Sliema–St Julian’s route gives the bus alternative when you have had enough walking.

Much of Sliema’s bathing coast is rocky. Balluta has a small sandy area, while Exiles includes rock and small sand or pebble sections. Bring suitable footwear and follow local bathing signs; these places feel quite different from a long sandy beach. The official coastal guide helps you choose the setting you want.

Choose a room and somewhere to eat

Stay near The Strand for the ferry, or around the seafront towards Exiles if the coastal walk matters more. A room farther inland can suit a quieter evening, but the uphill return with bags is part of that choice. Ask whether the bedroom faces the main road if you are sensitive to traffic noise.

Manwel Dimech Street and the streets behind the promenade are useful places to look for a simple lunch before committing to a waterfront table. A bakery breakfast or filled sandwich can leave more of the day’s budget for a meal you want to linger over. Current menus will tell you more than an old claim about the cheapest restaurant.

Arrive by airport bus

Airport Direct TD3 serves Sliema at €3 without a covering pass. Choose the stop nearest your room, since the route also serves other towns. The Malta bus guide explains which visitor passes include airport travel.

For the budget below, replace the room allowance with the full booking price, including fees. Replace the sightseeing allowance with the admission tickets or paid activities you choose, counting each cost once. Add airport and intercity travel separately, and count a shared private room once before dividing its cost.