Sliema

Travelers come to Sliema for a sea-facing base on Malta, with a promenade, cafes and a short ferry ride to Valletta.

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Sliema is a town on the northeast coast of Malta, the island country in the central Mediterranean. It sits across Marsamxett Harbour from Valletta, the capital, and a short ferry links the two. Sliema is a modern, residential town with hotels, shops and apartment blocks rising from the shoreline. The town is compact, so most hotels and shops are a short walk from the ferry pier.

People come for the seafront promenade, where cafes, restaurants and bars line the water and face across the harbor to Valletta's fortified skyline. It suits travelers who want a sea-facing base, easy access to Valletta and the nearby St. Julian's nightlife and dining, and a slower pace than the historic cities. Late spring and early autumn are the most comfortable months for walking and swimming. Summer is hot and busy. Two to three nights gives time for the promenade, a ferry trip to Valletta and a day on the coast.

Sliema in five

Take the ferry from Sliema to VallettaThe crossing takes about 10 minutes and gives a clear view of Valletta's skyline. It is the simplest way to reach the old city without a bus.Getting around
Set up data before you landFerry, bus and ride-app bookings all need a working phone, so set up an eSIM before you fly.Phones and eSIM
Price a taxi through an app firstBolt and Uber both operate in Malta, and the fare shows before you confirm. If you hail a taxi on the street, agree the fare before you get in.
Allow a full day for GozoThe ferry leaves from Ċirkewwa on the northwest coast, a long bus ride from Sliema. Count the bus, the wait and the crossing before you plan anything else that day.Getting around
Cover shoulders and knees in churchesSt John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta and the churches of Mdina ask visitors to dress modestly. Carry a light scarf on days you visit them.

Things to do in Sliema

See all attractions in Sliema

Sight · SliemaPortomaso Business Tower

Beach · SliemaSliema beach

Castle · SliemaFort ManoelCheck for an open day or event before you go; the fort is often closed to the public.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to SliemaPut the places you like in Sliema on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Currency: Euro (EUR)
Entry: Schengen rules: visa-free for many passports, check your nationality before you book
Emergency: 112 for all emergencies, 191 police, 196 ambulance
Tipping: About 10% at restaurants if no service charge is on the bill; rounding up for taxis
Time: UTC+1, UTC+2 in summer (daylight saving)

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Good
Mixed

JanuaryPartly cloudy8 rainy daysHigh16°Low13°Mild, showery
FebruaryPartly cloudy6 rainy daysHigh16°Low13°Mild, showery
MarchClear6 rainy daysHigh16°Low14°Warming up
AprilClear4 rainy daysHigh18°Low15°Warm, dry
MayClear3 rainy daysHigh21°Low18°Warm, sea mild
JuneClear1 rainy dayHigh26°Low22°Hot, busy
JulyClear0 rainy daysHigh29°Low25°Very hot
AugustClear2 rainy daysHigh29°Low26°Hot, peak crowds
SeptemberClear5 rainy daysHigh27°Low24°Warm sea
OctoberClear7 rainy daysHigh24°Low21°Warm, quieter
NovemberPartly cloudy11 rainy daysHigh21°Low18°Mild, showery
DecemberPartly cloudy9 rainy daysHigh17°Low15°Mild, festive

Average daily high and low in Sliema, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Sliema

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 8°
Humidity: 59%
Wind: 57 km/h
Chance of rain: 95%

Vittoriosa

09:47 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT+1

Today20°17°95%Monday: Rain. High 20°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 95%.
Tue21°17°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 0%.
Wed23°16°1%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 1%.
Thu22°18°34%Thursday: Rain. High 22°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 34%.
Fri22°17°54%Friday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 54%.
Sat22°17°19%Saturday: Partly cloudy. High 22°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 19%.
Sun22°18°23%Sunday: Cloudy. High 22°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 23%.

Updated 06:19 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 0.8961 EUR

Amount

Converted to

EUR · Euro

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

What's on in Sliema

Concerts, festivals and big events in and around the city

Events calendar

Every year

JanValletta International Baroque FestivalValletta, a day trip

Day trips by train

Vallettaabout 10 minutes by ferryThe walled capital with forts, churches and the Upper Barrakka views.
Mdinaby busA silent walled town on a hill, once the old capital of Malta.
Gozoby bus and ferryA quieter island with rural roads, cliffs and the Citadel in Victoria.

Before you go to Sliema

eSIM for MaltaData on landing, no airport SIMRead the guide

Insurance for MaltaCover for ferry and sea-side fallsRead the guide

Cards and cash for SliemaEuro cash and card feesRead the guide

Stays on the Sliema seafrontCompare Sliema and Balluta staysRead the guide

Rules for Sliema, checked

Malta is in the Schengen area, so many visitors enter visa-free for short stays. Check current entry rules on the official government site before you book.
Declare cash above the EU limit when you enter or leave the EU. Check the customs rules before you travel.
Malta drives on the left, and Sliema's streets are narrow and busy. Check the road rules and any hire car conditions before you drive.
Smoking is banned in enclosed public places, including bars and restaurants. Smoke only in marked outdoor areas.
Dress modestly in churches, with shoulders and knees covered. Staff may refuse entry to visitors who are not dressed this way.

Plan around Sliema

All of Malta

Regions, entry, transport and money for a Malta trip

Read the guide Getting around Malta

Ferries, buses, taxis and rental cars compared

Read the guide Money and costs

Cards, cash and typical daily costs

Read the guide Visas and entry

Who needs a visa and how to check entry rules

Read the guide Where to stay

Sliema, Balluta and Gzira compared for a first stay

Read the guide Phones and eSIM

eSIM options and data for the trip

Read the guide

Sliema FAQ

Is Sliema worth visiting?

Yes, for the seafront promenade, the cafés and the easy ferry to Valletta. It suits a first Malta trip that combines the sea with day trips, but it is quieter at night than Paceville.

How many days do you need in Sliema?

Two to three days covers the promenade, a Valletta day and an evening meal on the waterfront. Add a day for Mdina or a Gozo trip if you want a wider view of the island.

Should I stay in Sliema or Valletta?

Stay in Sliema for hotels, restaurants and the sea. Stay in Valletta if you want to be inside the walled old city.

Do I need a car in Sliema?

No, if you base yourself in Sliema and use the ferry and buses. A car helps only for trips to the north, the south or Gozo.

When is the best time to visit Sliema?

April to May and September to October for warm, dry weather. July and August are very hot and busy, while winter is mild but wetter.

Is English spoken in Sliema?

Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English, so most signs, menus and ticket offices use English. Learning a few Maltese greetings is still appreciated.