Sliema
The places in Sliema worth knowing, from the rock-cut pools at Fond Għadir to Fort Tigné, with the buses that stop nearby. For dated concerts and markets, see what's on.
Swimming spots, forts and churches, with how to get there by bus. For today's sea state, see Sliema sea conditions.
Walk
The seafront walk along Triq it-Torri runs from Qui-Si-Sana past Fond Għadir, St Julian's Tower and Exiles towards St Julian's, with the rocky shore on one side and cafés on the other. It is flat, lit at night and busiest at sunset.
Bus stops: Exiles, Ghadir, Torri · 16 routes
Harbour
Ix-Xatt faces Marsamxett Harbour and Valletta's bastions across the water. The Valletta ferry leaves from the landing here, and harbour cruises and boat trips to Comino depart from the same stretch.
Bus stops: Ferries 1, Ferries 2, Ferries 3, Ferries 4, Ferries 5 · 18 routes
History
Built by the Order of St John between 1793 and 1795 at the tip of Tigné Point, it is one of the oldest polygonal forts in the world. It was restored in the early 2000s; it is not open to the public, but its circular keep can be seen from the Tigné seafront.
Shopping
The former British barracks and fortifications on the Tigné peninsula were redeveloped in the early 21st century into apartments, the Pjazza Tigné square and The Point shopping mall, with views across the harbour to Valletta and Manoel Island.
Swim
A rocky stretch of Tower Road with square pools cut into the limestone. They are often called the "Roman baths", but were most likely dug in the 19th century, when Malta was a British colony. Bathing water monitoring point B12.
Water quality: Excellent (2025 EU rating)
Bus stop: Ghadir · 15 routes
Map · Sea conditions today · Sliema beaches · Source: MaltaToday
Swim
A small bay at the St Julian's end of Tower Road, with ladders into the sea and a popular swimming spot. Bathing water monitoring points B10 and B11.
Water quality: Excellent (2025 EU rating)
Bus stop: Exiles · 14 routes
Swim
The flat rocky shore at the Tigné end of the seafront, with a wide promenade and seasonal lidos. Bathing water monitoring points B14 and B15.
Water quality: Excellent (2025 EU rating)
History
Despite its name, this coastal watchtower is in Sliema, on Tower Road. It was built in 1658 by the Order of St John, with an artillery battery added around it in 1715. The tower now houses a restaurant.
History
A British artillery battery built between 1872 and 1876 on the point between Marsamxett Harbour and St Julian's Bay. It is now a bar and restaurant on the Tower Road seafront.
Church
The church of Our Lady Star of the Sea opened in 1855 and became Sliema's first parish in 1878, when it was separated from St Helen's parish in Birkirkara.
Church
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart was founded in 1877 and has been a parish church since 1918.
Park
Ġnien l-Indipendenza is a coastal garden laid out in 1990 on abandoned farmland by the sea.
What's on
Upcoming dates from the live Sliema events calendar — check the weather and Getting Here guide before you set out.
Sliema
Community
1, Rudolph Street, Sliema
Sliema
Music
49 Triq Ġuże' Howard, Sliema, Malta
Sliema
Community
Sotto Pinsa Playground · Triq Mattew Pulis, Sliema
Sliema
Community
Depiro Street, Sliema
Sliema
Community
Teatru Salesjan · 45 Triq Ġużè Howard, Sliema
Sliema
Community
The Breathing Space · Moko Tattoo Parlour, Triq Ġuże' Ellul Mercer, Sliema
Sliema is a good base: much of Malta is a ferry or a single bus ride away.
| Go to | How |
|---|---|
| Valletta | Harbour ferry from the Strand, or buses 13, 13A, 14, 15, 16, 21 and 22. Ferry times |
| The Three Cities | Ferry to Valletta, then cross the city to the same operator's Valletta–Three Cities ferry to Cospicua |
| Mdina and Rabat | Bus 202 from Sliema to Rabat; Mdina is beside it |
| Gozo | Direct fast ferry from the Strand, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Timetable and fares |
| Comino and the Blue Lagoon | Boat trips from the Strand; no public ferry. More |
| Golden Bay | Bus 225 to Għajn Tuffieħa, about once an hour. Sandy beaches |
| Mellieħa Bay | Bus 222 towards Ċirkewwa, stop Għadira |
| St Julian's and Spinola Bay | Walk: carry on along the seafront past Balluta Bay |
Bus routes from Malta Public Transport; check times on the tallinja app before you travel. See Sliema buses for every route that stops in Sliema.
Each parish in Sliema celebrates its feast with a week of services and band marches, ending with a procession of the statue through the streets. Most fall between late May and early September.
Sliema News follows the stories behind the places in this guide — from waterfront and development decisions to local sport and the events calendar.
