Contents:
- Sliema: One of Malta’s Seaside Gems
- The Promenade
- The Port: A Gateway to Malta
- Explore the History of the Town
- Where to Stay
- How to Get There
When you think of Malta, chances are you think of the island’s capital, Valletta or perhaps the pretty seaside town of St Paul’s Bay. But there’s another, very worthwhile destination that offers just as much in terms of history, culture, architecture and tradition. That place is Sliema.
Often tacked on as a day trip out of Valletta (it’s just fifteen minutes away by road), Sliema has enough going for it to consider using it as an alternative base from which to explore the highlights of the entire island, especially if you prefer staying somewhere a little more compact.
Sliema: One of Malta’s Seaside Gems
At first glance, Sliema appears to be a vibrant, modern seaside tourist town, and that’s not inaccurate. But this former fishing village has evolved into a destination that appeals to more than simply the “fly and floppers”. Its ability to meld shopping, dining, luxury accommodation, and a beautiful coastline with a sense of authenticity and low-key history is what makes it so popular.
It doesn’t take long to get to know Sliema and it’s a very enjoyable pastime…
The Promenade
The seafront promenade known as The Strand is lined with cafes and restaurants, shops, and premium properties inhabited by both locals and tourists. It stretches for two kilometres, leading all the way to the nearby town of St Julian’s, which takes around 25 minutes by foot.
Strolling along the promenade at any time of the day, but particularly sunrise and sunset, is a wonderful way to get the lay of the land. As well as taking in gorgeous views over the Mediterranean to the horizon, you’ll pass several notable historical landmarks. These include Belvedere Terrace, a collection of six traditional Maltese townhouses; a former British military installation used to distill seawater; St Julian’s Tower, a seventeenth-century watchtower; and a neo-Gothic Carmelite church. If you take it slowly and stop for refreshments along the way, this is one of the most pleasant ways to get to know Sliema.
The Port: A Gateway to Malta
The bustling waterfront is also the jumping off point for a range of ferries and boat trips, including to and from Valletta (many locals commute to the capital for work), Bugibba, Manoel Island, the famous Blue Grotto, Gozo, Camino Island, and St Paul’s. This superb accessibility is one of the reasons Sliema is such a great place to use as a base, and there are countless day and half day trips out of the port to points all over the island. It’s also a fantastic way to take in the coastal scenery from a different angle, and makes for a very relaxed experience, with ferries allowing you the opportunity to disembark and explore.
Explore the History of the Town
Away from the busy seafront, a more charming side of Sliema can be discovered on a leisurely wander through its smaller, inland streets. The architecture of the traditional Maltese houses is detailed and very beautiful, with many displaying the ornate balconies and doors for which they’re so admired. Some of the historical highlights you’ll stumble across on a walk include St Gregory the Great Parish Church, the Parish Church of Stella Maris (the oldest, dating back to 1878), the Parish Church of Jesus of Nazareth, which is situated behind the port, and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart.
Sliema is a fantastic place to get a taste of both sides of Malta: the old and the new. It manages to retain the Maltese tradition of a proud sense of history, alongside an ability to exist and thrive in the more contemporary context of tourism.
Come for a few days or come for longer – there’s certainly plenty to love!
Where to Stay
Malta Marriott Resort & Spa: Set just 100m from Balluta Bay beach, this spectacular hotel offers a relaxing stay, stunning views, and everything on the doorstep. With charming Mediterranean-inspired decor, rooms featuring high-quality appointments, and onsite amenities including three restaurants, gym, sauna and a rooftop pool, it’s the ideal luxury base in Sliema.
The Diplomat Hotel: With a fantastic setting on the prestigious seaside promenade, The Diplomat delivers style, comfort and unbeatable convenience in the heart of Sliema. The spacious rooms feature modern decor and ocean views, along with free Wi-Fi and comprehensive amenities. The location puts you within footsteps of cafes, restaurants and watersports, and the hotel has its own fantastic rooftop pool.
Sliema Sunny Side: Absolutely ideal for the independent traveller who expects all the comforts of home, this light-filled, spacious apartment doesn’t leave a thing to want. With sophisticated furnishings and decor, views to die for, a fully-equipped kitchen, and a great location, this stylish, air-conditioned property is walking distance from several popular beaches.
How to Get There
Getting to Sliema is easy when you fly straight into Malta Airport from the UK. Several carriers, including British Airways, easyJet, Malta Air, and Ryanair, fly the route and the flight time is approximately three and a half hours. With around 140 flights a week to choose from, you’re bound to find one that suits your budget and requirements.
Once you land at Malta Airport, getting to your accommodation couldn’t be easier if you pre-book a Shuttle Direct airport transfer service to Sliema. You can choose from a convenient range of shared and private services from the airport, where a friendly, helpful driver will be there to get you wherever you need to go.
Overview
UK to MLA Flight Time: 3 hours, 25 mins approx.
SZG to Sliema Distance: 11 kilometres
Shuttle Direct Transfer: 15 minutes approx.
Types of Transfer
Here at Shuttle Direct, we ensure that getting from Malta Airport to Sliema is quick, easy and hassle-free. As one of the most efficient, value for money services on the market, we know exactly what travellers want and need. That’s why we offer several options from which to choose, with something to suit everyone.
If you’re looking for the most budget-friendly option that still gets you where you need to go promptly and comfortably, one of our shared shuttle buses from Malta Airport to Sliema will suit you. All our vehicles are clean, modern, and safety checked, and even though this service isn’t door-to-door, you’ll travel with other passengers and be dropped off in a central location close to your accommodation. A reliable, cost-effective service that’s never a compromise.
Pre-booking a local taxi with Shuttle Direct is the perfect option if you’re looking for convenience and don’t like waiting around! Once you land, rather than having to queue for a local taxi, your friendly, professional driver will be waiting to get you straight to your accommodation. This is a door-to-door service that is still very cost-effective.
If you’re going on holiday with a group of friends or extended family, pre-booking a larger capacity vehicle makes the logistics of a Sliema transfer so much easier. A Shuttle Direct mini-bus allows for multiple passengers and their luggage to travel together, and is a convenient door-to-door service that takes all the stress out of organising onward transfers. With Shuttle Direct’s reputation as a value-for-money market leader, this is an excellent solution for larger groups to get from Malta Airport to Sliema.
If you like a bit of luxury, and want to start off your holiday just right, one of our private transfers from Malta Airport to Sliema will suit. One of our helpful drivers will be in the terminal to meet your flight, then escort you to a comfortable high-end vehicle to get you right to the door of your accommodation in style. This is the most luxurious yet still affordable way to get from Malta Airport to Sliema and back again.
Choosing the Right Transfer
Only you can decide which method of getting from Malta Airport to Sliema is the one that suits you best, but if you book with Shuttle Direct, you won’t be disappointed. Whether your focus is keeping to a strict budget or getting the ultimate in convenience, we can help. Just decide your priority and we’ll do the rest.
Convenience: If your top priority is getting a comfortable, door-to-door service direct from Malta Airport to your accommodation, and you don’t mind paying a little extra for it, then a pre-booked local taxi or private luxury transfer will suit you. The ride is dedicated solely to you and you’ll get where you need to go without any other stops.
Cost: If value for money, comfort, and efficiency are your focus, one of our cost-effective shared shuttle bus services will give you what you need. You’ll travel with other passengers, and meet and be dropped-off at a central point so it costs less, but you can still rely on our prompt, comfortable, and helpful service.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is one of the most renowned providers of onward ground transport, with airport transfers to and from a huge range of destinations all over the world. We pride ourselves on a service offering great communication, friendly, helpful drivers, and clean, modern vehicles. Our reasonably priced options range from budget-beating shared shuttle buses right up to luxury private airport transfers right to the door of your accommodation. Book with us and experience our renowned service.
