Accommodation
Where to Stay in Sliema: A Hotels Guide
Sliema is one of Malta's most convenient bases — seafront hotels, aparthotels and self-catering apartments with excellent transport links and a short ferry hop to Valletta.
Updated 2026-06-13 · 5 min read · ImaginaMalta Editorial
Sliema is one of Malta's most convenient bases — central, walkable, and connected to Valletta by a short ferry crossing and to the rest of the island by frequent buses. Accommodation ranges from seafront hotels with harbour views to aparthotels and self-catering apartments, covering a wide price range.
Staying in Sliema
Sliema is the practical choice for many first-time visitors to Malta. It has the island's densest concentration of hotels and self-catering apartments, excellent bus connections, a passenger ferry to Valletta, and a long seafront promenade lined with cafes and restaurants. It is busy and built-up rather than picturesque, but extremely easy to use as a base.
Types of accommodation
- Seafront hotels — from upscale to mid-range, many with sea or harbour views toward Valletta.
- Aparthotels & serviced apartments — popular for families and longer stays; kitchenette facilities and more space than a standard room.
- Self-catering apartments — plentiful in and just behind the town; wide price range; good for groups and extended visits.
Who it suits
Sliema suits travellers who want convenience and connectivity above all. First-time visitors to Malta, those on short trips who want to cover a lot, business travellers, and families who want easy access to everything are all well served. Those seeking a quieter, more characterful stay may prefer Valletta; those wanting a beach resort base should look further north toward Mellieħa.
Practical things to know
- Swimming is mostly from rocky shores and lidos; the nearest sandy beaches are to the north, near Mellieħa — reachable by bus.
- The seafront promenade (Tower Road to The Strand) is excellent for walking and running, and connects to St Julian's.
- Sliema is busy and built-up; it is convenient rather than scenic, and can feel crowded in high season.
- Sea-view rooms carry a premium; rooms a street back are considerably cheaper for a similar location.
Getting around from Sliema
Sliema is one of Malta's best-connected towns. Frequent bus routes run to Valletta, St Julian's, Mdina, the airport and most of the island. A regular passenger ferry crosses to Valletta in under 10 minutes. The seafront promenade connects directly to St Julian's on foot in about 20 minutes.
- Setting
- Coastal town facing Valletta across Marsamxett Harbour
- Accommodation
- Seafront hotels, aparthotels, serviced apartments
- Best for
- Convenience, transport links, dining and shopping
- Note
- Rocky/lido swimming rather than sandy beaches
- Getting there
- Major bus links across Malta; passenger ferry to Valletta
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sliema a good base in Malta?
Yes — Sliema is arguably the most convenient base on the island. It has the widest range of accommodation, excellent bus links, and a short passenger ferry to Valletta. The trade-off is that it is a busy town rather than a beach resort or a historic city.
Does Sliema have a sandy beach?
No. Swimming in Sliema is from rocky shores and lidos. The nearest sandy beaches — Mellieħa Bay and Golden Bay — are in the north of Malta, about 30–40 minutes away by bus.
Is Sliema or St Julian's better to stay in?
Sliema tends to be slightly calmer and more residential; St Julian's is busier, with more nightlife centred on Paceville. They are adjacent and connected by the promenade, so both are easy bases. Sliema is generally a quieter choice.
How do I get to Valletta from Sliema?
The quickest option is the regular passenger ferry from the Sliema waterfront, which crosses to Valletta in under 10 minutes and runs frequently throughout the day. Buses also connect the two, though they take longer.
Related Malta guides
Related localities
Related services