Accommodation
Sliema vs St Julian's: Which is Better for Your Malta Stay?
A practical comparison of Sliema and St Julian's — Malta's two most popular hotel areas. Hotels, beaches, nightlife, transport and which suits which type of traveller.
Updated 2026-06-14 · 5 min read · ImaginaMalta Editorial
Sliema and St Julian's are Malta's most popular hotel areas, separated by barely 2.5 km of coastline and yet quite different in character. Choosing between them shapes everything from your nightly noise level to your nearest beach. This guide gives you the honest comparison.
Sliema vs St Julian's at a glance
| Factor | Sliema | St Julian's |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed hotels | 25 | 34 |
| Character | Residential, seafront promenade | Buzzing, marina, nightlife |
| Sandy beach | No (rock lidos only) | Balluta Bay (small sand strip) |
| Nightlife | Low–moderate | High (Paceville adjacent) |
| Without a car | Excellent | Very good |
| Ferry to Valletta | 7 min from Sliema pier | No direct ferry |
| Hotel class range | 2★–5★ | 3★–5★ |
| Avg noise at night | Quiet–moderate | Moderate–loud (near Paceville) |
Why choose Sliema?
Sliema suits visitors who want the best transport access to Valletta — the ferry from Sliema pier is the fastest, most enjoyable way to reach the capital, just 7 minutes across the harbour. The promenade offers a long, flat seafront walk with cafés and restaurants, making Sliema excellent for those who prefer walking over nightlife. Hotels here tend to be slightly better value than equivalent properties in St Julian's. Sliema has 25 licensed hotels and sits closer to the Valletta waterfront than any other area of comparable scale.
Why choose St Julian's?
St Julian's has Malta's highest hotel density with 34 licensed properties. Spinola Bay's ring of outdoor restaurants makes it one of Malta's most attractive dining settings. The Portomaso marina and casino district at the northern end offers upmarket accommodation. Paceville — St Julian's nightlife core — is within walking distance for those who want it, though it can mean noise for those who don't. St Julian's is also where most of Malta's 5-star hotels are concentrated.
Which is better without a car?
Both are excellent without a car — they have Malta's densest bus connections and most services within walking distance. Sliema has the slight advantage for reaching Valletta (the 7-minute ferry is faster than any bus), while St Julian's is marginally better placed for the north of the island. Neither requires a car for a typical tourist stay.
- Sliema hotels
- 25 licensed (OSM 2026-06-08)
- St Julian's hotels
- 34 licensed (OSM 2026-06-08)
- Distance apart
- ~2.5 km (30–35 min walk)
- Sliema to Valletta
- 7 min by ferry from Sliema pier
- St Julian's to Valletta
- ~20 min by bus
- Sandy beach
- Balluta Bay, St Julian's (small)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sliema or St Julian's better for nightlife?
St Julian's — the Paceville area is Malta's nightlife hub. Sliema is a good choice if you prefer a quieter evening.
Which is better for families?
Sliema is generally preferred for families — it is quieter at night, has the Sliema promenade for walks and cycling, better access to Valletta by ferry, and is slightly more local in character.
Can you walk between Sliema and St Julian's?
Yes — the coastal path connects the two in about 30–35 minutes. It is mostly flat and follows the seafront, passing the Balluta Bay area.
Which has more and better hotels?
St Julian's has more hotels (34 vs 25) and a higher concentration of 4★ and 5★ properties. Sliema has a broader range including well-reviewed boutique options.
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