Sliema – Coast, Promenade and History

Sliema combines a coastal landscape with a layered local history and a scheduled ferry service to Valletta. The seafront promenade and bathing areas, the fort and churches, and the ferry service offer different ways to experience the town.

Coast and bathing areas

The Sliema seafront promenade is three kilometres long, with views of rugged cliffs. Various Victorian buildings once stood along the promenade. The coastline thus brings together the landscape and the town’s earlier development.

Below Tower Road lies the Għar id-Dud promenade. The Qui-Si-Sana bathing area, at the corner of Tower Road and Qui Si Sana Road, is considered a rocky beach. Fond Għadir is designated as an official bathing area for 2026. Bathing conditions can change; check them before your visit.

Garden, fort and churches

The history of the coastal garden Ġnien Indipendenza (Independence Garden) began with a change in land use: in 1990, abandoned farmland in Sliema was converted into a garden. Fort Tigne was developed by the Knights of St John in the late 18th century and further developed by the British in later years. The garden and fort thus tell of different changes in the town: the new use of land and the development of a fortification over several historical periods.

Stella Maris Church was built in 1855. By 1878, it had been declared an independent parish and separated from Birkirkara. The church of Madonna tas-Sacro Cuor in Tas-Sliema was completed in June 1881. This sequence links the history of the buildings with the development of an independent parish and the completion of another church.

At Belvedere Terrace, six traditional houses with Maltese balconies are notable for their exceptionally well-preserved, cohesive appearance; the houses are listed. They look across Sliema Creek towards Manoel Island. Here, a characteristic architectural feature meets a clear view across the water.

Water, industry and ferry service

Water polo developed at Għar id-Dud, adding another historical dimension to the coast. The Sliema Aquatic Sports Club has a beach club in central Sliema. If you are planning a visit, check the latest visitor and operating conditions beforehand. The sport’s history and the beach club represent different perspectives on Sliema’s relationship with the water.

The island’s first seawater distillery was built in Sliema in 1881 and supplied the British barracks with water. The former distillery building still stands today; from 1882, it served as a printing works. Sliema’s history by the water thus also includes technical water supply and the building’s later use.

A scheduled ferry service runs between Sliema and Valletta at 30-minute intervals. The ferry departs from Sliema Ferries at The Strand. As seasonal operating details apply, check the current timetable and boarding arrangements before travelling.

Choose a holiday apartment to suit your interests

When looking for a holiday apartment in Sliema, you can decide whether to focus on the coast, local history or the ferry connection to Valletta when planning your holiday. The town’s features offer different starting points, without requiring you to limit your stay to just one side of Sliema.

Discover more destinations: San Ġwann, Marsaskala, Ghanjsielem, Luqa, Gzira, Qala, Birkirkara, Tarxien

For the main travel overview: Malta.