Worth the Walk Thornton Street, Sliema

Merħba! You're in Sliema.

You're on the Tigné peninsula: sea on three sides, swimming rocks four minutes one way and the ferry to Valletta five minutes the other.

Drink

Sunset cocktails on the water, and the oldest bar in town for later.

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Eat

Sliema is packed with restaurants. These are the ones worth your evening.

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Coffee & brunch

Both a short walk round the corner onto Tower Road.

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Sea & see

Swimming off the rocks, a fort built by the Knights and the best view of Valletta in Malta.

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The map

Tap a pin to see what it is and how far it is from the front door.

You're here

The dark pin is the flat on Thornton Street. The open sea and the swimming rocks are to the north; the harbour, the ferry and Valletta are to the south.

A simplified map, not to exact scale. Walking times are from Thornton Street and rounded to the nearest minute; allow extra in the midday heat.

Getting here & about

Good news for British guests: English is an official language, they drive on the left and the plugs are the same three-pin ones as home.

To Valletta: the ferry

The quickest way to the capital is the little ferry from Sliema Ferries on the Strand, about a five-minute walk from the flat. It crosses Marsamxett Harbour in 10 minutes or so, roughly every half hour through the day. Pay a few euros at the kiosk or on board. Bus passes don't cover it.

  1. Thornton StreetWalk down to the harbour side of the peninsula
  2. The StrandFollow the seafront to the Sliema Ferries landing
  3. Across Marsamxett HarbourSit upstairs for the view of the city walls
  4. VallettaIt's uphill from the landing, so save some energy

From the airport

A taxi or Bolt takes around 20 to 25 minutes, longer in rush hour. Airport express buses also serve Sliema; check the Malta Public Transport website for the current route and times.

Buses

Most routes start or stop at Sliema Ferries, the big bus stop by the ferry. Buy a ticket on board or pick up a travel card from Malta Public Transport. Roads get very busy, so the ferry often wins.

Taxis and ride apps

Bolt and other ride apps work across the island and are usually the easiest option after dark.

Late ferries

In summer the ferry runs into the evening; in winter the last one goes earlier. Check the Valletta Ferry Services timetable before a dinner in Valletta.

Driving

Left-hand side, like home. Parking in Sliema is hard work, so most guests don't bother with a car for the first few days.

Money and water

Malta uses euros and cards are widely taken, but keep a few coins for pastizzi and the ferry. The tap water is safe; most locals still drink bottled because of the taste.

Further afield

Malta is small, so almost all of it makes a good day out from here.

A few words of Maltese

Everybody speaks English, but a word or two of Malti always gets a smile.

BonġuGood morning. Say "bon-joo".
GrazziThank you. Say "grats-ee".
SaħħaCheers, and also goodbye. Handy either way.
PastizziFlaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Cheap, hot and everywhere.
KinnieMalta's own bitter orange fizzy drink. Try it once.
Ħobż biż-żejtCrusty bread rubbed with tomato and olive oil, piled with tuna and capers. The perfect beach lunch.