| Sliema Tas-Sliema | ||
 | ||
Coat of arms and flag   | ||
| State | Malta | |
|---|---|---|
| Territory | Mistral Malta | |
| Surface | 1.3 km² | |
| Inhabitants | 22.591 (2019) | |
| Name inhabitants | Slimizi | |
| Prefix tel | 356 | |
| POSTAL CODE | SLM | |
| Time zone | UTC 1 | |
Position
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| [link not working]Institutional website | ||
Sliema (Tas-Sliema) it's a city Maltese located on the north-east coast ofIsland of Malta, a few kilometers north of Valletta.
To know
Sliema owes its name to a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary with the title of Star of the Sea, which serves as a signal and reference point for fishermen living in the area. The name may be connected with the first words of the prayer Hail Mary (Ave Maria), which in Maltese is "Sliem Ghalik Marija". Sliem is a Maltese word which means "peace".
From a simple small fishing village, it became one of the first settlements of English colonists and their families during the nineteenth century. It is still known for the predominant use ofEnglish which distinguishes it from all other places in Malta. This use has recently also spread to the nearby towns of San Giuliano, Attard is Balzan.
It is currently one of the most expanding cities on the island, a destination for strong European immigration (numerous companies reside there), and one of the most multicultural in the whole Malta.
Geographical notes
The town develops along a small peninsula that is surrounded on the external side by the Mediterranean Sea, while on the internal side by the narrow Gulf of Marsamuscetto (Marsamxett). Despite its proximity to the sea, Sliema has some noteworthy climbs that make some of its internal routes quite inaccessible.
When to go
The warm climate makes Sliema a perfect destination for most of the year, from early spring to late autumn.
Background
From the time of the Great Sack of Malta (1565) il-Qortin, as it was known, was a troop camp of the Ottoman Empire. The city began to develop rapidly in the late 20th century as a holiday resort for the wealthy class of Valletta, who built their holiday homes here. The factories were gradually abandoned and in 1990 converted into a garden, now known as 1 Gnien Independence.
How to orient yourself
Sliema: full screen map.How to get
By plane
The only airport on the island
- 2 Luqa (LQA). it is approximately 20 minutes drive from Sliema. Considering that there is no direct bus line to reach the town, we suggest the use of a taxi (average fare € 15, lower if booked via the app).
By car
The roads to Sliema are well signposted. You can reach the city in 20 minutes from Valletta.
By bus
From Luqa Airport you can reach Sliema by taking the bus X1 until the stop of the Mater Dei Hospital, and change there by taking the 233; the journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
From Valletta you can get there in about 20 minutes via the lines 13 is 16.
There are also numerous buses that connect San Giuliano in Sliema.
How to get around
By public transport
On the Sliema seafront there are many stops within easy reach of each other, so you can take advantage of the buses to optimize your travels on foot.
By taxi
Taxis are usually a very popular form of transport on the island of Malta. Near the Strand (St. Anne Square) there is one 3 taxi hire station. , with rates displayed to reach every part of the island. There are also some companies that make it possible to book your car through the app, usually cheaper than "traditional" taxis.
With guided tours
Inside the various hotels there are brochures of some city tours with 17 € (August 2013) giving the possibility to travel some itineraries with which to visit the island.
What see
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- 1 Church of Our Lady Star of the Sea (Stella maris) (Catholic church), Triq Il-Kbira - Sliema, ☎ 356 2133 4941, @[email protected]. The oldest church in Sliema, built in 1854 and enlarged again in 1878 to cope with the increased population of the city due to British immigration.
- 2 Church of Jesus of Nazareth (Catholic church), Triq Il-Kbira - Sliema (Promenade of the Strand), ☎ 356 2131 6191, @[email protected]. Dominican church built at the beginning of the 20th century.
- 3 Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Catholic church), Tower Road 261 - Sliema (Balluta Bay), ☎ 356 2134 4306, @[email protected]. Carmelite church built in 1877.
- 4 Fort Tigné (Fortification), Tigné Point - Sliema. Small hospital fort built by the Knights of Malta between 1795 and 1798. It cannot currently be visited but is visible from the outside and reachable at the end of a pleasant elevated walk, from which you can enjoy a beautiful view of the capital Valletta and the gulf. of Marsamxett.
- 5 St. Julian Tower (Fortification), Tower Road - Sliema, ☎ 356 79 709 468 (restaurant), @[email protected]. Small watchtower built in 1658. Still in excellent condition, it houses a small restaurant.
- 6 Balluta Bay, Balluta Square - Sliema. Bay located on the border between Sliema and San Giuliano. It has a small beach, and a pretty square where you can stop while admiring the view.
- 7 Water distillery, Tigné Seafront 19 - Sliema. Small distillery built in 1881 to supply water to the English garrison housed in the city. The original building is still visible on the waterfront, surrounded by the tall modern buildings.
Events and parties
What to do
The typical daytime activity of Sliema locals and tourists is a stroll along the promenade of the Strand, always exposed to the sun due to its orientation, and along which it is possible to have a pleasant view of the narrow Gulf of Marsamuscetto. Also on the opposite side of the peninsula, overlooking the open Mediterranean Sea, it is possible to appreciate the view of the sea by strolling along the 'wide sidewalk that leads to the bay of Balluta.
The seafront of the Strand It also offers various possibilities for ferry excursions to Gozo or sightseeing tours of the various natural harbors around Valletta, at different rates.
In the evening, the sparkling and multicultural nightlife allows you to relax in one of the numerous cafes on the seafront, or to watch a football match on TV projected on a large screen, which many of these bars have.
- 1 Fond Ghadir beach (Public beach), Tower Road 71, Sliema, ☎ 356 2291 5174, @[email protected].
Free (public). 
24 hours on 24. Rocky beach (like the vast majority of those on the island) European blue flag for its very clean waters. Frequented by many locals and tourists during the summer (although the sun goes down rather early, due to its location). It is possible to enter at night, to organize small bonfires in company. Although not properly equipped, it does have a tower with a lifeguard and small showers. - 2 Watercolors Dive Center (Underwater explorations), Sliema Aquatic Sports Club, Tower Road, ☎ 356 9982 1829, @[email protected]. Mon-Sun 9-17. Activities very popular with tourists are scuba diving. Sliema offers several schools that allow you to explore the Mediterranean seabed of the Maltese island.
- English language schools. Many of the language schools on the island are located in this area.
Free (public). 
24 hours on 24. Rocky beach (like the vast majority of those on the island) European blue flag for its very clean waters. Frequented by many locals and tourists during the summer (although the sun goes down rather early, due to its location). It is possible to enter at night, to organize small bonfires in company. Although not properly equipped, it does have a tower with a lifeguard and small showers.Shopping
Sliema has traditionally been the best-stocked Maltese city when it comes to shopping. You can find several medium-large shopping malls, as well as several shops also present in other European cities. There are also numerous souvenir shops on the Strand.
- 1 The Point, Tigne Point, Sliema, ☎ 356 2247 0300, @[email protected]. Mon-Sat 10am - 7.30pm, Sun 11am - 6pm. The largest shopping center on the island of Malta, hosts several shops from clothing brands to household items; there is also a small supermarket on floor 0.
- 2 The Plaza shopping center, Bisazza Street, Sliema, ☎ 356 2134 3832, 356 2134 3833, 356 2134 3834, fax: 356 2134 3832, 356 2134 3833, 356 2134 3834, @[email protected]. Mon-Sat 9: 30-20: 00, Sun 10: 00-20: 00. Another shopping center, smaller than the previous one, located in a street (Bisazza Street) of shops. It houses, among others, a hairdresser and several small restaurants on floor 0.
- 3 Zara, Tower Road 1, Sliema, ☎ 356 2398 0600. Mon-Sat 9.30am - 7.30pm, Sun 10am - 6pm. Known clothing chain, rather large store (4 floors).
- 4 Marks & Spencer, The Strand, Sliema, ☎ 356 2557 0200. Mon-Sat 9.30am - 7pm, Sun closed. English clothing and food shop.
How to have fun
Sliema's nightlife is always quite lively. walking on the Strand at almost any hour of the night it will be possible to meet several people who crowd the small premises present one in line to the other. Although there are no actual nightclubs, it is possible to quickly reach nearby Paceville (San Giuliano), which hosts several.
Night clubs
- 1 The Brew (Brewery, bar, grill), The Strand 74, Sliema, ☎ 356 2703 0398. Brewery with craft beers, perfect for an evening with friends or to watch a game broadcast on TV.
- 2 Hole in the wall (Pub), The Strand 74, Sliema, ☎ 356 9983 4378. Mon-Fri 10.30-1, Sat-Sun 17-1. Small but lively bar, which offers the presence of being outdoors in a welcoming and young atmosphere. To signal the presence of a station for old arcade games.
- 3 Surfside (Cafe), Tower Road, Sliema, ☎ 356 21 345 384, @[email protected]. Mon-Sun 9-23. Bar overlooking the sea, especially recommended for a summer aperitif enjoying the view
- 4 Salisbury Arms (Pub), Triq Il-Kbira 81, Sliema, ☎ 356 2786 8177, @[email protected]. Tue-Sun 10-4, closed Mon. Small family run pub with a typical atmosphere british, ideal for watching a football match with friends.
Where to eat
Along the streets of Sliema you will be spoiled for choice given the large number of restaurants and the like. For all palates and all budgets. Numerous clubs and bars, with portions that tend to be abundant. The restaurants are generally very good but with prices above the Italian average.
If you want to spend little, you can taste the "pastizzi", local street food, which can be found in numerous pastry shops scattered around the city, at a ridiculously low price (0.80-2.50 €).
Moderate prices
- 1 Kebab Ji (Kebab), Tower Road 132 A - Sliema, ☎ 356 2782 7562. The "classic" kebab (wrap or pita) ranges from € 4 to € 6. Every day 11-3. Excellent Lebanese kebab with ingredients of your choice, considering the small size of the place it is advisable to order take away
Average prices
- 2 Marrobbio (Pizza), Tigne Seafront 18A, Sliema, ☎ 356 2713 0669. Pizza from 10-12 €. Mon-Sat 12-15, 17.30-23.30, Tue 17.30-22.30, Sun 12-23.30. One of the best pizzerias in Sliema
- 3 Tiffany's Bistro (Pasta and burgers), Tigne Seafront 18A, Sliema, ☎ 356 9958 6280. Pasta from € 12-14, burgers from € 10-12. Mon-Sun 7-23. Perfect place to have great pasta (beware of garlic, often used) or perfect burgers at an affordable price. Very generous portions
- 4 Ta 'Kris (Maltese cuisine), Fawwara Lane 80, Sliema, ☎ 356 21337367, @[email protected]. Mon-Sun 12.30-23. Excellent typical Maltese cuisine at affordable prices
- 5 Little Argentina (Argentine cuisine, meat), Tower Road 210, Sliema, ☎ 356 9904 2444. slightly higher than average, given the meat specialties. Mon-Sun 8.30-24. Small and welcoming place to eat excellent meat (pay attention to cooking)
High prices
- 6 Old Naples (Pizzeria and Campania specialties), Tower Road, ☎ 356 21 34 34 34, @[email protected]. Higher than the average, pizzas can cost over € 12 and the fish of the day over € 45. Mon-Thu 12-17, 18-22.30 Fri-Sun holidays 12-16, 18-23. The starters are ok although the mixed starters recommended on the tables is actually NOT recommended for the price / quality ratio. The pizzas are great, a little expensive, but worth it. Unless you are particularly hungry you will only fill up with that, so don't order anything else.
Where stay
There are many hotels along the line Strand and in particular on the bay of Balluta. Most of them have a rooftop restaurant and rooftop swimming pool, and you will enjoy a stunning view from both. Room prices will vary if you want a sea view, a partial sea view or a rear view. The quality of the hotels tends to be below the Western and Italian average, but nothing dramatic.
Average prices
- 1 Waterfront Hotel (4 stars), The Strand, Sliema, ☎ 356 2090 6899, @[email protected]. In summer single from 90-110 €. 4 star hotel, located on the seafront.
High prices
- 2 Palace Hotel (5 stars), High Street, Sliema, ☎ 356 2133 3444, @[email protected]. In summer single from 170-220 €. 5-star hotel, elegant although the quality tends to be lower than a "European" 5-star hotel.
Safety
Like allisland of Malta, Sliema has no particular petty crime problems and is a fairly safe area.
- 4 Sliema Police Station, Manwel Dimech Street 110, Sliema, ☎ 356 2294 3351, @[email protected]. The emergency numbers 112 and 119 are available in case of an urgent request to the police.
- 5 St. James Hospital (Private hospital / clinic), George Borg Olivier Street, Sliema (Close to the Hotel Palace), ☎ 356 2329 1000, @[email protected]. Private hospital and clinic with emergency service.
How to keep in touch
Post office
- 6 Sliema post office, 110 Triq Manwel Dimech, ☎ 356 2122 4421. Mon-Sat 8-30-12.45.
Around
- San Giuliano - Town adjacent to Sliema, famous for its nightlife. Numerous buses (lines 12, 16, 212) connect them along their promenade in less than 10 minutes. It can also be reached on foot, given the short distance (25 minutes' walk).
- Valletta - The capital of Malta it is easily accessible by ferry, which can be taken from the Marsamuscetto seafront 7 (Sliema Ferries). at a cost of € 3.80 (return). The short journey time (less than 10 minutes) makes the excursion very popular among tourists. The short journey time (less than 10 minutes) makes the excursion very popular among tourists.
The city can also be reached by bus (line 21 from Sliema Ferries, lines 13A is 14 from the stop Chalet) in about twenty minutes.
- Comino or Gozo - These two beautiful islands are perfect for a day trip (or even to spend more than a day staying overnight on site). By bus 222 (about 1 hour journey) you have to reach Cirkewwa after which you will have to embark for the chosen island through one of the numerous boats that shuttle. For Comino the average price is € 10 return, while for Gozo, via the Gozo Channel Ferry it is € 4.65 return for adults (as of August 2013).
- During the weekends the bus will be very crowded, both for the final destination which is very popular, and for the fact that a bus runs every 30 minutes; therefore, those wishing to have a seat should move backwards and go up to the terminus.
- Beaches - Malta's (few) sandy beaches can all be reached by taxi or even by bus: with the 225 you can get there in less than an hour Ghajn Tuffieha, one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Paradise Bay instead it can be reached by line 222 from Chalet in 1 hour and 15.
- Rabat is Medina - You get there with the 202 taking just under an hour.
