Hey there! Staying in Sliema? Great choice. It’s smack dab in the middle of everything, making it a fantastic base to explore Malta and the nearby islands. Whether you’re visiting as a couple, traveling with kids, or exploring on a budget, there’s tons to do.
Where to stay in Sliema
Sliema offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, B&Bs, and hostels. Accommodation in Malta is regulated and offers high quality within its range. To make your money last longer—especially if you are four adults and some children—consider comparing the cost of a hotel (where you might need a family room or two rooms) with that of a short-term rental. Maltese law states that you cannot have more than six people in a short-term flat. Additionally, most flats come with a sofa, sometimes even a sofa bed.
Here are our two recommended short stays in Sliema:
Sliema: A one-bedroom apartment with a Maltese balcony, comfortable sofa, three TVs, air conditioning, and internet access. Book your Sliema rental apartment today
Gzira: A designer-finished two-bedroom apartment in a great location. Features include a 65″ TV, Maltese balcony, kitchen, back terrace, internal yard with a nice mural, comfortable sofa, and internet access. Book your Gzira Rental apartment today.
Let’s check out 20 awesome day trips you can easily embark on, grouped by what tickles your fancy.
Historical and Cultural Sites
- Valletta (just a 10-minute ferry ride away)
- Discover Malta’s capital, a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with history
- Marvel at Caravaggio’s masterpieces in St. John’s Co-Cathedral
- Soak in stunning harbor views from the Upper Barrakka Gardens
- Step back in time at the Grand Master’s Palace and armory
- Dive into Mattia Preti’s impact on Maltese art
- Mdina and Rabat (about 30 minutes by bus)
- Wander through Mdina, the “Silent City,” Malta’s ancient capital
- Lose yourself in narrow streets and visit the stunning Mdina Cathedral
- Head over to Rabat to explore St. Paul’s Catacombs and the Roman Villa
- If you’re around during the event, don’t miss the APS Mdina Cathedral Contemporary Art Biennale
- Three Cities: Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua (just 20 minutes by bus)
- Explore these historic fortified cities just across from Valletta
- Check out the Malta Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa
- Enjoy gorgeous harbor views from the Gardjola Gardens in Senglea
- Uncover the rich Phoenician history of Malta
- Mosta and Naxxar (half an hour by bus)
- Visit the Mosta Rotunda, famous for its massive dome
- Tour Palazzo Parisio in Naxxar, often called “Malta’s Versailles”
- Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Temples (around 50 minutes by bus)
- Explore these incredible UNESCO megalithic temples
- Visit the nearby Ħamrija Tower, a 17th-century watchtower
- Learn about Malta’s fascinating ancient history
- Tarxien Temples and Hypogeum (just 25 minutes by bus)
- Visit the prehistoric Tarxien Temples complex
- Tour the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground necropolis (make sure to book in advance!)
- Marsaxlokk and Birgu (about 40 minutes by bus)
- In the morning, visit the colorful fishing village of Marsaxlokk and its bustling Sunday market
- In the afternoon, explore Birgu (Vittoriosa), including Fort St. Angelo and the Inquisitor’s Palace
- Don’t forget to try some delicious local seafood
Natural Attractions and Beaches
- Blue Grotto and Dingli Cliffs (around 40 minutes by bus)
- Morning: Hop on a boat tour of the stunning Blue Grotto sea caves
- Afternoon: Take a stroll along Malta’s highest cliffs for breathtaking views
- Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers
- Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha (40-minute bus ride)
- Chill out on two of Malta’s best sandy beaches
- Hike the scenic cliff-top trails between the bays
- Catch an unforgettable sunset from Ghajn Tuffieha Tower
- Mellieha Bay and St. Agatha’s Tower (about 50 minutes by bus)
- Enjoy Malta’s largest sandy beach at Mellieha Bay
- Visit the iconic red St. Agatha’s Tower (also known as the Red Tower)
- Explore the Mellieha Air Raid Shelter from WWII
- Buskett Gardens and Clapham Junction (roughly 45 minutes by bus)
- Wander through Buskett Gardens, Malta’s only woodland area
- Check out the mysterious prehistoric ‘Cart Ruts’ at Clapham Junction
- Hike to Girgenti Palace and the Inquisitor’s Summer Palace
- Awesome spot for mountain biking enthusiasts
Island Hopping
- Gozo Island (about an hour by bus and ferry)
- Visit the Ġgantija Temples, which are even older than the pyramids!
- Kick back at Ramla Bay’s unique red sand beach
- Explore Victoria, Gozo’s capital, and its impressive Citadel
- Experience Gozo’s unique wine culture
- Comino and Blue Lagoon (just a 30-minute boat ride away)
- Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Blue Lagoon
- Hike around the car-free island of Comino
- Visit St. Mary’s Tower, featured in the “Count of Monte Cristo” film
- Gozo’s Western Coast (around 1.5 hours by bus and ferry)
- Check out the Azure Window site and Inland Sea in Dwejra
- Visit the beautiful Ta’ Pinu National Shrine
- Relax at the picturesque Xlendi Bay
Coastal Towns and Villages
- St. Julian’s and Paceville (a quick 10-minute bus ride)
- Stroll along Spinola Bay and indulge in its fantastic restaurants
- Visit the stylish Portomaso Marina
- Experience Malta’s vibrant nightlife in Paceville when the sun goes down
- Great spot for digital nomads to hang out
- Marsaskala and St. Thomas Bay (around 40 minutes by bus)
- Walk along the picturesque harbor promenade
- Relax at St. Thomas Bay beach
- Visit the historic St. Thomas Tower, built by the Knights of St. John
- Żurrieq and Wied iż-Żurrieq (about 45 minutes by bus)
- Explore the charming village of Żurrieq
- Visit the unique Xarolla Windmill
- Take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto from Wied iż-Żurrieq
Off the Beaten Path
- Siggiewi and Limestone Heritage (around 35 minutes by bus)
- Visit the Limestone Heritage Park and Gardens
- Explore the traditional Maltese village of Siggiewi
- Tour the Tal-Providenza Chapel, known for its miraculous painting
- Learn about Malta’s historic water trails
- Għar Dalam Cave and Birżebbuġa (about 45 minutes by bus)
- Explore Għar Dalam Cave and its prehistoric wonders
- Relax at Pretty Bay in Birżebbuġa
- Visit the Borġ in-Nadur megalithic temple remains
- Qrendi and Mqabba (roughly 40 minutes by bus)
- Visit the Maqluba sinkhole and its legend-filled chapel
- Explore the ornate Parish Church of Qrendi
- Tour the impressive Ta’ Betta Wine Estates in Girgenti (booking required)
- Enjoy a delightful wine tasting experience
Don’t forget to check bus schedules or consider booking guided tours for more convenience. Each of these day trips offers a unique glimpse into Malta’s rich history, culture, and natural beauty, all easily accessible from your base in Sliema.
If you’re looking to explore Malta on your own terms, consider following this self-guided tour of Malta. Planning to stay a while? Airbnb options in Malta can make you feel right at home.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out the ultimate guide to European travel destinations in 2025. And if you’re considering a winter getaway, Malta is a fantastic cheap, warm destination in December.
For the adventurous souls, Malta offers excellent scuba diving opportunities, including fascinating shipwreck dives. Just make sure to avoid common scuba diving mistakes to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Lastly, if you’re planning your trip for the coming winter, check out the new Ryanair routes to Malta for winter 2024-2025 to find the best flight options.
Want to stay in Sliema we have you sorted as well : What to see and do in Sliema.
