Sliema, which means 'peace, comfort', was once a quiet fishing village on the peninsula across Marsamxett Harbour from Valletta and has views of the capital city. The population began to grow in 1853 and the town was declared a parish in 1878.
The British
It was during this period that the town was named 'Sliema', which means 'peace' in Maltese. In the year of 1855, the small fishing village developed into a town after the Our Lady Star of the Sea (Stella Maris) church was opened to the public.
Sliema, meaning 'peace, comfort', was once a sleepy fishing village and is now a lively town on the northeastern coast of Malta.
Quick Facts
Sliema (Tas-Sliema in Maltese) means 'peace' and some say the name originates from a chapel that was built in the area. Ironically, it's one of the busier places in Malta nowadays. The current population count is around 23,000 residents. Once popular as a summer resort for wealthier Valletta residents.
Malta has a long history and was first inhabited in around 5900 BC. The first inhabitants were farmers, and their agricultural methods degraded the soil until the islands became uninhabitable.
Mdina(L- Imdina) is a fortified city in island of Malta,often called The Silent City. Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city with medieval and baroque architecture. It's the oldest city on the island, dating back 4,000 years.
Maria Farrugia, originally from the locality of Ħamrun, was born on 7th March 1912 – this means she has lived through a multitude of major events throughout her life. Malta's own Maria is also not so far away from the world's oldest woman, Spain's Maria Branyas, at 116 years old.
Tas-Sliema, Malta
Steps and handrails placed every so often allow easy access to the water. There are plenty of flat rocks to spread a towel on. The sea here is deep, and generally clean, clear and safe to swim. It is also excellent for snorkelling.
With its low cost of living, high quality of life, good air quality, fast internet, low crime, and friendly people, Sliema is a choice you will not regret.
If you're wondering which is better, Valletta or Sliema, know that both locations are fantastic places to stay in Malta. Valletta is Malta's stunning, baroque capital, ideal for luxury and cosmopolitan travellers. Sliema is ideal for all round travellers for accessing bars, restaurants, and shopping.
citizens or residents of Malta. The Maltese people, or Maltese, are a nation and ethnic group native to Malta, an island country made of a group of seven islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
Traditional Maltese food is rustic and based on the seasons. Look out for Lampuki Pie (fish pie), Rabbit Stew, Bragioli (beef olives), Kapunata, (Maltese version of ratatouille), and widow's soup, which includes a small round of Gbejniet (sheep or goat's cheese).
A significant prehistoric Neolithic culture marked by Megalithic structures, which date back to c. 3600 BC, existed on the islands, as evidenced by the temples of Bugibba, Mnajdra, Ggantija and others. The Phoenicians colonised Malta between 800 and 700 BC, bringing their Semitic language and culture.
Aghlabid period: 870–1091
Islam is believed to have been introduced to Malta when the North African Aghlabids, first led by Halaf al-Hadim and later by Sawada ibn Muhammad, conquered the islands from the Byzantines, after arriving from Sicily in 870 (as part of the wider Arab–Byzantine wars).
Malta's population is composed almost entirely of ethnic Maltese, the descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians as well as of Italians and other Mediterranean peoples.
Sliema is widely considered one of the best places to live in Malta, particularly for expats. Situated on the eastern coast of Malta, Sliema provides breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea and a delightful climate. Boasting a population of 23,000, Sliema is, by far, one of the liveliest areas in Malta.
Sliema is Malta's most expensive locality when it comes to apartments for rent, a Housing Authority report shows, as tenants pay an average of €1,218 and €1,439 for two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments respectively.
Sliema ferries to Gozo usually operate all year round, but are dependent on weather conditions. You can use our search engine to find more information and prices depending on your departure point or you can have a look at some of the latest offers below.
Balluta Bay is another sandy beach in Sliema, located right underneath the Balluta Church. The bay has been replenished with natural sand to enlarge the bathing space on the beach – so more visitors can enjoy the sun here!
On the islands, it is illegal to camp in certain areas such as beaches, so one should ensure to check with the local council before deciding on a location. Although not very popular, locally there also are a few private glamping locations that one could opt for.
Access to Medical Facilities: The competitive health care system supports high life expectancy in Malta by providing an abundant availability of hospitals and physicians per capita. Due to the archipelago's small population, 4.7 hospital beds and 3.8 doctors exist for every 1,000 citizens.
The study raises the possibility that the conquest of the Maltese islands by Viking descendants originally headed by Count Roger had left a lasting genetic mark on the island inhabitants.
What is the legal drinking age in Malta? The legal drinking age in Malta is 17, and it's wise to carry around an ID card or a passport if you're visiting bars and nightclubs as proof of age may be requested.