Holidays to Sliema bring you to a stylish retreat on Malta's northeastern coast. Here you'll find designer shopping and Blue Flag beaches – and the capital Valetta a short drive away.

Sea, sun and shopping

This laid-back haven, between the nightlife hotspot of Paceville and the capital Valleta, has long been a favoured retreat of the wealthy. It’s carved a bit of a niche for itself with sophisticated bars and designer shopping, and you’ll find most of the action happens along the 2 coastal roads – Tower Road along the northern shore, and Triq ix–Xatt in the south. Where they meet is Tigné Point, home to the 18th-century fort and the very modern Point Shopping Centre.

Buzzy beach life

Like most of Malta, the beach at Sliema is mainly rockly. That doesn’t stop locals, though – this is a popular spot with umbrellas and loungers available for hire all along the 5-kilometre stretch. While there’s waterskiing for the adventurous, most swimmers and families choose to use the lidos – dotted along the beach – for the calm waters and poolside cafés. Alternatively, sandy St George’s Bay is a 20-minute bus away – it’s got bars and restaurants along its promenade.

A sophisticated nightlife

Sliema’s nightlife is vibrant but classy. There are plenty of bars to choose for after-dinner drinks – traditional pubs, wine bars and trendy places to be seen in your glad rags. You’ll find most of them along Triq ix–Xatt on the harbour, where locals come for an evening stroll and to socialise. For a livelier night take a 15-minute bus to Paceville – the nightclubs are centred on the Paceville Piazza.

Malta from the sea

Leaving from Sliema harbour, a day cruise around Malta takes you past Valleta’s grand harbour entrance, the imposing Dingli Cliffs and the Blue Lagoon, where you can take a dip in the clear azure water. For a change of pace, there’s also romantic sunset trips through Valetta’s floodlit harbour, or party boats that feature DJs and stay on the water ’til midnight. Trips cost between 25 and 50 euros and they’ll normally pick you up at your hotel.