Sliema and its immediate neighbour St. Julian's form Malta's main coastal resort and are THE places to see and be seen. Together they comprise of the island's major commercial and residential areas as well as offering some of Malta's best nightlife.
Both Sliema and St Julian's have numerous bars, restaurants and clubs. Incorporating glamorous Sliema, vibrant and energetic Paceville, and the slightly more relaxed St Julian's, there is nightly entertainment to suit all tastes. From top-class restaurants, intimate bars, a casino and the hippest clubs there really is something for everyone.
In addition, the area offers endless choices of cafes, restaurants and shops as well as some fabulous views and great spots for sunbathing and swimming.
Sliema, pronounced "Sleeyma", was developed in the early twentieth century as a holiday retreat for wealthy Valletta residents. The elegant town houses and glamorous holiday villas now share the town with some of Malta's newest hotels, lending Sliema a sophisticated and cosmopolitan vibe.
The shops in the town are amongst the best on the island, in particular it is worth looking out for traditional crafts such as the beautiful Maltese lace, fine silverware and the local pottery that defines art of the area.
Also to be taken advantage of are the stunning views. The Sliema promontory offers views across the open ocean on one side and the visual splendour of Valletta on the other.
There is little in the way of sandy beaches in Sliema and St Julian's except for a small strip of sand where the two towns meet. However, what they both offer are a number of open air swimming lidos, water polo areas, and flat rocky beaches which provide excellent sunbathing platforms and allow access into the sea.
St Julian's Bay is lined with cafes and restaurants and is a lovely place to sit and watch the fishermen that still use the bay. Likewise, Spinola Bay, one of the most fashionable addresses in Malta, offers a number of smart restaurants, whilst the colourful luzzas bobbing on the glittering bay and the fishermen mending their nets on the rocks preserve a traditional charm.
