If you’re a water baby with a love for travelling, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a destination better than Sliema. This Maltese town is right on the coast of the Mediterranean, and features a host of nautical activities for you to dive right into.
Personally, there’s nothing I love more than making a splash while on holiday – quite literally – which is why Sliema is one of my favourite places in all of Malta. You’ll have ample opportunity to take advantage of everything – beach clubs that offer the ideal blend of respite on land and fun in the water, and exciting boat trips that take you out on the open ocean for fishing, cruises and more.
Read on and see why Sliema is perfect for travellers who don’t mind – and even enjoy! – getting a little damp while on holiday.
Beach Clubs
The Exiles
Perfect For: Relaxation
You don’t have to be in exile to visit and enjoy the Exiles Lido – in fact, it’s probably better if you’re not. This beach club is known for fantastic dining facilities and superb location right by the water’s edge. Gaze out over the sparkling Mediterranean, taking in the clear blue waves, the rocky beach and St Julian’s skyline on the horizon as you relax on the open terrace. Go for a swim, try your hand at snorkelling or just unwind on one of the available sun loungers (they come complete with an umbrella, you know).
Feeling peckish? Grab a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant and snack bar. It’s casual, with an extensive menu that includes salad, pasta, pizza and more. There’s no better way to enjoy a meal than outside in the warm Mediterranean sun as the gentle Maltese sea breeze caresses your face. L-ikla t-tajba! (That’s bon appetit in Maltese.)
MedAsia Playa
Perfect For: Partying
This beach club, only open in the summer, uniquely fuses Asian and Maltese styles together. The venue is spacious and features everything from a luxurious lounge to a path that leads directly to the Mediterranean, making it the perfect option to either unwind or take advantage of the warm sea.
Their restaurant offers both oriental and Mediterranean specialties, and they boast an area where guests can partake in shisha (hookah). To further relax, you can take advantage of the onsite massage parlour, participate in one of the daily sunset yoga classes or simply sip a cocktail by the pool. When the sun goes down, things begin to heat up and MedAsia comes alive with entertainment, music and socialising. The drinks are often flowing until the wee hours of the morning – a wild and exciting addition to any Sliema holiday.
Boat Trips
Captain Morgan
Perfect For: Adventure
Get out on the water with Captain Morgan Cruises. They offer a diverse variety of sea trips, including underwater safaris, full-day excursions around Malta and short harbour jaunts. Is there a better way to explore the wonders of this island nation?
Fishing
Perfect For: Sport
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, the fishing opportunities in Malta are extensive. You can even book on to boating adventures that will take you out on a sports fisher vessel with state-of-the-art facilities. Alternatively, choose to head out for deep sea or coastal fishing, or try your luck and see if you can catch a barracuda, a snapper or some game fish such as albacore and tuna.
Those who are looking for lessons are also in luck – the experienced fishermen who lead these excursions are more than happy to offer their assistance and pass on their extensive knowledge to newbies. There are even opportunities to sneak in some snorkelling. Now that’s what I call a catch.
Where to Stay
Sliema Marina Hotel – Sliema Marina Hotel is charming, modern and located right on the seafront. The rooms are stylish and boast fantastic views of the harbour. It is situated in an ideal position directly amid the waterfront promenade’s restaurants and cafes, as well as opposite the pickup point for some of the boat rides that travel to Valletta.
How to Get There
A flight from the UK to Malta takes three hours – and that’s the longest leg of the journey. Once you touch down, the drive from Malta International Airport to Sliema is only 15 minutes. The easiest way to get from the airport to your accommodation is by pre-booking a transfer before you even get on the plane; my favourite company to use is Shuttle Direct.
Travelling, especially travelling abroad, is stressful enough without having to worry about sorting out transportation, and Shuttle Direct has never let me down. They offer speedy, reliable services, so even when my journey is only eight kilometres they’re my go-to guys. Oh, and the best part of booking with Shuttle? Many of their drivers are locals who speak English and who are more than happy to let you pick their brains for travel tips and itinerary suggestions – is there a better way to discover a country’s hidden gems?
Overview
- UK to Malta International Airport (MLA) Flight Time: 3 hours
- MLA to Sliema Distance: 8 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 15 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Our team at Shuttle Direct prides themselves on providing some of the best airport transfers in all of Europe and North Africa. Our drivers are friendly and our service is reliable, professional and fast. Wherever the travel bug takes you next, we hope you’ll let us help you get there.
