Sliema (pronounced ‘Slee-maa’), with its neighbouring areas of St Julian’s and St George’s Bay, is the largest and most modern area of Malta and one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. There is a thriving shopping area and it’s also one of the island’s most fashionable residential areas.Stretching across the peninsula, Sliema boasts a picturesque sea setting, straddled by the Mediterranean to the north and Marsamxett Harbour (pronounced ‘Mar-sam-shett’) to the south. Sliema has no obvious centre but its heart lies along the Strand and Tigne seafront, from which you can get picture-postcard views across to the capital, Valletta.Sliema can cater for most shopping tastes, with a plethora of international brand names intermingled with small boutiques, particularly along Bisazza street.

Sliema (pronounced ‘Slee-maa’), with its neighbouring areas of St Julian’s and St George’s Bay, is the largest and most modern area of Malta and one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. There is a thriving shopping area and it’s also one of the island’s most fashionable residential areas.Stretching across the peninsula, Sliema boasts a picturesque sea setting, straddled by the Mediterranean to the north and Marsamxett Harbour (pronounced ‘Mar-sam-shett’) to the south. Sliema has no obvious centre but its heart lies along the Strand and Tigne seafront, from which you can get picture-postcard views across to the capital, Valletta.Sliema can cater for most shopping tastes, with a plethora of international brand names intermingled with small boutiques, particularly along Bisazza street.

When the sun goes down the Maltese take to the streets for the typically Mediterranean passegiata or promenade. The three-kilometre long sea promenade is a magnet for local traders, who set up an impromptu market selling Maltese snacks, ice-creams and other goods to catch the passing trade. And if you tire of the passegiata, you can take in the view from one of Sliema’s many cafés, bars and restaurants.