Tas-Sliema—commonly known as Sliema—is one of the most sought-after areas in Malta, attracting both tourists and expatriates. Located on the island's northeast coast, this former fishing village has seen rapid population growth in recent years, transforming it into one of the most densely populated regions in the country. If you are considering accommodation in Sliema, the following guide will provide practical information and useful tips to help you make the right choice.
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Sliema: A vibrant and convenient city for living in Malta
Sliema is a lively city with a high quality of life, and it's no wonder that since the 19th century, the prominent families of Valletta have chosen it as their favorite vacation spot! Today, this dynamic and modern city, located just 5 km north of the capital, is a true residential, commercial, and tourist hub that attracts both Maltese and expatriates.
With a little more thanÌý19,000 inhabitants, Sliema is the second most popular city in Malta. It appeals with its vibrancy and amenities: shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, apartments, luxury villas, clubs... it has it all. Once a fishing village, it has managed to reinvent itself while maintaining a certain charm, blending traditional architecture with modern buildings.
The city is particularly appreciated by singles, young couples, and expatriates looking for comfort and amenities within walking distance. In Sliema, you can swim, work, shop, dine at a restaurant, and enjoy a local beer or a "Kinnie" (a typical drink with a unique taste) in a chic bar, all in the same day and just minutes apart! The seaside promenade, stretching for several kilometers, is an iconic meeting place: people run, stroll, admire the sunset, or swim there. It offers stunning views of Marsamxett Harbour and the iconic silhouette of Valletta.
On a practical level, Sliema ticks all the boxes: international, local, and language schools, hospitals (such as St James), nurseries, daycares, supermarkets (SPAR, Welbee's, Lidl), grocery stores from around the world, banks, a police station, leisure centers, gyms, churches... It's a city designed for everyday life, with a quality of life that attracts many families and professionals.
The area is also an economic hub: many international companies are based here, particularly along the coast between Sliema and Saint Julian's. Naturally, this popularity comes at a price: the rental market is very tight, and rents are rising as demand increases. But the possibility of living without a car and avoiding Malta's notorious traffic jams remains a decisive advantage for many.
Finally, Sliema is also a strategic starting point for exploring the island or taking cruises. And even though it is quieter in winter, its energy remains palpable all year round, always with a certain sweetness of life.
Public transport in Sliema
Being the main route for public transport, several bus lines pass through Sliema to reach Valletta or return from it. A night bus service connects neighboring cities, making it easy to enjoy this entire region of Malta.
Valletta is now accessible by car or bus in 15 minutes, and St Julian's is 10 minutes away. The transport company is Malta Public Transport, which allows travel from 5:30 AM to 11 PM in new and well-maintained vehicles. It is also possible to reach Valletta by boat in 10 minutes for about 2 euros.
If you have a car, try to find accommodation with private parking. Indeed, parking is often difficult, as many residents come to Sliema to shop.
A ferry regularly runs between the Sliema waterfront and Valletta. It is a popular option for quick access to the capital. Ferries depart every half hour from both sides.
Types of accommodation in Sliema
Naturally, there are various types ofÌýaccommodation in Sliema: apartments, penthouses, townhouses, villas, and shared accommodations. Choose the one that best suits your needs, budget, and household members. For more details on the different types of accommodation you can find in Sliema and Malta in general, check out our article "Finding housing and rentalsÌýin Malta".
Having a seafront apartment would obviously be ideal, but they are particularly coveted and not within everyone's reach. Beautiful traditional townhouses offer modern comfort in an elegant setting for a more reasonable rent, but beware, Sliema is one of the most expensive places on the island, along with St Julian's and Valletta. If you're looking for luxury, Sliema is renowned for being home to some luxury apartments, some of which are located in the new buildings of Tigné Point, where The Point shopping center is located.
In Sliema, you will find many apartments for rent, from studios to large apartments with several bedrooms. The construction sector is booming in the city, with new buildings being erected. This is good news for those looking for modern, comfortable accommodations with better insulation. Moreover, some apartments and penthouses in older buildings have been renovated, offering more comfort.
Due to rental prices, some expatriates in Malta, especially solo ones,Ìýchoose shared accommodation in Sliema. It's a good way to meet people and make friends.
The best places for settling in Sliema
Sliema is a small city of 1.3 km2, but you still need to choose the neighborhood where you want to live. The city has a long seafront, so apartments facing the sea are popular among expatriates. It's true that the view is magnificent, but there are two drawbacks to this type of location:
- Firstly, apartments are more expensive than in the rest of Sliema, whether you're renting or buying property.
- Secondly, the seafront is noisier than the rest of Sliema, as it attracts tourists and locals who come to enjoy the sea and meet friends. Many bars and restaurants are also located on the seafront, making it quite busy. However, the noise can be more bearable by choosing an apartment or penthouse located on the upper floors.
The north of Sliema, quieter than the south, is conducive to finding accommodation. Still, you'll find many bars and restaurants still easily accessible on foot. Within ten minutes on foot, you can reach your favorite bar in Sliema or even in Saint Julian's.
You can also buy or rent a townhouse in the heart of Sliema. They are often located in small streets, offering a more peaceful environment than the seafront. If you love the sea, you can still reach it in a few minutes on foot.
Finally, if you're looking for better value for money, consider the immediate surroundings of the city, for example, Gżira is located south of Sliema. Its name means "island" in Maltese, as it has a small island: Manoel Island and its Fort, both connected to the rest of Malta by a small bridge. Íæż½ã½ãriates and Maltese like to go there to exercise, swim with a breathtaking view of Valletta, or simply relax. Outside of this small island, Gżira has all the necessary amenities: grocery stores, buses, and restaurants. A beautiful walk along the seafront will allow you to reach Sliema in no time.
You will also find accommodation in Msida, located in the immediate vicinity of Sliema. The city is known for housing the University of Malta. So if you or a family member is considering studying in Malta, Msida is the best choice. Like Sliema and Gżira, the city has all the amenities. Rents are cheaper than in Sliema and the neighborhood is quieter.
House hunting in Sliema
To find accommodation in Sliema, you can go through a real estate agency that will facilitate your search and assist you with the formalities. There are many real estate agencies in Malta, such as , , , , , , and .
You can also browse classified ads on websites and in local newspapers, or use word of mouth. The Maltese are very friendly and welcoming, especially towards expatriates, and they will try to help you.
During your housing huntÌýin Sliema, as everywhere else in Malta,Ìýcheck outÌýonline offers. Just be aware that current prices and availability may differ. For up-to-date information, it's best to contact real estate agencies or landlords directly by phone once in Malta.
However, online search remainsÌýthe best method to rent directly from the owner. This will save you money, as there are no agency fees to pay (equivalent to half a month's rent paid by the tenant, plus the same amount charged to the landlord).
Check out the website, Malta's most popular online marketplace, which contains a good list of accommodations. Don't forget Facebook, which is one of the best ways to find accommodation in Malta. Go to Facebook's marketplace and select Sliema in the filters. Look for groups dedicated to accommodation in Malta, using English keywords such as "accommodation in Malta" or "rent a flat in Malta". However, be careful, as there may be scams, especially if you're renting from abroad.
If you are looking for a shared accommodation, check Facebook (especially groups dedicated to shared housing) and real estate agency websites.
Remember that you can negotiate lease terms with the landlord, whether it's paying several months in advance, the lease duration, or renewal terms.
Rental prices in Sliema
Due to Sliema's popularity, apartment prices have increased quite rapidly in the area. While this area is now considered one of the most expensive in Malta, it doesn't mean you shouldn't consider it.
As Sliema is a popular tourist destination, landlords generally seek to rent their properties short-term, but it is quite possible to find suitable housing by taking enough time.
For a small apartment, expect to pay between 900 and 1,200 euros in rent per month, compared to a minimum of 1,500 euros for a nice four-room apartment. For a luxury apartment, prices soar up to 8,000 euros or more.
Buying property in Sliema
If you are considering living inÌýMalta for a long period, you might consider buying property in Sliema or making an excellent "buy-to-let" investment (rental investment). Explore the different types of properties available for sale and discuss them with a real estate agent. Sliema is a popular city with fairly high real estate prices. You will find apartments for sale ranging from 300,000 € to 1,200,000 €, or even more.
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