Both times I’ve visited Malta, I’ve ended up staying in Sliema. However in the quiet part of town. Sliema facing Valletta is the busy section. That’s where the shops are located, along with the fanciest mall in the country, the Point Shopping Mall – this is where you go designer shopping. I remember there being more stores in Valletta, compared to what I spotted this time around. Now it seems you’ll find the most shops in Sliema. Just note, shopping malls in Malta are in general not big. This area is also the port where ferries and tour boats operate from. And also has most of the restaurants. I guess no wonder, as the Valletta skyline is the view. Outside of this, Sliema is pretty quiet. Most is centred along Tower Road and the promenade. The promenade is nice and quiet in the evening, perfect for a stroll, and busy during the day. Has a few restaurants scattered here and there, and the beach, cliffs with rock pools, below, is super popular. Tons of people. In general there were a lot more people everywhere, than when I visited last. Away from the promenade, you get a taste of local life. Residential neighbourhood, with the colorful balconies 🙂
Sitting between Valletta and St. Julians, and with short bus rides to both, Sliema is the place I prefer to stay in. I’d stay in Valletta, if I could find a decently priced pool hotel 🙂
Some other towns and villages on Malta Island:
PACEVILLE (St. Julian’s) is party central. Casino, bars, nightclubs, restaurants. Also a shopping mall, of decent size. The sandy beach at St. George’s Bay was packed with hungover partygoers, when I visited way back when.
SPINOLA BAY seems to be the heart of ST. JULIAN’S. A lot of restaurants and bars, but not the party vibe as in Paceville.
BALLUTA BAY (St. Julian’s). On the border with Sliema. Besides a few restaurants it looked quite quiet.
On my way to Mdina and Rabat, I passed MOSTA and NAXXAR. Seems like every village has a huge, beautiful church. Might be worth stopping at these two places. I just didn’t make time 🙁
Getting around the island on the local buses are pretty straightforward. There are many routes to choose from, so just make sure you get on the correct, and quickest, one. Malta Public Transport’s journey planner is a good tool for figuring things out. I picked up a Tallinja Card, to top up in line with my needs.
More on Malta Island.
Sliema
St. Julian’s
Balluta Bay
