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Sliema beaches aren’t the prettiest in Malta, but they’re convenient. If you’re in town, just hop into the Mediterranean Sea. With a long coastline, accessing the sea is easy here.
In Sliema, you’ll find a sandy beach at Balluta Bay. There are also rocky shores like Exiles, Fond Ghadir, and Qui-Si-Sana Beach. These rocky beaches are spacious and less crowded. You’ll easily find a spot for your towel with a stunning sea view.
I live close to Sliema and my mornings or evenings often begin or end with a swim there. Its nearness and easy access save me the hassle. I’d otherwise have to drive elsewhere to swim.
In this article, I’ll list all beaches in Sliema. I’ll describe each, including my favourite. Plus, there’s a map to help you find them all.
Sliema Beaches Map
Beaches in Sliema: Balluta Bay Beach
Balluta Bay Beach is the only sandy beach near Sliema. It’s on a border with St. Julian’s. It may be tiny, but it has its unique charm. It offers cityscape views and easy access via a promenade.
Balluta Bay Beach’s biggest advantage is its location. It is close to bars, restaurants, and cafes. So, whether you want to laze in the sun or indulge in delicious food and drinks, this beach has it all.
Families with small children will find Balluta Bay Beach ideal. The water here is shallow, making it safe for kids to splash around. Also, lifeguards are on duty to ensure everyone’s safety.
Yet, it’s worthwhile to note Balluta Bay Beach’s drawbacks. It is near a busy road full of traffic noise. Additionally, the beach itself is not always pristine, and you may find it dirty.
Furthermore, there are no changing facilities. Finally, the beach is very tiny, so you might have difficulty finding a spot during peak hours.
Places to Stay in Sliema
D Townhouse: Modern, spacious suites with rooftop access and terraces. Book here.
Hotel Verdi: Stylish rooms bathed in natural light, featuring modern amenities and private balconies with views of Valletta’s skyline. Book here.
Land’s End Boutique Hotel: Prime waterfront location on Sliema Bay, close to dining options. Highly recommended for sea-view rooms. Book here.
Exiles Beach in Sliema
Located further from the road, Exiles Beach offers a calmer environment. It also has nice city views. The coastal area has walking paths. So, it attracts beachgoers, runners, walkers, and families. Taking a walk along the beach or sitting and enjoying the sea view is quite relaxing.
The beach is rocky, so it is suitable for snorkelling. You can see a variety of small fish, including sea bass, sea bream, barracudas, and even octopuses. But, the water in the bay is less transparent.
If you’re looking for a good snorkelling spot, swim outside the bay towards the Sliema seafront. There are ladders to enter the water. This is the location of my favourite swimming spot in Sliema. I once saw a turtle there.
Exiles Beach, unfortunately, may not be suitable for young children. The water is deep so it’s dangerous. But nearby there is a playground, a fountain, and a garden. So, the little ones can have a safe environment to play in.
Exiles Beach is close to restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. So, you will never feel hungry or thirsty during your beach visit.
Moreover, Exiles Beach’s popularity extends to evening picnics and barbecues. I love getting takeout and spending the evening at the beach. You can enjoy food while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean and watching the stars.
Sliema Beaches: Fond Ghadir Beach
There is another rocky beach further away called Fond Ghadir Beach. This rocky paradise is an excellent alternative to sandy beaches. It’s also great for snorkelling. There are restaurants and bars nearby.
Close to the beach, you will see Roman baths. The name of these baths is misleading. Actually, they date back to the Victorian era when seaside vacations became popular in England.
These baths have been used for swimming for many years. They are holes carved into the rock with steps to make it easy to get in and out.
With a depth of only three feet, these Roman baths offer safe swimming for everyone. This includes those who don’t know how to swim. So everyone can still enjoy the sea.
Kids can splash in the Roman baths, but it is not safe to swim in the sea. The water is deep and there are no sandy shallow areas.
Another thing to consider – there aren’t many shade options during the day, so bring an umbrella. There are lifeguards, but no toilets or changing rooms.
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Qui-Si-Sana Beach in Sliema
Qui-Si-Sana is another rocky beach with baths cut out of the rock. It’s close to Tigne, so it will be convenient if you stay in this area. There are restaurants and cafes nearby, so you will have everything you need for a perfect day at the beach.
Clear waters on the beach make it an excellent place to swim and observe sea life. As with other Sliema beaches, the water is deep and access is via ladders. Children should not swim there because the water is deep.
Be cautious at this beach since the rocks can be slippery. Also, there are no facilities, but you can use bathrooms in nearby restaurants or bars.
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Sliema Beaches: FAQ
Does Sliema have a beach?
Sliema is a coastal town with rocky beaches for sunbathing and swimming. You can swim anywhere in Sliema, except near the port. Just stay alert; rough seas can make swimming risky. If you’re into sandy beaches, there’s a small one at Ballutta Bay.
What part of Malta has the best beaches?
The northern part of Malta is famous for its stunning sandy beaches. These include Mellieħa Bay (also called Ghadira Beach), Golden Bay, and Għajn Tuffieħa. The beaches have clear water and soft sand. They are great for families. You can swim, sunbathe or do water sports there.
What is Sliema in Malta like?
Sliema is a lively seaside town. The promenade is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Here, modernity meets tradition, mixing new apartments with old townhouses. Its central spot makes it ideal for exploring Malta.
Can you swim at Sliema?
Sure thing! Sliema has a rocky coast perfect for swimming. You can swim anywhere except near the port. The water is clean and ideal for swimming. Plus, there are ladders along the coast for easy access to the water.
Sliema beaches are not the most beautiful beaches you can find in Malta. Yet they offer a city beach experience with cafes, bars, and restaurants nearby. Also, if you like snorkelling, rocky beaches offer more marine life than sandy beaches.
If you enjoyed this post, explore my guide to jellyfish in Malta, Malta’s beaches and uncover hidden gems across the island. Also, if you’re a water sports fan, don’t miss out on my posts about paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkelling, and scuba diving adventures.
I also recommend going to Comino and the Blue Lagoon. It’s easy to get there by boat from Sliema. All you need to do is to book this tour.
