Just a quick heads up – some of the links I share on this site are affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support through these links helps me create valuable content.
Sliema beaches aren’t the prettiest in Malta, but they’re convenient. If you’re in town, you can hop into the Mediterranean Sea from almost anywhere along the coast.
Written by Laura Jasenaite, Malta travel expert with 15+ years living on the islands.
There is one sandy beach at Balluta Bay. The rest are rocky: Exiles, Fond Ghadir and Qui-Si-Sana. They are spacious, less crowded, and you will find a spot for your towel with a good sea view.
I live close to Sliema, and my mornings or evenings often begin or end with a swim there. It saves me driving somewhere else to swim.
This article lists and describes all the beaches, and includes a map to help you locate them.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Can you swim in Sliema? Quick answer
Yes. You can swim almost anywhere along the Sliema coast except near the port. Balluta Bay is the only sandy beach. The rest are rocky, and you get in by ladders that are put in from June to the end of September. My pick is the ladders outside Exiles, facing the open sea.
Sliema is one of the stops in my 7-Day Itinerary
I’ve mapped out exactly when to visit Sliema alongside the rest of Malta, with clear routes, best visit times, location links, restaurant tips, and zero stress.
Get the guideSliema Beaches Map
This is a Wanderlog trip map of the four places in this guide. It shows where each one is, so you can plan your walk along the seafront. The pins are numbered to match the headings below. Tap a pin for details, zoom in, or open the map in the Wanderlog app.
1. Balluta Bay Beach
Balluta Bay Beach is the only sandy beach near Sliema. It sits on the border with St. Julian’s. It is tiny, but it has its own charm, with city views and easy access from the promenade.
Its biggest advantage is its location. It is close to bars, restaurants and cafes, so you can swim and then eat without going anywhere.
Families with small children will find it a good fit. The water is shallow, and lifeguards are on duty.
There are drawbacks. It is next to a busy road, so there is traffic noise. The beach itself is not always clean. There is a toilet at Balluta Bay, but no changing facilities. The beach is very small, so a spot can be hard to find at peak times.
Sometimes there are signs saying the beach is closed because of water quality issues. If you see one, avoid swimming.
2. Exiles Beach in Sliema
Exiles Beach is further from the road, so it is calmer, with nice city views. There are walking paths along the coast, which bring beachgoers, runners, walkers and families. Walking along it or just sitting and watching the sea is very relaxing.
There is a beach club next to Exiles where you can rent a sunbed and swim in the sea. It is nothing fancy, but people like it. There is also a toilet next to Exiles.
The beach is rocky, so it is suitable for snorkelling. You can see small fish, sea bass, sea bream, barracudas, and even octopuses. The water inside the bay is less clear.
For a better swim, go outside the bay towards the Sliema seafront. There are ladders to get in. That is my favourite swimming spot in Sliema. I once saw a turtle there.
Exiles may not suit young children, because the water is deep. Nearby there is a playground, a fountain and a garden, so little ones have a safe place to play.
It is close to restaurants, cafes, bars and shops, so you never go hungry or thirsty. It is also popular for evening picnics and barbecues. I love getting takeaway and spending the evening here, listening to the sea and watching the stars.
Getting there: there is a small car park next to Exiles, but in summer it is usually full. It is best to walk or take the bus. Public transport is really good around here.
Want Sliema planned into a proper Malta route?
My 7-Day Itinerary tells you when to be where, so you spend the days swimming and eating, not working out buses.
See what’s inside3. Sliema Beaches: Fond Ghadir Beach
Further along there is another rocky beach, Fond Ghadir. It is a good alternative to sandy beaches, and it is also good for snorkelling. There are restaurants and bars nearby.
Close to the beach, you will see the Roman Baths. The name is misleading. They actually date back to the Victorian era, when seaside holidays became popular in England.
These baths have been used for swimming for many years. They are holes carved into the rock, with steps to get in and out. They are only about three feet deep, so they are safe for everyone, including people who can’t swim.
Kids can splash in the Roman Baths, but it is not safe for them to swim in the sea here. The water is deep, and there is no sandy shallow area.
There is not much shade during the day, so bring an umbrella. There are lifeguards, but no toilets or changing rooms.
Get a FREE Attractions Map
Planning a trip to Malta, Gozo, or Comino? Get this free interactive map filled with insider tips, Google Maps links, and more.
I want it!4. Qui-Si-Sana Beach in Sliema
Qui-Si-Sana is another rocky beach with baths cut out of the rock. It is close to Tigne, so it is convenient if you stay in that area. Like the other Sliema beaches, the water is deep, and you get in by ladders, so children should not swim here.
There are new beach clubs on this side, more towards Tigne, with sunbeds if you want them. There are also restaurants and cafes nearby.
There are no public facilities, but you can use the toilets in nearby restaurants or bars. Be careful on the rocks, because they can be slippery. Sometimes there are signs saying the beach is closed because of water quality issues. I usually don’t swim here when that happens.
Places to Stay in Sliema
If you want to be able to walk to the water, these are the places I would look at first.
Verdi Gzira Waterfront
Stylish rooms bathed in natural light, featuring modern amenities and private balconies with views of Valletta’s skyline.
Check pricesLand’s End Boutique Hotel
Prime waterfront location on Sliema Bay, close to dining options. Highly recommended for sea-view rooms.
Check pricesView all Sliema hotels on Booking.com
Swimming safety in Sliema: what to watch for
The ladders are put into the water from June to the end of September, at every spot. Outside those months, getting in and out is harder, so I only swim here in the warm season.
The entrance can be slippery because of the rocks or the ladder. Sea urchins can be on the rocks, so I don’t stop to stand on the bottom, but keep swimming.
Not every stretch is protected with buoys, so I don’t swim out into open water. Boats pass by, but they don’t come close to the coast. Still, stay alert. In summer, also check for jellyfish before you go in.
Signs closing a beach due to water quality issues do go up at Qui-Si-Sana and Balluta Bay. If you see one, choose another spot. The other places are usually fine.
Which Sliema beach is best? Comparison
| Beach | Type | Toilets | Sunbeds or club | Good for kids? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Balluta Bay | Sandy, tiny | Yes | No | Yes, shallow, lifeguards | Traffic noise. Sometimes closed due to water quality issues. |
| 2. Exiles | Rocky, ladders | Yes, next to it | Beach club next door | Playground nearby, but water is deep | Small car park, full in summer. Best swim outside the bay. |
| 3. Fond Ghadir | Rocky, Roman Baths | No | No | Roman Baths only | Lifeguards. |
| 4. Qui-Si-Sana | Rocky, ladders | No (nearby cafes) | Beach clubs towards Tigne | No, deep water | Slippery rocks. Sometimes closed due to water quality issues. |
Sliema Beaches: FAQ
Final thoughts
Sliema beaches are not the most beautiful in Malta. They are a city beach experience, with cafes, bars and restaurants nearby. If you like snorkelling, rocky beaches give you more sea life than sandy ones.
If you enjoyed this post, read my paddle boarding, kayaking and scuba diving guides, or the wider water sports in Malta page.
Comino is the most popular tour from Sliema, and it is easy to reach by boat. See my Blue Lagoon and Comino guide. If you want to book, here is a Sliema to Comino day cruise.
Staying in Sliema? Plan the rest of Malta too
The 7-Day Itinerary covers Sliema, Valletta, Gozo and Comino in one route, with timings, transport and where to eat.
Get the guideStaying in Sliema? My complete Malta travel guide compares the main areas and explains how many days you need.
