5 Days In Sliema & St. Julian's
If you want to experience the modern, vibrant side of Malta, staying in the interconnected coastal hubs of Sliema and St. Julian's is the perfect choice! Known for stunning Mediterranean promenades, world-class dining, shopping and buzzing nightlife, this area makes an incredible base for exploring the islands. This realistic 5-day itinerary balances relaxation along the rocky coast with active exploring, complete with real timings and local transport tips.
5 Days In Sliema &
St. Julian's
The Perfect Coastal Malta Itinerary!
Day 1: The Promenade, Shopping & Rocky Beaches
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09:30 AM – Breakfast at Balluta Bay: Start your trip with a coffee overlooking the beautiful Neo-Gothic Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
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11:00 AM – The Sliema Front Coastal Walk: Walk down the famous seaside promenade toward The Point Shopping Mall for some retail therapy or stunning Valletta views.
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1:30 PM – Lunch at Qui-Si-Sana: Enjoy an outdoor lunch overlooking the open sea.
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3:00 PM – Fond Għadir Rocky Baths: Spend your afternoon sunbathing and swimming in the unique, historic Roman Baths carved directly into the coastal rock.
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7:30 PM – Dinner at Exiles: Catch a beautiful Maltese sunset while dining right on the water's edge.
Day 2: St. Julian's Charm & Paceville Nightlife
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10:00 AM – Spinola Bay: Wander around the picturesque bay to watch local fishermen tend to their traditional, colourful luzzu boats.
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12:00 PM – Relax at George’s Bay: Head over to the sandy beach in St. Julian's to soak up the sun.
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1:30 PM – Bay Street Lunch: Grab a bite at the nearby complex or a coastal cafe.
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3:30 PM – Rooftop Lounge Relaxation: Beat the afternoon heat at a trendy local beach club or hotel rooftop pool.
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8:00 PM – Dinner & Paceville: Dine at an upscale restaurant in Portomaso Marina, then head into Paceville if you're looking for Malta's most famous nightlife and clubs.
Day 3: Harbour Cruise & Valletta Day Trip
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09:30 AM – Sliema Ferries Cruise: Hop onto a harbour cruise from the Sliema strand to explore the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour from the water.
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12:00 PM – Take the Valletta Ferry: Use the quick, affordable ferry crossing to spend the afternoon exploring the historic capital city.
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1:00 PM – Lunch in Valletta: Dine alfresco on the steps of St. Lucia Street.
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5:30 PM – Ferry Back to Sliema: Enjoy the golden hour views of the Valletta bastions from the ferry boat.
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8:00 PM – Dinner on the Strand: Treat yourself to a diverse culinary meal along the busy Sliema seafront.
Day 4: Day Trip to Comino & The Blue Lagoon
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08:30 AM – Boat Departure from Sliema: Board a day-trip catamaran or speedboat directly from the Sliema Ferries heading north to Comino island.
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10:00 AM – Swimming in the Blue Lagoon: Swim in some of the clearest, most vibrant turquoise waters in the entire Mediterranean.
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1:00 PM – Picnic or Boat Lunch: Enjoy lunch onboard or grab local street food on the island.
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4:30 PM – Return Coastal Cruise: Relax on the boat ride back as you cruise past the northern cliffs of Malta.
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8:30 PM – Casual Local Eats: Keep it easy after a long sea day with traditional Maltese ftira or pizza in Sliema.
Day 5: Hidden Coastal Corners & Souvenirs
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10:00 AM – Tigné Point Architecture: Walk the historic fort paths at Tigné Point for the best panoramic photos of the Valletta skyline.
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12:30 PM – Lunch in Madliena or Pembroke: Head slightly up the coast for a quieter, local lunch away from the main tourist hubs.
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2:30 PM – Last-Minute Coastal Swimming: Find a quiet rocky ledge along the Sliema front for one final dip in the sea.
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7:00 PM – Farewell Dinner at Spinola Bay: End your 5-day holiday with an unforgettable romantic dinner directly overlooking the lit-up bay.
Transport: Use the integrated local bus network (€26 for a 7-day pass) to travel between Sliema and other towns; taxis and ride-hailing are available but pricier than buses.
Timing: Visit popular destinations like the Blue Lagoon in the morning to beat afternoon heat and crowds; you may have to book in advance nowadays.
Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when entering churches and religious sites (covered shoulders and knees); St John's Co-Cathedral in particular enforces a strict dress code.
Budget Optimisation: Many sites offer discounted combo tickets or free entry on certain days; check Heritage Malta's website and ask your hotel for local discount cards or package deals.
Local Flavour: Embrace outdoor street food (pastizzi, ftira, arancini) for lunches to stretch your budget, and dine early (18:30–19:30) at local family restaurants to enjoy authentic Maltese cuisine at better prices than tourist-focused venues.
Take Your Very Own Plan To Go!
Malta Itinerary App
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