Sliema Promenade & Ferries
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Sliema Promenade & Ferries

4.5
·858 reviews·Sliema, Malta

A vibrant promenade and efficient ferry service connecting Sliema to historic Valletta, offering stunning coastal views and a taste of Maltese life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
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Sliema Promenade & Ferries

Sliema Promenade & Ferries

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant promenade and efficient ferry service connecting Sliema to historic Valletta, offering stunning coastal views and a taste of Maltese life.

4.5
(858 reviews)

"Great trip across to Valletta. Only 4.50 euros return and plenty of places on the boat."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Ferry to Valletta

Quick, scenic, and affordable trip to Valletta. Sit upstairs for the best views!

💰 Payment Options

Ferry tickets can be paid with cash or card. Return tickets offer a small discount.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Scenic Ferry Ride

Scenic Ferry Ride

Sliema Ferries to Valletta

Enjoy breathtaking coastal views of Malta's historic skyline on this quick and affordable ferry trip.

Sliema Waterfront Stroll

Sliema Waterfront Stroll

Sliema Promenade

A vibrant promenade perfect for leisurely walks, offering stunning sea views and a lively atmosphere.

Valletta Harbour Arrival

Valletta Harbour Arrival

Valletta Ferry Terminal

Experience a dramatic arrival into Valletta's Grand Harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Travel to Valletta

The ferry between Sliema and Valletta is a popular and affordable way to travel. Be prepared for potential queues, especially during peak times, and consider sitting on the upper deck for scenic views.

Navigating Crowds

While ferries generally have ample capacity, some routes can become extremely crowded, particularly the night ferry. Be aware of safety regulations and consider traveling during off-peak hours if possible.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Evening ferry
Why
City lights sparkle
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The best €2 I’ve ever spent! You can’t miss this if you go to Malta! #malta #maltatiktok #valetta #sliema #thingstodo #maltatips #gondola #citybreak #Summer #fyp #views #trending #trend
@outandawayy
22K likes • 410.9K views

🚢 Ferry to Valletta

Quick, scenic, and affordable trip to Valletta. Sit upstairs for the best views! Reddit

💰 Payment Options

Ferry tickets can be paid with cash or card. Return tickets offer a small discount. Reddit

Just a windy day in Sliema, Malta🇲🇹 #hoistthecolors #malta #sliema #waves #sliemabeach #sliemapoint #fortsliema #yohoallhands #yo #ho #all #hands #january #valetta #visitmalta #visitsliema #sea #weather #visitmalta🇲🇹 #🇲🇹 #wild #fyp #foryou #hi #hello #water #fun #funny #tourist #foryoupage #wet #nature #pov #best #placeses #in #malta #Love #hate #winter #seafood #maltatiktok #maltanightlife #slie...
@biizzzii
20.1K likes • 436.2K views
count how many times I say valletta xx A little run down🌷 Valletta - Pros / Cons 🟢Great location 🟢Central Bus Station 🟢Beautiful architecture (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 🟢Lots of restaurants and bars 🟢Ferry terminal to get to Gozo 🔴Doesn’t have a beach 🔴Gets busy during the day as cruises arrive there Mdina - Pros / Cons 🟢Beautiful architecture 🟢🔴Quiet in the evenings 🔴Really busy in the day S...
@europewithemily
18.1K likes • 187.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Valletta Hill Climb

The walk from Valletta ferry to the city is steep but offers great views. Plenty of stops. Reddit

⏰ Timetable Check

Check ferry timetables in advance, especially for the last ferry. Reddit

Don’t make these mistakes on your next trip to Malta ✨ | SAVE for later 📝 1️⃣ 🚗 Don’t rent a car especially if you don’t have experience driving on the left side of the road. In fact, renting a car in a Malta can be quite stressful. Roads are narrow and driving is not for the inexperienced. If you’re set on renting, I would highly recommend a SMALL car. Malta also has excellent public transportat...
@whereisangiee
18K likes • 608.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Ferry to Valletta

Quick, scenic, and affordable trip to Valletta. Sit upstairs for the best views! Reddit

💰 Payment Options

Ferry tickets can be paid with cash or card. Return tickets offer a small discount. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Valletta Hill Climb

The walk from Valletta ferry to the city is steep but offers great views. Plenty of stops. Reddit

⏰ Timetable Check

Check ferry timetables in advance, especially for the last ferry. Reddit

🧍‍♀️ Avoid Peak Crowds

Night ferries can be extremely crowded; consider off-peak travel for safety. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(858 reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Sliema to Valletta ferry is a highly recommended, affordable, and scenic way to travel, offering stunning views of Malta's coastline and historic capital. While generally efficient, some travelers note that ferries, particularly the night service, can become extremely crowded, raising safety concerns. The walk up to Valletta from the ferry terminal is steep but rewarding.

"Great trip across to Valletta. Only 4.50 euros return and plenty of places on the boat. Sit up top for the view or inside for aircon. 5 minutes ride to the other side."

Aaron Hague

"It's a quick, pleasant and cheap way to get to Valletta if you're in Sliema, especially if you're lucky enough to coordinate with its timetables. The downside is that some routes are very crowded and you have to line up to avoid missing your turn to board. In the photos you will also find one with the itineraries."

Orestis -

"Night ferry at 22.30 however it went in time but how they packed it with people was extremly scarry. Triple amount of people, squezed and standing everywhere...certain rules are for safety would be nice to keep them. I did not feel safe at all."

Boglarka Molnar

What People Like

Affordable and scenic journey
Great views of Valletta
Convenient transport option

What People Dislike

Overcrowded ferries
Steep walk in Valletta

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most popular and scenic way is by ferry from the Sliema Ferries to Valletta. The journey is quick, taking about 10-15 minutes. You can also opt for buses or taxis, but the ferry offers fantastic harbor views. Reddit

The primary ferry route connects Sliema Ferries to Valletta. There are also ferry services to other destinations like St. Julian's, though the Valletta route is the most frequented for tourists. Reddit

Yes, the Sliema Ferries are a well-known landmark along the promenade. They are easily accessible by foot from most hotels in Sliema. Reddit

Sliema Promenade is easily accessible by public bus from most parts of Malta. It's also a pleasant walk from neighboring areas like St. Julian's. Reddit

Taxis are generally available in Sliema, though it's often more convenient to use ride-sharing apps or pre-book a taxi, especially during busy periods. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The ferry costs approximately €2 each way, with a small discount for a return ticket. Payment is usually accepted in cash or card directly at the terminal. Reddit

No, pre-booking is generally not required for the Sliema to Valletta ferry. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the terminal. Reddit

Ferries typically run on a half-hourly schedule, but operating hours can vary. It's advisable to check the latest timetables, especially for the last ferry of the night. Reddit

A small discount is usually offered for purchasing a return ticket compared to two single tickets. Reddit

Bus passes are typically for public buses and are not valid for the ferry service. Ferry tickets must be purchased separately. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Sliema Promenade is perfect for a leisurely walk, offering sea views, cafes, shops, and access to swimming spots. It's a great place to relax and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere. Reddit

For the best views, sit on the upper deck of the ferry. It offers panoramic vistas of the coastline and the historic fortifications of Valletta. Reddit

The walk from the Valletta ferry terminal up to the city center is quite steep. While there are places to rest and admire the views, it can be challenging for some. Reddit

Yes, the area around Sliema Ferries is bustling with cafes, restaurants, and bars offering a variety of cuisines. Reddit

Ferries generally have a large capacity with seating inside and on the roof. However, during peak times, they can become very crowded. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The promenade offers fantastic opportunities for photos, especially during sunrise and sunset. Look for shots capturing the Valletta skyline across the water and the bustling harbor activity. Reddit

The 'golden hour' just before sunset provides beautiful lighting for photographing Valletta's fortifications. The city lights twinkling at night are also a magical sight. Reddit

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography along the promenade or on the public ferries. However, always be mindful of private property and individuals. Reddit

You can capture wide-angle shots of the Grand Harbour, close-ups of the historic bastions, and panoramic views of the Maltese coastline. Reddit

It can be challenging, but try to find a spot near the railings on the upper deck. Be patient and wait for clear moments between passengers. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The ferry ride itself is an adventure for children, offering exciting views of the water and the bustling harbor. Sitting on the upper deck can be particularly thrilling. Reddit The Sliema Promenade is also great for families, providing ample space for kids to walk or run around, with plenty of cafes for snacks and breaks. Reddit Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid the most crowded ferry times, ensuring a more comfortable experience for everyone. The relatively short duration of the ferry trip is also ideal for younger attention spans.

💰 Budget Travelers

The Sliema to Valletta ferry is an incredibly budget-friendly option, costing only around €2 each way. Reddit This is significantly cheaper than many other transport methods and offers excellent value for the scenic experience. Reddit Walking along Sliema Promenade is free and provides beautiful views and a pleasant atmosphere. Look for local eateries away from the main tourist strips for more affordable dining options.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The ferry journey offers unparalleled photographic opportunities of Valletta's iconic skyline and the Grand Harbour. Aim for the 'golden hour' before sunset for the most dramatic lighting on the historic fortifications. Reddit Sliema Promenade itself is a fantastic spot for capturing coastal landscapes, street scenes, and the vibrant Mediterranean life. Be prepared for crowds, especially on the popular night ferry, which can make capturing clear shots challenging but rewarding for city lights. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sliema to Valletta Ferry Experience

The ferry service connecting Sliema Ferries to Valletta is a cornerstone of Malta's public transport and a beloved tourist experience. It offers a swift and scenic 10-15 minute journey across the Grand Harbour, providing unparalleled views of Malta's historic capital and its formidable fortifications. Travelers often praise the affordability, with tickets costing around €2 each way, and a slight discount for return journeys. Payment is typically straightforward, accepting both cash and card. Reddit

While the ferries boast considerable capacity with seating both indoors and on the roof, it's crucial to be aware of potential overcrowding, particularly on the last ferry of the night. Some reviews highlight safety concerns due to excessive passenger numbers during these times, suggesting that adhering to safety regulations would be beneficial. Reddit For those seeking the best vantage points, securing a spot on the upper deck is highly recommended for unobstructed photographic opportunities and a more immersive experience of the stunning coastal scenery. Reddit

Upon arrival in Valletta, be prepared for a steep uphill walk to the city center. While this climb offers further opportunities to admire the views, it can be demanding. Alternatively, taxis and buses are available, but the ferry remains the most picturesque and often the most convenient option for many visitors looking to explore Valletta from Sliema. Reddit

Exploring Sliema Promenade

Sliema Promenade stretches for kilometers along the eastern coast of Malta, offering a vibrant and picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. This popular walkway is lined with a mix of modern developments, historic buildings, cafes, restaurants, and shops, creating a lively atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for a morning walk to catch the sunrise, an afternoon break with a coffee overlooking the sea, or an evening amble as the city lights begin to twinkle. Reddit

The promenade provides stunning views across to Valletta and the Grand Harbour, making it a prime location for photography, especially during the golden hours. You'll find numerous access points to the sea, where locals and tourists alike enjoy swimming and sunbathing during the warmer months. The area is well-connected by public transport, making it easily accessible from other parts of the island. Reddit

Whether you're looking for a place to relax, enjoy a meal with a view, or simply take in the Mediterranean ambiance, Sliema Promenade offers a delightful experience. It serves as the main hub for the ferry services to Valletta, making it a convenient starting or ending point for many itineraries. Reddit

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