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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

Sliema Promenade & Ferries
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant weather

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

🚢 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Navigating Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 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.
🚶♀️ Valletta Hill Climb
The walk from Valletta ferry to the city is steep but offers great views. Plenty of stops.
⏰ Timetable Check
Check ferry timetables in advance, especially for the last ferry.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 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.
🚶♀️ Valletta Hill Climb
The walk from Valletta ferry to the city is steep but offers great views. Plenty of stops.
⏰ Timetable Check
Check ferry timetables in advance, especially for the last ferry.
🧍♀️ Avoid Peak Crowds
Night ferries can be extremely crowded; consider off-peak travel for safety.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Yes, the Sliema Ferries are a well-known landmark along the promenade. They are easily accessible by foot from most hotels in Sliema.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
No, pre-booking is generally not required for the Sliema to Valletta ferry. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the terminal.
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.
A small discount is usually offered for purchasing a return ticket compared to two single tickets.
Bus passes are typically for public buses and are not valid for the ferry service. Ferry tickets must be purchased separately.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
Yes, the area around Sliema Ferries is bustling with cafes, restaurants, and bars offering a variety of cuisines.
Ferries generally have a large capacity with seating inside and on the roof. However, during peak times, they can become very crowded.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the Grand Harbour, close-ups of the historic bastions, and panoramic views of the Maltese coastline.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sliema to Valletta Ferry Experience
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. 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.
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.
Exploring Sliema Promenade
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.
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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit