Sliema
Sliema is a town loacted on the north
east coast of Malta. Tas-Sliema, which
means peace and comfort was once a
quiet fishing village on the peninsula
across Marsamxett Harbour from
Valletta.The name sliema derived
from a chapel dedicated to the Virgin
Mary, which served as a beacon and a
reference point
to the few fishermen who lived in that
area.
The town began to develop rapidly in
the second half of the 19th century
becoming popular as a summer
resort for wealthier Valletta residents.
The population of Tas-Sliema is
some 15,000 and it has a significant
turnover of foreign expatriates who
reside temporarily. Like all Maltese
towns and villages the annual TasSliema parish feasts are very popular
especially those held in honour of the
Our Lady Stella Maris in August and
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart in July.
Sliema is the major commercial
centre of the island with an array of
accommodation sites, restaurants,
cafeterias, shopping centres and other
leisure establishments. The area is
particularly busy in the peak season
(summer) but everything still remains
open in the off season being the main
area of entertainment for locals. .
One can enjoy long promenade walks
along the coastline from where one
30
Main Costal Resort
gets a wonderful view of Valletta in
an area known as The Strand. The
hindmost is characterized by tall,
not so attractive buildings; however
one will find more beautiful buildings
in other parts, notably the Ta’ Stella
Maris area.
Other beautiful quarters include
the lazy corner quartier (the bridge
over Manuel Dimech street and the
adjoining streets, most notably St.
helen's street) with its different style
and small shops.
A walk around
Ghar id-Dud is also relaxing. Along
the road one can also admire the Old
Sliema Point Battery, a fortification
built in the 19th century, which today
has been converted into a restaurant.
Another one on the same road is the
St.Julian’s tower built by Grand Master
de Redin to act as a watch tower.
Another interesting fortification is Fort
Tignè, built in the 18th century. The
area has been developed recently into
a leisure centre but the fortification
is still there and is currently being
restored.
Taking a ferry ride from Valletta to
Sliema when visiting Malta is a must in
order to explore the beautiful scenery
Sliema has to offer. Travelling to the
city by boat is surely the best, historic
and picturesque way of catching up
in this wonderful city a nd thanks to
the Sliema Ferry, it is possible for
everyone . The route runs from Sliema
Strand, the contemporary shopping
and coffee area of the suburb
overlooking Valletta and the tiny
Manoel Island. This is also popularly
known as Sliema Ferries. Its title goes
back to the old, colonial times when a
ferry service used to shuttle between
Sliema and the capital of Valletta.
The fast, convenient crossing of the
harbour takes only five minutes and
runs throughout daylight hours on the
hour and half hour.. The trip itself is
an enjoyable ride past Manoel Island,
named after the Grandmaster of the
Knights who fortified it, and across
Marsamxett Harbour with its yacht
marinas, fishing boats and bigger
ships on their way to Gozo and other
nearby destinations.
You can also prefer to take a bus
ride instead. There are a few vintage
buses left, these were used in the
past and are now the icons of the
future, infact these are a big hit with
most tourists. They prefer these to
the modern buses because these are
eye catching and very appealing .
One of the most exciting activities to
do in Malta is undoubtedly taking a
dive underwater. You will find a great
diving area in Sliema aquatic sports
club along Tower road in Sliema. This
place has great facilities for diving
and offers a great experience for
everyone.