Originally a cosy coastal town as Maltese as they come, cheap Sliema holidays are a great way to access a cosmopolitan city where high-rises and classical architecture are peppered across the map.

It’s a town where the true spirit of the Mediterranean comes alive, with cafes down narrow streets where you can sit and watch the world go by and ample shopping opportunities. The restaurants offer meals from almost every culture you can think of, and the nightlife jumps from up-tempo to downbeat, depending on your whims.

Malta sits around 80 kilometres south of the Italian isle of Sicily in the warm Mediterranean waters. Sliema itself happens to be nestled in the centre of an outcrop of land that gives it an enviable position on any map of Malta. It’s a short drive from the southern capital of Valletta and surrounded by beaches and coastal promenades where couples stroll by sunset and children play under sunny skies.

Idyllic weather means that Sliema is an all-year-round destination, with the best deals to be had outside of peak summer travel times. To get great prices and sunshine-filled days, May and October are top times to travel as average temperatures are around 21°C.

Hot skies and warm smiles

Many say that it was the big city souls of Valletta who discovered the charms of Sliema first, since they were using it for holidays and building summer homes here as far back as the 1800s.

The rest of the world quickly cottoned on though, and today the popularity of Sliema holidays means the town has seen much in the way of development, in both hotels and amenities, to make it a social town rich in friendly hubbub and countless activities.

Nevertheless, it’s the coastline that’s the big pull for a great many of us, and you won’t be left wanting here. The promenade stretches for kilometres, winding around the shore and giving tremendous views of both the city sights and the boats that bob idyllically in the marina. Sliema is a picturesque town with Instagram-worthy views, all of which can be explored and enjoyed without a big price tag.

Steps and slopes across this serene path give you the chance to head down to the seaside – you’ll find that many of the beaches here are pebbly, which makes for a keen ruggedness compared to the sleek modernity of your surroundings. Either way, beach life remains popular in Sliema, as do waterfront pursuits such as fishing, boating and painting the view of the harbour.

Sliema shopping sensations

The interwoven streets and inherent style of Sliema could easily see you losing yourself to some well-earned retail therapy on your Malta holidays. Malta has plenty of history with the UK which means a good number of familiar shopping chains from home are easily found here, including Boots and good old Marks & Sparks.

Yet if you head deeper into the shopping district, you’ll find the part of Sliema known as The Ferries. Here, upmarket boutiques, stores bursting with high fashion and outlets dedicated to cutting edge sophistication are lined up for your attention. We told you they knew how to do shopping right in Sliema – even if window shopping more suits your budget, Sliema’s shopping scene is a sight to behold, or stop for a coffee and people watch in the streets too.

Flavours with history

There’s a great deal to like on holiday in Sliema, and when hunger comes calling, you’re going to find the meals are part of that package. Enticing Mediterranean flavours await you across a spectrum of restaurants, with Il Fortizza being one of the more notable. It’s an Italian restaurant, housed in the ancient walls of a former fortress, and you can be assured that there are plenty of tales this place can tell.

Dining by the sea is a popular pick and you’ll be in good company when heading to Surfside Sports Bar & Grill, where a full panorama of the Mediterranean is a very welcome dinner guest. Seafood platters await you at Barracuda Restaurant, while Marianna’s Tex-Mex Restaurant serves up the best burritos this side of Cancun. There’s plenty of options to suit all taste buds and cheap Sliema holiday budgets.

Toasting to your travels

Lively nightlife characterises Sliema wonderfully. Venues range from live music joints that encourage you to clap along to the beat of tunes from folklore, to the nightclubs that get everyone talking, and the beach bars where cocktails under the stars are a given.

Rustic pubs like The Plough & Anchor and The Jack of All Trades give plenty of warmth and company, while Pier 90-91 Boat Bar lets you sip your tipples at sea, so you’ll really feel like you’re on holiday.

Another of Malta’s spectacular regions is Bugibba and if you’re looking for an evening out or to try somewhere different, then it’s certainly the place to be for nightlife. Just a short half hour taxi ride, or low cost bus fare, will have you in the karaoke bars or clubs in no time.