Malta Destination Guide | Daily Mail Online Malta Destination Guide Mdina is a former capital of Malta, and offers historical architecture galore Introduction Often dismissed as little more than a package tourism bolthole in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta is a place of surprising diversity and no little history. Precise knowledge of this island nation's past, in the UK at least, is usually limited to the fact that it was once part of the British Empire (from 1814 to 1964, trivia fans) and played a key strategic role in World War Two – but Malta's story can be traced way back into the fourth century BC. The temple of Ħagar Qim may have been built as early as 3600BC, making it one of the oldest man-made structures on the planet – proof indeed that this island has more to offer than kiss-me-quick hats and half-melted ice cream. Of course, referring to Malta as an 'island nation' is also something of an oversight. Technically, it's an archipelago of rocky outcrops, only three of which – the main island (Malta), Gozo and Comino – are inhabited.

Together they make up a mere 122 square miles of land, but there's much to enjoy nonetheless – the delightful walled capital city of Valletta, a collection of lovely beaches, fabulous sea views and waters perfect for scuba diving, to name a small selection. True, some areas are rowdier than others, but with a spot of pre-planning Malta can be every bit as rewarding a Mediterranean holiday destination as some of the more celebrated Greek islands. If you tire of the main island, Gozo (pictured here) and Comino offer pleasant respite Cities As the capital, Valletta is the key city of Malta. It's a delightful spot, standing proud on a short peninsula on the main island's north-east coast, and blessed with a visible history that saw it granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1980. Much of this is surely down to its picturesque harbour and preserved walls. A walk around the latter, especially where they run along the waterfront, gives a clear picture of how sturdy a stronghold the city must have been when it was founded in the mid-16th century. Fairly compact, it's an easy city to explore on foot.

Indeed, the 16th century layout and narrow, steep streets, make walking the best option. St John's Co-Cathedral, built by the Knights Hospitaller (as was much of the city) in the 1570s, is the main religious showpiece ( ). An imposing structure, it looks like a fortress from the outside, but reveals a grandiose, art-laden interior. Elsewhere, the National Museum Of Archaeology pays tribute to the island's ancient past, while the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the city's highest point, offer sublime views of the harbour. It's worth straying away from the tourist areas and into Valletta in search of local cuisine Resorts Just north of Valletta, St Julian's and (particularly) Sliema are Malta's main tourist areas, home to the busiest sections of seafront, the greatest selection of restaurants and bars, and the main stretches of high-rise accommodation. If you've come to Malta for a week of unadulterated sun worship, you're likely to spend most of your time here. Despite its popularity, this eastern section of Malta is not overly blessed with soft sands. Much of the coastline here is rocky.

Two of the main island's finest beaches – Ghajn Tuffieha and Golden Bay – are actually found in the north-west. The latter, aptly named, was used for the filming of the 2004 Hollywood blockbuster Troy. Gozo is considerably less crowded than its larger colleague (take the ferry from the small port of Cirkewwa, at the northern tip of the main island), and offers the welcoming red-sand strip that is Ramla Bay, on its northern shore. Arguably the finest beach in Malta, the bay also has a claim to fame – the Calypso Cave, which overlooks it, is, according to popular repute (if not historical fact), the rocky enclave where the nymph of the same name imprisoned Odysseus in Homer's epic poem The Odyssey. Maltese crafts include pottery, lace work, and gold and silver filigree Sightseeing Valletta, the beaches and resort areas will absorb most of your attention during a stay in Malta, but the archipelago has a number of other sights that are well worth seeking out.

The temple complex of Ħagar Qim stands on a hill at the southern edge of the main island, and should not be missed by anyone who has even the vaguest interest in history. Mdina, a medieval town at the centre of the island, is the former capital, and was home to the governor's palace during Roman times. The 220-metre Dingli Cliffs, on the west coast, offer splendid views out to sea. Marsaxlokk, meanwhile, is a charming fishing village on the south-east corner of the main island, and a window on how Malta looked before the advent of tourism and high-rise hotel construction. The smallest inhabited island, Comino, is home to the Blue Lagoon – an undeniably lovely spot, even if, as a major attraction, it is never anything less than bustling. Malta has buildings that date back to the fourth millennium BC, making it a paradise for lovers of history Eating The quality of food on offer varies greatly according to which part of Malta you are standing in.

Sliema and St Julian's specialise in the sort of cheap-and-easy pub grub found in seafront tourist areas Europe over, although there are some good exceptions to the burger-and-chips-with-a-side-order-of-bacon-and-eggs rule. St Julian's Bay, for example, has some excellent eateries overlooking the water, not least Barracuda (194-195 Main Street) – a celebrity magnet (Brad Pitt reputedly ate here during the filming of Troy) housed in an 18th century harbour building, and server of top-notch seafood. Unsurprisingly, Malta does seafood rather well, although to increase your chances of dining well it's often wise to flee the tourist areas and investigate the narrow streets of Valletta. Genuine Maltese cuisine is frustratingly hard to find, although look out for Soppa ta' L-Armla (Widow's Soup), a thick, filling sort of vegetable broth. After dark You won't struggle to find after-dark merriment in Sliema and St Julian's, where the pubs are open loud and late in summer.

If you want to drink in a bar where the local population is represented, the Paceville area, near St Julian's, is popular with young Maltese. If you want a more sedate night, Valletta has several quiet watering holes. Shopping If you're intent on buying a fluorescent pink lilo and an 'I Love Malta' T-shirt, you can't go far wrong in Sliema. If you want to splash the cash on something more substantial, you're best to visit Valletta. Republic Street is the main shopping stretch (clothes shops and the like), while the nearby Merchant's Street has a daily market. Family It's hard to fault Malta as a family destination. It's a short flight from the UK (three hours), its beaches, warm waters, history, scenery and nightlife offer something for all, and its familiar cuisine should keep even the most faddy teen happy. Bon voyage. Getting there, getting around Unless you're planning to swim, options for getting to Malta are fairly limited. The main airport sits at Luqa, roughly in the centre of the main island, which makes it handy for just about everywhere you are likely to be staying.

Should you have a particularly strong set of sea legs, there's also a catamaran ferry service between Valletta and the Sicilian ports of Catania and Pozzallo, with the crossing to the latter taking a surprisingly quick (if choppy) 90 minutes ( ). Getting about the main island is fairly simple. Taxis are plentiful, although pricing can be steep and inconsistent, while the standard of driving in Malta (narrow roads, high speed) can make for a nervy trip from the airport. There's also an extensive (and far better-priced) bus service, with most routes taking in Valletta at some point. Gozo sits north-west of the main island, and you'll need to take a ferry to reach it. Happily, there's a regular service, especially in summer ( ). Sliema Malta - Travel Info & Hotels - holiday-malta.com Sliema Geograhical Location: East Malta. Neighboring Towns and Villages: Ballutta, Saint Julians, Gzira, Valletta, San Gwann. Sliema Accommodation: Sliema Hotels , Apartments, Studios and Guesthouses.

Shopping in Sliema: Numerous shops and 2 of Malta's largest shopping malls - Tigne Point and Plaza Shopping Complex . Banks, Bureau De Change, ATM's: Numerous all around Sliema. Entertainment: Island pleasure cruises, seaside bars, restaurants, cafes, clubs, water sports, snorkeling, scuba diving, waterpolo clubs. Popular Beach Clubs & Lidos: Sliema Waterpolo Club , Exiles Waterpolo Club, Surfside Beach Club, Medasia Lido and Beach Club. Popular Cafes: Cafe Cuba, Giorgo's Cafe, The Mint. Beaches: Rocky beaches, waterpolo clubs and private lidos. Health: Several Pharmacies are available in Sliema . One Hospital - Saint James in Sliema . Town Information: Sliema and the coastline up to neighboring St Julian's constitutes Malta's main coastal resort. It is a centre for shopping, restaurants and cafe's life. Sliema is pronounced "sleeyma" and sometimes mistakenly pronounced "selima" by tourists. Sliema is also a major commercial and residential area and houses several of Malta's most recent hotels.

Tower Road is its 5Km promenade, full of shops, restaurants, banks, supermarkets, Internet cafes, and day cruise boats.The road continues north to St. Julians and Paceville and southward towards the Strand Gzira, Ta Xbiex , Msida and Valletta. Sliema, coming from the word Sliem ,meaning `peace', was once a fishing town on the peninsula across Grand Harbor from Valletta. The town began to develop rapidly in the early 20th century as a summer resort for wealthier Valletta residents. Their elegant villas and town houses line the quiet, inland streets. The Sliema promontory offers on one side stunning views across to Valletta and on the other, open sea views. The promenade, which runs for several kilometers from Gzira just south of Sliema to St Julian's, is ideal for walker and joggers. There are plenty of seats along the promenade and on summer evenings the seafront becomes a sociable meeting place for locals.

The coastline has two tower fortifications: a De Redin watch tower built in the 17th century; the other was built by the British in neo-gothic style in the 1880s. Nearby Valletta with its historic attractions and corporate importance is also very close the area is considered to be most central on the island They are also key commercial and residential areas with some of Malta's newest hotels in Sliema as well as modern apartments. Sliema, once a fishing town, began to develop in the early 20th century as small resort for wealthier Valletta residents. Their elegant villas and town houses line the quieter back streets. The sea front from Gzira to St Julian's, which offers first stunning views across to Valletta and then open horizons, is a popular meeting place and ideal for walkers and joggers. St Julian's and Paceville are Malta's main nightlife areas. Picturesque St Julian's Bay, still used by fishermen, is lined with bougainvillea-clad cafés and restaurants.

Accommodation Options In Sliema, Malta The 23 Most Romantic Hotels in the Mediterranean | Oyster.com Acharavi, Corfu, Greece Get Prices Restia Suites is an adult-only five-pearl property with an emphasis on relaxation and luxury. The location on the sandy beach of crystal clear Almyros Bay is a bit removed from the village of Acharavi, but that means no noise -- and there's a free shuttle bringing guests into town throughout the day. That said, most guests don't leave the property until it's time to check out. All of the rooms are luxe suites that look and feel like a private sanctuary, with some having their own pools. Sun loungers are available by the communal swimming pool and on the beach. Wi-Fi and breakfast are free, and there's a poolside bar and restaurant for casual fare. Pietra serves gourmet Greek and international dishes. The on-site spa gets high marks for treatments and has a sauna and steam room. Ravello, Amalfi Coast, Italy Get Prices The Belmond Hotel Caruso is one of the top luxury hotels not only on the Amalfi Coast, but in all of Italy.

Situated in an 11th-century palace and surrounded by fragrant terraced gardens, it is perched above the Tyrrhenian Sea at Ravello's highest point and offers beautiful views of the sea and village. The 50 rooms and suites have gorgeous tiled floors and marble bathrooms, and many offer terraces or balconies overlooking the water. Amenities include a truly jaw-dropping infinity pool, a small spa and gym, a piano bar, and a fine-dining Italian restaurant serving a free buffet breakfast. Many guests find the hotel well worth its considerable price tag, as it is often fully occupied. Kamari, Santorini, South Aegean Get Prices The 45-room La Mer Deluxe Hotel, Spa Resort & Conference Center is a luxurious adult-only property right by Kamari Beach. Rooms are attractively furnished -- yet small -- with patios or balconies facing the pool. Some have round beds and hot tubs for couples seeking to amp up the romantic atmosphere. The spacious hotel has three outdoor pools, rooftop cabana beds, and a poolside bar and restaurant, and a game room. As the name implies, there’s a conference room and luxurious spa with an indoor pool and gym.

This is a solid luxury beach hotel, but guests beware: It's close to the airport, and airplanes often fly overhead. Praiano, Amalfi Coast, Italy Get Prices Casa Angelina is an adult-only luxury boutique on Praiano's rocky cliffside along the Amalfi Coast. White-on-white interiors are complemented by warm wood accents and colorful modern art. The hotel's 39 rooms and suites have beautiful sea views, and variable comforts like minibars, Bang & Olufsen TVs, L'Occitane toiletries, and Nespresso machines. The restaurant serves local, seasonal fare, and the hotel also has a rustic cigar bar, bright cocktail lounge, and modern wellness center. The pool is lovely, if a bit small, and the beach area -- which has no sand -- is accessed by elevator and 200 steps. Oia, Santorini, South Aegean Get Prices The Canaves Oia Hotel is one of the most upscale and exclusive properties on Santorini Island -- with a price tag to match. The finish is immaculate and luxurious throughout, and the layout takes full advantage of the breathtaking sea-view panoramas.

The suites are spacious with impeccable interiors and amenities, and the pool is also large by island standards. San Remo, Italian Riviera, Liguria Get Prices The 126-room Royal Hotel Sanremo is a luxury hotel overlooking the Mediterranean Sea that dates back to 1872. The style is classically elegant with lavishly furnished rooms and plenty of old-world charm. A short walk from the town center, this property has gorgeous sea views, a big outdoor saltwater pool, and modern spa with sauna and hot tub. The hotel lacks a private beach and some rooms are in need of renovation, but there is a lovely restaurant and bar with live piano music on-site. Elia Beach, Mykonos, South Aegean Get Prices Myconian Villa Collection is a luxury property on a quiet strip of Elia Beach (it can get crowded, but it's not the party scene found on the sand in Mykonos Town) with modern villas and loads of lavish features. Highlights include an infinity saltwater pool, private beach on the Aegean, and an on-site spa with saltwater therapy treatments. Stays can be upgraded with luxury yacht rentals or private chefs.

There's a free shuttle to town and a breakfast buffet included in the cost of the room. Campos, Majorca, Balearic Islands Get Prices The 37-room luxury Fontsanta Hotel, Thermal Spa & Wellness is an adult-only destination spa built around healing thermal springs in use since the Roman era. Located in the countryside surrounded by nature preserves, the historic Fontsanta is elegant and high-end. Guest rooms are light, clean, and modern, with private balconies or terraces, and posh bathrooms. Peaceful and full of character, the Fontsanta caters mainly to couples, who may not feel the need to leave the hotel during their stay. Eze, French Riviera - Cote d'Azur, Provence Get Prices The historic Chateau de la Chevre d’Or is a five-pearl property located within a medieval village overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Lovely gardens and terraces provide beautiful scenery, while a pool, four restaurants (one of which has two Michelin stars), and treatments like massages make for a romantic atmosphere. The restaurants can be quite pricey, however, and the many stairs on the property are too much for some.

The 39 guest rooms are large and elegant, with flat-screen TVs, espresso-makers, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. Some suites have terraces with lovely views of the sea, while others have hot tubs, private pools, and separate living rooms. Genoa, Italian Riviera, Liguria Get Prices The 99-room Melia Genova is an upmarket hotel filled with fine Italian marble, smart Art Deco touches, and modern pieces by renowned Italian artists. The hotel has an imposing facade and interiors are understatedly luxurious, though the spa is a little small for an upscale property. Set in a quieter neighborhood away from "Old Town" Genova, the hotel is still within walking distance of many major attractions. Rooms are fresh and bright with marble bathrooms. Oia, Santorini, South Aegean Get Prices This part of Santorini is renowned for its specular vistas, and the 14-room Andronis Boutique Hotel takes full advantage of its privileged position -- there are few places in the hotel without gorgeous sea views. Cave-like rooms are luxurious and really quite special, as are bathrooms and private balconies. The pool isn't huge, but is lined with sunbeds overlooking the all-important panorama.

All in all, it's luxury accommodation at a luxury price. Cas Catala, Majorca, Balearic Islands Get Prices The 51-room luxury boutique Hospes Maricel is the kind of place where one might expect to find a modern doppelgänger of Cary Grant lounging by the pool. It is timeless and timely; marvelously classic in parts, and strikingly contemporary in others. Views of the sapphire ocean waters are ubiquitous, as are views of the mountains and gardens. The variety of rooms offered -- from opulent classics to more minimalist, eco-friendly rooms with stone walls -- is impressive. Service is reportedly not always up to five-pearl standard, however, and there have been issues with a limited hot water supply. Elia Beach, Mykonos, South Aegean Get Prices The Myconian Utopia Resort is a five-pearl retreat that merges elegant, modern design with excellent dining and beautiful hilltop views of the Aegean. The 50 airy rooms are fine examples of contemporary design and craftsmanship, with options for outdoor hot tubs or private pools.

Well-heeled travelers can arrive by boat or at the hotel's helipad to indulge in the resort's luxurious spa and scenic outdoor pool, or frolic along the reserved stretch of Elia Beach below. Amenities at the Myconian Imperial Hotel & Thalasso Spa Centre (as well as three other nearby sister properties) are available to guests, though some may find the uphill location slightly inconvenient, not to mention far from everything else on the island. Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy Get Prices One of the priciest hotels in Positano, this luxury boutique is also perhaps the most beautiful and it lives up to its upscale reputation with pristine grounds, thoughtful free extras (like snacks and boat trips), and a renowned restaurant. Rooms feature antique furniture and modern appliances, but some are small and/or noisy. That said, it's an excellent choice for those who can afford it and seek a central location, gorgeous spa, and spectacular views from all around. Amalfi, Amalfi Coast, Italy Get Prices While most of the Amalfi hotels can claim excellent sea views, the 66-room Santa Caterina Hotel has five-star features, harmonious antique style, and fragrant gardens.

Guests can take advantage of the wellness center, pool, and gym. Dining options range from the elegant Restaurant Santa Caterina to the more casual Al Mare eatery, along with an expansive wine cellar Sliema, Malta Get Prices The 149-room Palace is a stylish luxury hotel in the center of Sliema, with a stunning infinity pool on the roof, the highest point in the city. But the Palace offers more than beautiful views, with a variety of fun restaurants and a singular design aesthetic that makes the common spaces feel hip and luxurious. Rooms range from economical to extravagant, and there are six individually themed Designer Suites. All rooms are clean, spacious, and elegant, with modern bathrooms. However, some have lackluster views, and the hotel is not directly on the beach, which may be a deal-breaker for some guests. Agios Ioannis Diakoftis, Mykonos, South Aegean Get Prices Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort is a secluded and design-forward luxury property with many of the same features (chic outdoor swimming pool, beach facilities, spa, restaurants) as its competitors in this price range. The suites have private swimming pools, two bedrooms, and telescopes for star gazing.

Other guest rooms have minimal decor and outdoor balconies, though these are less than private. The small beach here is lovely, with loungers reserved for hotel guests only, but it's a bit pebbly. Positano, Amalfi Coast, Italy Get Prices A member of the Relais & Chateaux luxury fellowship and possibly the most expensive hotel in Positano, Il San Pietro has enormous rooms with spacious terraces overlooking the sea, an elevator with access to a private cove beach, an on-site luxury spa, and a Michelin-starred restaurant. The downside is that it is not within easy walking distance to town, but a free shuttle can take you there 24/7. Capri, Island of Capri, Province of Naples Get Prices The 22-room luxury J.K. Place Capri is an exclusive boutique hotel that exudes elegance without being ostentatious. Built in a restored late-19th-century villa located on the main road to Anacapri, J.K. Place is perched high on a cliff with gorgeous sea views visible in various spots including the ultra glamorous pool, which also offers food and drink service and poolside spa treatments.

The hotel mirrors the sun and sea outside, with crisp whites, sea blue accents, and lots of outdoor space for quiet relaxation. Guest rooms are large and lush, with beautiful views and marble bathrooms, and most have terraces or balconies. Nice, French Riviera - Cote d'Azur, Provence Get Prices The five-pearl Hotel Negresco oozes charm and personality, with a beachfront location, decadent decor, and a spectacular art collection. Right on the famed Promenade des Anglais, it’s a great base for exploring Nice’s Old Town. The 177 rooms are spacious and individually decorated to give each a distinct personality. But some rooms (especially their bathrooms) are dated, and the 1913 hotel can show its age at times as some guests complain of broken showers and spotty air-conditioning. Sorrento, Province of Naples, Campania Get Prices Dating back to 1820, the historic Bellevue Syrene is a romantic, luxury hotel perched on a cliff in Sorrento. The hotel has two restaurants and 50 beautiful rooms, which are either sleek and modern or baroque and elaborate in design with balconies overlooking the Gulf of Naples.

Guests looking for a decadent experience won’t be disappointed. There are a lot of perks offered by the hotel including free snacks and cocktails throughout the day, a seasonal private sunbathing deck on the sea, and breakfast served on an ocean-view terrace. St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, French Riviera - Cote d'Azur, Provence Get Prices The five-pearl Hotel Royal-Riviera is set in a spectacular private beachfront location on Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, between Nice and Monte Carlo. Rooms are chic and spacious, with a slight 1950s vibe, and are equipped with flat-screen TVs, terraces, and minibars, but no coffee- and tea-making facilities. Guests have access to a private beach, plus there's a lovely outdoor pool, a small spa with a gym, as well as two restaurants and bars. The property is close to several restaurants and within walking distance of bus stops and a train station, which gives access to Nice in about an hour (or it's a 25-minute drive).

Soller, Majorca, Balearic Islands Get Prices Located atop a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, the 121-room Jumeirah Port Soller is one of the most luxurious hotels in Majorca. Though it is family-friendly, the property also offers plenty of adult-only amenities and areas. Rooms are sophisticated and airy, with a soft earth-tone palette and large bathrooms with soaking tubs. The fitness center, the views, and the pools are all top-notch, but the highlight at the Jumeirah is the spa, complete with a large outdoor pool with underwater jetted loungers and mountain views. Sliema Resort Malta: Malta Tourist Info on One of the Poshiest Towns in Malta! Sliema Resort Malta Living the good life the Maltese way at Sliema Resort Malta ... Sliema which means peace in Maltese, is a town located in the north east of Malta. It is one of the poshest towns in Malta and well known for its great shopping, excellent restaurants and café life. Sliema is also one of the most cosmopolitan locations on the Maltese islands.

This is due to the fact that it’s very popular with tourists and there are also a huge number of English Language Schools that cater for students from all across the globe. So while in Sliema, you will invariably see a lot of foreigners, some would be tourists, some studying English in Malta and some would have also taken up residence in Sliema for good. What differentiates Sliema from other resort towns though, is the fact that it is also a commercial and residential area. Some 20,000 people live in Sliema. Sliema was once a quiet fishing village. In the sixties, the town began to play an important role in the flourishing tourism industry in Malta. Hotels were built and restaurants started to crop up everywhere. Kiosks and snack bars are also in abundance. Nowadays, Sliema and the neighbouring St Julians are Malta’s main coastal resorts. Today, Sliema has some 800 commercial establishments, including some 60 hotels and guest houses. If you’d like to scuba dive while holidaying in Malta, you will find plenty of diving schools in Sliema, offering diving trips for all levels, including absolute beginners.

Diving in Malta is very popular. In fact, Malta has been voted many times as one of the top destinations for diving in Europe. Like all towns and villages in Malta, Sliema’s annual religious feasts are very popular. This resort town in fact celebrates more than one parish feast! The most popular are the ones that are held in July and August, one is held in honour of Our Lady of Sacre Cuor and the other in honour of Our Lady Stella Maris respectively. Accommodation in Sliema is plentiful and ranges from 3 to 5 star accommodation, guest houses and self catering apartments. Find the best deal, compare prices, and read what other travelers have to say about hotels in Sliema here. Another attractive point about Sliema is the fact that it is within walking distance to Paceville, which is considered the mecca of nightlife on the Maltese islands. The focal point of Sliema is an area known as the Ferries. There you’ll find the bus terminus as well as the ferry to Valletta. There are also various operators who offer short harbour cruises and other boat trips. Sliema is all about living the good life.

It’s a favourite spot for a stroll along the fabulous promenade which runs several kilometres, a shopping spree or simply relaxing in a café and watching the world go by. So enjoy la dolce vita at Sliema Resort Malta! Sliema Resort Malta: Getting there If you're planning on using public transport to get to Sliema, visit for details on all bus routes that serve this location. If you're going to hire a car while holidaying in Malta, be forewarned that finding a parking place in Sliema can be a nightmare. Search this site Sliema, Malta - Cities - LanguageLearningPortal Language Courses 94 Sliema is an idyllic resort city on the north-eastern coast of Malta and a suitable place to learn a new foreign language, from English and Maltese, to Italian or French. Accredited English language schools in Sliema offer high standards of education and accommodation at competitive prices. English language courses are efficient and applied, supporting English practice with native speakers and foreign visitors alike. Find courses in Sliema Learn a language in Sliema Are you planning to learn English and Maltese?

Many language schools in Sliema offer French speaking courses, conversation classes, grammar lessons, easy English and Maltese courses for beginners, and many other language training courses that can be tailored to almost every demand and level! Find out why Sliema is a great city for English and Maltese language learners from all over the world. Read top facts about the benefits of taking English and Maltese language courses in Sliema, also considering the best accommodation options and the living costs in Sliema. Don�t miss out on important safety tips and information about the weather, either. Find and compare the best English and Maltese programs in Sliema to start studying at one of the top language schools in Malta. Many language learners come to Sliema to learn more than one language at a time, while enjoying the pleasant Mediterranean atmosphere. Like the rest of Malta, Sliema is bilingual. The official languages here are Maltese (Malti) and English, and locals typically understand and speak both. Malti is a Semitic language, which over the centuries incorporated many foreign words as part of casual speech.

You will be surprised to hear a rich vocabulary, with words borrowed from English, Italian and Sicilian, and even French. Given the historical influences, Italian is also a language spoken on the streets of this Mediterranean island. Sliema is a resort town on the Northeast coast of Malta and one of the most popular tourist centres in the country. It has a population of almost 17,000 inhabitants, with a large community of foreign expatriates. Most of them come from UK, Italy, France, Germany, Russia, Turkey and the U.S. English language courses in Sliema International students looking to improve their English or to learn other European languages (including Maltese), can find plenty of language schools and centres in Sliema. A number of these schools are accredited by the British Council or are members of FELTOM - the Federation of English Language Teaching Organisations in Malta. The English teaching schools offer various types and formats of language courses. There are standard or intensive general English courses, low cost English options, teenage and children courses, and teacher training language programmes. Learners can study in mini groups or in one-to-one setting (individual lessons) with a private teacher, or they can choose distance-learning formats.

Popular language training programmes also include professional/business English courses, focusing on specific vocabulary in a variety of business contexts. Other English for specific purposes courses (ESP) consist of medical English, legal English and English for tourism. The leisure, tourism and hospitality industry is highly developed in Sliema, providing superb access for those who wish to learn the language and work at the same time. Some of the most popular options for international students are: University pathways programmes � designed to prepare students to attend and thrive at English-taught universities and colleges IELTS/TOEFL/TOIEC and Cambridge exam preparation packages for prospective students Preparatory classes for examinations in other languages, such as French or Spanish. Speaking Maltese and English in Sliema Sliema is an important tourist centre, therefore it is a great place to build fluency in English or Maltese by interacting with the friendly locals and relaxed tourists. The British education system in Malta attracts a large community of foreign exchange students, which can help you practice the language, while being exposed to different English accents. Additional activities Some language schools and centres in Sliema offer language lessons mixed with additional activities: language courses with sports, vacation packages or summer schools for young learners.

Typical activities include: diving, sailing, windsurfing, bowling, half or full day tours, wine tasting, etc. Sliema is the Maltese thriving hub for shopping, cafes and restaurants - you will not feel the time passing in your spare time. You will have the chance to take relaxing see voyages across the Maltese coast and enjoy a day at the golden beaches in Sliema. Places to visit in Sliema include: Stella Maris Church, Sacro Cuor Parish Church, Anglican Holy Trinity Church, Fort Tigné, Cork's Bar Balluta Bay, Ta' Bajri Wine Bar, Artitude Gallery and Parish Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Sliema is also a good location to travel from. The town is within easy reach of the capital city, Valletta, and other touristic areas such as the Gozo island, Blue Lagoon, or St Julian�s, a popular city for its nightlife. Use one of the Red or Blue bus routes from Sliema, with a variety of hop-on, hop-off routes. Accommodation and costs In Sliema, many language schools include accommodation costs in the overall price of the language programme.

Accommodation options include: hotels, guesthouses, student residences, self-catering shared apartments and studio apartments. If you want to experience the Maltese way of life in an authentic manner, you can stay with an English-speaking host family or in a teacher�s home. Prices for accommodation depend on location and other services (meals, internet access, number of bathrooms, etc.) Sliema is not an expensive resort, especially compared to other similar European locations. You will need an average budget of 600 EUR/month, though it depends a lot on your lifestyle. A meal in an average restaurant in Sliema costs around 12 EUR, while a one-way ticket with the public transport is 1,5 EUR. Safety Sliema�s people are famous for their hospitality and friendliness towards visitors, and the Maltese archipelago is one of the safest places in the world. Take the normal tourist precautions, such as attention to pickpocketing in busy areas or exposing your belonging on crowded beaches. Some tourists advise to avoid Paceville at night, where there are occasional quarrelling between night clubbers.

Weather The climate in Sliema is hot and dry in summer, with adequate rainfall, warm autumns, and cool winters (without frost or snow). August is the hottest month, with an average temperature of 27°C (80°F) and the coldest is January at 13°C (55°F). Swimming season begins in March, when the average sea temperature is 29°C (84°F). Language Courses in Sliema Intensity Not specified Entry level A1 – C2 The Crash Intensity Programme is a crash course for people who need to improve their general English language skills dramatically within a short period of time. This type of course will give you a full day of private tuition and lessons will be built around your personal needs and interests. Intensity 23 hrs/wk Entry level A1 – C2 Premium Intensive English offers smaller class sizes, and includes 22.5 hours of English lessons per week, in two parts: 20 lessons (15 hours) of General English, which follows the same programme as our General English courses, and 10 further lessons (7.5 hours) of communication skills, which may be with different students.

Intensity 35 hrs/wk Entry level A1 – C1 This Accelerated Professional Programme 25/35/45 programme provides Executive English for those in top to middle management and focuses on exploring the English language with specific reference to you profession and work environment. Inlingua Malta offers this one-to-one course which deals solely with your personal situation. Intensity 20 hrs/wk Entry level A1 – C1 The General English 20 programme is offered at Inlingua Malta. This is the perfect choice if you want to learn English in Malta, combining your language course with a relaxing, fun-filled holiday. In your lessons you will learn conversational skills, grammar structures and vocabulary, which will enable you to communicate effectively in a variety of social situations using the English language. Intensity 20 hrs/wk Entry level Not specified The Parent & Child Package programme is offered at Inlingua Malta. The Junior course offers English for children starting from the age of 5. Book a Junior English 20 Course (5-12 years) for your child and any group courses with 20 lessons per week to start and finish at the same time.

Parents have peace of mind and can focus on learning knowing their children are being well taken care of while developing their English language skills. Intensity Not specified Entry level A1 – C1 This English course will teach you how to communicate effectively in a business environment and the inlingua language course book covers topics and language common to this field.The school also has specially designed English books which cover various areas of business such as meetings, finance, presentations, negotiations, business correspondence, intercultural awareness, and communication, human resources and much more. Malta Island - Island of Malta - About Malta | Visit Malta Malta Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Here you can span the millennia with an astonishing array of things to discover. And wherever you go, the scenery and architecture provide a spectacular backdrop. The colours are striking, honey-coloured stone against the deepest of Mediterranean blues. Malta has been described as one big open-air museum. What makes it unique is that so much of the past is visible today. Delve into the island's mysterious prehistory , retrace the footsteps of St. Paul or see where the Knights of St. John fought their most famous battles. Malta is holidaying as the mood takes you.

And with near year-round sun, you can indulge in outdoor living at its best. In just a kilometre or two, you can try a new sport, laze on an island cruise and tour the most important historic sites, and still have time to join in the nightlife . That's the real advantage of a stay here. The island offers plenty of specialist holidays for those seeking to brush up their English, learn a new skill, discover history or get fit. If you're interested in sports , there's enough on offer to satisfy the seasoned enthusiast as well as the casual first-timer. Malta has wellness and spa facilities at the luxury hotels and club resorts. Sea and land lend themselves to activities from rock-climbing to gentle rambling. And, if this were not enough, there are the other two islands - Gozo and Comino -which can be a pleasant change-of-scene during your stay on the mainland or alternative destinations in themselves. The choice is yours...

Question: The resort town of Sliema is on which Mediterranean island?
Answer: Malta