Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Sliema is a coastal town situated on the northeastern shore of Malta, known for its vibrant sea promenade and residential areas. |
| 👥 Population | approx. 24,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed: 100 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; widely accepted credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) for transactions. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vodafone Malta, Melita, and Go with various data plans available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular banks include HSBC, Bank of Valletta, and Revolut for online banking. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb, local apartments to boutique hotels. Average rental prices for a 1-bedroom start around €800/month. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local real estate agencies offer a variety of short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Blubay is a popular choice for budget travelers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The coastal promenade area is prime for tourists due to restaurants and beach access. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The central area around Tigne Point and the promenade is ideal for digital nomads due to proximity to cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hub Sliema offers a vibrant coworking environment with fast internet and networking events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Caffe Berry is known for its good coffee and reliable Wi-Fi, making it a great spot for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups can be found through groups on Meetup.com and Facebook focusing on tech and entrepreneurship. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat communities often gather at the Café del Mar for social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Bolt and eCabs are popular apps for ride-hailing in Malta. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Maltese Scooters offers rentals throughout Sliema for easy transportation. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Exiles Beach is the closest beach, easily accessible and popular among locals and tourists. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Air Malta is the primary carrier for local flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Air Malta and Ryanair operate most international flights to and from Malta. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The regional road near Sliema provides access to other towns and the capital, Valletta. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There is no train service; buses serve as the primary form of public transport with the Valletta Bus Terminal being the nearest hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | The Tallinja card offers unlimited travel for a duration and is recommended for regular commuters. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operated by Malta Public Transport connect Sliema to major attractions and neighboring towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Mater Dei Hospital is the main healthcare facility in Malta, offering comprehensive services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Heart & Soul Wellness Centre offers various wellness programs including yoga and meditation classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Club Malta has multiple locations including one in Sliema, equipped with modern facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Mr. Wash provide washing and drying services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Wolt and Bolt Food are the most popular apps for food delivery in Sliema. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rabbit Stew (Fenkata) is a must-try traditional dish in Malta. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Grassy Hopper offers an extensive vegan menu with fresh ingredients. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Caffe J.Dulis is known for its traditional Maltese pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Sliema Food Market offers a variety of local produce and products. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local retailers often stock products online, with popular stores being Bortex and A&P Malta. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Stores like Go & Get and Bunch provide grocery delivery services in Sliema. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The area around the Tigne Point and the promenade offers a variety of bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Farsons Brewery offers tours and tastings of traditional Maltese beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Bar at The Palace offers a carefully curated selection of local wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | St. Julian's night markets provide various street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Places like Caffe D'Aguilar offer quality Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Tower Road promenade and the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel are iconic spots in Sliema. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Malta Maritime Museum represents Malta's rich maritime history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Tigne is a significant historical site with ties to World War II. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is an architectural landmark worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sliema Carnival is celebrated annually, showcasing traditional Maltese culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Sliema promenade area features local artists and vendors, showcasing Maltese culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Manoel Theatre in Valletta, a short ride away, hosts various performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Sliema food market provides a mix of local and international goods every weekend. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various bars feature live music events, especially during the summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The promenade showcases local artists’ works along with murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Malta Culinary School offers authentic cooking classes focusing on local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The MUZA - Museum of the Arts features notable local and international exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic Tigne Point fortifications are noteworthy. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Maltese culture reflects a blend of Mediterranean influences with a rich history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Ghadira Nature Reserve is a perfect escape for nature enthusiasts. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Foresta 2000 is a nearby reforestation area ideal for walking and birdwatching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal promenade is perfect for cycling and walking with beautiful sea views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Tower Road offers stunning views of Valletta across the harbor. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Birdwatching is popular at the Buskett Gardens nearby. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Ramla Bay is a designated bonfire area. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local and international services like DHL and Poste Maltese for delivery and shipping. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair services like Shop n' Go offer reliable computer and phone repair in Sliema. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local cafes often have ping pong tables for casual play. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The English Language School offers various language classes in Sliema. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Sliema Public Library provides quiet study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Sliema Community Centre offers various cultural and community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges in the area offer consoles and PCs for gaming enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Dragonara Casino is a popular spot for gaming and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 35% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Malta has a progressive tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% |
| 🧾 VAT | 18% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Malta has specific CFC rules in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on a system of established rates. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Malta offers tax incentives for foreign residents and specific programs for digital nomads. |