Things to see and do Sliema

This small, almost island-like protrusion (a bridge spans the narrow sea channel) separates Sliema Creek and Lazaretto Creek. The Maltese call it "Il-gzira" (the island). In 1643, Grand Master Lascaris set up a lazaretto, an asylum for the sick and victims of epidemics, taking advantage of its relative isolation. In 1746, Grand Master Manoel de Vilhena had a fort built there, which was named Fort Manoel in his honor, and which gave its name to the island, the eighth in the Maltese archipelago. The fort, with its impressively thick walls, was built around a huge parade ground. It was surrounded by barracks for 500 men and embellished by the chapel of Saint-Antoine (dedicated to Saint-Antoine de Padoue) and a bronze statue of the great master. Unfortunately, the chapel and other buildings were destroyed by bombing during the last war, and the statue was moved to Floriana. The chapel was rebuilt. Today, the fort no longer has a military role and is partly home to the Royal Malta Yacht Club. Manoel Island has undergone major transformations (work began in 2013), which have enabled the site to play a prestigious role, giving it a power of attraction worthy of its privileged location. At the entrance to the island, after the bridge and opposite the soccer pitch, an amusing "duck village" has been created. Beach, river, bridge, individual or collective dwellings and old boats are reserved for the ducks, geese and other birds that have made their home here.

This fort divides the district of Sliema into two distinct waterfronts: the first, which faces the ancient city of Valletta, and the second which faces the sea in the direction of St Julian's. A large shopping centre bearing this name has been integrated into the fortified historic point, which has been fitted out with luxurious accommodation and a pleasant promenade facing the old town. On the way, you will notice the small building of the former seawater distillery dating from 1881. It ends at the famous Dragut Point. During the Great Siege of 1565, it was here that the great Turkish chieftain (called Dargut) lost his life, wounded by a shrapnel, while he and his men tried to seize the Saint-Elme fort opposite, which was done three days after his death. In 1792, the French grandmaster Rohan-Polduc and his teammate, Knight De Tigné, reinforced the defence of this point by building the fort named after the knight. This will be the last great fort built by the knights. Doubling the cannons of Fort Saint-Elme, it provided an interesting crossfire for the defence of the port and the capital. During Napoleon's invasion of Malta, it will be one of the rare places of resistance, it will briefly serve as a garrison for the French forces before falling into the hands of Maltese insurgents. The guns of Fort Tigné were also used by the English to attack Valletta. When they left in 1979, it was used for a time as a desalination plant before being restored.

The coastline along the districts of Sliema and St Julian's offers many rocky walls that have been built to allow you to take a dip. Sometimes with Valletta as a backdrop, just a stone's throw from the traffic. This beach has the peculiarity of being watched over by lifeguards and the great originality of this rocky part is that it preserves old saltworks that have been converted into natural swimming pools. It is really worth the detour and the photo. Other spots in Sliema: Fort Tigné, Qui si-Sana, Għar id-Dud and Exiles.

Located in Sliema, Malta, AX The Palace Malta is an ultra-hip 5-star hotel. It's just a 5-minute walk from the Mediterranean Sea and 6 km from the 16th-century Co-Cathedral of St. John. The hotel's rooms are warm and elegant, with free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, teapots, coffeemakers and an assortment of scented candles or incense. Superior rooms offer sea views and/or balconies. Suites are decorated in different styles and feature unique elements such as musical instruments, a telescope or original retro furniture. The hotel also offers a lively international restaurant, an elegant café/bar, a chic Asian restaurant and a trendy poolside bar on the rooftop terrace. Facilities include a luxury spa, gym, indoor pool and outdoor pool. The hotel also offers chargeable parking and is accessible to disabled guests.