Where to Stay in Malta – 7 AMAZING Towns + Hotels

Malta is a small and beautiful country in the central Mediterranean Sea. Its fascinating history, unique culture, and scenic views captured the hearts of many. Even though it’s small, the country has a lot to offer, so deciding where to stay in Malta can be a bit challenging. 

For a few years now, Malta has been on my ‘to-visit’ list, so I compared all the areas on the island and created a list of the 7 top places to stay in Malta. I also talked to quite a few people who visited Malta, and I can share some valuable tips from their travels. 

If you’re wondering ‘where should I stay in Malta for the first time,’ I have the answer – it’s Valletta. The island’s capital has a rich history and impressive architecture; here, you’ll find some of the top attractions in all of Malta, plus many of the best hotels and restaurants. 

Besides discussing the top towns on the island, I also handpicked the best hotels in each area and price category. So, take your pick and hurry up with the reservations – Malta is a very popular destination, and the good accommodations sell out quickly! 

Let’s get started!

Quick Picks for Your Stay

Here’s a quick list of the top-rated hotels in Malta, all situated in Valletta, the island’s capital:

Take a look at this map of the 7 Malta areas I will be talking about in this post:

1. Valletta – best place to stay in Malta for first-timers

When visiting Malta for the first time, you’ll probably want to immerse yourself in its rich history and culture – and there’s no better place to do this than the capital city of Valletta. Situated on the island’s Eastern coast, the city hosts many landmarks, museums, palaces, and churches and is always bustling with life. 

FUN FACT: Valletta is the smallest capital city in the European Union, both by surface area and by population. Although small, Valletta has more than 320 named monuments, and the entire city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

As soon as you arrive in Valletta, you’ll want to start exploring – and there’s no better place to start than the Triton Fountain (map), one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Be sure to snap some photos of the fountain before you move on to the City Gate (map), the official entrance to the city! 

Your next stop should be at the unmissable St. John’s Co-Cathedral (map) – I highly recommend you buy a ticket and spend some time exploring the cathedral’s rich interior. With the ticket, you’ll get an audio guide telling you everything about the building’s history. 

Don’t miss a visit to St. George’s Square (map), the city’s main square that’s surrounded by many historic buildings, including the Presidential Palace. After that, I suggest you take a relaxing stroll through Upper Barrakka (map), a lovely park providing spectacular sea views. 

P.S. You should also check out Lower Barrakka (map), another great spot to enjoy the views. 

If you’re a museum buff, then you’ll definitely want to check out some of Valletta’s museums, such as the National War Museum – Fort St Elmo, the National Museum of Archaeology, and Casa Rocca Piccola, the former home of a Maltese noble family. 

Seeing as Valletta is such a small city, it’s the best place to stay if you’re visiting Malta without a car. You can easily walk everywhere and visit the main attractions, and if you want to explore more of the island, you can rely on the extensive network of public buses! 

If you want to hit the beach (unfortunately, Valletta is not a beach destination), you can take the ferry to Sliema. Alternatively, hop on the ferry to the Three Cities and explore some more of the country’s history. You can also take a day trip to the nearby towns of Gzira and Marsaxlokk, a 25- and 45-min bus ride away from the capital, respectively. 

NOTE: While Valletta has a lot of tourist attractions and historic buildings, it doesn’t have beachfront hotels or properties to stay in. Check out the neighborhoods of Mellieħa and St. Paul’s Bay for private beach resorts and hotels if that’s what you’re looking for.

 

Other accommodation options in Valletta

Things to do in Valletta

• Snap some photos of the Triton Fountain and the City Gate
• Take some time to explore St. John’s Co-Cathedral
• Stop by St. George’s Square and admire the architecture
• Admire the views from Upper Barrakka and Lower Barrakka
• Join a street food and culture walking tour
• Visit the National War Museum and the National Museum of Archaeology
• Explore the palace of Casa Rocca Piccola
• Take a ferry to the Three Cities of Malta and explore their history

2. Sliema – best area to stay in Malta for couples

Located just a 20-min bus ride North of Valletta, Sliema is another popular resort town, particularly popular for romantic getaways. It’s the best place to stay in Malta for older couples, in fact, for couples of all ages – it has a very lively atmosphere, some nice beaches, and of course, some of the best hotels in Malta for couples. 

The best way to start a Sliema stay is by heading to the beach – Sliema Beach (map) is a rocky beach where you can go swimming or sunbathing on the warm rocks. There’s also Qui-Si-Sana Beach (map), another good spot for swimming (unless it’s windy) and enjoying stunning views of the sea. 

Here’s what one of our MissTourist members has to say about her stay in Sliema: During my time here, I stayed at the Corner Hostel and had everything I needed, including free WiFi. There were plenty of frequent bus routes that would get me to Valletta, Mellieħa, and Popeye Village, to name just a few…so public transport wasn’t an issue. 

Sliema is also an amazing spot for shopping – The Point Shopping Mall (map) is a great spot to spend an entire day. There are plenty of shops and stores, but there are also quite a few restaurants and cafes – you won’t be bored for even a minute! 

If you’re in the mood for some sightseeing, be sure to check out the Torri ta’ San Ġiljan (map), a historic hilltop tower that offers a panoramic view of the sea. In case you need to cool off after your hike, continue along the seaside promenade to Fond Għadir Beach (map), where you can hop in the natural pool! 

TIP: Don’t rent a car for your stay in Sliema – traffic is often congested, and it’s really hard to find public parking. Luckily, you can easily get around the city on foot! 

For the most stunning sunset, go out to Tigné Point (map). You’ll have to climb quite a few stairs to get to the viewpoint, but I can assure you that the views are definitely worth it. And finally, if you’re looking for places to eat, drink, and relax, Sliema won’t disappoint – there are plenty of spots you can choose from.

 

Other accommodation options in Sliema

Things to do in Sliema

• Go swimming at Sliema Beach or at Qui-Si-Sana Beach
• Spend the day shopping at The Point Shopping Mall 
• Visit the Torri ta’ San Ġiljan tower and enjoy the panoramic sea views
• Embark on a guided cruise to Comino, Crystal Lagoon, and the Blue Lagoon
• Cool off at Fond Għadir Beach
• Watch the sunset from Tigné Point

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3. St Julian’s – best place to stay in Malta for nightlife

If you want a place to stay in Malta where you can party and dance the night away, St. Julian’s will be the ideal choice for you! This seaside town boasts a bustling nightlife scene, with many clubs, bars, and restaurants, and it’s situated a 25-min bus ride North of Valletta and only a 7-min ride from Sliema. 

If you’re in Malta to party, then your favorite spot will be Paceville, the island’s party district, situated right at the heart of St. Julian’s. You can spend your nights in Paceville visiting the many bars, pubs, and music clubs or enjoying a nice dinner at one of the numerous restaurants.

If you’re having trouble deciding where to go, I’d recommend The Thirsty Barber (map) for some delicious cocktails and Bellinii (map) if you’re looking for a spot to do some shots. However, if you’re looking for something calmer and would like to try traditional Maltese food, then spend your evening at the Gozitan Restaurant (map). 

During the day, you can roam the shops at the Bay Street Shopping Complex (map) or hit the beach at St George’s Bay (map). 

If you want to rent a car during your stay in St. Julian’s, make sure you are a confident driver – this is one of the busiest parts of Malta and navigating the traffic can be a bit difficult. 

 

Other accommodation options in St Julian’s

Things to do in St Julian’s:

• Grab some drinks at The Thirsty Barber or Bellinii in the Paceville district
• Sample traditional Maltese cuisine at the Gozitan Restaurant
• Do some shopping at the Bay Street Shopping Complex
• Go on a parasailing adventure
• Spend a relaxing beach day at St George’s Bay
• Try your luck at the Dragonara Casino (map)

4. Gozo – the nicest part of Malta for a laid-back holiday

The main reason to stay in Gozo (the 2nd largest of Malta’s three islands) is, I would say, its remote position and traditional rustic feel. The island is situated North of the main island of Malta, and it’s just a 45-min ferry ride from Valletta. 

The best way to travel between Valletta and Gozo is by using the Gozo Highspeed ferry. The trip only takes 45 mins, and there’s a ferry departing every hour of the day. A one-way ticket will cost you €7.50, so even if you decide against staying in Gozo, I highly recommend you visit it on a day trip. 

Here’s what our Malta traveler had to say about Gozo: I visited on a day trip from Sliema to escape the crowds and experience the old charm of Victoria, the capital of Gozo. I also had the chance to stop by the incredible Xlendi Bay (map) and snap some really good photos. 

The ultimate place to start your Gozo adventure is the island’s capital, Victoria. Here, you can visit some impressive churches, such as the Cathedral of the Assumption (map) and St George’s Basilica (map). The Citadella de Victoria (map) is a must-visit here, hosting several museums and offering gorgeous panoramic views of the city. 

If you’d like some peace and quiet while in Victoria, spend an afternoon at the Villa Rundle Gardens (map) – relaxation is guaranteed! And, if you want to stay active on your vacation, Gozo is the perfect spot to try out some outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, or biking. 

There are plenty of great spots to visit outside the capital, which makes Gozo a great place to explore with a car. I recommend renting a car as soon as you arrive on the island – don’t worry, the island is quite easy to navigate, even on a first visit. Some of Gozo’s best attractions include the Sanap Cliffs (map), the Wied il-Mielaħ Window (map), and Ramla Beach (map). But there’s plenty more to discover, so I recommend staying at least for a week and making the most of this beautiful island.

Other accommodation options in Gozo

Things to do in Gozo

• Admire the Cathedral of the Assumption and St George’s Basilica in Victoria
• Enjoy the views from the Citadella de Victoria
• Spend a relaxing afternoon at Victoria’s Villa Rundle Gardens 
• Explore the It-Tempji tal-Ġgantija (map) archeological site
• Visit the Sanap Cliffs and the Wied il-Mielaħ Window
• Try scuba diving at the Blue Hole
• Go swimming on Ramla Beach
• Snap some photos of the Salt Pans (map)

5. Mellieħa – best area to stay in Malta for beaches

Well, you were probably convinced that Malta is poor on beach options, but that’s not the case with Mellieħa. Located in the North of the island and an hour’s bus ride from Valletta, Mellieħa is best known for its gorgeous sandy beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and cool activities.

Mellieħa is one of the best resorts in Malta for a beach vacation, so you can expect it to be a bit crowded – but that’s no reason to avoid it! You can spend your days on the fine sands of Golden Bay (map), sunbathing and swimming – I just have to warn you that the water sometimes gets overrun with seaweeds. 

Other beaches you should definitely check out while in Mellieħa are Paradise Bay (map) – a great spot for snorkeling – and the beach at Għadira Bay (map), with its warm and shallow waters – ideal for families with kids. 

The village of Mellieħa is also home to one of the best places to visit in Malta – Popeye Village. This village served as the movie set for the musical comedy Popeye and has been transformed into a theme park where you can enjoy many cool activities. 

There are quite a few other beaches and attractions to explore in Mellieħa, so whether you’re staying for 3 days or 3 weeks, I’m sure you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your time. Plus, there are some amazing hotels here where you can have an ultra-comfortable stay – check out my selection below: 

Other accommodation options in Mellieha

Things to do in Mellieħa:

• Spend the day relaxing on the beach at Golden Bay
• Go swimming at Paradise Bay and Għadira Bay
• Admire the views from the Coral Lagoon (map)
• Have some fun at the Popeye Village
• Embark on a jet ski tour of Comino, the Blue Lagoon, and Gozo
• Visit The Red Tower (map) and enjoy the panoramic views

6. St Paul’s Bay – where to stay in Malta with family

Further up the Northeast coast of Malta, you will find St Paul’s Bay. Situated a 50-min bus ride away from Valletta, this laid-back resort town is a great choice for families traveling to Malta. It hosts a few nice beaches, some cultural attractions, and many family-friendly hotels and resorts. 

Compared to the other towns recommended in this post, St Paul’s Bay is not as big on tourist attractions. So, if you like to explore outside of this area or tour the island, then I recommend renting a car to ensure you have a great day out. This is also a great choice if you’re traveling with younger kids and need a schedule that works for the whole family! 

If you’d like to spend a relaxing day at the beach, Qawra Point Beach (map) is your best bet. Even though it’s a rocky beach, it’s a great spot for swimming and snorkeling – just don’t forget to bring your water shoes! 

The one thing you absolutely can’t miss here is the Malta National Aquarium, which will be super fun for both kids and adults. I’m also sure the kids will appreciate a trip to the Bugibba Water Park (map), which offers plenty of nice ways to cool down, and best of all, entry is completely free of charge! In the evenings, you can roam around Buġibba Square (map), do some people-watching, and enjoy dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants. Finally, if you love vintage cars, you can’t skip The Malta Classic Car Collection, a car and motorcycle museum that displays a wide array of vehicles.

Other accommodation options in St Paul’s Bay:

Things to do in St Paul‘s Bay

• Spend a fun family day at Qawra Point Beach 
• Learn more about marine life at the Malta National Aquarium
• Bring the kids to the Bugibba Water Park
• Dine at one of the restaurants around Buġibba Square
• See some vintage vehicles at The Malta Classic Car Collection
• Take a nice relaxing walk through Salina National Park (map)

7. Mdina & Rabat – where to stay in Malta for history

The last (but certainly not least) spots I’ll recommend for your stay in Malta are the cities of Mdina and Rabat. These charming towns are adjacent to each other and situated in the Northern region of the country, just a half-an-hour bus ride away from Valletta. 

The fortified city of Mdina is the country’s ancient capital and has a very rich history – and the landmarks to prove it! Possibly the most famous landmark in the city is the Mdina Gate (map), which dates back to the 1700s and boasts impressive architectural design. 

FUN FACT: The Mdina Gate was one of the many filming locations in Malta for the popular show Game of Thrones. 

The Mdina Old City Fortress (map) is a must-visit, as well as St. Paul’s Cathedral (map), Malta’s oldest church! But the entire city of Mdina is steeped in history, so I highly recommend you set some time aside and roam the streets – this is the best way to explore and admire the city. 

TIP: If you want to know more about Malta’s history, I suggest you read Tim Willocks’ book, The Religion. The novel covers the 1565 Siege of Malta, plus weaves in a touch of romance – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it! 

The town of Rabat borders Mdina to the West, and it’s also the perfect destination for history buffs. One of the town’s most prominent landmarks is St Paul’s Catacombs (map), a sprawling underground cemetery complex. 

Another visit-worthy spot, situated on the outskirts of Rabat, is Domvs Romana, an archeological museum housing numerous artifacts from the Roman era. 

If you want to stay in Mdina or Rabat, keep in mind that you’ll need to get around on foot. Cars are not allowed in Mdina (which only contributes to its moniker ‘The Silent City’), and I would also advise against driving in Rabat. However, if you want to explore more of the island, it’s good to have a car at your disposal. 

For example, you can visit the Dingli Cliffs (map) – just a 10-min drive from Rabat – and the Blue Grotto (map), which is about a 20-min drive away from Rabat. 

Other accommodation options in Mdina & Rabat

 

Things to do in Mdina & Rabat

• Visit the Mdina Gate and stay to watch the sunset
• Roam around the Mdina Old City Fortress
• Admire St. Paul’s Cathedral, the country’s oldest church
• Explore St Paul’s Catacombs
• See the collection at the archeological museum Domvs Romana
• Drive out to the Dingli Cliffs and the Blue Grotto

FAQs about where to stay in Malta

🏨 Where to stay in Malta for the first time?

Malta’s capital city, Valletta, is the best area to stay when visiting for the first time. It is home to major cultural and historical attractions, as well as great hotels, such as The Phoenicia Malta and the Osborne Hotel.

🌤️ When is the best time to visit Malta?

While Malta is a great place to visit any time of year, it’s best to travel during the bright and sunny season from May to October. If you don’t like crowds, you may want to avoid the peak season from June to August.

🚌 How do I get around Malta?

The ultimate way to get around Malta is by public bus. Malta has a well-developed public transport network that provides great connections around the island. You can also rent a car and drive, but remember that traffic can be hectic and parking difficult to find. 

👩‍👩‍👦 Where is the best area to stay with families?

St. Paul’s Bay area is ideal for families as it offers a wide range of resorts and fun activities for the kids. The Park Lane Boutique Aparthotel and the Mayflower Hotel are great choices for a family stay in this area. 

🏖️ Where to stay in Malta for beaches?

The ultimate spot for a beach vacation in Malta is Mellieħa, home to some of the island’s best beaches, including Golden Bay and Għadira Bay. Some of the top hotels here are the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa and Hotel VIU57. 

💃 Where to stay in Malta for nightlife?

St Julian’s is THE spot for nightlife in Malta. Here, you can dance the nights away in the Paceville party district, drink away at the countless bars, and stay at great hotels like the Hyatt Regency Malta and Hotel Valentina. 

💑 What is the best place to stay in Malta for older couples?

📅 How many days in Malta is enough?

I recommend spending at least 7 days in Malta, so you have enough time to explore the capital city of Valletta, party in St Julian’s, spend at least a day on the beach, and take a day trip to one of the surrounding islands. 

❓ Is it safe to walk in Malta at night?

Yes, it’s safe to walk in Malta at night. However, you should avoid walking alone, stick to well-lit streets, and stay aware of your surroundings. 

Final thoughts on the best places to stay in Malta

We’ve reached the end of my comprehensive guide on where to stay in Malta! I hope that you found it useful and that you already made up your mind. 

However, if you’re still hesitating about booking your accommodation in Malta, here are my 2 favorite hotels, both situated in Valletta: 

• The Phoenicia Malta – an upscale hotel with amazing service, 4 on-site restaurants, and a stunning infinity pool
• Osborne Hotel – featuring a rooftop pool and an elegant bar, this hotel is ideally located for exploring the city’s top attractions

Don’t be late and book your dream accommodation in advance, as good hotels fill up super quickly here!

And don’t forget – if you have any questions or you just want to share your personal Malta experience, leave me a comment below. I’ll be more than happy to get back to you!

Have an unforgettable trip,

Hristina

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