Visiting Malta was a unique experience for me. It is such a culturally and historically fascinating Mediterranean island that makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another time. But while I was planning my itinerary, I had one challenge – choosing the best area to stay in Malta.
This island is small, but there’s a lot to see, and getting around is not always simple and convenient (if you choose to use public transport instead of a car).
After exploring Malta, I could understand the characteristics of different areas and how easily reachable they were. So here’s a guide that will hopefully help you plan your trip.
*This post may contain affiliate links from which I earn a commission (for more info, read my disclosure). As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables.
My favorite carb in Malta: Don’t miss out on trying Pastizzi, phyllo-like pastries filled with peas or ricotta cheese.
Important Things to Know When Looking for the Best Area to Stay in Malta
1. Cars: I personally decided not to rent a car in Malta, not only because they drive on the left side of the road, but also because traffic is a big issue AND many sources made me want to avoid driving alongside Maltese drivers. Also, finding parking can be a challenge in the streets of these cities and towns, some of which are pedestrianized. If you do decide to rent a car, look for accommodations with private parking.
2. Public transport: While the local public transport system also isn’t perfect and it takes time to get from one place to another, I still found it fairly convenient to use buses, ferries, and taxis. So if you want to travel around the island without a car, choose an area that’s well-connected to different parts of Malta.
3. Beaches: Not all coastal towns and cities are necessarily good beach destinations as some don’t have beaches at all and others have rocky beaches, which are not suitable for everyone.
4. As lovely as most of these cities and towns are, they all have their not-so-pretty areas and streets with neglected buildings. Don’t expect every corner to be enchanting or picturesque, and note that you can find great hotels in Malta that are, unfortunately, located on very underwhelming streets.
5. Some accommodations require bookings of a minimum of 2, 3, or even 4 nights.
6. Malta uses plugs of type G and operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Many hotels also have plugs C, E, and F, but consider packing a power adapter and a voltage converter.
7. Read all the small letters to see if the price includes all the local taxes/extra charges.
8. As you can imagine, accommodation prices rise in July and August (mainly in August), though it’s also important to note that Malta has become a very popular destination not only in summer.
Map and Quick Recommendations
Click here to access the My Maps interactive map of the best parts to stay in Malta.
I highly recommend diving into my detailed post with all the pros and cons of each area, but here are some quick highly-rated suggestions:
Valletta: The packed-with-landmarks historic capital city and a great base for first-time visitors looking to explore the island without a car. Stay at:
1. Ursulino Valletta
2. Tano’s Boutique Guesthouse
3. 66 Saint Paul’s & Spa
Sliema: Another lively city with good public transport connections to different parts of the island and some rocky beaches (only 5 minutes by ferry from Valletta). Stay at:
1. Amery House
2. Marea Boutique Hotels
3. Seafront Duplex Penthouse
Mellieha: One of the best destinations for a beach vacation, having the biggest sandy beach in Malta (can be good for couples, families, and groups of friends). Stay at:
1. DOMS Boutique Hotel
2. Mellieha Bay Waters
St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra: Popular resort towns. Stay at:
1. Park Lane Boutique Aparthotel
2. Seaview Hotel
St. Julian’s: For nightlife lovers. Stay at:
1. Hotel Juliani
2. 123 Main Street
Marsaskala: A less-touristy fishing town. Stay at:
1. TJ Boutique
2. Interlace Apartment
Marsaxlokk: A famous fishing village in eastern Malta. Stay at:
1. La Reggia Seaview Guesthouse
2. Seagull Penthouse Marsaxlokk
Mdina (and Rabat): A unique historic city and the former capital. Stay at:
1. The Heritage Boutique Accommodation
2. Casa Azzopardi Guesthouse
Valletta – The Best Location to Stay in Malta for Sightseeing and Taking Day Trips
Overview
The UNESCO-listed capital city, Valletta, seems like the obvious choice when looking for accommodation in Malta because it’s the heart of the action yet also makes a great base for exploring the rest of the island.
The fact that it was founded by knights (how cool is that?) about 500 years ago and many buildings from that era are still standing also means that there’s so much to do and see here, and no traveler can skip out on visiting this fascinating city.
It boasts countless landmarks, from religious sites like St. John’s Co-Cathedral to the knights’ newly restored Grandmaster’s Palace to the lovely Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens.
It’s also an idyllic place to roam photogenic streets adorned with colorful Maltese balconies and lined with restaurants and cafes. Other interesting experiences in Valletta include boat tours of the Grand Harbour, seeing the Saluting Battery, visiting the National Museum of Archaeology, and more.
Pros of Staying in Valletta
– You’ll never be bored here. The city is packed with interesting sights (like St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster’s Palace, and Casa Rocca Piccola), museums, restaurants, cafes, and shops.
– Apart from visiting all the landmarks, you’ll enjoy strolling freely through its quintessential Maltese streets.
– It’s directly connected by public transport to most tourist spots in Malta, including the Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk fishing village, Mdina, Ħaġar Qim Temples, and Dingli Cliffs (making it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the island). You can also take the Gozo Fast Ferry to reach Malta’s Gozo Island.
Cons of Staying in Valletta
– It’s a popular city that can get quite crowded.
– There are no beaches in Valletta, though you can take a 5-minute ferry to enjoy Sliema’s rocky beaches or take a bus to sandy beaches like Golden Bay.
Highly-Rated Tours in Valletta
Highly-Rated Places to Stay in Valletta
Tano’s Boutique Guesthouse (mid-range): Housed in an 18th-century building, this B&B offers rooms and suites (with a balcony) for up to 4 people, a shared terrace overlooking the sea and the Three Cities, and a highly-rated breakfast. Read more here.
Ursulino Valletta (mid-range): With modern rooms and suites for 2-4 people, a rooftop terrace overlooking the sea, a highly-rated breakfast, and a central location, this bed and breakfast has a rating of 9.4! Read more here.
66 Saint Paul’s & Spa (luxury): This centrally-located hotel offers elegant double rooms (some of which have sea views), a 24/7 reception, and an on-site bar. It also has a high-end spa and a rooftop pool & terrace. Read more here.
Le Parisot Boutique Suites (luxury): Situated a stone’s throw away from the Upper Barrakka Gardens, this hotel offers fully equipped, spacious, modern suites for 2-4 people. Breakfast is also available, as well as access to a rooftop terrace and an outdoor tub. Read more here.
Sliema – a Fantastic Base to Explore the Island
Overview
I loved staying in the city of Sliema, which is located only 10 km (about 6 miles) from the airport. It was once a small fishing village, but it has become a major residential and commercial hub.
It’s also a wonderful place to base yourself if you want to explore the rest of Malta by bus.
Pros of Staying in Sliema
– It’s directly connected by public transport to visit-worthy places in Malta like Valletta (only a 5-minute ferry), the sandy Riviera Beach and Golden Bay (note that to get to Riviera Beach, you’ll have to walk down a lot of stairs from the parking lot/bus station), Mdina, Cirkewwa (from where you can take the ferry to Gozo island), and archeological sites such as Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and Tarxien Temples.
– You’ll find a variety of restaurants and bars in Sliema, many of which are situated on/near its coastal roads.
– You can stroll along its lovely promenade towards St. Julian’s and relax at one of its rocky beaches or lovely Roman Baths.
Cons of Staying in Sliema
– Though it’s home to a few points of interest like Saint Julian’s Tower and Fort Tigné, it’s not a landmark-packed city.
– It’s not necessarily a pretty/charming city.
– When you walk from the waterfront toward the heart of the city, you’ll see that it’s built on a mild slope, so you might not like the location of hotels not near the promenade.
– It’s not directly connected by public transport to other popular spots like the Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk fishing village, Ħaġar Qim Temples, and Dingli Cliffs.
Highly-rated Tours in/from Sliema
Highly-Rated Places to Stay in Sliema
I stayed at Slimiza Suites. Unfortunately, its rating dropped recently, so here are a few higher-rated options.
Amery House (mid-range): Situated a stone’s throw away from the rocky beach of Fond Għadir, this boutique hotel has cozy double rooms as well as suites with a terrace and a hot tub. A continental breakfast is included in the prices, and the rooms are equipped with a mini-bar and a coffee machine/kettle. Read more here.
Marea Boutique Hotels (mid-range): Located in the heart of Sliema, this 4-star boutique hotel offers cozy modern double rooms, as well as suites with a private terrace overlooking the city. A continental breakfast is also available, and the waterfront is a 10-minute walk away. Read more here.
Seafront Duplex Penthouse (apartment): If you’re a group of 3-4 people, this huge 2-bedroom & 2-bathroom apartment might be for you. Beyond all of its amenities, its biggest “feature” is the terrace with views of the sea and the city of Valletta. It’s also close to the ferry and several bus stations. Read more here.
Mellieha – Where to Stay in Malta for a Beach Vacation
Overview
One of the most northern towns in Malta, Mellieha is a great beach destination with a laid-back atmosphere (can be a great choice if you’re on a European girls’ trip, a couple’s trip, or a family trip).
Pros of Staying in Mellieha
– Closeness to Malta’s biggest sandy beach – Mellieħa Bay, also called Għadira Bay.
– Closeness to Malta’s other islands, Gozo and Comino.
– It is well-connected by public transport to both Sliema and Valletta.
Cons of Staying in Mellieha
– It is not as conveniently connected to other parts of Malta.
– Unless you find accommodation near the coast, it’s important to know that the town sits atop a hill (buses run regularly from the town to the beach).
Highly-Rated Places to Stay in Mellieha
Sunny Modern Apartments (budget/mid-range): With two types of apartments situated in the same building, you can book a 3-bedroom apartment (suitable for 6 people) or a penthouse apartment (suitable for 5 people), both spacious and fully equipped. There are a few nearby restaurants and buses that will take you down to Għadira Bay. Read reviews and check its latest prices.
Mellieha Bay Waters (mid-range): Rated 9.7 and located right next to Għadira Bay, this fully-equipped, spacious 2-bedroom apartment is suitable for 4 people and offers free private parking and a terrace with sea views. Read more about it and book it here.
DOMS Boutique Hotel (boutique): This 4-star hotel offers double rooms and suites, some of which have a balcony and even a private hot tub. On-site, you’ll also find a brasserie and a gastro bar, and the bus station from where you can get to the beach is only a 2-minute walk away. Browse the latest prices here.
St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra – Popular Resort Towns
Overview
Located in northwestern Malta, these three adjacent small localities are popular resort towns. From this area, you can also take cruises and boat tours to the island of Comino and its Blue Lagoon.
Pros of Staying in St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra
– You’ll find a lovely promenade and plenty of restaurants and bars in the area.
– The area is well-connected by public transport to Sliema, Valletta, Mdina, and popular sandy beaches like Golden Bay, Riviera Beach, and Għadira Bay (note that to get to Riviera Beach, you’ll have to walk down a lot of stairs from the parking lot/bus station).
– Closeness to Malta’s other islands – Gozo and Comino.
Cons of Staying in St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra
– These are typical tourist resort towns, so they’re not the place to stay if you’re looking for authentic, local experiences.
– There are a few rocky beaches here, but it’s not your ideal beach destination.
– They’re not pretty/charming towns.
Highly-Rated Places to Stay in St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra
Seaview Hotel (mid-range/luxury): This adult-only (16+) 4-star hotel provides everything you’ll want on a vacation, from rooms & suites with sea views (some of which have a private hot tub) to excursion booking to on-site facilities such as an upper-deck infinity pool, a spa, a gym, bars, and restaurants. Consult its latest prices here.
Park Lane Boutique Aparthotel (mid-range): Located near Buġibba Beach, this aparthotel offers open-plan studios for 1-5 people, a rooftop pool and terrace, and a small gym. Breakfast is also available, as well as free public parking nearby. Read more and browse availability here.
Pebbles Resort (mid-range): You might not need to leave this 4-star hotel in St. Paul’s Bay at all, as it offers spacious rooms for 2-4 people with a balcony (some of which have pool views), an on-site restaurant and bar, indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, and even a gym. Book your stay here.
St. Julian’s – The Best Place to Stay in Malta for Nightlife
Overview
Located right next to Sliema, St. Julian’s is a small town known for its hotels, restaurants, bars, pubs, and nightclubs (many of which are found in the district called Paceville).
Pros of Staying in St. Julian’s
– If you’re looking for a place that offers a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene, St. Julian’s is for you.
– The town is very close to Sliema, so you can still reach other parts of the island relatively easily.
Cons of Staying in St. Julian’s
– Although you’ll find a couple of sandy beaches in this area (including St George’s Bay and the small Balluta Bay Beach), it’s not your ideal beach destination because they’re not very clean or inviting.
– It’s a typical tourist resort town, so it’s not the place to stay if you’re looking for authentic, local experiences.
– It’s not necessarily a pretty town, apart from the area near Spinloa Bay, which is more visually pleasing.
Highly-Rated Places to Stay in St. Julian’s
123 Main Street (mid-range): Overlooking Spinola Bay, this family-run boutique hotel offers deluxe rooms and suites (with a balcony) for up to 3 people, an on-site bar, and a continental breakfast. Read reviews and check its latest prices.
Hotel Juliani (boutique): Also overlooking Spinola Bay, this 4-star boutique hotel offers double rooms and suites and features an on-site restaurant, a rooftop terrace/pool, and a gym. A continental breakfast is available, as well as free private parking. Read more and browse prices here.
Marsaskala – One of the Best Fishing Towns to Stay in Malta
Overview
Located next to the famous village of Marsaxlokk, a seaside town you might like is Marsaskala.
Pros of Staying in Marsaskala
– It’s a laid-back less-touristy town, so it’s still relatively quiet and uncrowded.
– You’ll find many cafes and restaurants to choose from.
– Although not idyllic, there is a small beach in this town called St. Thomas Bay (it has a short strip of sand and the rest of it is rocky).
Cons of Staying in Marsaskala
– It is not so well connected by public transport to other areas in Malta, except Valletta and Marsaxlokk.
– If you’re looking for a vibrant place to stay, this is not it.
Highly-Rated Places to Stay in Marsaskala
Interlace Apartment (budget/mid-range): This is a spacious 3-bedroom apartment suitable for up to 6 people. It has two bathrooms, a terrace, and a fully-equipped kitchen, and it’s located near all the restaurants and bus stops. Read reviews and check its latest prices.
TJ Boutique (mid-range): Located near the seafront within a short walk from all the restaurants and bus stops, this simple boutique hotel offers single or deluxe double rooms, a shared lounge, and a continental breakfast. Read reviews and check its latest prices.
Mdina and Rabat – a Piece of History
Overview
No Malta itinerary is complete without the historic city of Mdina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital, dating back thousands of years.
It feels like it belongs to another era, and it is treated almost like a sacred place – no cars are allowed, it’s home to less than 300 inhabitants, and it’s called ‘The Silent City.’ That said, it has become a highly-visited city, and it does get busy when day trippers flock to see it.
You can count the number of accommodations in Mdina on the fingers of one hand, so if you want to stay close to this beautiful piece of history, book your accommodation in the nearby Rabat (located just a short walk away from the main city gate), which used to be a suburb of Mdina.
To get to know the city, you can take a guided walking tour.
Pros of Staying in Mdina and Rabat
– You’ll be close to all the sights of Mdina as well as to landmarks like St Paul’s Catacombs.
– Rabat itself is a bit more lively and has quite a few cafes and restaurants.
– Rabat and Mdina are well-connected by public transport to places like Valletta, the Blue Grotto, Mosta, Dingli Cliffs, Hagar Qim Temples, and the airport.
Cons of Staying in Mdina and Rabat
– Rabat and Mdina are not coastal, so getting to any main beach requires taking a bus or a taxi.
– Mdina can get a bit crowded with day trippers.
– It’s not the usual area most people choose to stay in, so highly-rated accommodation options are limited.
Highly-Rated Places to Stay in Mdina and Rabat
The Heritage Boutique Accommodation (mid-range): This beautifully decorated bed and breakfast is located in Rabat and offers cozy double rooms with a small kitchenette, some of which have a private terrace. Many cafes and restaurants are located nearby, and Mdina is only a short walk away. Read reviews and check its latest prices.
Casa Azzopardi Guesthouse (mid-range): Also located near the entrance to Mdina, this guesthouse offers spacious double rooms and suites with a balcony and free public parking nearby. Read reviews and check its latest prices.
Marsaxlokk – a Famous Fishing Village in Malta’s Southeastern Region
Overview
Known for its harbor packed with colorful traditional Maltese boats, Marsaxlokk is a beloved fishing village. Its Sunday market has become a highly popular tourist attraction, selling fresh fish, vegetables, souvenirs, and more.
Marsaxlokk is located less than 7 km (4.5 miles) from the airport in the eastern part of Malta.
Pros of Staying in Marsaxlokk
– The village is small, but it’s home to more than enough restaurants, and it even hosts a famous market on Sundays.
– There are a few nearby natural swimming pools like St. Peter’s Pool (you’ll find boat ride services at the village’s promenade).
Cons of Staying in Marsaxlokk
– The village is not so well connected by public transport to other places on the island, except Valletta.
– It has a lovely harbor and promenade, but other streets can be underwhelming.
– I visited on a tranquil day, but it can get busy due to the popularity of its harbor and market.
Highly-Rated Places to Stay in Marsaxlokk
La Reggia Seaview Guesthouse (budget/mid-range): Offering double rooms with sea views, this bed and breakfast sits right next to the promenade and overlooks the harbor. Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace, and restaurants, cafes, and boat services are nearby. Browse prices and availability here.
Seagull Penthouse Marsaxlokk: Accommodating up to 8 people, this extremely spacious apartment overlooks the entire bay. It is fully equipped and has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a big terrace with scenic views, and even a hot tub. A short walk will take you to the village’s promenade. Read more about it and book it here.
Related Posts
- Malta travel tips
- Best places to stay in Aosta Valley
- Best areas to stay in Turin
- Best areas to stay in Madrid
- Best areas to stay in Bari
- Best area to stay in Vienna for Christmas markets
* I haven’t stayed at every hotel I mention in this post, but each one is well-researched, has high ratings of 8.5+ on Booking.com, and is a place I would book for myself. That said, you should always read the reviews and all the details about the facilities and services to see if they match your needs.
Hi loved this article. Where would you say is the best place to go that has a nice holiday feel. With some bars and restaurants that is easy to get to get to valletta and Mdina. Thanks.
Hey. Jan!
It sounds like you might like Sliema. It’s not the prettiest city, but it’s lively with lots of places to eat. It also has a lovely promenade, nice rocky beaches and Roman Baths, and it’s only a 5-minute ferry ride away from Valletta and a relatively short bus ride away from Mdina.
Hi, amazing article you got here, very helpful tips.
I am planning to go in November, would you be able to tell me about what kind of weather to expect and are bars and cafes still opened during that month ?
Ron
Hey, Ron 🙂 I haven’t been to Malta in November, but to my knowlege, most restaurants and cafes are open year round, and the temperatures are supposed to be quite pleasant, but November is the rainiest month (though Malta is a sunny country).
Hi,
Me and my partner would love to go to Malta and explore, go to the war museum, explore the caves, relax on the beach etc. We are also after great restaurants and a few pubs. We are in our early 30s and don’t want to be in a young, busy lively area full of nightclubs and the party scene, but in the same breathe don’t want to be anywhere too quiet and with no atmosphere. We’re hoping to hire a moped or car to explore the island. Where would you suggest would be the best place to stay?
Thanks so much 😊 xx
Hey, Liv!
I think Valletta is a great base to explore the island (it doesn’t have a beach, but sandy beaches are a bus ride away). It’s lively but not full of young people who only come there for nightlife. That said, accommodations with private parking can be challenging to find in Valletta (I know renting scooters and motorbikes is popular, but I haven’t tried it myself, so I don’t know if it’s easier to find parking for them if you rent them for more than one day).
Thanks so much for the tips! Would you say it’s expensive there for food/drinks? xx
You’re welcome! I think it’s pretty average if you compare to countries like Italy or Spain. I haven’t dined there at high-end restaurants, but you can find cheap eats/street food like pastizzi for 2-3 euros, and a pasta dish at a mid-range restauarnts should cost 14-18 euros (that’s what I usually paid).
Sounds perfect! Thankyou so much for the tips! Will definitely be booking ☺️ xx
That’s great to hear! Would love to get your feedback when you come back!
Hi, my friend is traveling with a girl in July, they are young people and they are looking for a place with nice beach and vibrant (night)life..
Which area is the best one for young people like them (25-30years old)?
Hey!
For this combo, you might want to look into Mellieha. Its beach is the largest sandy beach in Malta, and although I haven’t experienced its nightlife scene, I know there are quite a few bars there. St. Julian’s is the best area for nightlife, but its beach id definitely is not as good as Mellieha’s.
Hi i am going to Malta with my sister and we are looking for a place with sandy beach, well-connected public transportation (we don’t have a car), night life would be great 😅 but it’s not a must
Thank you in advance
If you’re willing to replace the sandy beach with rocky beaches, I’d say go for Sliema (you can also get from Sliema to the sandy Riviera Beach). If not, Mellieha might be a good choice for you if sandy beaches are your top priority. You’ll be close to Għadira Bay, and it’s well connected to Valletta, Gozo, Riviera Beach, and Golden Bay, but if you want to visit places like Marsaxlokk and Mdina, you’ll have to switch buses.
wow,this article was heaven sent.I will be travelling with a group of girls for a long weekend but i feel the days are not enough to quench my Malta thirst hence i extended by 2½ days to enjoy on what was not planned in the group itinerary .what Museum and historic or old towns do you suggest?
street foods and typical cultural foods to try?
is there something like club crawling ?
I’m happy you find it helpful!
Valletta the capital and Mdina are two historic cities well worth a visit. I also traveled by bus through Mosta, which seemed very charming. Regarding street food, pastizzi (pastries filled with cheese or peas) are a must. And I know there’s a pub crawl in St. Julian’s (in the Paceville district), but I haven’t tried it myself.
Hi Or,
Thanks for writing about your experience and sharing the details. It is much appreciated.
I am planning a solo trip and my initial itinerary was from London to Valletta and then visit other cities with beaches. However since there is no beach in Valletta would you recommend a stay in MARSASKALA instead (especially if i am after a quiet place with a beach)? Is it safe to travel at night between MARSASKALA to Valletta?
Thank you in advance for your time and support.
Hi Mel!
When are you planning to visit Malta? If you’re looking to stay in a quiet place then Marsaskala might be for you but note that its beach is small (and is partially sandy and partially rocky). If you’re looking for bigger, proper sandy beaches, I think you also shouldn’t rule out staying in Valletta and traveling by bus to beaches like Għadira Bay, Riviera Beach, and Golden Bay.
Generally, I felt safe traveling by bus in Malta, but I haven’t done it at night.
Thanks this is so very helpful, especially the description of beaches as my partner has mobility problems, meaning rocky beaches are not so great for us! We hope to go to Marsaxslokk or Marsaskala in August. What is St.Thomas bay like for gradient / rocks please?
Hi Rachel!
I’m glad this is helpful – most beaches in Malta are not necessarily friendly for people with mobility problems. You might want to see a proper photo on Google Maps, but St.Thomas Beach has a small strip of sand (roughly 10 meters) the rest of it is rocky.