Looking for tips on where to stay in Malta? We’ve compiled a list of the best regions and hotels to stay on the Mediterranean island and enjoy a trip with plenty of comfort and convenience.
The best place to stay in Malta
Editor’s Choice
The St. Julian’s area is the best place to stay in Malta, especially if you enjoy bustling places and lively nightlife. In addition to being beautiful, St. Julian’s is a vibrant area, both day and night, with many bars, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, good hotels, and all the services a tourist could desire.
Malta is a Mediterranean archipelago composed of three small islands, located south of Sicily. The main and largest island of the archipelago is Malta.
The Maltese islands are full of tourist attractions, but due to the distance between cities and sights, choosing a well-located place to stay is essential. Renting a car to avoid public transportation and explore the island with more convenience is another crucial aspect for an enjoyable trip.
Malta is an area with beautiful beaches, charming architecture, lovely historic cities, and a rich culture. The country is a highly popular summer destination among beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs. Additionally, Malta is a very popular destination among English language learners, who seek an affordable European destination to learn and practice the language.
List of the best places to stay in Malta:
Where to stay in Malta?
When choosing where to stay in Malta, you should consider that the archipelago consists of three small islands. Thus, the destination has several interesting cities and plenty of hotel options for accommodation.
The main island in the archipelago to stay at is Malta Island. Due to the distance between the island’s towns and the characteristics of each, it’s important to decide the place to stay according to your travel style and which mode of transportation you’ll be using.
In this text, we’ll explain the best places to stay in Malta, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of staying in each region, along with must-know hotel tips.
1. St. Julian’s – the best place to stay in Malta
St. Julian’s is the most touristic area and the best place to stay in Malta, especially if you enjoy vibrant nightlife. The city boasts good restaurants and cafes, lively bars and clubs, charming streets, beautiful architecture, a beach, and basic amenities such as supermarkets, ATMs, and tourist agencies.
The liveliest area of the city is Paceville, comprised of four bustling streets with plenty of bars and clubs. So, if you want to fully immerse yourself in the city’s hustle and bustle, prefer to stay near Paceville.
The city has good public transportation coverage, allowing for easier commuting between neighborhoods and Malta’s tourist attractions. Additionally, it boasts a wide variety of hotels.
For those who want to enjoy a beach, St. Julian’s has a small beach, which, although not the most beautiful in Malta, is quite popular during the summer.
The only downside of St. Julian’s is that the area can be too lively for some people, especially at night. So, if you prefer a quieter and more peaceful place to sleep, it’s better to look for a hotel with soundproofing or stay in Sliema, which is close to St. Julian’s but is a quieter town.
Amazing hotels to stay in St. Julian’s, Malta:
- Hyatt Regency Malta: Modern hotel with great amenities and an excellent location in the center of St. Julian’s, in Paceville.
- Mercure St. Julian’s Malta: Hotel with great accommodations and service, good location, and an incredible view of Spinola Bay.
- The Westin Dragonara Resort: A modern, elegant resort with magnificent sea views. In addition to its good location, it boasts comprehensive infrastructure with pools, private beaches, and restaurants.
- Hilton Malta: A 5-star hotel with comprehensive infrastructure and ocean views. It offers exceptional service and spacious, luxurious accommodations.
- Antoniel Suites: A hotel with a good location, spacious and well-decorated rooms, offering good value for money.
See more hotels in St. Julian’s.
2. Sliema – the perfect balance between tourism and tranquility
If you’re looking for the perfect balance between a day of sightseeing and a quiet night, Sliema is an excellent choice for where to stay in Malta. Sliema is a coastal and touristy town, located between Valletta and St. Julian’s, which boasts great restaurants, cafes, supermarkets, tourist agencies, and other essential services.
The city has intense tourist and commercial activity during the day, but the nights are quieter, making it perfect for those who enjoy a peaceful and pleasant night’s sleep.
Due to its location, it’s quite easy to travel from Sliema to St. Julian’s or Valletta. So, if you want to enjoy a livelier nightlife, you can simply take a taxi or even walk to St. Julian’s, depending on where you’re staying. If you plan to enjoy a day of cultural tourism in Valletta, it’s also straightforward to get to the city by public transport or taxi.
Sliema has a good range of accommodations, including excellent hotels with spas, like the 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa. Our favorite place to stay in the city is the “Sliema beach” area, which boasts a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes, and features incredible hotels with sea views.
Amazing hotels to stay in Sliema, Malta.
- 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa: A sophisticated seaside hotel with modern spa facilities and a perfect location in Sliema, close to shops, restaurants, and cafes.
- Land’s End, Boutique Hotel: A charming boutique hotel with a good location, providing an intimate and personalized experience, with spectacular views of the sea and the city.
- AX The Palace: A 5-star hotel with excellent facilities including an infinity pool, spa, restaurants, and a beautiful city view.
- Mr Todd Hotel: A hotel with spacious rooms and common areas, clean decor, and good value for money.
3. Valletta – the most historic region of Malta with a variety of luxury hotels
If you’re looking for a historic city filled with cultural excursions, Valletta is an excellent choice for where to stay in Malta. The small city, also the capital of Malta, is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, making it one of the country’s main tourist destinations.
In addition to being beautiful, the city boasts stunning architecture, numerous historical attractions, and charming streets for strolling. In Valletta, you’ll find great cafes, bars, restaurants, and luxurious hotels.
Valletta is also an easily accessible city, with excellent public transportation coverage that connects the city directly to virtually all other cities in Malta.
If you’re into vibrant nightlife, that’s not Valletta’s strong suit. The area buzzes with activity during the day due to commercial activities and the numerous tourists who visit. At night, the streets become quieter, and most establishments close, making it an ideal place for those seeking quieter evenings.
As the city doesn’t have direct beach access, if you plan to enjoy the summer and the beaches, it might be more suitable to seek accommodation in other coastal areas of Malta. And although Valletta isn’t our preferred choice of where to stay in Malta due to the quiet nightlife, we love the city’s magnificent options of luxury hotels and its cultural attractions.
Amazing hotels to stay in Velletta, Malta:
- The Embassy Valletta Hotel: Located in the heart of the city, the hotel offers an elegant and modern ambiance, a terrace with a pool, stunning views, and easy access to major tourist attractions.
- Casa Ellul: An exclusive boutique hotel situated in a restored Victorian building. It blends historical charm with contemporary design, offering luxurious suites and unparalleled personalized service.
- Osborne Hotel: Located on the ancient walls of Valletta, the hotel offers good infrastructure with a pool, gym, and restaurant, as well as plenty of comfort and proximity to tourist attractions.
- The Coleridge Boutique Hotel: Located on a quiet street in Valletta, the boutique hotel brings discreet luxury with its exquisite and personalized design, offering an intimate stay with attention to detail in each room.
4. Mellieha – the best place for enjoying the beaches
If you’re looking to relax and enjoy the destination’s beaches, Mellieha is one of the best places to stay in Malta. The small town is located in the north of Malta, very close to some of the country’s best beaches, such as Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha.
In addition to the beautiful landscapes and beaches, Mellieha offers a variety of resorts, including luxurious oceanfront accommodations. For those on a budget, there are also good options for budget hotels and apartments available in the city.
Nightlife in the city is very calm, with no parties or bars open late, making it an ideal place for those who want to enjoy the beach and water activities during the day and relax in the evening. Additionally, the city has good options for restaurants, bars, and cafes.
The downside of staying in Mellieha is that the city doesn’t have as good public transportation coverage, and it’s far from other popular regions of Malta, like Valletta and St. Julian’s. So, when staying in Mellieha, it’s ideal to rent a car to explore the island.
Amazing hotels to stay in Mellieha, Malta:
- Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa: With a good location, close to restaurants and cafes, this hotel offers panoramic views and a variety of pools and restaurants, making it an excellent option for where to stay in Malta.
- Solana Hotel & Spa: Located in the central region of Mellieha, the hotel offers spacious accommodations and good service with a spa, pool, and charming views.
- Gest: An excellent option for those seeking a good and cheap hotel. It has simple and clean decoration with spacious and cozy environments.
- Clifftop Modern Apartment: For those who prefer to stay in apartments, this is a perfect option that accommodates up to 6 people with a good location and perfect view.
5. St. Paul’s Bay – an economical and popular region for families
The region known as St. Paul’s Bay, which includes the towns of Bugibba and Qawra, is also an excellent option for where to stay in Malta. It is located in the north of the island of Malta and is quite popular during the summer, especially among families. The area is ideal for those traveling with family and looking for a city with more budget-friendly accommodations.
St. Paul’s Bay is close to some of Malta’s best beaches, like Mellieha, while Bugibba has a small artificial sand beach. Despite being a coastal region, in St. Paul’s Bay, you won’t find great beaches.
The region offers a variety of accommodations, with an emphasis on budget hotels, apartments, and a few options for 4-star hotels. However, if you’re looking for luxurious hotels and resorts, St. Paul’s won’t meet your expectations, as most accommodations are modest.
In terms of nightlife, the region is not known for its lively parties. Instead, you’ll find a variety of restaurants, cafes, and some bars with a modest nightlife, especially in the Bugibba area. This is not our preferred beach region in Malta, as the area doesn’t offer good options.
Amazing hotels to stay in St. Paul’s Bay, Malta:
- Salini Resort: A 4-star resort located in a tranquil spot overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It features elegant decor, sophisticated environments, and amenities such as pools, restaurants, a bar, and a gym.
- Mayflower Hotel Malta: The hotel has a beautiful infinity pool with a view, a gym, and spacious, well-lit rooms.
- Seaside Luxury Apartment: For those looking for a good apartment, this is a good option for where to stay in Malta, as it accommodates up to 3 people and features a well-decorated, bright, and modern environment.
See more hotels in St. Paul’s Bay.
6. Marsaskala – a quiet area with inexpensive hotels
Still undecided on where to stay in Malta? For those seeking a local experience, Marsaskala is one of the most popular and beautiful fishing villages in Malta. Located in the south of the island of Malta and a 25-minute drive from Valletta, the small island of Marsaskala has some sandy and rocky beaches. Additionally, the charming town has good restaurants, bars, cafes, and even some nightlife spots.
Despite being a small town, the place is quite lively, especially during the summer when the city fills up with tourists, especially locals.
Like in other parts of the island, public transportation in Marsaskala isn’t as extensive, with direct buses only to the airport and Valletta. So, if you want to explore other parts of the island, renting a car is ideal.
Being a small town, the hotel options in Marsaskala are few, with simple accommodations. It’s more common to find apartments and vacation homes available.
Amazing hotels to stay in Marsaskala, Malta:
- Cerviola Hotel: A simple and cozy hotel with spacious rooms, a terrace with a pool, and city views.
- TJ Boutique: A simple and cozy hotel with good service and all the necessary basic amenities.
- Modern Sea Views Apartment: Cozy apartment located near the sea, accommodating up to 3 people.
See more hotels in Marsaskala.
7. Marsaxlokk – the most traditional and colorful village in Malta
Marsaxlokk is a small fishing village located in the south of Malta, near Marsaskala, known for its vibrant and colorful atmosphere. If you aim to explore the more traditional side of the destination, this is one of the best places to stay in Malta.
The small fishing village is famous for its outdoor market, where you can find a variety of local products, from fresh seafood to crafts and souvenirs. The place has a beautiful, picturesque landscape, mainly composed of the region’s traditional fishing boats, known as ‘luzzus’.
Like other destinations in Malta, Marsaxlokk doesn’t have good public transportation coverage to other regions of the island, with direct buses only to Valletta.
With few hotel options in Marsaxlokk, most accommodations are simple and include small inns and apartment rentals. So, if you’re looking for more upscale hotels and accommodations, it’s best to choose another region of the island to stay in.
Amazing hotels to stay in Marsaxlokk, Malta:
- South Wind Guesthouse: Located in the central region of Marsaxlokk, the guesthouse offers spacious, cozy, and well-decorated accommodations, along with a beautiful view of the sea and the city.
See more hotels in Marsaxlokk.
8. Gozo – tranquility and beautiful rustic landscapes
Gozo is the second-largest island in the archipelago and a great option for where to stay in Malta, especially if you’re looking for peace and tranquility amidst nature.
With a rustic landscape, imposing cliffs, hidden beaches, and rich history, Gozo offers a more relaxed and unhurried experience than the island of Malta. Life moves at a slower pace, making it ideal for nature walks, hiking, and diving in crystal-clear waters.
The main areas to stay in Gozo are: Victoria (the island’s capital), Marsalforn (a small fishing village with a tranquil atmosphere and crystal-clear waters, located in the north of the island), and Xlendi Bay (a quiet village with beautiful natural landscapes, located in the southwest of the island).
The island offers various accommodation options, ranging from charming farmhouses and beachfront hotels to luxurious boutique hotels. That’s why we consider it one of the best places to stay in Malta.
Amazing hotels to stay in Gozo, Malta:
- Murella Living: Located in Marsalforn, a small fishing village, and just 100 meters from the sea, this hotel offers spacious accommodations and cozy decor inspired by the local culture.
- The Duke Boutique Hotel: Located in the central region of Victoria, the capital of the island of Gozo, the hotel features spacious and cozy surroundings, good service, and an amazing view of the city.
- Grand Hotel Gozo: Located just 400 meters from Mgarr Port, the hotel offers spacious and comfortable surroundings, classic decor, a pool, a restaurant, and a beautiful view of the Mediterranean.
9. Mdina e Rabat – quiet medieval towns full of history
Mdina is a charming historic city and the former capital of Malta. It takes its visitors on a journey through time, transporting them to a medieval village from the Middle Ages. Known as the “Silent City,” its narrow streets and fortified walls tell stories of centuries past and enchant visitors.
The neighboring town of Mdina, Rabat, is a less-touristy city that complements the landscapes and history of Mdina with its archaeological sites and catacombs. Together, Mdina and Rabat offer a deep cultural and historical experience, away from the crowds of the busiest tourist centers in Malta. Therefore, this region is an excellent option for where to stay in Malta, ideal for lovers of quiet places and history.
Hotel offerings in this area are limited, but you will find charming boutique hotels for a memorable and peaceful stay. Rabat has a slightly larger selection of hotels, cafes, and restaurants. On the other hand, Mdina features more sophisticated and luxurious hotels, making it one of the best places to stay in Malta.
Amazing hotels to stay in Mdina and Rabat, Malta:
- The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux: Located in the heart of Mdina, this hotel housed in a 17th-century palace boasts impressive architecture and charming classical décor. It offers good service, excellent amenities, and magnificent views.
- MYN in Rabat: Cozy and cost-effective hotel located in the center of Rabat.
See more hotels in Mdina and Rabat.
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