Despite its small size, Malta is brimming with must-see attractions and treasures. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a three to four-day escape, or a full week’s holiday, choosing the right place to stay is crucial.
Malta offers more than just sun, sea, and medieval cities. You’ll discover 365 historic churches—one for each day of the year—12 forts, castles, and palaces, stunning walls, charming villas, traditional houses, and lush gardens.
Let’s explore some areas to consider for your stay, highlighting the pros and cons, along with hotel suggestions to fit various budgets.
The good news? Malta is safe for travelers, including those venturing solo, regardless of gender.
1. Sliema, best area to stay in Malta
Sliema is the commercial hub of Malta and a fantastic place for a shopping spree during your visit. This area, along with its northern neighbor St. Julian’s, hosts some of the most luxurious and high-end hotels in Malta.
For those who love a good meal, Sliema will spoil you with a variety of fine dining and casual eateries.
However, if you’re on a budget, Sliema might not be the best fit for you. Here, accommodation options mostly range from mid to high-end.
From Sliema, visitors can enjoy unobstructed views of the harbor across to Valletta, where the stunning medieval walls and churches are beautifully lit up every evening.
Best Hotels in Sliema
- (€€€) AX The Palace
- (€€) 1926 Hotel & SPA
- (€) Sliema Marina Hotel
2. St Julian's, best area to stay in Malta for nightlife
St. Julian’s has transformed from a quaint, colorful fishing village into a luxurious tourist hotspot, making it an exciting place to stay in Malta. The tallest building in the area, known as the “Beckham Building,” boasts a penthouse owned by the famed footballer David Beckham.
Visitors can enjoy a beautiful sandy beach at the northern tip of the town in St. George’s Bay.
The area is dotted with mostly four and five-star hotels, offering high-end accommodations. A stunning seaside promenade stretches all the way to Sliema, boasting the title of the longest continuous pedestrian walkway in Europe.
The town is nestled between two scenic bays—Balluta Bay and Spinola Bay—where you can still see Malta’s colorful fishing boats dotting the waters.
For those looking for a vibrant nightlife, St. Julian’s is the place to be. The adjacent Paceville is the nightlife capital of the islands, crafted specifically for entertainment. Here, bars and clubs range from upscale and trendy to laid-back, catering to all preferences.
For daytime entertainment, St. Julian’s also offers a luxury shopping mall and several shopping streets, providing enjoyable diversions that aren’t strictly nocturnal.
Best Hotels in St Julian's
- (€€€) Hilton Malta
- (€€) be.HOTEL
- (€) The District Hotel
3. Valletta, where to stay in Malta for sightseeing
Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital, is steeped in history with over 28 historic churches, inns once belonging to the Knights of St. John, captivating national museums, and numerous grand fortresses and palaces.
From the Upper Barrakka Gardens, you can enjoy a spectacular, free view over Grand Harbor, the Three Cities, and the majestic Fort St. Angelo, which is still maintained by the Knights of St. John (who reside in the top floor of the three-story fortress to this day).
While Valletta itself doesn’t offer a wide array of hotel options, you can find several four and five-star accommodations within and just outside the city’s outskirts.
Valletta is always buzzing with activity, making it a fantastic spot for those who love to explore on foot and for backpackers. However, it’s worth noting that budget accommodations are scarce in this area.
Ferries are readily available to shuttle visitors from Grand Harbor to Vittorioso in the Three Cities, and also to Sliema, the island’s commercial hub.
Best Hotels in Valletta
- (€€€) The Phoenicia Malta
- (€€) Palais Le Brun
- (€) Hotel Castille
4. Il-Gżira and Msida, best areas to stay in Malta for families and kids
Il-Gżira, located just south of Sliema, is predominantly home to Malta’s working middle class. It offers views of Manoel Island, which lies in the middle of the harbor. Connected by a walkway, this island boasts late medieval exhibitions and a fortress that are definitely worth a visit.
For those watching their budget, both Il-Gżira and Msida offer plenty of affordable lodging and hotel options.
Both areas are perfect for family travelers. They are quiet, residential neighborhoods where you can stay comfortably without breaking the bank.
Msida is home to a stunning marina filled with hundreds of yachts and features a beautiful historic church overlooking the harbor.
Efficient public transportation, provided by Tallinja buses, connects these two towns not only with each other but also with Sliema/St. Julian’s and Valletta, as well as various coastal parts of Il-Gżira, making getting around a breeze.
Best Hotels in Il-Gżira and Msida
5. Mellieha, where to stay in Malta for the summer
Mellieha, Malta’s coastal gem, stretches end-to-end with hotels primarily in the mid to upper range. Perched on a lofty plateau, the town overlooks the picturesque beach below. It’s a delightful place, bustling almost as much as the capital city itself.
Awarded as the European Union’s Tourism Destination of the Year in 2014, Mellieha remains a top pick for those looking to avoid the island’s three major, often overcrowded tourist hubs.
The town boasts more than a dozen nationally recognized restaurants and pubs, providing decent dining options and a much calmer nightlife scene compared to the lively St. Julian’s and bustling Paceville.
The real draw here is the beach and the walks around one of Malta’s largest and most scenic towns.
Backpackers will find their paradise with a series of high hills offering lush views, along with budget-friendly accommodations.
Mellieha might not be for those seeking wild nightlife, as keep in mind, local bus services wrap up around 9 PM.
Best Hotels in Mellieha
6.St. Paul's Bay, Bugibba and Qawra, where to stay in Malta for the parties
The heart of northern Malta’s nightlife pulses in the three cities around St. Paul’s Bay. This spot is a favorite among both visitors and the local Maltese, drawing a lively mix of party-loving Brits and workers from Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
The area has long been a magnet for travelers from the UK and Northern Europe. While the sea and fishing were once the mainstays of local life, tourism now dominates the scene.
Here, you’ll find some high-end hotels, but primarily, the accommodations cater to those on a tighter budget.
This place is definitely for those who are after sun, sea, and plenty of nightlife—with an emphasis on enjoying some drinks under the Mediterranean sky.
Best Hotels in St. Paul's Bay, Bugibba and Qawra
7. Mdina and Rabat, stay in the old capital of Malta
Mdina and Rabat originally formed a single city, serving as Malta’s capital from the Roman imperial era. The Arabs first, followed by the Knights of St. John, separated Mdina from Rabat with a broad moat, connected by a bridge.
The view from the top of Mdina’s ramparts is breathtaking—you can see almost half of Malta from there.
Today, it’s mostly a residential area, though it draws a steady stream of tourists on day trips from hotels and cruise ships.
In both Mdina and Rabat, you’ll find a handful of hotels—small and with a personal touch, a refreshing change from the usual.
Beyond a few fine restaurants, don’t expect a bustling nightlife in this area—it’s more about the tranquil evenings and historic charm.
Best Hotels in Mdina and Rabat
- (€€€) The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux
- (€) Quaint Hotel Rabat
- (€) Point de vue
8. Three Cities of Malta: Birgu, Senglea και Cospicua
Best Hotels in Three Cities
- (€€€) Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour
- (€) Casa Birmula Hotel
- (€) Nelli’s B&B
9. Marsaskala, best area to stay in Malta on a budget
Best Hotels in Marsaskala
- (€) Cerviola Hotel
- (€) Sensi Hotel
- (€) C’est La Vie Guesthouse
10. Marsaxlokk, stay in a traditional fishing village in Malta
Marsaxlokk, located in the south of Malta, exudes an authentic seaside charm that’s distinctly Maltese.
Visitors flock here daily not just for the bustling market, but also to indulge in the famed seafood restaurants lining the beachfront. A stroll along the picturesque promenade offers delightful views of colorful, anchored fishing boats.
Hotel options are sparse in Marsaxlokk. Instead, guesthouses and rental rooms meet the modest demand for affordable stays.
Southern Malta remains a haven for backpackers, offering a respite from the heavy tourist traffic. Don’t miss exploring St. Peter’s Pool and the Blue Grotto near Wied iz-Zurrieq for some truly spectacular seaside scenery.
Best Hotels in Marsaxlokk
11. Gozo, a beautiful island to stay in Malta
Gozo truly stands apart. Often described as “the land time forgot,” this sister island to Malta offers a glimpse into a simpler, more timeless way of life. It’s not uncommon to see a donkey cart laden with vegetables making its way to Victoria, the island’s capital, just as often as tourists arrive to explore.
Though Gozo is only a quarter the size of Malta, it has just about one-fifteenth of the population.
This low density means visitors can enjoy secluded beaches, solitary green hills, abandoned rocky outcrops, and the majestic fortress of Victoria at the heart of the island.
Gozo is a perfect retreat for those looking to unwind and maybe even lose track of time. The nightlife here is quiet, and shopping opportunities are few, so those seeking a bustling evening scene might find Gozo less appealing.
However, for those in search of a secluded beach, a cozy family-run eatery, or the winding streets of Victoria, Gozo is an enchanting choice.
Best Hotels in Gozo
- (€€€) Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz
- (€€) Cornucopia Hotel
- (€) Murella Living
