The Best Places to Stay in Malta: A Guide for Every Traveller
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2024
Reading Time: 14 minutes
By: Shaun
Malta is a small but stunning island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. With its warm climate, crystal-clear waters, fascinating history, diverse culture, and friendly people, it is no wonder that Malta attracts millions of visitors every year. Whether you are looking for a relaxing beach holiday, a cultural city break, or an adventurous outdoor escape, Malta has something for everyone.
But where should you stay in Malta? With so many different areas to choose from, each with its own charm and character, it can be hard to decide where to base yourself for your Malta trip. That’s why we have created this guide to help you find the best places to stay in Malta for different types of travellers and budgets. We will show you the best areas to stay in Malta for first-time visitors, beach lovers, history and culture lovers, nature lovers, and nightlife and entertainment lovers.
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Best places to stay in Malta for first-time visitors
If this is your first time visiting Malta, your best options would be Sliema or St Julian’s. These areas are ideal for first-timers because they are centrally located on the main island of Malta, close to many attractions and amenities, well-connected by public transport or ferry services (or even walking distance), and offer a wide range of accommodation and dining options.
Sliema
Sliema Waterfront | Image by Mike McBey on Flickr
Sliema is a seaside town on the northeast coast of Malta, facing Valletta across Marsamxett Harbour. It is one of the most popular and modern areas to stay in Malta, with its long promenade, rocky beaches, shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes. Sliema is also a great base for exploring other parts of Malta, as it has frequent ferry services to Valletta and bus connections to other towns and attractions. You can also enjoy some water sports, such as sailing, kayaking, or snorkelling, or take a boat trip to the nearby islands of Comino and Gozo.
If you want to stay in Sliema, you can find a wide range of accommodation options, from five-star hotels (such as AX The Palace or The Victoria Hotel) to four-star hotels (such as The Preluna Hotel or The Waterfront Hotel) to three-star hotels (such as Sliema Marina Hotel or 115 The Strand Hotel & Suites) to hostels (such as Two Pillows Boutique Hostel or Granny’s Inn Hostel) to apartments (such as Sliema Seafront Apartment or Sliema Central Apartment) or the luxurious retreat of Palazzo Violetta's.
The prices will vary depending on the season and the location, but you can expect to pay around €80–€150 per night for a double room in a hotel or around €40–€80 per night for an apartment.
St. Julian’s
St. George's Bay | Image by Donald Morrison on Flickr
St. Julian’s is another coastal town just north of Sliema. It is one of the most vibrant and lively areas to stay in Malta, with its sandy beach (St. George’s Bay) and picturesque bay (Spinola Bay). St. Julian’s is also a great place to enjoy some delicious food, especially seafood, at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront.
St. Julians is also popular for those who want to be in the centre of the nightlife in Malta. Paceville is a district within St. Julian’s where you can find some of the most popular and diverse bars, clubs, and pubs in Malta. In Paceville, you can also find a cinema complex, bowling alleys, karaoke bars, and casinos.
Just as in Sliema, if you want to stay in St Julian’s, you have a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels (such as Hilton Malta or InterContinental Hotel) to mid-range hotels (such as Golden Vivaldi Tulip Hotel or be.HOTEL) to budget hotels (such as St Julian’s Bay Hotel or Holiday Inn Express) to hostels (such as Marco Polo Hostel or Inhawi Hostel) to apartments (such as Spinola Bay Apartment or St Julian’s Penthouse).
You can expect to pay around €100–€200 per night for a double room in a hotel or around €50–€100 per night for an apartment.
Best places to stay in Malta for beach lovers
If you are visiting Malta mainly for a relaxing beach holiday, then your best options are Mellieħa, St. Paul’s Bay, or Golden Bay. These areas are perfect for beach lovers because they are located on the north coast of Malta, where you can find some of the best sandy beaches in Malta. You can also enjoy some stunning views of the sea and the countryside, as well as some other activities and attractions nearby.
Mellieħa
Mellieħa Bay | Image by Mboesch on Wikimedia Commons
Mellieħa is Malta’s northernmost town and is mainly known for its long and sandy beach (Mellieħa Bay), which is one of the most popular and family-friendly beaches in Malta. You can swim, sunbathe, play, or rent a sunbed and an umbrella on this beach. You can also try some water sports, such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet skiing, or parasailing. Mellieħa is also home to some other attractions, such as the Mellieħa Air Raid Shelter (which is a museum that shows the life of the people during World War II), the Popeye Village (which is a film set turned into a theme park), and the Red Tower (which is a 17th-century fort that offers a panoramic view of the area). Mellieħa is also close to some other beaches, such as Paradise Bay and Armier Bay.
If you want to stay in Mellieħa, you can find a variety of accommodation options, from the luxury of the db Seabank Resort and Spa to mid-range hotels such as Solana Hotel & Spa or Pergola Hotel & Spa to budget hotels like the Luna Holiday Complex or Splendid Guest House. You can also find many apartments you can book, such as Mellieħa Holiday Apartment or Mellieħa Holiday Centre.
Once again, the prices vary depending on the season and the location, but as in other premium locations we discussed above, you can expect to pay around €100–€200 per night for a double room in a hotel or around €50–€100 per night for an apartment.
St. Paul’s Bay
Malta National Aquarium | Image by HH58 on Wikimedia Commons
Just south of Mellieħa is St. Paul’s Bay, named after the apostle Paul, who, according to tradition, was shipwrecked here on his way to Rome. St. Paul’s Bay is a popular tourist resort for both tourists and locals, with many having a second home in the area. You can enjoy some water sports, such as diving, fishing, or boating, or visit some attractions nearby, such as the St. Paul’s Islands (which are two small islands that have a statue of Paul and a chapel), the Wignacourt Tower (which is a 17th-century watchtower that houses a museum), or the Malta National Aquarium (which has a variety of marine life and exhibits).
If you want to stay in St. Paul’s Bay, you can choose from a range of accommodations, from luxury hotels (such as The Dolmen Hotel or db San Antonio Hotel & Spa) to mid-range hotels (such as Gillieru Harbour Hotel or Topaz Hotel) to budget hotels (such as Relax Inn Hotel or The Pebbles Resort). You can also find a wide range of apartments for rent through AirBnB.
The prices might be slightly cheaper than in other areas, but still expect to pay around €80–€150 per night for a double room in a hotel or around €40–€80 per night for an apartment.
Golden Bay
Golden Bay view from Radisson Blu Resort & Spa
Golden Bay is one of the most beautiful and scenic beaches in Malta, located on the northwest coast of the island. With its golden sand, turquoise water, and green hills. You can swim, sunbathe, relax, or rent a sunbed and an umbrella on this beach. You can also try some water sports, such as surfing, kayaking, or paddle boarding, or take a horseback ride along the shore. Golden Bay is also close to some other attractions, such as Ġnejna Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa (2 other sandy beaches) and the Majjistral Nature and History Park (which is a protected area that has some hiking trails and wildlife).
If you want to stay at Golden Bay, the best option is the Radisson Blu Resort Golden Sands, which is a five-star hotel that overlooks the bay. If you want something cheaper, then the Golden Bay Beach Apartments (which are self-catering apartments that have sea views) or the Golden Retreat Farmhouse (which is a rustic farmhouse that has a pool and a garden) are good options as well.
Best places to stay in Malta for history and culture lovers
If you are interested in history and culture, then look no further than Valletta, Mdina, and Birgu. These areas are great for history and culture lovers because they are located in the central part of Malta, where you can find some of the most ancient and historic sites in Malta. You can also experience some of the traditional and authentic aspects of Maltese life and culture in these areas.
Valletta
Valletta | Image by Michaela Loheit on Flickr
Valletta is the capital city of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in Europe, with its stunning Baroque architecture, impressive fortifications, majestic churches (including St. John’s Co-Cathedral), museums (such as the National Museum of Archaeology), gardens (such as Upper Barrakka Gardens), monuments (such as the Triton Fountain), and cultural events (such as the Valletta International Baroque Festival). Valletta is also a lively city with plenty of cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars to enjoy. You can easily spend a few days exploring Valletta and the close by Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua), which are just across the Grand Harbour.
In Valletta, one can find many centrally located old buildings that have been converted into boutique hotels, such as the Barrister Hotel, Casa Ellul, Palazzo Consiglia, and the three-star Osbourne Hotel.
Just outside of Valletta, one can also find Malta’s most iconic hotel, The Phoenicia Hotel. Over the years of its operation, the hotel has welcomed a number of dignitaries, including royalty, actors, and high-profile politicians. Finally, overlooking the Marsamxett harbour, one can also find the Grand Hotel Excelsior.
Valletta is not on the cheap side, and if you plan to stay at one of the boutique hotels, you should book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Mdina
Ariel view of Mdina | Image by R Muscat on Wikimedia Commons
Mdina is an old fortified city on a hilltop in the centre of Malta. It is also known as the Silent City because of its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Mdina was once the capital of Malta until the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1530. It is one of the best-preserved mediaeval cities in Europe, with its narrow streets, stone buildings, palaces, churches (such as St. Paul’s Cathedral), museums (such as Palazzo Falson or Mdina Dungeons), and bastions.
Mdina is also famous for its stunning views of the island, especially at sunset. You can walk around the city and admire its architecture and history, or take a horse-drawn carriage ride to see the sights. Just outside of Mdina, one finds the town of Rabat, which, apart from providing many more options for accommodations and dining, also has its own historical attractions, some dating back to the 1st century AD.
If you want to stay within the walls of Mdina, your best options are The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux (which is a luxury hotel that is housed in a 17th-century palace) or Fontanella Tea Garden (which is a cafe that also offers rooms). If you want to stay in the area but not in Mdina, then Point de Vue Guesthouse is a good option.
Just as in Valletta, staying in these historical cities does not come cheap; expect to pay around €150–€300 per night for a double room in a hotel or around €80–€150 per night for a guesthouse.
Birgu / Vittoriosa
Fort St. Angelo | Image by FritzPhotography on Wikimedia Commons
Birgu is one of the Three Cities you can find across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. It is also known as Vittoriosa, which means victorious, because it was one of the first places where the Knights of St. John settled and defended against the Ottoman siege in 1565. Birgu is a historic and maritime town, with its fortifications (such as Fort St. Angelo), churches (such as St. Lawrence’s Church or Our Lady of Victory Church), museums (such as the Malta Maritime Museum or Inquisitor’s Palace).
Birgu is a charming and picturesque town, with its narrow streets, stone houses, balconies, and courtyards. You can wander around the town and enjoy its ambiance and heritage, or take a boat trip to see the harbour and the other two Cities of Senglea and Cospicua. You can also walk around its waterfront, which has been converted into a promenade with many bars and restaurants.
If you want to stay in Birgu, you can find some accommodation options within or near the city, such as Locanda La Gelsomina (which is a boutique hotel that has an oriental theme) or The Snop House (which is a guesthouse that has a nautical theme).
Best places to stay in Malta for nature lovers
If you are looking to immerse yourself in the islands nature, then you should stay either on Gozo or Comino. These areas are ideal for nature and adventure lovers because they provide some of the most spectacular and diverse natural landscapes and outdoor activities across the Maltese islands.
Gozo
Ġgantija | Image by FritzPhotography on Wikimedia Commons
Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. It is also known as the Island of Calypso because, according to legend, it was here that the nymph Calypso kept Odysseus as her lover for seven years. Gozo is a rural and tranquil island, with its green hills, rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and blue lagoons.
You can enjoy some of the best scenery and attractions in Gozo, such as the Dwejra Bay (which is a stunning bay that has a saltwater pool and a fungus rock), the Ġgantija Temples (which are the oldest free-standing structures in the world and one of the seven megalithic temples in Malta), or the Citadel (which is a fortified city that has a cathedral, museums, and amazing views of the whole island). Gozo is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, as you can try some activities such as hiking, biking, climbing, diving, kayaking, or sailing.
On Gozo too, one can find a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels (such as The Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz or Ta' Cenc Hotel & Spa) to farmhouses (such as Dar tal-Kaptan or Dar Ta’ Zeppi) to apartments (such as Gozo Village Holidays or Mediterranea Seaviews) and boutique hotels (such as The Duke Boutique Hotel). The prices vary depending on the season and the location, but during the summer, expect to pay around €100–€200 per night for a double room in a hotel or around €50–€100 per night for a farmhouse or an apartment.
Comino
Blue Lagoon
Comino is the smallest island in the Maltese archipelago, between Malta and Gozo. It is most famous for the Blue Lagoon, which is a crystal-clear turquoise beach that attracts many visitors. Comino is a car-free and almost uninhabited island, so it is a perfect place to escape from the crowds and enjoy some peace and quiet.
You can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe in the Blue Lagoon or other coves around the island. You can also explore some of the natural and historical features of Comino, such as the Santa Maria Tower (which is a 17th-century watchtower that has a museum), the Santa Maria Caves (which are caves that have some marine life and stalactites), or the Santa Maria Chapel (which is a small chapel that dates back to the 14th century).
If you want to stay in Comino, you only have one option, and that is the Comino Hotel. This is a three-star hotel that has its own private beach, pool, restaurant, bar, and spa. The hotel also offers some activities such as boat trips, diving, windsurfing, or kayaking.
Conclusion
Malta is a wonderful country to visit for any type of traveller. Whether you want to explore the historic capital Valletta, relax on the sandy beaches of Mellieħa, or discover the natural beauty of Gozo, you will find the best places to stay in Malta for your needs and preferences. We hope that this guide has helped you choose the best accommodations in Malta for your trip. We also hope that you have a great time in Malta and enjoy its culture, scenery, and people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in Malta?
The best area to stay in Malta depends on your preferences. Valletta is ideal if you want to be in the heart of Malta's capital city, while Sliema, St. Julians and St. Paul's Bay are perfect for those who want to be close to the sea and nightlife. Gozo is a more serene and rural option, while Mdina offers a glimpse into Malta's history and culture.
Do hotels offer airport transfers?
Yes, most of the hotels offer airport transfers, but you can very easily book yourself a taxi to and from the airport.
What should I look for when choosing a hotel in Malta?
When selecting a hotel in Malta, it's important to consider your budget, the location of the hotel, the amenities offered and the overall quality of the accommodations. It's also a good idea to read reviews from previous guests to get an idea of their experiences.
Are there any all-inclusive hotels in Malta?
Yes, there are a few all-inclusive hotels in Malta, such as the db Seabank Resort + Spa and the LABRANDA Riviera Hotel & Spa. However, keep in mind that all-inclusive options can sometimes be more expensive than other types of accommodations.
What is the average cost of a 5-star hotel in Malta?
During winter (December to February), the average price for a 5-star hotel in Malta can range from €100 to €250 per night. However, during summer (June to August), prices will be higher, ranging from €200 to €400 per night.
What is the average cost of a 4-star hotel?
During the low season, the average price for a 4-star hotel in Malta ranges from €50 to €150 per night. During the peak season in summer, prices can range from €100 to €250 per night.
What is the average cost of a 3-star hotel?
During summer a room in a 3-star hotel can cost between €60 to €150 per night. During winter prices can be as low as €30 a night.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and mild and wet winters. The best time to visit Malta depends on what you want to do and see. If you want to enjoy the beach and the sun, the best time is from June to September. If you want to avoid the crowds and the heat, the best time is from April to May or from October to November. If you want to experience some cultural events and festivals, the best time is from December to March.
What is the currency in Malta?
The currency in Malta is the euro (EUR). You can exchange your money at banks, exchange bureaus, hotels, or ATMs. You can also use your credit or debit card at most places. However, it is advisable to have some cash with you for small purchases or tips.
What is the language in Malta?
The official languages in Malta are Maltese and English. Maltese is a Semitic language that has influences from Arabic, Italian, French, and English. English is widely spoken and understood by most people. You can also find some people who speak Italian or French.
