Where is the best place to stay in Malta?
By Tanisha Vella. October 07, 2022
The archipelago of Malta is formed of three major islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino and, with a typically Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and short, cool winters, these islands are a perfect all-year holiday destination.
Among the rugged cliffs and beaches that dot the landscape, life is laid-back. Maltese culture is largely influenced by Roman Catholicism with many religious celebrations happening throughout the year. If you visit in the summertime, you can experience the lively village feasts dedicated to their respective patron saints with fireworks, marching bands and religious processions! If you visit in the wintertime, Carnival is the highlight with its colourful floats and dances!
The best place to stay in Malta depends on what you are looking for most from your holiday. If you love culture and need to be well-connected to public transport, Valletta is a great base. If nightlife and shopping are priority, St.Julian’s or neighbouring Sliema might suit. For a beach or family holiday, we recommend Mellieha and, if you are looking for a relaxing break away from hectic daily life, Mdina or Gozo are both places that encourage you to slow down. Knowing where to stay can make or break your holiday which is why this guide is here to help you make the best choice of where to stay in Malta.If you are interested in where to stay in Malta, you may also be interested in where to stay in Sicily, where to stay in Sardinia, where to stay in Cyprus and where to stay in Corsica.
Best places to stay in Malta
Valletta
Best place to stay in Malta without a car
Valletta is Malta’s capital city. It is the smallest capital in the EU and also one of the youngest, built by the heralded Knights of St.John who ruled the islands between 1530 and 1798.
For history and culture vultures, Valletta is an open-air museum. Not to be missed are St.John’s Co-Cathedral with its stunningly elaborate interior and the Grandmaster’s Palace with its intricate tapestries and medieval armoury collection. After a morning seeing the sights, a great place to soak up the atmosphere in Valletta is the Grand Harbour where you can enjoy watching the boats and yachts come into port as you sip on a refreshing drink!
Valletta offers great transport links: there are direct ferries to the island of Gozo and the main bus terminus for the island is located just outside the city gates, meaning everywhere is accessible. For this reason, Valletta is the perfect base for those relying on public transport to get around.
Read more about where to stay in Valletta.
Recommended hotels in Valletta:
The Phoenicia Malta: Situated just outside the historic walls of Valletta, The Phoenicia Malta is a luxurious five-star hotel with a rich history. The hotel offers elegantly decorated rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and multiple dining options. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the city and harbor, explore the historic sites of Valletta, and experience the renowned Maltese hospitality.
Casa Ellul: Located within the heart of Valletta, Casa Ellul is a boutique hotel housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century townhouse. The hotel features stylish and individually designed suites with modern amenities, a rooftop plunge pool, and a bar. Guests can immerse themselves in the charm of Valletta’s narrow streets, visit cultural attractions, and savor the local cuisine.
La Falconeria Hotel: Nestled in a quiet corner of Valletta, La Falconeria Hotel offers contemporary and comfortable accommodations. The hotel features well-appointed rooms, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, a fitness center, and a restaurant. Guests can explore the UNESCO-listed sites of Valletta, stroll along the waterfront, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
Mellieha
Best place to stay in Malta for beaches and families
The charming hilltop town of Mellieha gazes over Malta’s largest sandy beach, Mellieha Bay and, in the surrounding area, one is treated to some of Malta’s best beaches. Among these are Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha, Paradise Bay and Little Armier Bay - you could swim at a different beach every day! If beaches are your holiday priority, we think Mellieha is the ideal place to stay.
Mellieha is an all-round great place for the entire family too with many child-friendly resort hotels in the area. Nearby one can find the amusement park Popeye Village - a fun day out for all the family!
Mellieha is not as well-connected as some of the places in this guide and for this reason a car would be more advantageous. When you’re all beached-out, Mellieha is only a ten-minute drive to the port of Cirkewwa, from where you can catch ferries to visit the islands of Gozo and Comino!
Recommended hotels in Mellieha:
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands: Located in Golden Bay, just outside Mellieha, Radisson Blu Resort & Spa offers a luxurious beachfront retreat. The hotel features modern and spacious rooms with sea or countryside views, multiple swimming pools, a spa, and various dining options. Guests can relax on the sandy beach, enjoy water sports, and explore the beautiful surroundings of Mellieha.
Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa: Situated in the heart of Mellieha, Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa is a four-star hotel offering comfortable accommodation with a touch of Mediterranean charm. The hotel features stylishly furnished rooms, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, a spa, and several restaurants. Guests can discover the historic sites of Mellieha, visit nearby beaches, and indulge in the hotel’s wellness facilities.
Pergola Hotel & Spa: Located in the centre of Mellieha, Pergola Hotel & Spa is a family-run hotel offering a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The hotel features comfortable rooms, a rooftop swimming pool, a spa, and a choice of dining options. Guests can explore Mellieha’s quaint village streets, visit nearby attractions such as Mellieha Bay, and relax in the hotel’s peaceful surroundings.
St Julian’s
Best place to stay in Malta for nightlife
St.Julian’s promises a great night out, offering visitors an abundance of bars, clubs, restaurants and entertainment venues to choose from.
For groups or couples who enjoy the clubbing scene and want to dance the night away, St.Julian’s is a great base. The epicentre of the nightlife is located in a small district within St.Julian’s known as Paceville which is bursting with bars and nightclubs - the perfect place to go bar hopping into the early hours. In the daytime, life is concentrated around the promenade that connects St.Julian’s to Sliema. This walkway is the best way to explore as it meanders past the beaches of Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay, offering lovely views along the way. With many diving schools in the area, diving is another popular daytime activity.
St.Julian’s is well-connected for exploring the Maltese islands with good bus connections and several ferry options from nearby Sliema Ferries to add a little extra to your holiday.
Recommended hotels in St Julian’s:
The Westin Dragonara Resort: Situated on a private peninsula in St Julian’s, The Westin Dragonara Resort offers luxurious accommodation with stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The resort features spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, multiple swimming pools, a private beach, a spa, and several dining options. Guests can enjoy the vibrant nightlife of St Julian’s, visit nearby attractions, and relax in the resort’s beautiful surroundings.
InterContinental Malta: Located in the heart of St Julian’s, InterContinental Malta is a five-star hotel offering stylish rooms and suites. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a spa and wellness centre, multiple restaurants, and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views. Guests can explore the bustling streets of St Julian’s, visit nearby casinos and entertainment venues, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of this popular tourist destination.
Hilton Malta: Situated in the Portomaso Marina complex in St Julian’s, Hilton Malta offers modern and luxurious accommodation with a range of amenities. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites, several swimming pools, a spa, multiple dining options, and a private beach club. Guests can enjoy the marina views, visit nearby attractions such as Spinola Bay and Paceville, and take advantage of the hotel’s facilities and services.
Sliema
Best place to stay in Malta for shopping
The once sleepy fishing-village of Sliema has transformed, today, into one of Malta’s busiest commercial hubs. Being situated between Valletta and St.Julian’s, makes Sliema a great base if you want a blend of culture, shopping and nightlife in your holiday.
Sliema’s seaside promenade runs for about 5 kilometres around the peninsula upon which the town is built and is one of the best places to view Valletta’s charming skyline. The heart of Sliema is the area surrounding Sliema Ferries and the famous Bisazza Street which attracts all types of commerce, from well-known brands to small boutique shops. This makes Sliema a wonderful location for shopping enthusiasts. Sliema also offers a wide array of cafes, bars and restaurants and accommodation to fit every taste and budget.
When you’ve shopped till you’ve dropped, Sliema is also a great base for exploration with direct boats to Valletta (an experience in itself!) and ferries to visit the islands of Gozo and Comino.
Recommended hotels in Sliema:
The Palace Malta: Located in the heart of Sliema, The Palace Malta is a luxurious five-star hotel offering contemporary and stylish accommodation. The hotel features well-appointed rooms and suites, a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic views, a spa, and multiple dining options. Guests can explore the bustling promenade of Sliema, visit nearby shopping centers and restaurants, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this popular tourist area.
AX The Victoria Hotel: Situated just a short walk from Sliema’s seafront, AX The Victoria Hotel offers a blend of classic elegance and modern comfort. The hotel features comfortable rooms and suites, an indoor pool, a spa, and a rooftop terrace with stunning views. Guests can discover Sliema’s shopping districts, dine at waterfront restaurants, and easily access the ferry to Valletta for further exploration.
The Preluna Hotel & Spa: Located on Sliema’s seafront promenade, The Preluna Hotel & Spa offers a range of facilities and services for a relaxing stay. The hotel features comfortable rooms, multiple swimming pools including a rooftop pool, a spa, and several dining options. Guests can enjoy leisurely walks along the promenade, indulge in water sports activities, and experience the lively atmosphere of Sliema.
Gozo
Best place to stay in Malta for couples
On the island of Gozo time seems to slow down which is why we have named Gozo: the best place to stay in Malta for relaxation.
The island’s small size means that you won’t spend hours travelling each day and, yet, despite its size, there is no shortage of things to do. A climb up to the Citadel in the capital offers stunning 360° views of the island while a visit to Ggantija Temples will make you ponder how these enormous megalithic temples could ever have been built.
In summertime, Gozo is most popular for diving and swimming. One of the best and sandiest beaches is Ramla l-Hamra but there are many more beautiful pebbled beaches dotted all around the island for you to discover. For dining, the seaside towns of Xlendi and Marsalforn present a wide choice of restaurants where you can dine beside the water’s edge and enjoy the fresh catch of the day!
Recommended hotels in Gozo:
Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz: Situated in the picturesque village of San Lawrenz, Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz offers a luxurious retreat in Gozo. The hotel features spacious and elegantly appointed rooms, a large outdoor pool, a spa and wellness center, and multiple dining options. Guests can enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding countryside, visit nearby attractions such as the Azure Window and Ta’ Pinu Basilica, and experience the unique charm of Gozo.
Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa: Nestled in the countryside near Sannat, Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa provides a secluded and peaceful escape. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a large outdoor pool, a spa, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine. Guests can explore the scenic trails around the hotel, relax in the tranquil atmosphere, and discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Gozo.
Cornucopia Hotel: Located in Xaghra, the Cornucopia Hotel is a family-run establishment that offers a charming and authentic experience. The hotel features cozy rooms, a swimming pool, a restaurant serving traditional Maltese dishes, and beautiful gardens. Guests can visit Xaghra’s historical sites, such as the Ggantija Temples, and enjoy the relaxed ambiance of this rural area.
Mdina and Rabat
Best place to stay in Malta for peace, quiet and relax
Mdina is Malta’s previous capital and oldest city and often referred to as ‘The Silent City’. For those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Mdina is the perfect retreat.
Accommodation in this small city is limited and on the pricier side, so staying in Rabat, located on Mdina’s doorstep, is an equally peaceful option. You will have the opportunity to explore ‘The Silent City’ long after the crowds have left and walking down the cobble-stoned streets, you will feel as if you have stepped back in time. For wining and dining there is a decent variety of restaurants serving good-food and views.
Public transport connections are not as plentiful here, meaning, a car would be advantageous. These two towns are great bases for exploring some of the stunning landscape found across the south of Malta including the towering Dingli Cliffs, the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim and the natural sea arch of Blue Grotto.
Recommended hotels in Mdina and Rabat:
The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux (Mdina): Situated within the fortified walls of Mdina, The Xara Palace is a boutique hotel that offers a unique and luxurious experience. The hotel features individually designed rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace with panoramic views, and an acclaimed restaurant. Guests can explore the historic streets of Mdina, visit nearby attractions such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, and enjoy the charm and tranquility of this ancient city.
Point de Vue Guesthouse (Rabat): Located in the heart of Rabat, just a short walk from Mdina, Point de Vue Guesthouse offers comfortable accommodation in a traditional Maltese townhouse. The guesthouse features cosy rooms with modern amenities and a rooftop terrace with views of Rabat and Mdina. Guests can explore the historical sites of Rabat, including the Roman Domus and St. Paul’s Catacombs, and experience the authentic atmosphere of this historic town.
Estrella Lodging (Rabat): Situated in the centre of Rabat, Estrella Lodging offers self-catering apartments with a homely atmosphere. The apartments feature fully equipped kitchens, comfortable living spaces, and modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the convenience of a home-away-from-home experience, explore the attractions of Rabat and Mdina, and immerse themselves in the local culture.
Our recommended hotels in Malta
Use the interactive map to navigate through our recommended hotels in MaltaNote: Hotel prices can change daily due to promotions, seasons, and demand. Our $ - $$$$ scale shows the overall cost range rather than exact prices.
