When planning a vacation in Malta, one of the most important questions is where to book your accommodation so that you can enjoy the island’s charm to the fullest.t. Malta is more than just an island, it is a group of islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It is a hidden gem and definitely has more adventure than most people think.
The weather is one of the best in the world, always sunny, even in winter, and the temperature never drops below zero! Of Malta’s 8 islands, only the three largest are inhabited. In terms of accommodation, Malta and Gozo are the two options. Malta is not a big island, so it is easy to get around by public transport, but it is not always easy to find well-located accommodation.
This guide is for you if you want to:
- Choose the best area to stay in Malta
- Compare Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s and more
- Pick the right base for beaches, nightlife or sightseeing
- Avoid staying in the wrong part of the island
- Find the best areas for your travel style
Scroll down to find the best places to stay in Malta.
This article will dive into the best areas on where to stay Malta, focusing on accessibility, attractions, and overall atmosphere.
Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.
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Accomodations by location
7 groups of accommodation by location
1. Valletta – The historic capital
Valletta is the capital of Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is surrounded by fortifications and its layout is elegant, with old and new 16th century buildings from the time of the Knights of St John.
2. Three Cities – Birgu, L-Isla, Cospicua – The three fortified cities opposite Valletta
The ‘Three Cities’ are three fortified towns opposite Valletta, separated by the Grand Harbour. This is the island’s living history, as it has suffered many attacks over hundreds of years. Mingle with the locals and enjoy the quiet surroundings along the rocky coastline surrounding the peninsula.
3. Sliema, Balluta, Gzira és Ta’Xbiex – Hotels, apartments along the Maltese coast
Sliema and the surrounding towns are among the busiest on the island. The towns along the coast are populated not only by locals but also by tourists. The area stretches from Balluta to Ta ‘Xbiex along a very long 10-kilometre promenade, where you can find people chatting, walking, cycling and jogging all day long.
4. St Julian’s, Paceville and St George’s Bay – Bustling nightlife
A great choice for the younger generation, this is the hub of nightlife. There are a number of bars and nightclubs in this area and on the seafront promenade, which is located just after Sliema and Ballutta Bay.
Malta Blue Grotto: Complete Guide, Boat Tours, Best Time to Visit & Tips
5. Bugibba region – St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, Qawra and Salini
North coast of Malta, opposite St Paul’s Island. Over the last forty years it has gradually developed into a popular resort area with a wide choice of hotels, resorts and apartments. There are shops along the promenade of rocky and sandy beaches.
6. Mellieha region – Northern Malta with the most beautiful sandy beaches
The village of Mellieha is situated on the edge of several cliffs and offers magnificent panoramic views over the northern tip of the island. Mellieha is surrounded by the best sandy beaches on the island, making it an excellent place to relax. It is the closest town to the ferry, so you can easily reach the islands of Gozo and Comino.
7. Gozo island – The quieter sister island
Gozo is part of the Maltese archipelago, which lies to the north of the island. Although Gozo is very close to Malta, it is very different. It has a greener landscape and is less built up, so it has retained its originality. There are also hotels and apartments, which are mostly farmhouses for rent.
Deciding where to stay Malta can significantly influence your vacation, whether you’re seeking serene beaches, historic towns, or vibrant nightlife.
Download my free Malta bucket list for your next adventure
Where to Stay Malta? Description of the regions
Valletta
The historic capital
Valletta is the capital of Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is surrounded by fortifications and its layout is elegant, with old and new 16th-century buildings from the time of the Knights of St John.
How to get to Valletta: close to the airport, about 20 minutes by bus X4
Browse and book your accommodation in Valletta.
Advantages:
- Shops, restaurants and bars
- A wide choice of high quality hotels
- The island’s largest bus hub connects to all villages
- Many museums, major historical sites and churches
- Impressive architecture
Disadvantages:
- Finding cheap hotels and boutique hotels is not easy
- Parking is difficult
- No sandy beaches
Three Cities – Birgu, L-Isla, Cospicua
The three fortified cities opposite Valletta
The ‘Three Cities’ are three fortified towns opposite Valletta, separated by the Grand Harbour. This is the island’s living history, as it has suffered many attacks over hundreds of years. Mingle with the locals and enjoy the tranquil surroundings along the rocky coastline.
Towns: Vittoriosa, Senglea, Bormla
How to get to Three Cities: close to the airport, approx. 35 minutes by bus X2, X3, X4 with transfers
Find the best places to stay in Three cities for your trip.
Advantages:
- Wonderful architecture
- Wide choice of restaurants, cafés and wine bars
- Only guest houses and apartments for rent
- Very good public transport
- Close to Unesco World Heritage sites
- Ferries from the port to Valletta
Disadvantages:
- Gozo and Comino are far away
- if you want a beach holiday, not the best choice
Car rental – Tip
Search and book a car on one of the popular search portals and find the best deal for you!
One of my favorite search sites is Discovercars.com, because there are no hidden costs, you can cancel the reservation for free if your travel plans change, and last but not least, they offer rental cars at very reasonable prices. The filters allow you to select the type of card you want to use, the amount of the deposit and the payment terms.
Sliema, Balluta, Gzira and Ta’Xbiex
Hotels, apartments along the Maltese coast
Sliema and the surrounding towns are among the busiest on the island. The towns along the coast are populated not only by locals but also by tourists. The area stretches from Balluta to Ta ‘Xbiex along a very long 10-kilometre promenade, where from early morning to late evening you can meet many people chatting, walking, cycling and jogging.
Beaches: There are only rocky beaches. Sandy beach is located in the Balluta bay.
Getting there: relatively close to the airport, about 40 – 60 minutes by bus X2 (different route to and from the airport)
Discover top-rated hotels and apartments in Sliema.
Advantages:
- Wide choice of accommodation, budget hotels, good hostels
- Many restaurants, shops, bars, swimming clubs, beaches along the rocky coast
- Best area for shopping
- Good public transport, Valletta is very close (also accessible by boat)
- Daily excursions to Comino and Gozo
Disadvantages:
- Parking is difficult
- The place is very busy due to the high activity of locals and tourists
Explore more Malta travel tips on my blog – Check it Now
St Julian’s, Paceville and St George’s Bay
Bustling nightlife
The lively, more modern part of Malta, very popular with tourists. It’s a great choice for the younger, party-going crowd, as it’s the height of nightlife, with many bars and nightclubs. It stretches along the beach, on a very popular promenade, just after Sliema and Balluta Bay.
Beaches: The waters of the artificial sandy beach at St George’s Bay are not the cleanest, so it’s worth heading over to Sliema for the rocky beach or Balluta Bay.
Getting there: close to the airport, approx. 45 minutes by bus X1, X2
Plan your perfect getaway — see where to stay in St Julian’s.
My recommendations:
- Check availability and book your stay at 115 The Strand Hotel by NEU Collective Hotel here.
- View prices and availability for AX The Victoria Hotel.
Advantages:
- Luxury 5-star resorts, affordable 3/4-star hotels, private apartments, and hostels
- Great nightlife, restaurants, bars, clubs and shops
- Long promenade, good public transport
- Many international language schools
Disadvantages:
- Very busy and noisy
- There are no museums or historical monuments
- Parking is difficult, so it’s good to have private parking with your accommodation
Pro Tip – Free Tours In Malta
Join a free walking tour with Freetour.com and explore like a local!
Looking for a fun, affordable, and authentic way to discover a new city? Freetour offers a wide range of free walking tours led by passionate local guides — many of whom are independent, freelance professionals. Tours are usually held in English or the guide’s native language, and they’re a fantastic way to meet people and get a deeper understanding of the city’s history, culture, and daily life.
There’s no fixed price — you simply tip the guide at the end based on what you can afford and how much you enjoyed the experience. It’s flexible, fair, and fun!
Browse all free walking tours in Malta here: Freetour – Malta
Bugibba region
St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, Qawra and Salini
St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba and Qawra lie along the north coast, opposite St Paul’s Island. Over the last forty years it has gradually developed into a popular resort with a wide range of hotels and apartments to choose from. A lovely promenade with shops, rocky and sandy beaches is available for strolling. Although not as illustrious as other areas, there are also entertainment options.
Beaches: the artificial sandy beach of Buġibba, the rocky beach of Qawra (referred to as Ta` Fra Ben) and several smaller beaches in St Paul’s Bay
Access: far from the airport, about 40-60 minutes by bus X1 and X3
Explore accommodation options and book your hotel in Bugibba.
Advantages:
- A wide choice of quality 3 and 4 star hotels and apartments
- A variety of restaurants and traditional English-style pubs
- Easy access to the Blue Lagoon and Gozo
- Public transport is very easy
- Family-friendly location with many activities such as water sports, National Aquarium and Malta Classic Car Museum
Disadvantages:
- Not many shopping facilities in the area
- Malta’s most beautiful beaches are not here
Mellieha region
Northern Malta with the most beautiful sandy beaches
The town of Mellieha is perched on the edge of several cliffs and offers a magnificent panorama at the northern end of the island. It is surrounded by the best sandy beaches on the island, making it an excellent place to relax. It is the closest town to the ferry, so you can easily reach the islands of Gozo and Comino.
Beaches: Little Armier Beach, Paradise Bay, Mellieha Bay (Għadira)
Access: far from the airport, about 50-60 minutes by bus X1
Find where to stay in Mellieha — from budget hotels to boutique stays.
My recommendations close to the coast:
Check availability and book your stay at Luna Holiday Complex Hotel here.
Secure your dream stay at Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands today.
Advantages:
- This rural, quiet town offers magnificent views of the northern end of the island
- Surrounded by the best sandy beaches on the island
- Excellent place to relax
- It is the closest town to the ferry, with easy access to Gozo and Comino
- Surrounded by greenery, ideal for walks.
Disadvantages:
- Valletta is a long way away, with public transport
- If you want to go shopping, there are only a few shops
- The most visited historical sights are on the other side of the island
- There are many steep streets in the city centre
Gozo Island
The quieter sister island
Gozo and Comino are part of the Maltese archipelago, located in the north of the island. Comino is almost uninhabited, with only four inhabitants. It has one hotel (currently under reconstruction) and the famous Blue Lagoon. Although Gozo is very close to Malta, it is very different. It has a greener landscape and is less built up, so it has retained its originality. There are also hotels and apartments, which are mostly farmhouses for rent.
Access: public transport is difficult, bus X1 from the airport + ferry + local bus
Looking for a place to stay in Gozo? Browse top picks here.
Advantages:
- Great place for a quiet holiday with plenty to see and do
- Nice beaches that are not nearly as crowded
- Greener landscape and less built-up than Malta
- Popular farmhouses, hotels, guesthouses and hostels
- Relatively cheap, high-quality restaurants
- The island has a number of sandy and rocky beaches
- Public transport is available throughout the island
Disadvantages:
- Gozo is not an island of major attractions and entertainment
- The airport and the capital, Valletta, are far away
- Car hire is highly recommended
Gozo Ferry Guide – How to Get There, Ticket Prices & Getting Around
Popular programs
Why do I recommend Get Your Guide? Because you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Summary
Where to stay in Malta
- Beautiful Scenery: Island of Gozo
- Partying: St. Julian’s, Paceville and St. George’s Bay, Sliema
- Beautiful beaches: Mellieha region, Gozo
- Quiet holiday: Gozo, Mellieha, Three Cities
- History: Valletta, Three Cities
- Family-friendly place: Mellieha, Bugibba
- Luxury holiday: Valletta, Mellieha, St. Julian’s Valletta, Sliema
And these are just a handful of places to visit on Malta or Gozo. For travelers wondering where to stay Malta, the island offers a variety of options ranging from the bustling streets of Valletta to the tranquil bays of Gozo.
More useful information: www.visitmalta.hu
Need help planning your trip?
Here are my favourite sites to use when planning my trips:
Find your flight: Kiwi or use the airline’s direct website
Book your Hotel: Booking.com and Airbnb
Search for a rental car: Discovercars
Stay Connected Anywhere: Airalo eSIM
Book an unforgettable experiences: GetYourGuide website.
Source: Wandering Linda and visitmalta.com,
Photos: Wandering Linda
Affiliate Program: Please note, this post may contain affiliate links, which means that I get a small commission on sales generated through this website. This doesn’t increase the price of the service, so if you found my post useful, you’re welcome to start your booking from the link above. Thank you very much for your support!
