Where to Stay in Malta

After publishing our Malta guides, we received plenty of questions about where to stay in Malta. That’s why I’ve put together this detailed guide to the best areas and accommodations across the islands. As I’ve mentioned before, Malta can be an affordable European destination, and there are options for a wide range of budgets—from upscale hotels to welcoming guesthouses.

You can stay by the sea, close to Malta’s best beaches, in Valletta, the capital, in Mdina, or elsewhere on the island. The right choice depends on the kind of trip you want and the activities you plan to enjoy. We’ve also written a complete guide to what to do in Malta, covering the highlights of the Maltese archipelago, including Gozo and Comino.

In short, this guide is designed to help you find the best accommodations in Malta. I’ve drawn on my own experience and included options in both lively and peaceful areas, with suggestions for different budgets. I’ll also explain which neighborhoods and towns are best suited to each type of stay.

Choosing the right base for your Malta vacation matters. It’s where you’ll return each evening and, for a few days or weeks, it becomes your home away from home.

The best area depends on the atmosphere you want: relaxing by the beach, going out at night, traveling as a family, or something else entirely. Here are the main neighborhoods and towns to consider:

• Valletta, for a historic stay in the heart of the capital

Malta’s capital is a popular choice for its setting and cultural attractions. Its historic streets form part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Valletta is also convenient if you plan to explore on foot or by bus, as many routes connect through the capital. It stays lively during the day, then becomes noticeably calmer in the evening. You’ll also have restaurants, shops, and other amenities close at hand.

• Sliema, for waterfront walks and shopping

Directly across the harbor from Valletta, Sliema offers a wide choice of accommodations and makes a convenient base. It has the feel of a lively seaside town, with a long waterfront promenade lined with cafés, shops, and restaurants. Sliema combines relaxation, swimming spots, shopping, and entertainment. Even without a rental car, it remains a practical place from which to explore Malta.

• St. Julian’s, for nightlife

You may already have heard of St. Julian’s: this is one of Malta’s main nightlife hubs. Paceville puts you right in the middle of the action, with bars, clubs, restaurants, and late-night venues, particularly during the summer. Concerts and appearances by international and French-speaking artists also take place in the area. It is a good fit for travelers coming to Malta for the nightlife, but naturally, it is not the quietest place to stay.

• Mellieħa, for the beach and a quieter atmosphere

Farther north, Mellieħa is calmer and especially popular with families. It overlooks Mellieħa Bay, home to Malta’s largest sandy beach. The beach and shallow water make it a practical choice for a family vacation, while the elevated village offers lovely views over the bay.

• Saint Paul’s Bay, for a balanced atmosphere and waterfront setting

This is where I chose to spend my week on Malta, and I have no regrets. More specifically, I stayed in Xemxija. It offered a great balance of peace, activity, and convenience. Several restaurants were within easy reach of my hotel, which made dinner particularly simple, and some even overlooked the bay.

• Gozo, for a slower and more local experience

I spent five nights on Gozo, and it felt like a refreshing change of pace after Malta’s main island. It was the perfect way to end my trip. Gozo is generally quieter, more rural, and less developed, making it a wonderful place to slow down. There is still plenty to discover, including hidden coves, traditional villages, and clifftop hikes. I highly recommend staying for at least a few nights, as it reveals another side of the archipelago.

For more advice, we’ve written a complete guide to where to stay in Gozo.

As you can see, despite the archipelago’s compact size, Malta offers a surprising variety of places to stay. Most of the areas recommended above are on the eastern and northern sides of the main island, where roads, public transportation, services, and accommodations are generally more developed. For many travelers, this makes them the most convenient bases.

Whether you’re traveling as a couple or with your family, Malta has a wide range of upscale hotels suited to different types of stays. I’ve selected several noteworthy options below. Depending on the property, you’ll find sea views, rooftop spaces, pools, and spas.

In the heart of Valletta, The Embassy Valletta Hotel combines modern comfort with panoramic city views. Its rooftop pool overlooks the capital’s limestone rooftops, while some rooms have balconies facing the city or the sea. The hotel also has a restaurant, gym, and spa facilities. Breakfast is served on the rooftop, adding to the appeal of its central location. It is a polished option for staying in Valletta and can be more accessible than some of the city’s most exclusive five-star properties.

View this hotel

To make the choice easier, I’ve also included a comparison table of these Malta hotels, with key details about their facilities, locations, and indicative price ranges.

For travelers keeping a closer eye on their budget, here is a selection of more affordable hotels in Malta. Prices vary considerably by season, but simpler hotels can still offer comfortable rooms and convenient locations. You’ll find many options in Sliema, Saint Paul’s Bay, and Valletta. Whether you want a basic private room or a small family-run property, the aim is to find somewhere welcoming and practical.

Lady Todd is a modern hotel in Sliema, close to the seafront, ferry connections to Valletta, shops, and public transportation. Its rooms are spacious and contemporary, and some include balconies overlooking the city. Guest feedback often highlights the cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and helpful staff. The property also has a bar, a terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Overall, it offers a good balance of comfort, simplicity, and location.

See photos

Below, you’ll find a comparison table of these more affordable hotels, with the main details gathered in one place.

If independence and a slower pace matter to you, consider renting a vacation home or apartment. This type of accommodation can make a longer stay feel more relaxed, particularly if you want your own kitchen and living space.

Here is the selection of apartments and vacation homes I’ve put together.

Cast Apartments offers modern units in Gżira, close to Sliema and across the harbor from Valletta. Apartments are available for two to four guests and include practical amenities such as air conditioning; some also have balconies.

The location is useful for exploring Malta, with public transportation and everyday services nearby. Pets may be accepted, but check the current conditions directly with the property before booking. Overall, these apartments offer a practical combination of space, location, and value.

Check prices

The comparison table below summarizes the main information about these vacation homes and apartments.

For a more sociable and local atmosphere, guesthouses and hostels can be excellent choices. They often make it easier to meet other travelers or speak with local hosts, who may be able to share useful recommendations. They are also frequently more affordable than traditional hotels.

Granny’s Inn is another hostel option in Sliema, about a five-minute walk from the sea. It offers mixed and women-only dormitories. Shared spaces include a kitchen, two terraces, and a lounge with a television, while rooftop activities may be offered depending on the current schedule. It is a straightforward choice for travelers looking for sociable, budget-conscious accommodation in a well-connected area.

View availability

That brings us to the end of this guide to accommodation in Malta. I hope it has helped you narrow down where to stay.

For more help planning your trip, take a look at our guide to the best times to visit Malta. Accommodation prices can rise sharply during the summer and around major events, so booking early is often worthwhile.

See you soon for more Malta guides!

Written by Laura CALLES

Thanks to Mélanie and Sylvain, I had the chance to explore the beautiful Maltese archipelago and share all the beauty of its islands with you. A little piece of paradise not to be missed!

Thanks to you, our readers, our blog can continue to grow. This page may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep offering you more and support our work!

Despite our vigilance, an error may have slipped into this article. If you spot one, please let us know so we can correct it and keep our information up to date!