Packed full of historical sights, stunning natural landscapes and an average summer temperature of 30 degrees, Malta has a lot going for it. A great destination for beach lovers, Malta also has a lot to offer with its layers of history and depth of culture.
Located just off of the southern tip of Sicily and the coast of North Africa, this tiny archipelago bursts with brilliant Mediterranean culture and brims with a seducing mix of Maltese customs combined with Sicilian and Middle Eastern influences. From ancient temple ruins to secret bays and breathtaking cliffs, Malta’s rocky landscape is overflowing with ancient monuments, including the Megalithic Temples of Malta which are thought to be the world’s oldest freestanding structures.
Each of Malta’s towns and villages has something special to offer visitors. There’s a range of accommodation to suit various travelers’ budgets, and with a famously fantastic bus network, it’s easy to travel between towns.
Good food, beautiful seascapes and a wealth of history are all waiting for you on the remarkable island. Here’s our list of the best places to stay in Malta, so you can have the most enjoyable holiday possible.
Valletta
Small yet elegant, historic Valletta is the capital of Malta. Built on a rocky peninsula, Valletta’s grand forts, cathedral and bastions have given it the name ‘The Fortress City’. The city’s narrow lanes have long attracted visitors with their old world charm, but nowadays with a spate of new restaurants and boutique hotels opening up, there is a vibrancy around the old city.
In the daytime, Valletta is packed with busy locals rushing to work or to meet friends, but as night falls, a calm romance settles across the city and it almost feels as though the old days of the 17th century have returned. With plenty of plush hotels to choose from, historic sights all in walking distance from each other and direct flights from numerous international airports, there has never been a better time to explore the tiny capital.
Where to Stay in Valletta
- Grand Hotel Excelsior – Grand by name, grand by nature; the Grand Hotel Excelsior boasts sleek, spacious rooms all set for a luxurious stay.
- Hotel Phoenicia Malta – Truly boasting a real sense of timeless opulence, this 5-star hotel is situated in a historic, neoclassical building. There’s an outdoor pool set amidst formal gardens.
- La Falconeria – While there’s a bar, restaurant, indoor pool and gym on offer at this 4-star offering, the location is good for exploring what the area has in store.
- Osborne Hotel – Complete with a bar, a rooftop pool, and even an international restaurant, you’ll be pleased to know that breakfast at the Osborne Hotel is complimentary, which is good for fuelling a day of sightseeing.
St. Julian
Cool, fun and carefree, St. Julian’s is the place to stay in Malta if you want to party. Join in with the city’s young, urban socialites as they drink in the city’s glittering bars, shop in the stylish boutiques and dance the night away. But don’t worry, it isn’t all cocktails and designer clothes; take a walk along St. Julian’s backstreets and you’ll be surprised by the serene quietude. Here’s where you’ll find more local bars and beautiful balconies.
No longer the reticent fishing village of the past, St. Julian’s now brims with modernity. Walk along the chilled-out seaside boardwalk and discover for yourself the swanky 5-star hotels that hug the numerous bays and inlets. Just along the waterside promenade is the party town of Paceville, which is also easily reachable with the town’s frequent buses.
Where to Stay in St. Julian
- The Westin Dragonara Resort – Complete with multiple restaurants boasting sea views, and serving up a range of cuisine from Maltese to Italian, this seafront hotel is where you can really live it up.
- be.HOTEL – This 4-star hotel is set in a complex littered with entertainment and shopping opportunities.
- Hotel Valentina – If modern and boutique style is what you are looking for, then Hotel Valentina has you covered.
Sliema
Sliema was totally transformed by the British in the 19th century, when this once humble fishing village became an exclusive resort for Malta’s elite. The attractive townhouses with their array of colorful windows and doors still line Sliema’s backstreets, but the grandiose stately homes which used to stand along the seafront have now been replaced with big apartment blocks.
Regardless of the change in architecture, the city is a booming hub for Malta’s commercial activity. The city itself has a lot to offer, and the charm and distinct character of Sliema means it is where many visitors choose to stay. With its plentiful restaurants, bars, nightclubs and shopping opportunities, as well as a huge choice of hotels, it’s not hard to see why.
Where to Stay in Sliema
- AX The Palace – There are individually decorated suites on offer, some with musical instruments, others with telescopes.
- Palazzo Violetta – Steps away from bus stops and mere minutes from the waterfront by foot, this hotel is well located.
- Sliema Marina Hotel – Practically opposite Sliema Ferry Terminal and with bus stops in walking distance, exploring what Malta has to offer is easy at this conveniently located hotel.
Mellieha
The ideal place to stay in Malta for travelers who want sandy beaches and calm blue seas, Mellieha is a popular place for Maltese holidaymakers as well as foreign visitors. Its beach, Għadira, is one of the largest on the island and, with its gradual shoreline and shallow waters, makes for the ideal spot for families with small children to enjoy splashing about.
The town itself has plenty of seafront hotels to choose from, as well as restaurants that serve up delicious local cuisine. Around the area, you can explore the local nature reserve and be in awe of the impressive Selmun Palace, built by the Knights of Malta. If you want to explore further afield, hire a car and enjoy the beaches along this part of the coast.
Where to Stay in Mellieha
- Radisson Blu Resort – From its three restaurants, terrace bar and ice cream parlor to its spa, four pools, and multiple tennis courts, there’s nothing you can’t do here.
- Solana Hotel & Spa – The clue is in the name of this 4-star offering: guests will be able to have a supremely de-stressing time here thanks to the relaxation area, spa, hot tub and garden.
St. Paul’s Bay
This little village along Malta’s north coast is a quiet place with a mainly residential local population. The fishing village takes its name from the Biblical story that St. Paul’s ship was supposedly wrecked just off the coast as he traveled from Caesarea to Rome. St. Paul’s Bay dates back to around 2000 BC and still offers a picturesque slice of solace compared to the rowdier areas on the opposite side of the island.
For those looking to soak up some of the local culture, this is a good place to stay on Malta. There’s a selection of affordable 3 and 4-star hotels available, alongside smaller family-owned apartments that offer self-catering facilities. You can find some great places to eat out around the Old Town, where there’s plenty on offer by way of bars and cafes.
Where to Stay in St. Paul’s Bay
- AX Seashells Resort – This all inclusive offering has basically everything you could need while you’re away.
- Il Palazzin Hotel – The breakfast at this hotel is complimentary, served each morning in the onsite restaurant. You can then swim it off at either the indoor or outdoor pools.
- Sunflower Hotel – This large, laid back hotel features a rooftop pool with its own bar and a chilled out restaurant.
Marsaskala
Once a Sicilian fishing village set around a thin but picturesque bay, Marasakskla has a wonderful charm that has, in recent years, attracted an influx of Maltese residents and tourists. Quaint fishing boats bob in Marsaskala’s natural harbor where a selection of waterside restaurants and bars entertain customers keen to enjoy the view. Although the town has seen an increase in popularity, it still retains a strong Maltese atmosphere with its laid-back side streets and busy waterfront.
Offering the ideal mix of the hustle of the busier tourist towns, but with all of the charm of an authentic village, you shouldn’t be overwhelmed by crowds or tourist shops here. There’s a good choice of accommodation, including hotels and guest houses, around Marasakala that should suit most travelers who aren’t looking for the height of luxury.
The town itself doesn’t have a beach, so if you want to swim or see some interesting sights, you’re going to have to hop on the local bus or hire a car and travel at your own pace.
Where to Stay in Marsaskala
- Cerviola Hotel – Situated near a bus stop and situated within all the conveniences of a resort village, Cerviola Hotel is a good, family-friendly option.
Gzira
Sandwiched between Msida and Sliema, Gzira translates as ‘island’ in Maltese. The town may be close to the capital and the island’s university but has a much more local feel compared to its popular neighbors. Once thought of as a working-class town with a seedy side, Il Gzira has undergone development in the past few years and new stylish apartments have replaced the crumbling old buildings.
Il Gzira is now a laid back place with a mix of university students, ethnic communities and local families living there. Enjoy a walk along the pleasant waterfront promenade that connects Manoel Island which lies within the bay. It might be a good idea to stay here if you’re traveling on a tight budget – and if you want to head to Sliema, just take a quick ride on the bus.
Where to Stay in Gzira
- 115 The Strand Hotel and Suites – The rooms at this 3-star hotel are simple affairs but feature balconies and can be upgraded for more space.
Msida
Located just to the west of Valetta, the port town of Msida is an old fishing town centered around a busy Marina. Msida’s winding roads and lanes hark back to times past, and the Msida Parish Church, with its Baroque-style architecture and dating back over a hundred years, is truly a beautiful sight.
Aside from the history and architecture of Msida, the town is also home to a large student population; this is because the University of Malta is located on a hill just to the north of town, Tal-Qroqq. As such Msida enjoys a lively atmosphere, with many students living, working and playing in the town.
The student connection also makes Msida a great place to consider if you’re looking for a budget stay; accommodation in town consists mainly of affordable hotels and guesthouses.
Where to Stay in Msida
- 5-Senses – With spacious apartments on offer, 5-Senses is a good option for a group of friends or a family traveling to Malta.
Rabat
Rabat has a rustic and rural feeling and neighbors the fortified old capital of Mdina. The village has a soft character and, even if you choose not to stay there, it is truly a must-see when visiting Malta. Rabat’s old streets are ideal for taking strolls, soaking up the calm atmosphere and enjoying the historic architecture.
Rabat’s chic boutique hotels are set inside historic buildings, often in captivating locations. There are some great hidden gems of restaurants around the village that will open visitors up to a world of traditional Maltese food. Because of its central location, it’s also a great base for travelers who want to spend their time in Malta exploring the island.
Where to Stay in Rabat
- Point de Vue – Chill out in the lounge or enjoy a meal in the restaurant – complete with views of the surrounding countryside.
Marsaxlokk
Located on a peninsula in the southeast, the town of Marsaxlokk is the quintessential fishing village of Malta. Small enough to walk around easily, it’s known as a perfect place to see the traditional and very colorful Maltese fishing boats – known as luzzu – at work. It’s very authentic here: most inhabitants are still fishermen for a living.
The picturesque feel of the harbour, plus a reputation for some of the best seafood restaurants on the island, has led to a tourist influx in recent years. Who can blame them? This village also boasts secluded swimming coves, plus a laid-back nightlife. There are several hotels to choose from in Marsaxlokk, including a few bargain guesthouses.
Where to Stay in Marsaxlokk
- Port View Guesthouse – For those looking for more of a homely feel, this family run hotel is a great option. There’s a complimentary breakfast, which is perfect to fill you up ready for a day of exploring.
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