Where to stay in Malta: best areas and neighborhoods

The Maltese archipelago includes three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino, but the island of Malta, where its capital Valletta is located, is definitely the best place to stay. Below are all our tips on where to stay in Malta.

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: Malta is very safe. Surely, as in any unfamiliar destination, it is better to stay in the more touristy and well-lit areas in the evening, avoiding dark or peripheral streets. From a tourist point of view, it is better to stay in well-connected areas with all services.

Malta is not just one island; it is actually an archipelago made up of 11 islands, the most well-known and famous being Malta, Gozo, and Comino. And, during a trip, the advice is to stay on the main island, namely Malta, where the airport is also located. Gozo could be a good alternative if you stay for at least a week, while Comino has no accommodation.

On the main island, one of the best places is Sliema, suitable for almost everyone. It is also in an excellent position to explore the entire archipelago. If instead, you travel out of season or want to learn about the history and culture of Malta, the capital Valletta is a great option. It is also quite a quiet place.

If you seek the sea and tranquility, head to the northern part of Malta: Mellieha and Buġibba are excellent places to enjoy the sea and relax. Mellieha, in particular, is ideal for families. These two areas are also the best for saving money.

Finally, Malta also means fun and nightlife. If you are looking for nightlife, then the best solution for you is St. Julian's, the heart of the island's nightlife, chosen mainly by young people.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&b, and hostels in Malta. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking

If you are in Malta for work or as a layover for a day to other destinations, consider the option of staying near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com.

Valletta, best for cultural trip

Valletta is the capital of Malta. Usually, one or two days are dedicated to the city before moving on to explore other areas of the country. It is certainly not one of the first recommended areas to stay in, but it is instead a great base if you travel out of season and if, rather than the sea and fun, you want to experience a mainly cultural trip. Here, in fact, are some of Malta's most famous monuments, such as the Grandmaster's Palace.

Valletta is definitely recommended for those who want a cultural trip, mainly consisting of visits and art. From here, you can also easily reach the 3 Cities (Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua) and places like M'dina and Rabat. It is also an ideal area for families, as it is very quiet and equipped with all services.

Staying in Valletta, you can move both by public transport and by car. To reach nearby locations, you can rely on public transport (M'dina and Rabat are connected by bus lines 51, 52, or 53). The car remains one of the best ways to get around the island.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Sliema, best for first-timers

Sliema is one of the best areas to stay in Malta. Exactly halfway between Valletta and St Julian's, it is a residential and elegant city, which also hosts small churches and museums. Above all, it is the shopping city of the country, thanks to its numerous shops and shopping centers.

Given its characteristics and residential side, Sliema is mainly recommended for families and couples looking for a bit of tranquility. Given its excellent location, it can also be a good compromise for young people, who can move to the nearby St Julian's for nightlife.

This is a strategic point to visit the whole island: Valletta is 7 km away, St Julian's 4 km, Mellieha 20 km. From here, also depart the cruises to Gozo and the Blue Lagoon. You can move by public transport, but surely the car remains the best solution.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €70,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

St. Julian's, perfect for young and nightlife

St Julian's, located just 4 km from Sliema, is the heart of Malta's nightlife. It is a popular seaside resort, with several beaches, clubs, and shops, while the heart of the nightlife is Paceville, full of discos and clubs of all kinds.

St Julian's is definitely recommended for young people. In addition to vacationers, there are also many English language schools, making it a popular choice for many young people for a study holiday. Absolutely not recommended for families, as it is very chaotic, especially in summer.

Even staying here, you can move by public transport or by car. While the car will allow you to move around Malta without problems, the city is also well connected by public transport to Sliema (lines 13, 16, 212, 222, and 225; 10 min) and Valletta (line TD13, 15 min).

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Mellieha, best to experience beach life

Mellieha, located in the north of the island, is the best area to stay if you want to experience beach life. In addition to hosting some interesting attractions to visit with the little ones, such as Popeye Village or the Red Tower, here are some of the most beautiful beaches in Malta.

Mellieha is therefore a place recommended for families: it is a very quiet area, with large beaches and all the services you will need. But not only, it is also a good area to save money, as it is not difficult to find apartments and small hotels at good prices.

Finally, staying here you will need to move by car. This way you will have great freedom and can easily move between the airport and other locations on the island. The area, although covered by public transport, does not guarantee frequent and punctual runs, which could create some organizational problems.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Buġibba, to stay on a budget

Another excellent area to stay for the sea is Buġibba, located in the beautiful St. Paul's Bay, also in the northern part of the island. Here too, you will find numerous beaches and a sea with crystal clear water.

Just like Mellieha, Buġibba is recommended for couples and families and those who generally want to enjoy the sea and tranquility away from the wild nightlife of St Julian's. It is also a very economical area: here hotels and accommodation are much more affordable than in the rest of the island.

Finally, also staying here you will need to move by car. The area, although partially covered by public transport, does not guarantee frequent and punctual runs to other areas of the island, making travel difficult.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Is it worth staying in Gozo?

All the recommended locations are on the main island of Malta, but in reality, Malta is an archipelago and you could also consider other islands for your stay: this is the case with Gozo. Keep in mind that, to stay here, it is better to have at least a week available and that travel will definitely be more difficult as you will always have to move by ferry.

Gozo is a very quiet island, perfect for families and those who want to enjoy a holiday focused on the sea and relaxation, perhaps combining only a few cultural visits, such as to Ggantija. There is less accommodation available than in Malta, but they are cheaper (compare accommodation on booking).

Malta accommodation price map

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