Where to Stay in Malta: Best Areas & Top Hotels (With a Map)

Last updated on May 4, 2026

For being a tiny island in the center of the Mediterranean you wouldn’t think choosing where to stay in Malta would be such a big decision. But it is.

Where you stay determines how you experience this small but charming country. It will make things like getting around Malta easy or challenging, put you in close proximity to cool day trips like visiting the Blue Lagoon in Comino Island, or in a more remote part of the island primed and ready for a relaxing, romantic weekend in a 500 year old village.

Malta has several great areas to spend your vacation from Mdina to Valletta, Mellieħa, Sliema, and the Three Cities—each with a distinct different vibe and offerings. After spending five days in Malta, we’re using our first-hand experience to help you decide where to stay in Malta based on the town’s vibe, accessibility, and top hotels, so that you can make the right choice for your trip.

Where to Stay in Malta: A Quick Guide + Map

If you’re short on time and don’t want to read this entire post on where to stay in Malta, here’s a quick cheat sheet.

• Best for first-timers: Valletta (historic + well connected) or Sliema (more local vibe and swimming)
• Best for couples: Mellieha (beach getaway) or Mdina (luxury romantic setting)
• Best for nightlife: St. Julian’s
• Best for fewer crowds: Three Cities (very close to Valletta) or Mdina/Rabat (atmospheric)
• Best for families: Slimea, St. Paul’s Bay, or Mellieha

Best Areas to Stay in Malta at a Glance

Area	Best for	Vibe
Valletta	first-time visitors + short trips	capital city, historic, well connected, and great restaurants, but touristic and busy
Sliema	couples, families + longer trips	charming-local feel, good swimming, family-friendly, but no sandy beaches
St. Julian’s	nightlife and beaches	energetic, casinos, + good restaurants with younger crowd
Mellieħa	long sandy beaches + hiking, access to Gozo + Comino Island	relaxing, outdoor centric stays with picturesque beaches, more expensive
Mdina & Rabat	romantic getaway + luxury hotels	historic, atmospheric, relaxing setting with lots of luxury stays
St. Paul’s Bay	nice resorts + good beaches, access to Gozo + Comino Island	relaxed, family-friendly neighborhood with an all-inclusive vibe
Three Cities	history lovers who want a quieter stay	Historic-local feel well connected to Valletta for less money

What Is the Best Area to Stay in Malta?

My top pick for where to stay in Malta as a first time visitor is Sliema. It has great beaches, beautiful views of Valletta and the three cities, awesome restaurants, and is easy to get to Valletta and other parts of the country.

It also had a great local vibe to it with slightly more affordable accommodations. My second choice would be Mellieħa because of it’s proximity to large sandy beaches, great hiking nearby, good restaurants, and Comino Island and Gozo. However, here’s a better breakdown of the top places to stay in Malta and our recommendations on where to stay in each.

Valletta: Best for History, Restaurants + Transportation

Valletta is Malta’s capital city. It’s the hub for the island and its top tourist destination. It has the most restaurants, hotels, and is extremely well-connected for buses and ferries. Most buses across the island start and end in Valletta, making it faster and easier to get around the island without a car.

It is also so romantic! The historic center is walled and built on top of a hill with long, steep stairs getting you to the water. The streets are built in a grid with sweeping ocean views below and charming historic properties in between.

While we loved Valletta and can easily see why it’s the most popular place to stay in Malta, we preferred other areas. Mostly due to how busy it was. Each day, thousands of tourists come to the city for walking-history tours, to visit museums, and to bask in the city’s charm. It also didn’t have any proper beaches like other areas, which, to me, is a highlight of visiting Malta.

If you’re only in Malta for a few days and want to be centrally located to get around the island with ease, then Valletta is likely the best place to stay in Malta. However, if you have more time, prefer a more laid-back experience, or want access to more beaches, stay elsewhere. You can walk from one side of Valletta to the other in about 20 minutes, so there isn’t a “better side” to stay on compared to others. It’s very walkable!

Pros of Staying in Valletta: Lots of great attractions, beautiful architecture, very well-connected, and has some of the island’s best restaurants and bars.

Cons of Staying in Valletta: It’s more expensive, highly touristic, busy/noisy during the day, and doesn’t have any beaches to visit.

Best hotels in Valletta, Malta

Most accommodations in Valletta are hotels, although there are a few apartment or vacation rental properties, too. Below are my top picks for where to stay in Valletta, Malta. However, you can explore all Valletta stays here.

• Luxury: San Karlu ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 rating ($$$) – Gorgeous modern hotel in a historic property with rooftop pool in the heart of Valletta.

• Mid-Range: 66 Saint Paul’s & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.0 rating ($$)- Small boutique hotel with beautiful updated rooms in a historic building with a small rooftop pool.

• Budget: Carmelita Maisonette Valletta ⭐⭐⭐, 8.6 rating ($)- One bedroom one bathroom apartment in one of Valletta’s historic buildings.

Sliema: Best for Local Vibes + Beaches

We stayed in Sliema for our six days on the island. A friend had an apartment there we could use, and after exploring Malta, we were so glad it worked out that way!

Sliema is an adorable town full of charm. Its streets wind up and down hills, with colorful gallarija (traditional enclosed wooden balconies) decorating the homes. Nearly the entire waterfront has access points to hop in and enjoy the sea. Most of the beaches are rocky, but there is a small sandy beach, which is perfect if you’re traveling with kids.

It’s also very walkable, taking around 20 to 30 minutes to walk from one side of the peninsula to the other. You can get to Valletta in about 15 minutes by car, 30 by bus, or 15 minutes on the ferry, and there is a bus loop on the outskirts of Sliema to connect you to other parts of the island.

We were also pleasantly surprised to see how many great restaurants are in Sliema. Our favorite meal of the trip was at a Lebanese restaurant two blocks from our stay. Overall, we loved the local feel of Sliema and enjoyed that fewer tourists were coming and going every day compared to Valletta—making it our top pick for where to stay in Malta.

Pros of Staying in Sliema: It has fantastic restaurants, more affordable accommodations, is very walkable and charming, has a more local feel, well connected, and has loads of great beaches.

Cons of Staying in Sliema: There aren’t as many hotels to choose from as in Valletta, and you may require longer transit times to get around the island compared to Valletta.

Best hotels in Sliema, Malta

Most accommodations in Sliema are apartments or vacation rentals. However, there are several beautiful hotels you can stay at as well. Below are my top picks for where to stay in Sliema, Malta, or explore all stays in Sliema here.

• Luxury: 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.5 rating ($$$) – Adult-only spa and luxury resort with incredible views of the ocean, a rooftop infinity pool, and extensive spa services.

• Mid-Range: Courtyard by Marriott Sliema ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 rating ($$) – Clean, modern rooms in a historic property overlooking Valletta. Their rooftop pool is open in summer and a great place to cool off!

• Budget: Mr. Todd hotel ⭐⭐⭐, 8.5 rating ($) – Spacious updated hotel rooms in a fairly modern building. It’s well located and includes a complimentary breakfast.

➡ Read Next: What to do in Malta: 15 Things You Can’t Miss ⬅

Mellieħa: Best for Sandy Beachs + Outdoor Experiences

Melleiħa is another small historic town overlooking the water. It offers visitors the same charm as Valletta with a beautiful big church in the center of the city, but with nearby access to some of Malta’s nicest beaches.

Two of the largest sandy beaches, Golden Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, which is only accessible by a long stair case, are a short 10 – 15 minute drive from Mellieħa. There’s also great hiking trails nearby like the Marfa Ridge walk and scenic trails in Il-Majjistral Nature and History Park. If you want a more mediteranean feeling beach (smaller coves) you can go to Armier Bay and Little Armier Beach.

It’s also close to Comino Island ferries and the Gozo ferry, making it a great option if you want to explore those remote islands.

Pros of Staying in Mellieħa: Great nightlife, lots of clubs, bars, and casinos. Fairly affordable accommodations, walkable to Sliema and beautiful beaches.

Cons of Staying in Mellieħa: It can be a rowdy place to stay and lacks the same charm as other areas.

Best hotels in Mellieha, Malta

The most popular places to stay in Mellieħa are nicer hotels with upscale amenities like pools, beautiful water views, and spa services. Many are adult only, but there are several that are suitable for families too. Hotels in Mellieħa, Malta are on the more expensive side. It’s proximity to the island’s longest sand beach and popular day trips make it a popular, and pricey place to stay.

• Luxury: Radisson Blue Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.0 rating ($$$) – This incredible waterfront hotel is luxurious, modern, and comfortable for families. Many rooms are set up as suites, to accommodate larger groups and offer more space (possibly even a private jacuzzi). There’s two pools on site and even the most basic rooms have incredible views.

• Mid-Range: DOMS Botique Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.0 rating ($$) – Modern boutique hotel with lots of history in a charming part of town. It has a nice pool overlooking the church and historic but updated and well appointed rooms.

• Budget: Victoria by Petit Chic ⭐⭐⭐, 8.9 rating ($) – Spacious rooms with private bathrooms on top of a popular cafe and bakery. It’s one of the cleanest, but most budget friendly stays in this area.

St Julian’s and Paceville: Best Place for Nightlife

If gambling, nightlife, or relaxing in the Malta sunshine is your vibe, then the best part of Malta to stay in is St Julians. St Julians is a small area about 10 minutes away from Sliema by car or 20 minutes walking. Separated by the stunning Balluta Bay, it offers visitors access to great beaches, beautiful views, and fantastic nightlife options.

Paceville, which is a part of St Julians, is the hub for nightlife. It’s known for its clubs, cocktail bars, restaurants, and pubs, like Fuego Speakeasy, Havana Club, Hugos Lounge, and Sky Lounge.

St Julian’s has more upscale bars, restaurants, and speakeasies with rooftop views of the ocean and surrounding cities. There are also several casinos in the area if you enjoy gambling.

Pros of Staying in St Julian’s: Great nightlife, lots of clubs, bars, and casinos. Fairly affordable accommodations, walkable to Sliema and beautiful beaches.

Cons of Staying in St Julian’s: It can be a rowdy place to stay and lacks the same charm as other areas.

Best hotels in St Julian’s, Malta

The most popular places to stay in St Julians are big hotel resorts. Think all-inclusive vibes, with big complexes and, of course, lots of amenities. There are waterfront apartments you can rent too if you’ll be traveling with a group. Below are my top picks for where to stay in St Julians, but you can also explore all properties in St Julians here.

• Luxury: The Westin Dragonara Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.2 rating ($$$) – This incredible waterfront hotel by the Westin is luxurious, modern, and comfortable. Many rooms have balconies with gorgeous views of the ocean and access to two private beaches.

• Mid-Range: The Bear and Ween ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 rating ($$) – Modern boutique hotel with really beautiful rooms, terraces (with views of the ocean), and a small rooftop pool.

• Budget: Cresta Beach Studios ⭐⭐, 8.3 rating ($) – Cute apartments in a historic building in St Julian’s. There isn’t much to them, but they’re well located and clean!

Mdina and Rabat: Best For Historic, Romatic, Luxury Stays

Mdina is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malta, and another popular place to stay in Malta. Originally the capital of Malta, this walled city takes you back to the 12th century. It’s romantic, narrow limestone streets are lovely.

Mdina is small and mostly comprised of shops and homes from the nobles who once founded Malta. However, there are a few boutique luxury hotels in the walled area.

Rabat is the town just outside of Mdina’s walled city where the “commoners” lived. Rabat has a lot more to offer visitors, with its own attractions, restaurants, and charming winding streets designed to provide shade and breeze from the intense summer heat.

Both Rabat and Mdina are in the center of the country, landlocked without any access to or views of the beach, really. If you want to stay by the ocean, this is not the spot for you. However, if you want a quieter experience and a more charming historical stay with local feels and fewer crowds, then this is where to stay in Malta.

Pros of Staying in Mdina or Rabat: Very charming and historical, with access to the walled city of Mdina, good restaurants, and a very local feel.

Cons of Staying in Mdina or Rabat: No access to water views or beaches, and a much slower pace that requires more time/effort to get to other parts of the island.

Best hotels in Mdina and Rabat, Malta

There are really only a few hotels in Mdina’s walled city. They are all on the more luxurious and expensive side, but are incredible options if that fits your budget. It’s an easy 10 to 15-minute walk to Rabat for dinner and transportation. Rabat will have the most lodging options and is where we recommend staying. Feel free to explore all lodging in the Mdina and Rabat area here.

• Luxury: The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux in Mdina ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 rating ($$$) – Stay in a 17th-century palace turned boutique hotel. With spacious rooms, a pool, and a renowned restaurant, you can feel like royalty in this medieval city.

• Mid-Range: The Mdina Heritage Boutique Hotel in Rabat ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.6 rating ($$) – This beautifully restored estate in Rabat has all of the history and character you could want with modern amenities. Many rooms have charming indoor terraces and patios. However, you should note that there is no pool.

• Budget: Estrella Lodging in Rabat ⭐⭐⭐, 8.3 rating ($) – Small apartment-like hotel rooms in Rabat equipped with kitchenettes. Some even have terraces or balconies. It’s well located and affordable.

St. Paul’s Bay: Best for a Resort Experience

St. Paul’s Bay is on the northeastern tip of Malta near Comino Island and just south of Gozo Island. It’s about a 30 to 45 minute drive from popular destinations like Mdina and Valletta, but offers visitors great access to some of the island’s best beaches, swimming coves, and the popular Gozo island.

The Gozo Island ferry is just a short 10 minutes from St. Paul’s Bay, and it’s easy to take a kayak tour or boat tour of Comino Island from this city, which is, honestly, its biggest draw.

The accommodations in St. Paul’s Bay are mostly large resorts, with more all-inclusive style amenities. You can expect to stay, eat, and explore this area in comfort and ease with access to great beaches nearby and lots of great swimming pools.

It’s perfect for families or travelers who don’t want to put in much work getting around and want the comfort and ease of an all-inclusive resort. You can easily get to one of the most popular sandy beaches in Malta, Golden Bay and Għadira Bay.

Pros of Staying in St. Paul’s Bay: Lots of hotels and resorts, fairly affordable compared to other areas, nice, big sandy beaches nearby, and close to Gozo and Comino Island.

Cons of Staying in St. Paul’s Bay: It’s further from Valletta, Mdina, and Rabat, requiring more time to get across the island, with fewer restaurant choices.

Best hotels in St. Paul’s, Malta

Most accommodations in St. Paul’s Bay are big resorts. Think all-inclusive vibes, with big complexes and, of course, lots of amenities. There are nice apartments on the outskirts of the city if you’ll be traveling with a group or prefer more privacy. You can check out our recommended stays in St. Paul’s Bay below or browse all accommodations in the area here.

• Luxury: Best Western Premier Malta ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 rating ($$$) – This brand new, modern Best Western offers guests a luxurious stay with an incredible rooftop infinity pool, spa, and restaurant in a great location of St. Paul’s Bay.

• Mid-Range: INNSiDE by Meliá Bugibba ⭐⭐⭐⭐, BRAND NEW HOTEL ($$) – This brand new hotel just opened spring 2026 and is stunning. Really playfully designed with a beautiful rooftop inifinty pool, free bicycles to get around, a restaurant, and a bar.

• Budget: 9020 Boutique B&B ⭐⭐⭐, 8.1 rating ($) – This boutique bed and breakfast is in a modern building with waterfront access and comfortable apartment-style rooms.

The Three Cities: Best for History Lovers + Budget Travelers

The Three Cities of Malta are the harbour towns Vittoriosa (also known as Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla), just south of Valletta. The towns are somewhat under the radar compared to the other destinations mentioned in this guide. But it has loads of history, unique attractions, good restaurants, and a super local feel to it.

Birgu is the oldest of the three cities, but all three are steeped in history and fortified by the Knights of St. John, who founded modern-day Malta in the 1500s. Popular places to visit in the Three Cities are Fort St Angelo, Malta Maritime Museum, and the Inquisitor’s Palace, among others.

The one drawback is that there aren’t many beaches to visit. Rinella Bay is really the only major public beach with a rocky area to hang out on and a small sandy beach. If you want the charm and history of Valletta but with a slower pace, then the Three Cities is where to stay in Malta.

Pros of Staying in the Three Cities: Lots of great attractions, beautiful architecture, well-connected, and easy to get to Valletta. Quieter than other areas and somewhat underrated.

Cons of Staying in the Three Cities: Not as many hotels and accommodation choices as other areas and only one beach.

Best hotels in the Three Cities, Malta

The Three Cities have a mix of accommodations to choose from. You’ll mostly find boutique hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals. Decide what part of the three cities looks most attractive to you and find the accommodation within your budget. Below are our recommendations, but you can explore all stays in the Three Cities here.

• Luxury: Cugo Gran Macina Malta in Senglea ⭐⭐⭐⭐, 9.1 rating ($$$) – This beautifully restored historic property is now a modern hotel with spacious rooms, pier access, and waterfront dining. Their rooftop pool overlooks Valletta and is perfect for couples or luxury travelers.

• Mid-Range: 15 Main Gate in Birgu ⭐⭐⭐, 9.3 rating ($$) – Beautifully updated historic apartment-like hotel rooms. Great for long-term stays or those who want to have more space during their trip.

• Budget: Jessica Flat Malta Royal Guesthouse in Cospicua ⭐⭐⭐, 8.6 rating ($$) – Waterfront hotel that preserves the 18th-century charm of the area.

Now that you better understand where to stay in Malta, let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions about planning a trip to Malta. You can also see our top recommendations for where to eat in Malta, what to pack for a Malta trip, how to get around Malta, and general things to know before traveling.

FAQ about where to stay in Malta

Looking for more help in planning your Malta trip? Check out our other guides below.

• How to Spend 5 Days in Malta: The Ultimate Malta Itinerary
• The Best Malta Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
• What to Pack for Malta in Summer: Complete Packing Guide
• 20 Best Restaurants in Malta and Must-Try Maltese Dishes
• Complete Guide to Comino Island (Blue Lagoon + Beyond!)
• Is a Comino Boat Tour to Blue Lagoon Worth It?
• Best Way to Get Around Malta: Car Rental vs Bolt vs Bus
• What to Do in Malta: 15 Can’t-Miss Things to See and Do