Wondering where to stay in Malta? You’ve come to the right place. This article outlines 7 of the best areas to stay in Malta, along with the sorts of things each neighbourhood is known for, plus recommended hotel picks for each area.

View of a beachside area in Malta with clear turquoise water and historic buildings, including a prominent cathedral, under a bright blue sky.
St Julians
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I’m Hazel, a travel blogger from the UK with a serious soft spot for Mediterranean islands. Malta totally stole my heart – it’s so much more diverse and beautiful than people realise. I’ve personally visited every spot on this list, so you’re getting the real deal.

Let’s dive into the best areas to stay in Malta and what makes each one special. I’ve included hotel picks for every budget too.

👉 Read more: Towns in Malta: Where to Go & What to Know.

1. Valletta 🏛️

Valletta is the capital city, known for its historical sites, museums, and stunning architecture.

What it’s good for: History, culture, and sightseeing.

A woman in a floral dress and white jacket walking on a path in Valletta with trees and a historic building on the side.
Steep, cobblestoned street in Valletta, Malta, with steps flanked by old stone buildings and doorways, lined with potted plants in a european city.

You’ll love wandering through honey-coloured streets, admiring Maltese balconies, or popping into places like St. John’s Co-Cathedral or the Grandmaster’s Palace.

The city buzzes with culture, from museums and gardens to waterfront restaurants and harbour cruises.

Top hotel picks for Valletta:

🏨 The Phoenicia Malta is a luxurious option with elegant rooms, gardens, and a dreamy spa.

🏨 Casa Ellul is a boutique gem with unique decor and rooftop views.

🏨 La Falconeria Hotel offers chic, modern comfort close to everything.

👉 Read more: Valletta in One Day Itinerary | Things to do in Valletta.

2. St. Julian’s 🍸

St. Julian’s is a lively area known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and proximity to the sea.

What it’s good for: Nightlife, dining, and beaches.

Aerial view of a coastal city in Malta with buildings surrounding a clear blue bay and a large rectangular pool near the shore.
Balluta Bay, St Julians

This is the place for beach days that turn into party nights. It’s also packed with fantastic restaurants and great sea views, especially around Spinola and Balluta Bays.

Top hotel picks for St Julian’s:

🏨 Hilton Malta is a luxury resort right on the water with pools, a spa, and stunning views.

🏨 Hotel Juliani brings boutique charm and a rooftop pool by Spinola Bay.

🏨 Corinthia Hotel St. George’s Bay has its own beach and loads of pools and dining options.

3. Sliema 🛍️

Sliema contains a mix of shopping, dining, and coastal walks.

What it’s good for: Shopping, dining, and ferry access to Valletta.

A wide pedestrian walkway in Sliema, Malta, lined with palm trees, cars parked alongside, and modern buildings under construction in the background under a clear blue sky.
Sliema Promenade

The promenade here is perfect for a morning stroll or an Aperol Spritz at sunset.

You’ll also find ferry links to Valletta, plenty of shops, and a lively food scene.

Top hotel picks for Sliema:

🏨 AX The Palace delivers modern luxury and rooftop vibes.

🏨 The Victoria Hotel has a classic feel with a rooftop pool and spa.

🏨 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & SPA is all about wellness, with a beach club feel and great spa facilities.

4. Mellieħa 🏖️

Mellieħa is your go-to for beach time and nature.

What it’s good for: Family-friendly activities, beaches, and hiking

A coastal town (Mellieħa in Malta) with numerous boats anchored in a calm bay, surrounded by rolling hills, greenery, and some clouds in the blue sky.
Where to stay in Malta – Mellieħa

With some of the best sandy beaches on the island, Mellieħa is ideal for a laid-back holiday.

You’ll find scenic views, hiking trails, and plenty of local restaurants.

Top hotel picks for Mellieħa:

🏨 Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands sits above Golden Bay with luxe rooms, pools, and a private beach.

🏨 Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa has rooftop views and a spa.

🏨 db Seabank Resort + Spa is a brilliant all-inclusive right opposite Mellieħa Bay.

5. Mdina🕯️

Mdina is Malta’s former capital, full of quiet, medieval charm.

What it’s good for: History, romance, and peaceful strolls.

An empty narrow stone street between tall, traditional buildings under a clear sky, with a watermark at the bottom.
A traditional horse-drawn carriage parked in a cobblestone square, with a black horse in harness waiting near historic buildings.

This walled city is seriously like stepping back in time.

Think narrow alleys, candlelit restaurants, and panoramic views across the countryside.

Top hotel picks for Mdina:

🏨 The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux is pure romance inside the city walls.

🏨 Palazzo 16th Century Mdina is a spacious apartment opposite the cathedral.

🏨 Palazzo EL Cattedrale offers a lovely home-from-home near all the sights.

6. Gozo 🌄

Malta’s smaller sister island is all about nature and serenity.

What it’s good for: Scenic beauty, hiking, and relaxation.

Aerial view of a beach with clear turquoise water, dotted with boats, and a crowded sandy shoreline, next to a hilly landscape.
An architectural view of a large, beige stone church with a domed roof and tall clock tower against a clear blue sky.

Gozo offers a more rustic, traditional Maltese experience.

You’ll find stunning beaches, hilltop churches, and the legendary Azure Window (well, its memory at least).

Top hotel picks for Gozo:

🏨 Kempinski Hotel San Lawren is a luxury escape with pools and lush gardens.

🏨 The Duke Boutique Hotel is great for town-centre access with rooftop views.

🏨 Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa is peaceful and spa-focused with countryside charm.

7. Marsaxlokk🎣

Marsaxlokk is famous for its colourful boats, known as “luzzus,” which are traditionally painted in bright hues. The weather was unusually poor when I visited!

What it’s good for: Authentic fishing village vibe, seafood dining, and picturesque harbour.

A woman in a green coat and black hat stands on a dock with colorful boats floating on water in the background.
Traditional colorful boats float in clear water with a town in Malta in the background under a clear blue sky.

Marsaxlokk is postcard-pretty with its traditional luzzus bobbing in the harbour.

Sunday fish markets, sea breezes, and quiet walks along the seafront make this a charming base.

Top hotel picks in Marsaxlokk:

🏨 Port View Guesthouse is clean, cosy, and close to the water.

🏨 Quayside Apartments give you space and sea views.

🏨 Duncan Guesthouse is family-run and fuss-free – right by the market.

Each of these areas offers a unique experience, from the historical charm of Valletta and Mdina to the lively atmosphere of St. Julian’s and Sliema, and the serene beaches of Mellieħa.

Map of hotels in Malta 🗺️

Here is a map from Booking.com showing hotels by location. You can zoom in, zoom out, drag and move the map. If you click the map, it will take you to Booking.com where you can look more closely at your options. 

 

I recommend reserving your room immediately to get the best price. It’s usually free to reserve on Booking.com, and you can always cancel later on. See the main Malta page from Booking.com.

Traditional maltese fishing boat, painted in bright colors, floating on clear blue water.
Fishing boats in Marsaxlokk

FAQs about where to stay in Malta 💡

Below are some frequently asked questions about where to stay in Malta.

Q: What is the best area to stay in Malta for first-time visitors?

A: Valletta is an excellent choice for first-time visitors. As the capital city, it offers a rich historical and cultural experience with plenty of museums, historical sites, restaurants, and shops within walking distance. The central location also makes it easy to explore other parts of Malta.

Q: Where should I stay in Malta for the best nightlife?

A: St. Julian’s is the best area for nightlife, particularly the Paceville district. This area is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it perfect for those looking to enjoy Malta’s vibrant nightlife scene.

Q: What is the best place to stay in Malta for luxury and relaxation?

A: Gozo is perfect for a luxurious and relaxing stay. Known for its scenic beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Gozo offers high-end resorts like the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz and Hotel Ta’ Cenc & Spa, which provide excellent wellness facilities and serene surroundings. There are also 4 and 5 star hotels in St Julians too.

A person carries a tray with food and drinks by a blue swimming pool at the Hilton Malta, walking on a beige tiled surface under a clear sky.
Hilton Malta

Q: Does Malta have any five star hotels?

A: Some of the top five-star hotels in Malta include:

1. The Phoenicia Malta: Located near Valletta’s city gates, The Phoenicia offers luxury and history, with elegant rooms and beautiful gardens.

2. Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa: Set in a peaceful location in Attard, this hotel offers refined rooms, a luxury spa, and top-notch dining.

3. Hilton Malta: Situated in St. Julian’s, the Hilton offers sea views, luxurious rooms, and exceptional service.

Q: What’s the best place to stay for budget travellers?

A: Consider Sliema when researching where to stay in Malta on a budget. Sliema offers a range of budget-friendly accommodation options, from hostels to affordable hotels. It’s a convenient base with good public transport links, making it easy to explore the rest of Malta without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts ✨

Malta might be small, but choosing where to stay makes a big difference. From historic towns like Valletta and Mdina to seaside fun in St. Julian’s or Gozo’s rural calm, there’s something for every kind of traveller.

Where to stay in Malta really comes down to your vibe – nightlife, nature, or narrow medieval streets. Either way, you’re never too far from the next beautiful beach or plate of seafood pasta.

Here is some further reading from the blog related to this article on where to stay in Malta.  

🏜️ 15 Perfect Things to do in Valletta, Malta.
🌍 Things to Do in Malta: Ancient Temples, Island Escapes & Mediterranean Magic.
🌄 Malta Travel Guide.
✨ Towns in Malta: Where to Go & What to Know.

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