Malta might be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to charming towns and coastal gems. From ancient walled cities to colourful fishing villages, each spot has its own personality, pace, and postcard views. Whether you’re looking to soak up history or just find the perfect seaside stroll, this guide to towns in Malta will help you pick the best places to explore.

Experience a panoramic view of Valletta at sunset, featuring historic buildings on a peninsula embraced by calm waters, with the city skyline as a breathtaking backdrop. Discover things to do in Valletta while soaking in its rich history and stunning vistas.
View of Valletta Malta
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Hey! I’m Hazel, a travel blogger with a particular love for Mediterranean islands, and Malta is one I keep coming back to. Over several trips, I’ve wandered the golden alleyways of Valletta, eaten seafood in sleepy fishing villages, and watched the sun dip behind Gozo’s hills.

In this guide to Towns in Malta, I’m sharing the highlights of the island’s best places to visit – whether you’re after local markets, beach vibes, or baroque beauty.

Valletta 🏰

Malta’s pint-sized capital is big on charm. It’s one of those places where every side street seems to have a story.

Golden stone buildings, colourful balconies, and the odd cat sunbathing on a step.

A nighttime view of a narrow, steep cobblestone street lined with old buildings and decorated with small lights, seen in Valletta, Malta.
View of a steep, sunlit street lined with traditional limestone buildings in Valletta, Malta, under a clear blue sky.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens are lovely for views, and there’s always something interesting tucked behind a church door or down an alley.

Great for: history lovers, foodies, and a bit of boutique shopping.
👉 Read more: Valletta in One Day Itinerary | 10 Perfect Things to do in Valletta.

Mdina 🕯️

Known as the “Silent City,” Mdina really does feel like it belongs to another time

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

Quiet, car-free, very narrow streets snake past old stone walls and hidden doorways.

It’s a peaceful place to wander slowly, maybe with a coffee in hand and no fixed plans.

Great for: photographers, romantics, and anyone craving peace and quiet.

Rabat 🏛️

Right next to Mdina, Rabat is full of archaeological sites and quiet charm.

View over Rabat, Malta, showing traditional limestone buildings and the red-domed St Paul’s Church under a clear blue sky.
Rabat, Malta

Explore the catacombs, visit St. Paul’s Church, and wander sleepy streets.

Great for: history buffs and a slower pace.

Marsaxlokk 🐟

This colourful fishing village is postcard-perfect.

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

It’s busiest on Sundays for the fish market, but even on quieter days there’s something lovely about the bobbing boats and long lunches by the sea.

Great for: foodies and relaxed local vibes.

Sliema 🛍️

A busy, cosmopolitan town across the harbour from 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

Lots of shopping, a long seafront promenade, and great ferry links.

You’ll see locals out walking at sunset, and there’s no shortage of places to grab a gelato or an aperitif.

Great for: easy transport, shopping, and seafront walks.

St. Julian’s 🌃

This one’s a mix of energy and ocean views.

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

Spinola Bay has a laid-back charm with colourful boats and waterside cafes, while Paceville turns the volume up after dark.

Some love it, some don’t – but there’s always something going on.

Great for: party people and beach bar hoppers.

Mellieħa 🌅

In the north, Mellieħa is a peaceful hilltop town above Malta’s largest sandy beach.

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.
Mellieħa

It’s close to some of the island’s nicest beaches and good walking trails.

If you’re after sea views and a bit of peace, it’s a solid pick.

Great for: beach days and laid-back stays.

Mosta ⛪

Best known for its enormous dome (seriously, it’s huge), Mosta is otherwise a proper working town.

A large, circular church in Mosta, malta, with a domed roof and two bell towers stands on a busy street with cars and a white van parked nearby. The sky is blue with clouds.
Mosta Church

There’s a daily rhythm here – markets, cafes, bakeries – and it makes a nice stop if you’re exploring inland.

Great for: architecture lovers and authentic local life.

Birgu (Vittoriosa) ⚓

One of the historic “Three Cities” opposite Valletta, Birgu is steeped in maritime history.

A coastal city in Malta with historic buildings on a peninsula is seen across a body of water. A flag with white and red vertical stripes is in the foreground. Boats are visible in the water.
View from a waterfront restaurant in Malta showing a table with glasses, a menu board, and a scenic view of boats and historic buildings.

Also known as Vittoriosa, Birgu is full of old-school charm and quiet lanes.

It might be just across the water from Valletta, but it feels a world away. Think ancient walls, little cafes where you can try authentic Matese cuisine, and views of bobbing yachts in the harbour.

Great for: history fans and quieter harbour views.

Victoria (Rabat, Gozo) 🏞️

On the island of Gozo, Rabat (also called Victoria) is a bit of everything – historic streets, local markets, and the impressive Citadel.

Cathedral of the Assumption in Victoria, Gozo, with statues on the steps and a bright blue sky overhead.
Cathedral of the Assumption in Victoria, Gozo

It’s easy to spend a slow afternoon exploring the backstreets and looking out over the rooftops.

The town also has bustling markets, churches, and a local vibe that’s distinctly Gozitan.

Great for: exploring Gozo and experiencing a slower pace.

Marsaskala 🌊

Marsaskala has a relaxed, lived-in feel.

Colorful fishing boats float in a harbor in Malta with historic buildings and a domed church in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Marsaskala

There’s a pretty bay, a seaside promenade, and a mix of locals and visitors out enjoying the sunshine.

Marsaskala is not showy, just quietly lovely.

Great for: quiet walks, sea views, and a taste of everyday Maltese life.

FAQs About Towns in Malta 💡

Here are some common questions to help you plan your visit around the towns in Malta

What is the prettiest town in Malta?

Many travellers fall in love with Mdina, Malta’s old capital, thanks to its timeless beauty and peaceful atmosphere. But the Maltese charm is everywhere – from the fishing boats of Marsaxlokk to the golden glow of Valletta.

Which towns in Malta are best for nightlife?

St. Julian’s is the nightlife hub, particularly the Paceville area. Sliema is also popular for its bars, lounges, and seafront strolls.

Are towns in Malta easy to travel between?

Yes – Malta is compact, and most towns are within 30–40 minutes of each other by car or bus. Ferries also connect key coastal spots.

Where should I stay to explore different towns?

Valletta, Sliema or St. Julian’s make great bases with good transport links and lots to do nearby.

Final Thoughts on Towns in Malta ✨

Malta’s towns are like a patchwork of stories – some ancient, some modern, all worth exploring. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a quiet Gozo village or diving into Valletta’s history, each place adds something special to your trip.

Hope this post helped you decide where to go (and maybe gave you a few extra places to add to your list). Let me know your favourites!

Map of Towns in Malta 🗺️

Here’s a handy Google Map showing the towns mentioned above. Click the star to save it to your own Google account and use it to help plan your route around the island.

Related Reading 📚

🏨 Where to Stay in Malta: The 7 Best Areas & Hotels in Malta
🏜️ Perfect Things to do in Valletta, Malta.
🌍 Things to Do in Malta: Ancient Temples, Island Escapes & Mediterranean Magic.
🌍 Complete Malta Travel Guide.
😋 Food in Malta: 14 Traditional Dishes & Drinks You Need to Try.

Pinterest Pin: Towns in Malta 📌

If you found this guide helpful, save it to your Malta Pinterest board for easy reference!

The Best Towns in Malta – A travel guide from Hazel’s Travels featuring stunning coastal views, colourful harbours, historic streets, and Mediterranean charm. Discover where to stay and explore in Malta with beautiful imagery and tips for planning your trip.

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