Malta is a beautiful island archipelago steeped in 7,000 years of history, with jaw-dropping forts and palaces, endless sunny days, and a fascinating cultural mix born of its Arabic and European heritage.

With so much to see and do, deciding where and how to spend your often limited time can be tricky.

We’re here to make your job easier, breaking down the best areas to visit, the top sights to see, and the best places to lay your head after a day full of Maltese adventures.

So, let your journey around Malta begin, with our comprehensive guide to this spectacular island.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in Malta

• Where to stay in Malta for the first time? Valletta 
• Best neighborhood in Malta for families? Mellieha
• Where to stay in Malta to escape? Comino Island
• Where to stay in Malta to live like a local? Gozo
• Where to stay in Malta for solo travelers? Sliema
• Where to stay in Malta for nightlife? St Julian’s
• Where to stay in Malta for history? The Three Cities

Where to stay in Malta

Looking for the very best accommodation in Malta to suit every budget? Look no further! Here are our top recommendations for the best places to stay.

 

Neighborhood #1 – Valletta

Where to Stay in Malta for the first time visitor!

• Coolest thing to do in Valletta – Valletta Harbour – See the city from the water on a Grand Harbour Cruise. Cruise the calm waters taking in the city’s history and beautiful architecture.
• Best place to visit in Valletta – Floriana district – Hang out at Valletta Waterfront and people watch while chowing down on fantastic food.

Valletta is Malta’s stunning ‘Fortress City,’ a thriving World Heritage listed city with a fascinating history and modern heart. Built upon Mount Sceberras – a peninsula rising between two sheltered harbors – Valletta is one of the oldest cities in the Mediterranean, dating back to 1566. Built entirely by hand, it took just 15 years to complete, and its beautiful forts and bastions still stand tall today. A labyrinth of narrow streets, the city is full of cute cafes, excellent shopping and some of Europe’s most beautiful churches and palaces.

St John’s Cathedral is one of the city’s main attractions and for good reason; this Baroque masterpiece is a beauty and regarded as one of the most stunning cathedrals in the World. Easily explored on foot, the city is the perfect starting point on any trip through Malta. It’s also the ideal place to learn about Maltese culture and history and sample some of the best food and wine on the island in one of the many restaurants and wine bars. Valletta is not to be missed!

• Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens – Public gardens boasting impressive views of the Grand Harbour with the stunning cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua as a backdrop. Enjoy the sights and relax with a coffee.
• Fort St Elmo & the Malta War Museum – An imposing waterfront fort with an attached museum housing items dating back to prehistoric times.
• Grand Master’s Palace – A 16th-century palace that was once the residence of the Grand Masters of the Knights of St John. A beautiful palace well worth exploring.
• MUŻA – This amazing museum combines historical maps and paintings with modern day community art and storytelling.

Where to Stay in Valletta

Best Budget Hotel in Valletta

Valletta Lucente Guest House

This traditional 3-star hotel provides guests with an authentic experience in Malta at budget-friendly prices. Valletta Lucente Guest House also has a fantastic location nearby some of Valletta’s top attractions including the Valletta Waterfront, The University of Malta, and Upper Barrakka Gardens.

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Malta is incredible! There are tons of things to do there!

Best Mid-range Hotel in Valletta

La Falconeria Hotel

With over 1,000 superb reviews on booking.com and reasonable prices for a luxurious hotel, La Falconeria Hotel had to make our top pick for the best mid-range option in the capital. All the rooms at the hotel are elegantly decorated and are equipped with air conditioning and boutique en-suites, ensuring a super comfortable stay.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Valletta

The Phoenicia Malta

The list of incredible amenities is endless at the 5-star Phoenicia Malta Hotel. The sleek and modern hotel offers a relaxing spa and gym area, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, an iconic Palm Court Lounge, a chic bar area, and 2 Michelin-star-worthy restaurants.

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Neighborhood #2 – Mellieha

Where to stay in Malta for families!

• Coolest thing to do – by the sea – Hit the beach at Mellieha Bay, the largest sandy beach in Malta.
• Best place to visit –  Triq Tad-Dahar – Take in the stunning views from the Red Tower, originally built as a watchtower but now a top sight popular with kids and adults alike.

When it comes to keeping the kids happy there are few places better than a wide, sandy beach. Mellieha is a pretty, quiet village located in the north of Malta. Overlooking Mellieha Bay – the biggest sandy beach in Malta – Mellieha is justifiably one of the most popular spots in Malta for families and travelers looking for a more quiet, relaxing scene. This picturesque village still retains its traditional charm and way of life and is a fantastic place to visit to get a feel for authentic Maltese life away from the crowds.

Surrounded by lush green valleys, the views from here are stunning. It’s just a 10-minute drive down to the waterfront where you can catch ferries to Gozo and Comino. But the beach is the biggest draw, with its 800m of Blue Flag approved sand and sea – perfect for families wanting a tranquil beach holiday in a peaceful part of the island.

• Parish Church of Mellieha – A 19th-century Baroque church built from local stone, this stunning church also boasts five paintings by famous Maltese artist Giuseppe Cali.
• The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha –  A tiny monastery dating back to the 16th-century, its crypt is carved out of one of the many natural caves found in this part of Malta. It’s said to have been visited by St Luke and St Paul when they were shipwrecked here.
• Popeye Village – An actual film set used in the Popeye movie starring Robin Williams back in the ’80s, it’s now an entertainment park and a fantastic place for kids. There’s an excellent onsite restaurant and shows throughout the day.

Where to stay in Mellieha

Best Budget Hotel in Mellieha

Pergola Hotel and Spa

This comfortable, good value option has great views of the bay and is just a short walk from the village of Mellieha. There’s an excellent children’s play area, two pools and a spa for weary adults. Kick back with a drink and enjoy live music nightly in the bar.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Mellieha

Hotel VIU57

Hotel VIU57 is a gorgeously modern hotel in Mellieha that offers some fantastic facilities including a shared lounge, terrace, and a restaurant and bar area. The hotel also features a glistening outdoor swimming pool that is perfect for escaping from the beaming Maltese sun.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Mellieha

Mellieha Holiday Centre

In a gorgeous location overlooking the beach, this luxurious option has several restaurants, a rooftop terrace, and private two bedroom bungalows, each with its own courtyard. There is a kids’ playground, a tennis court, and a mini-golf course to keep everyone happy.

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Neighborhood #3 – Comino Island

Where to stay in Malta to escape!

• Coolest thing to do – off the west coast  – Take a dip at Comino’s top draw, the Blue Lagoon. The island’s only sandy beach is small but perfectly formed.
• Best place to visit – northwest coast – Hike to San Niklaw Bay, an idyllic spot located down the coast with gorgeous views and a tranquil vibe.

Malta’s tiniest inhabited island, beautiful Comino is the place to come to truly escape the crowds and feel like you’ve washed up on a deserted island. Sparsely populated and with most visitors just staying for the day, hanging out in Comino means peace, quiet, and plenty of time to snooze and explore in equal measure. Although arid, the island is surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Today, there are just three permanent residents on the island, which is actually quite a lot, given that the island was abandoned entirely in the past. The whole island is just 3.5km square with a wild feel. Designated a nature reserve and bird sanctuary, Comino is perfect for easy hikes, with spectacular views from the sheer cliffs.

• Blue Lagoon – The biggest attraction on the island – and one of only two tiny beaches – the beautiful clear waters of the Blue Lagoon are not to be missed. Hang out on the beach, chow down on tasty seafood and cool off with a swim in those turquoise waters. Get there early to avoid the day trippers.
• Santa Marija Bay – An idyllic, peaceful beach located just down the coast, this is an easy day hike with great views. The island is so quiet you’re unlikely to encounter anyone else along the way. Take a picnic and make a day of it.

Where to stay near Comino Island

Best Budget Hotel near Comino Island

Quaint Boutique Hotel Nadur

This budget-friendly yet boutique hotel offers a range of room options, making it great for all types of travelers, including comfort rooms, deluxe rooms, deluxe duplex rooms, and superior rooms. It also has a great location in the beautiful main square of the village of Nadur, which is just a short distance from Comino Island.

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Best Mid-range Hotel near Comino Island

Paradise Bay Resort

Paradise Bay Resort is a beautiful resort-style hotel situated in Mellieha, which is just a short ferry ride from Comino Island. The hotel offers all the facilities you would expect from a 4-star resort hotel including 3 outdoor pools, spacious sunbathing terraces, and a grand lobby area.

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Best Luxury Hotel near Comino Island

Grand Hotel Gozo

Ideally situated just above the harbor, where regular ferries take visitors over to Comino, this gorgeous hotel on nearby Gozo is a top choice for folks with bigger budgets. There’s an excellent restaurant, a spa, and even a cinema to keep you entertained after a day exploring deserted Comino. You can also organize diving excursions from here.

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Neighborhood #4 – Gozo

Where to stay in Malta like a local!

• Coolest thing to do – Xagħra plateau – Visit the Neolithic temple complex at Ġgantija Temples; this site of an ancient fertility cult is older than the pyramids of Egypt.
• Best place to visit – Victoria – Grab a bite to eat at the Black Cat Cafe. Their Insta-worthy, super healthy food is a feast for the eyes and mouth.

Gozo is Malta’s sweet, laid back little sister island, with a younger crowd and stunning sights. Home to the second oldest man-made buildings on earth – the Ġgantija Temples – as well as an eerie inland ‘sea’ and a ton of restaurants and bars serving up fresh local seafood and mouthwatering cocktails, Gozo has something for everyone. Legend has it that Gozo was once the home of the mythological nymph, Calypso, from Homer’s Odyssey. She trapped Ulysses here in a cave for seven years before releasing him to resume his epic journey.

Her cave was located on the island and, up until recently, visitors could even look inside. The island’s more recent claim to fame, however, is as the backdrop to scenes in the first series of Game of Thrones. It’s easy to see why Gozo was the perfect spot to conjure up such a mythical land – unchanged and beautiful; this is Malta at its most pristine.

• The inland sea at Dwejra – on the West coast, you’ll find a small bay surrounded by soaring cliffs, known locally as the ‘inland sea.’ Home to abundant sea life, the bay is a favorite spot with snorkellers.
• Grab a cocktail and enjoy some live music at Zeppi’s pub, a legendary spot for live music, dancing and drinks. Head over to Qala and drop in on one of Zeppi’s jamming sessions – it’ll be a night to remember.
• Live like a local – numerous eco-tours offer the chance to visit the homes of local Gozitans and live their way of life for a day — a unique experience where you’ll learn how they prepare and cook food, amongst other things.

Where to stay in Gozo

Best Budget Hotel in Gozo

B&B La Fenice by Gian Carlo

Set in the heart of Victoria, this great value choice boasts incredible views from its huge terrace, top Italian breakfasts courtesy of the Italian owner, and air-conditioned rooms. There is also a shared lounge where you can hang out with other guests.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Gozo

Cesca’s Boutique Hotel

One of the best features of this boutique hotel is its stunning outdoor pool area that glistens in the Maltese Sun and overlooks the beautiful Gozo countryside. The hotel also features a chic bar, a sociable shared lounge area, and air-conditioned rooms.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Gozo

The Duke Boutique Hotel

Feel like you’re hanging out in Westeros itself at this gorgeous hotel in the center of Victoria. Luxurious beds, free slippers and robes and an onsite restaurant serving fantastic food on the roof terrace make this place a top choice for a splurge.

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Neighborhood #5 – Sliema

Where to stay in Malta for solo travelers!

• Coolest thing to do – Font Ghadir – Swim in ‘Roman Baths.’ These awesome rock cut ocean pools are known as Roman Baths, but were more likely built during Victorian times.
• Best place to visit – Manoel Island. The beautiful star-shaped fort here was recently used as a Game of Thrones backdrop.

Sliema is the perfect combination of fascinating sights, hip nightlife, and beautiful, rocky beaches. Smaller than nearby Valletta, Sliema is a sociable town, making it easy to meet other travelers and with so much to see and do, it’s the best place on the island to travel solo. Just down the coast from St Julian’s – Malta’s party central – the pace in Sliema is slower, but there’s still plenty going on to keep you busy.

A great place for an evening stroll is the beach boardwalk, which throngs with local Maltese out for a walk come sundown. Theatres, art galleries, and atmospheric backstreets are ripe for exploration by day, then head out and enjoy live music in one of the bars by night. It’s a place you can happily lose yourself in for a few days.

• Christine X Art Gallery – This cool little spot showcases local and foreign emerging artists. Expect weird and wonderful abstract works alongside local landscapes and sculptures. There are also temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
• Salesian Theatre – Dating back a century, this gorgeous theatre hosts eclectic events, with anything from classical and contemporary music and plays to art exhibitions. Its beautiful interior also features a huge wall painting by famous Maltese painter Giuseppe Cali.
• Explore hidden back streets – Make sure to look up while wandering the pretty backstreets of town. Brightly-colored balconies, pristine art-deco facades alongside cute boutiques and cafes make for a great afternoon of solo exploration.

Where to stay in Sliema

Best Budget Hotel in Sliema

LA88 Bijou Boutique

LA88 Bijour Boutique Hotel has a great location in the heart of Sliema, just a stone’s throw away from plenty of restaurants and bars. Along with this, it is just a short walk from both Qui-Si-Sana Beach and Fond Ghadir Beach.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in Sliema

The Diplomat Hotel

We absolutely love the shared facilities at the Diplomat Hotel, including a stunning rooftop swimming pool, terraces offering sea views and a rocky beach just steps away from the hotel.

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Best Luxury Hotel in Sliema

Hotel AX The Palace

This 5-star beauty has a stunning rooftop spa, infinity pool and huge rooms – each with a smart TV and minibar. The chandeliers in the lobby are a sure sign you’ve entered into the luxury realm. A gem.

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Neighborhood #6 – St Julian’s

Where to stay in Malta for nightlife!

• Coolest thing to do – Paceville district – Hit up Paceville for a night to remember (or forget!) This is St Julian’s famous hedonistic nightlife district, with countless clubs, bars, and restaurants. It may not be the classiest place, but you’re guaranteed to have a memorable night out.
• Best place to visit – San Ġiljan – Riva Reno serves up the best gelato you’ll find on the island, hands down. Reassuringly expensive.

By day St Julian’s is an unassuming little spot, with a village atmosphere and pretty seaside beaches. Balluta Bay is a good place to stroll along the promenade, stop for lunch, and people watch. Further along, Spinola Bay’s local fishermen haul in their daily catch, while high-end boutiques and shops wait patiently for you to empty your pockets over at Poromaso Bay. Located just up the coast from Valletta, St Julian’s is a little place of contrasts.

That peaceful village vibe disappears at night, when the district of Paceville comes alive with some of the biggest clubs and bars on the island, offering up eye-watering cocktails, dancing, and music until dawn. Aptly named Bar Street is lined with anything from Scandi and Irish bars to R&B clubs. St Julian’s is a place to shop and dine during the day, then party by night.

• Have brunch at Waterbiscuit – The hippest spot in town. Located on the edge of Paceville, hang out in their ultra-cool restaurant with a mimosa or two and enjoy the views. Their brioche beef burgers are guaranteed to cure any hangover.
• Swim at St George’s Bay – This cute little beach is a great spot to hang out and swim when the weather gets too hot.
• Palazzo Spinola – This stunning 17th-century Baroque palace is well worth visiting to learn more about St Julian’s history.

Where to stay in St Julian’s

Best Budget Hotel in St Julian’s

Green Grove Guesthouse

Family run, spotless and within five minutes of Paceville, the Green Grove is a budget option that doesn’t compromise on comfort. Expect air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs, a beautiful terrace, and trips on offer such as horse riding and diving.

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Best Mid-range Hotel in St Julian’s

Mercure St Julian’s Malta

Mercure St Julian’s Hotel offers a wide range of modern room options in the heart of St Julian’s. The hotel has some amazing shared facilities, including the rooftop pool on the top of the hotel that has to be one of the best in the city with it having a sleek design and an incredible view overlooking the city.

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Best Luxury Hotel in St Julian’s

Intercontinental Malta

The Intercontinental is the place to flash your cash and lap up the luxury. Just 200m from its own private section of St George’s Bay, the huge rooms have either a balcony or terrace. With a couple of pools, six restaurants, and six bars – you’re sorted.

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Neighborhood #7 – The Three Cities

Where to stay in Malta for history!

• Coolest thing to do – Senglea – Wander the streets of Senglea. Soak up the atmosphere and marvel at the beautiful Maltese balconies of this peaceful area. This is a genuine slice of Maltese life away from the tourists.
• Best place to visit – Senglea – Fort Saint Michael. Built by the Knights of Malta way back in 1565, this imposing fort is an epic reminder of Malta’s wartime past.

The Three Cities is an area comprised of the three historic neighborhoods of Birgu, Cospicua, and Senglea. Positioned just across from the Grand Harbour in Valletta, this is the place to come to feel like you’ve stepped back into a bygone age. In fact, Birgu is so ancient it even predates Valletta. With imposing forts, beautiful palaces, and churches, and peaceful backstreets barely changed by modernity, the Three Cities is a must for history buffs or anyone after a slice of traditional Malta.

What’s more, it’s built with pedestrians in mind, meaning the vast majority of areas are easy to explore on foot. Being just a short bus ride away from Valletta, you can do a quick day tour if you’re based in the city. We recommend spending longer here though, as there is so much to see.

• Fort Saint Angelo – This grand fort perched on the tip of Birgu is an imposing sight. Walk along its high fortress walls and get awesome views of the Three Cities and across to Valletta. Learn more in the onsite museum and watch out for the ghost of the Grey Lady, murdered inside its walls.
• Inquisitor’s Palace – While we all know the Spanish Inquisition, few folks know the Maltese also got in on the act. The Maltese Inquisition took place in this stunning palace in Birgu for two centuries. The excellent museum details the cruel punishments inflicted on heretics back in the day.
• Vittoriosa Yacht Marina – Enjoy a sunset drink at this plush marina in the heart of the Three Cities and grab dinner later at Don Berto’s.

Where to stay in the Three Cities

Best Budget Hotel in the Three Cities

Tano’s Boutique Guesthouse

Cheerful Tano’s is just a 10-minute walk from the ferry port and a quick ride over to the Three Cities. The shared terrace is a nice hang-out area, and the tasty continental breakfast is included in your room rate. They’ll even serve it to your room!

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Best Mid-range Hotel in the Three Cities

Domus Zamittello

Domus Zamittello offers luxury accommodation at mid-range prices inside a beautifully renovated 17th-century palazzo in the Three Cities. The hotel has a sought-after location with plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby and is a short walk to top sites such as the Upper Barrakka Gardens and Manoel Theatre.

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Best Luxury Hotel in the Three Cities

The Vincent Hotel

This beautifully restored hotel in the heart of town has exposed brick walls and plenty of character. Rooms are set around a peaceful central courtyard. This is laid back luxury at its finest.

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Conclusion

Malta is a true Mediterranean gem. It’s one of only a handful of islands in this part of the world that still retains a unique authenticity. Once a staple for elderly sun seekers, today this vibrant, historical, otherworldly archipelago is truly coming into its own – and with so much to see and do its popularity can only skyrocket. Get yourself on the next flight and explore this beautiful archipelago.

Editor’s Note – No matter where you are traveling, you NEED to have great travel insurance. We have personally tested TONS of travel insurance companies, and can say without a doubt that World Nomads is the absolute best (and most affordable!). Fill out this form to get a quote for your trip to Malta !

 

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