Best Areas to Stay in Malta: Where Should You Base Yourself?

Choosing where to stay in Malta can be tricky. The island might be small, but your experience can be quite different depending on where you base yourself.

Do you want to walk out the door into the historic streets of Valletta? Stay close to restaurants and transport in Sliema or Il-Gżira? Be near the beaches in Mellieħa? Or slow things down with a few nights on Gozo?

I stayed in Il-Gżira, which worked really well for me. It was more affordable than some of Malta’s better-known areas, I had plenty of restaurants nearby, and getting around by bus and ferry was easy. But it won’t be the best choice for everyone.

In this guide, I’ll run through the best areas to stay in Malta, who each one suits, and the pros and cons to consider before you book.

Just starting to plan your trip? Take a look at my Malta travel guide and read my things to know before you go to Malta.

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Just starting to plan your trip to Malta? Take a look at this guide to cover the basics and learn all the things you need to know before you go.

Quick Guide: Where to Stay in Malta

Area	Best for	Keep in mind
Il-Gżira	Value & getting around	Less atmospheric than Valletta
Valletta	History, sightseeing & short stays	Accommodation can be expensive
The Three Cities	History, waterfront & a quieter stay	Fewer accommodation choices
Sliema	Restaurants, shopping & transport	Busy and built-up
St Julian’s	Restaurants, resorts & nightlife	Paceville can be noisy
Mellieħa	Beaches & a slower holiday	Further from Valletta
Gozo	Scenery, outdoors & relaxing	Better as part of a split stay
Mdina & Rabat	History & atmosphere	Less convenient as an all-purpose base

My pick for a first visit: If you want a convenient base without paying Valletta prices, I found Il-Gżira a great compromise. Sliema is another good option if you want more happening right outside your door.

Il-Gżira: For Value and Convenience

While this might be an unusual choice, I’ve put it at the top because this is where I chose to stay.

Il-Gżira might not be the first place that comes to mind when deciding where to stay in Malta, but it’s where I chose to stay – and I’d happily choose it again.

I found accommodation here more affordable than in nearby Sliema or Valletta without feeling like I was staying out of the way.

Il-Gżira sits alongside Sliema, with a long waterfront promenade overlooking Manoel Island. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and shops around, and I found it easy to explore Malta from here using public transport.

We stayed at Alavits Hotel by ST Hotels, which has a rooftop pool with great views across the surrounding area. Read my full review of Alavits Hotel by ST Hotels here.

Where to Stay in Il-Gżira

Higher-end: 115 The Strand Hotel and Suites – A waterfront hotel with rooms and apartments and a rooftop area overlooking Marsamxett Harbour.

Mid-range: Alavits Hotel by ST Hotels – This is where I stayed. The location worked particularly well for exploring Malta without a car, and the rooftop pool was a bonus.

Apartments: Blubay Apartments by ST Hotels – Worth considering if you’d prefer more space or self-catering facilities.

Pros: Good value, plenty of places to eat, waterfront promenade and convenient public transport.

Cons: Less historic atmosphere than Valletta and little in the way of beaches or nightlife.

Valletta: For History, Culture and a Short Stay

If wandering out of your hotel straight into historic streets sounds like your kind of trip, Valletta is hard to beat.

Malta’s compact capital is a UNESCO World Heritage city packed with historic buildings, museums, churches, restaurants and bars.

Many major attractions are within walking distance, including St John’s Co-Cathedral.

It’s particularly appealing for a short stay when you want to spend your time sightseeing rather than travelling back and forth to your accommodation.

You don’t need a car either. Valletta is Malta’s main public transport hub, with buses leaving from outside the city walls and ferries connecting the city with Sliema and the Three Cities.

Where to Stay in Valletta

Luxury: The Phoenicia Malta – A five-star hotel just outside Valletta’s city walls, with gardens and an infinity pool.

Mid-range: Palazzo Paolina Boutique Hotel – A boutique hotel right in Valletta, within walking distance of the major sights.

More affordable: Luciano Valletta Boutique – A simpler option for staying in the historic centre without choosing one of Valletta’s luxury hotels.

Pros: Fantastic for sightseeing, very walkable, lots of restaurants and excellent transport connections.

Cons: Accommodation can be expensive, there are plenty of hills and steps, and it’s not ideal if beaches are your priority.s, and accommodation is often limited to boutique hotels and guesthouses.

The Three Cities: For Waterfront History

If you love the history of Valletta but would prefer somewhere quieter, consider staying across the Grand Harbour in the Three Cities – Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea and Cospicua.

Of the three, Birgu is particularly appealing, with narrow historic streets, a marina and waterfront restaurants.

Valletta is just across the harbour, with ferry connections making it easy to visit the capital.

Accommodation here tends towards boutique hotels, guesthouses and apartments rather than large resorts.

Where to Stay in the Three Cities

Luxury: Cugó Gran Macina – A five-star boutique hotel in a historic building on the Senglea waterfront, with just 21 suites and a rooftop pool.

Boutique: Casa Birmula Boutique Hotel – A family-run hotel in a restored 400-year-old building in Cospicua, just a short walk from the ferry to Valletta.

Pros: Historic surroundings, Grand Harbour views and quieter than Valletta.

Cons: Fewer accommodation and dining choices and limited nightlife.

Sliema: For Convenience, Restaurants and Shopping

Sliema is one of Malta’s most popular places to stay, with a huge choice of accommodation, restaurants and shops, a long waterfront promenade and excellent transport connections.

It’s particularly convenient if you’re visiting Malta without a car. Ferries cross to Valletta and buses connect Sliema with many other parts of the island. You can read more in my guide to getting around Malta without a car.

For Maltese food, Ta’ Kris is one of my favourite places to recommend. I ate there during my trip and it’s a good place to try some of the dishes in my guide to Maltese food.

Sliema is very built-up, though. If you’re imagining quiet cobbled streets, traditional villages or a beach resort, this probably isn’t the base you’re picturing.

Where to Stay in Sliema

Higher-end: AX The Palace – A five-star hotel with a rooftop infinity pool, spa and central Sliema location.

Mid-range: 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa – A modern hotel with spa facilities and access to a seasonal beach club.

More affordable: The Howard Hotel – A simpler option within walking distance of Sliema’s waterfront, restaurants and shops.

Pros: Excellent choice of restaurants and accommodation, good public transport and easy ferry access to Valletta.

Cons: Busy and heavily developed, particularly during peak season.

St Julian’s: For Restaurants, Resorts and Nightlife

St Julian’s is a good choice if you want restaurants, bars and entertainment close to your accommodation, along with some of Malta’s larger resort-style hotels.

The area includes Spinola Bay and Balluta Bay as well as Paceville, Malta’s main nightlife district. That means exactly where you stay matters.

If clubs and late nights are part of your plans, Paceville puts you right in the action.

Otherwise, look towards Spinola Bay or Balluta Bay for easy access to St Julian’s without deliberately putting yourself amongst the busiest nightlife.

Where to Stay in St Julian’s

Luxury: Hilton Malta – A large five-star hotel at Portomaso Marina with several pools, restaurants and spa facilities.

Mid-range: The Londoner Hotel St Julian’s – A modern hotel close to the restaurants, bars and entertainment around Paceville.

Budget: Follow the Sun Boutique Hostel – Formerly known as Inhawi Hostel, this budget option has a pool and is close to Balluta Bay.

Pros: Huge choice of restaurants and bars, plenty happening in the evening and a good selection of larger hotels.

Cons: Paceville can be busy and noisy late into the night, so check your hotel’s exact location before booking.

Mellieħa: For Beaches and a Slower Stay

If beaches are high on your Malta wish list, Mellieħa is one of the best areas to consider.

Located in the north of the island, it has a very different feel from the busy urban stretch around Valletta, Sliema and St Julian’s.

The big attraction is Mellieħa Bay, also known as Għadira Bay, Malta’s largest sandy beach. You’ll also be well placed for exploring northern Malta and travelling towards Comino and Gozo.

Families may particularly like Mellieħa because of the beach and nearby Popeye Village, but it also suits couples and anyone looking for a quieter base near the sea.

One thing to be aware of is the terrain. Mellieħa village sits above the bay, so check exactly where your accommodation is if walking to the beach is important.

Where to Stay in Mellieħa

Higher-end: Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa – A four-star hotel in Mellieħa village with indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and rooftop pool with views towards the coast.

Mid-range: Luna Holiday Complex – An apartment-style option between Mellieħa village and the bay, with self-catering facilities.

More affordable: Hotel VIU57 – A modern hotel with views towards the coast.

Pros: Easy access to Mellieħa Bay, relaxed atmosphere and convenient for exploring northern Malta.

Cons: Further from Valletta and many major sights, and the hills can make walking more challenging than the map suggests.

Gozo: For a Slower Island Stay

If you have enough time, spending a few nights on Gozo gives you a very different experience from staying on Malta itself.

Malta’s smaller sister island has a slower pace, with villages, countryside, coastal walks, swimming spots and historic sites. It’s particularly appealing if you enjoy hiking, diving or simply want a few quieter days.

I visited Gozo as a day trip from Malta, but staying overnight would give you much more time to explore.

For a longer Malta trip, I’d consider splitting your stay, spending some nights on Malta and a few on Gozo rather than using Gozo as your only base.

Where you stay matters too. Victoria is convenient for buses, Marsalforn and Xlendi put you by the water, while Gozo’s villages offer a quieter experience.

Where to Stay on Gozo

Luxury: Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz – A five-star resort outside San Lawrenz in western Gozo, with extensive gardens, pools and spa facilities.

Mid-range: The Segond Hotel – A modern hotel in Xagħra, close to the Ġgantija Temples, with a rooftop pool.

Budget: Santa Martha Hostel – A simple budget option in Marsalforn.

Pros: Slower pace, beautiful countryside and coastline, and excellent for walking, swimming and diving.

Cons: Less convenient if most of the places you want to visit are on Malta.

Mdina and Rabat: For History and Atmosphere

f you love historic towns and would rather have atmosphere than nightlife on your doorstep, Mdina and neighbouring Rabat are worth considering.

Mdina, Malta’s famous “Silent City”, is one of the island’s highlights. Staying nearby lets you experience its historic streets early in the morning and in the evening when many day visitors have gone.

Rabat sits immediately outside Mdina’s walls and offers more accommodation and dining choices while still putting you within walking distance.

For most first-time visitors, I wouldn’t choose Mdina or Rabat as the most convenient base for an entire trip. But for a longer stay, or if you value peace and history over nightlife and beaches, it’s an interesting option.

Where to Stay in Mdina and Rabat

Luxury: The Xara Palace Relais & Châteaux – A boutique hotel in a 17th-century palazzo inside Mdina’s walls.

Mid-range: Point de Vue Guesthouse – Located in Rabat just outside Mdina, giving you easy walking access to the Silent City.

Pros: Historic atmosphere, quiet evenings and a chance to experience Mdina outside its busiest hours.

Cons: Less convenient as an all-purpose sightseeing base, with fewer evening options and no easy beach access.

What Is the Best Area to Stay in Malta?

There isn’t one best area to stay in Malta – it depends on the kind of trip you’re planning.

For my trip, Il-Gżira worked really well. I had restaurants nearby, good public transport and easy access to Valletta and Sliema, while paying less for accommodation than I would have in some of the more popular areas. I’d happily stay there again.

For history and atmosphere, look at Valletta, the Three Cities or Mdina and Rabat. For restaurants, shops and easy transport, Sliema is a convenient choice, while St Julian’s suits travellers who want resorts and nightlife nearby.

If beaches and relaxing are the priority, Mellieħa makes more sense. And if you have enough time, consider splitting your trip and spending a few nights on Gozo.

Whichever area you choose, check its exact location before booking. Malta is small, but hills, traffic and public transport can make somewhere that looks close on a map take longer to reach than you expect.

For me, location wins over luxury every time. I’d rather stay somewhere that makes it easy to do the things I’ve come to Malta to do – and have a little more money left over for everything else.