Where To Stay in Malta: Best Areas For Every Budget

Travel
Written By Kessler

Malta is a small island with many villages to choose from when booking your stay. You can stay in the capital city of Valletta, the historic walled city of Mdina (where Game of Thrones was filmed!), or the party village of St. Julian’s where there is a lively nightclub scene.

Picking the right village to stay in during your trip to Malta will completely depend on your preferences.

  • Want something with a nice proximity to the sandy beaches? Then Mellieha is your best option!

  • Looking for gorgeous sea views and a city skyline? Then Sliema might be the place for you.

  • Interested in a local feel with seaside restaurants? Check out the fishing village of Marsaxlokk!

There are many villages throughout Malta and this guide will walk you through the best places for every budget. If you’ve been searching for where to stay in Malta, look no further!

 
Where To Stay in Malta: Guide to Best Areas For Every Budget
 

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Know Before You Book

Price varies by season: The cost per night can vary greatly for some places depending on the time of year you plan to visit. If you visit in the off-season, prices may be 50% less than during the summer months. If you want to save, visit in April/May or September/October.

Included amenities: All accommodations on this list have A/C, which is extremely important during summer when temperatures are highest. The majority of the apartments have full kitchens and washing machines, and many also have dishwashers.

Guest house: You will see the term “guest house” used for some of the apartments in this post. In the U.S., I usually hear “guest house” when referring to a small apartment either attached to a large house or on the property of a large house. In Malta, “guest house” refers to an apartment that is set up for short-term vacation rentals.

To rent a car or not: I opted to not rent a car during my visit due to the wild Maltese drivers and the fact they drive on the opposite side of the road than I am used to.

If you are not planning to rent a car, I recommend staying in an area that is somewhat centrally located and has access to public transport: Valletta or Sliema are my top recommendations.

Best Overall Places to Stay in Malta

These are my recommendations for each village based on location, design, and reviews. There are many more recommendations throughout the post for each village with an overview of the area and what it offers.

The accommodations below are quick links if you just want to book something right away without reading the full post (though I highly recommend you read it before booking!).

Where to Stay in Valletta - The Capital of Malta

Valetta is the capital of Malta and has been since 1571. The airport is not too far away, located south of Valletta in Luqa.

The city is lively and has many shops, restaurants, and cafes throughout the streets. In the center of the city, there is a pedestrian-only zone, which makes it very walkable. If you don’t plan to rent a car in Malta, Valletta is probably the best place to stay without a car since it has access to buses, taxis, and ferries that can take you around the island.

I stayed in Valletta when I visited and enjoyed its proximity to some of the main attractions. It was also easy to get a Bolt (rideshare in Europe) from Valletta to anywhere on the island.

We took the ferry that goes from Valletta to Sliema and back, and a traditional Maltese boat from the other side of Valletta to the Three Cities and back. You can even take a ferry from Valletta all the way to Gozo, one of Malta’s other islands!

There is some nightlife here, so bring earplugs if you go to bed early — some streets are louder than others. We stayed on a busy street that had cars and people throughout the day and until 10 or 11pm each night. My earplugs completely blocked out the noise and it wasn’t an issue at all!

Overall, Valletta is one of my top picks for the best places to stay in Malta.

Things to Do in Valletta

  • Explore the Lower and Upper Barrakka Gardens

  • Walk through the pedestrian-only city center

  • Visit the Malta Museum of Fine Arts

Luxury

  • Iniala Harbour House: 5-star hotel with suites that have private pools and views of the harbor.

  • The Phoenicia Malta: 5-star hotel with a breakfast buffet at the on-site restaurant, infinity pool, and Mediterranean tiled floors.

  • Rosselli AX Privilege: 5-star hotel located in a gorgeous 17th-century building with an on-site Michelin Star-rated restaurant.

Mid-range

Budget

Where to Stay in Mdina and Rabat - Best For Game of Thrones Fans

A must-see city in Malta is Mdina! Every local we talked to recommended we visit and I’m so glad we did. Mdina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is fully walled with quaint, narrow streets.

It’s known for being the front gates to King’s Landing in season one of Game of Thrones. This city feels frozen in time with the historic buildings and streets throughout the city. It is easy to spend hours walking through the winding streets since cars are not allowed within the walls.

Mdina has very few accommodations, so you will want to book as early as possible before they get booked up. Given the low amount of accommodations, all of them are near the luxury end of pricing.

Right next to Mdina is Rabat, another lovely city that has a couple of Game of Thrones filming locations hidden within it. If you’re not able to get accommodations within Mdina’s walls, Rabat is close enough to Mdina that you can easily walk there.

Mdina and Rabat are located within the center of the island without access to ferries. You will need to drive, get a rideshare or taxi, or take public transport to get around the island.

Things to Do in Mdina and Rabat

  • Walk through the pedestrian-only city of Mdina

  • Museum of Natural History Mdina

  • St. Dominics Priory, Rabat (The Red Keep in Game of Thrones S1)

Luxury

  • Palazzo 16th Century Mdina: Typically booked out almost a year in advance; eco-friendly, four-bedroom apartment located across from St. Paul’s Cathedral with two bathrooms and a washing machine. 

  • Palazzo del Prelato (Mdina): Sustainable villa with a terrace, garden views, and FIVE bedrooms! It even has a dressing room, fireplace, and soundproofing for a quiet stay.

  • Palazzo Bifora (Mdina): 5-star hotel with a pool, daily breakfast, and an on-site restaurant and bar.

  • The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux (Mdina): A 5-star boutique hotel in a 17th-century palace with incredible views, luxurious decor and furniture, and delicious food.

  • St. Agatha's Bastion (Mdina): Three-bedroom home with three bathrooms, a bidet, views of the roof-top pool, and an outdoor dining area.

Mid-range

  • Historical Mdina Gem, Lux HOME with Rooftop Pool (Mdina): Stunning two-bedroom home with a private rooftop pool and sun terrace.

  • Maleth Inn (Rabat): Authentic Maltese townhouse transformed into separate apartments —most have balconies. Just a 5-minute walk from Mdina!

  • Villa Vittoria (Rabat): Quiet, sustainable apartments with courtyard views, balconies, and breakfast. Connected to a coffee shop, near a bus stop, and a short walk to Mdina. There is also nearby public parking if you rent a car!

  • Casa Azzopardi Guesthouse (Rabat): Apartments in a historic building with a balcony. Nearby Mdina, restaurants, and includes airport transfers.

Budget

  • Domus Boutique Hotel (Rabat): Located just outside of Mdina with gorgeous rooms and a private hot tub on the terraces.

  • 100 Boutique Living (Rabat): Sustainable apartments with city views, a pool, on-site parking, included breakfast, and an on-site coffee shop.

Where to Stay in Sliema - Best for Views of the Sea

Sliema is across the Marsamxett Harbor from Valletta and offers incredible views of the Valletta skyline. It has more of a modern city feel compared to some of the other historic, traditional areas in Malta. You’ll find tall apartment buildings (some of the tallest in the country) and upscale hotels and restaurants in Sliema.

Its proximity to the airport, ferries, and public transport makes this a great area to stay in Malta without a car. There is no shortage of restaurants, bars, and cafes here, many with beautiful views of the harbor and Valletta.

We had dinner at Chophouse right on the water and it was lovely! Sliema is a great spot if you enjoy fine dining. It is also known for Tigné Point, a picturesque peninsula with lovely spots to watch Valletta’s buildings glow as the sun goes down.

Things to Do in Sliema

  • Watch the sunset at Tigné Point

  • Have a fancy dinner at Chophouse

  • View the locks at Tigne Pedestrian Bridge

Luxury

Mid-range

  • Land's End, Boutique Hotel: Modern 4-star boutique hotel with an on-site restaurant and bar, sauna, and sea views.

  • Amery House: Boutique hotel with beautiful modern rooms in a quieter area of Sliema located near great restaurants.

  • D Townhouse Boutique Suites: Simple suites in a boutique hotel with terraces, located a few minutes walk from the ferries.

Budget

  • The Howard Hotel: 3-star hotel located about 5 minutes walking distance from Exiles Beach.

  • Lady Todd: 3-star hotel with beautiful city views set back from the main, busy area but still close to plenty of restaurants, bars, and Sliema ferries.

  • Encanto Townhouse Sliema: Newly renovated home-turned-apartments with balconies in some apartments, included breakfast (for most bookings), and walking distance to bus stops and ferries.

Where to Stay in Three Cities - Malta’s Original Capital

Malta’s first capital was Vittriosa (also known as Birgu in Maltese), one of the Three Cities across the Grand Harbor from Valletta. The Three Cities consist of Vittriosa (Birgu), Senglea (Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla).

While the Three Cities are beautiful and rich with history and culture, they are much further away from the rest of Malta, aside from a 5-minute boat ride to reach Valletta. If you plan to explore the whole island, you will either need to rent a car or take a boat/ferry to Valletta to reach other ferry lines and public transport.

The Three Cities were built long before Valletta, Malta’s current capital city, and have historic churches and forts you can still visit today.

Things to Do in Three Cities

Luxury

  • Penthouse Retreat (Copiscua): One-bedroom apartment with a terrace that has a dining area, sea views, and a private hot tub. This is the nicest accommodation in the Three Cities! Perfect for couples looking for a romantic getaway.

  • No18 Cospicua (Cospicua): Large four-bedroom/three-bathroom home with an outdoor dining area on a terrace and sea views; located within walking distance to the waterfront.

  • The 3Cities Auberge (Copiscua): Romantic Maltese house that was recently restored and includes underfloor heating, three terraces, and views of Valetta and the Grand Harbor.

Mid-range

  • Ta' Wenzu (Birgu): One-bedroom apartment with a traditional Maltese balcony; walking distance to the marina where you can catch boats and ferries.

  • Amelia's House of Character (Cospicua): Large traditional Maltese two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with stone walls and tile floor within walking distance to the waterfront. On the same street as No18 Cospicua!

  • Unique 400-year-old Maltese home (Birgu): One-bedroom home with a balcony that, as the title suggests, is a 400-year-old traditional Maltese home located near restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Budget

  • Corto Maltese Guest House (Cospicua): Small, boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and home-cooked breakfast each morning. There is also an on-site family restaurant open for brunch, lunch, and dinner.

  • Three Cities Guest House (Cospicua): Simple, small hotel with cozy rooms — some with balconies!

Where to Stay in Marsaxlokk - Colorful Seaside Fishing Town With Markets

The seaside town of Marsaxlokk (pronounced Mar-sash-lock) is a quaint fishing village in the southern part of the island. It’s known for the colorful Luzzo boats that are often parked in the harbor and the famous Saturday fish market.

Marsaxlokk is a popular area and has a bustling harbor with seaside restaurants, cafes, a daily tourist market, and the Sunday fish market. It’s a smaller village and has a very local feel to it, despite drawing crowds to its markets.

I really enjoyed visiting Marsaxlokk and walking along the promenade to look at all the boats! They all have their own names, usually painted on the side, and you can watch local fishermen docking or leaving.

For an even more local, small village feel that is less visited than Marsaxlokk, check out Marsaskala! We didn’t get a chance to visit during our trip, but I’ve read it is similar to Marsaxlokk with fewer tourists.

Things to Do in Marsaxlokk

  • Jump into the sea at St. Peter’s Pool

  • Buy fresh food at the Sunday fish market

  • Admire the colorful boats in the harbor

Luxury

  • Seagull Penthouse Marsaxlokk: Stunning four-bedroom apartment with views of Marsaxlokk Harbor, a hot tub on the terrace, and a short walk to restaurants and cafes.

  • Deluxe Penthouse: Bright and airy environmentally friendly one-bedroom penthouse with a terrace overlooking the sea and the country.

Mid-range

  • White Pearl Apart 5: Spacious, two-bedroom apartment with sea and garden views from the terrace where you can sit and relax or have a meal.

  • 161 Marinello Apartment: Beachfront two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with a terrace and sea views located within walking distance to a bus station and the Marsaxlokk Harbor.

Budget

  • La Reggia Seaview Guesthouse: Sustainable bed and breakfast — some rooms have balconies and all have sea views. 

  • Quayside: A 19th-century building that has been restored and now offers rooms with patios and sea views. There is also free on-site parking!

  • Duncan Guesthouse: Boutique hotel with rooms of varying sizes, some with balconies and sea views (rooms with sea views are more mid-range prices). There is also a restaurant on-site and free parking.

  • The Nautical Nook: Two-bedroom apartment with a thoughtfully designed, subtle nautical theme; country views; and within walking distance to the Marsaxlokk Harbor.

Where to Stay in St. Paul’s Bay - Popular Tourist Area

The largest town in the north of Malta is St. Paul’s Bay. It’s near Mellieha and close to the Cirkewwa ferry terminal that takes you to Gozo and Comino.

St. Paul’s Bay has a large population that doubles in size during the summer months when tourists and Maltese residents flock to stay in the hotels here. It’s a touristy town with large resorts and less history/culture compared to other areas.

You’ll find plenty of hotels to choose from here, as well as many restaurants, bars, and cafes. St. Paul’s Bay also has some rocky beaches and nearby access to public transport.

St. Paul’s Bay is also relatively far from the airport (about 10 miles), so it may be ideal to book accommodation that provides airport transfers to save on rideshares and avoid a long public transport ride.

Things to Do in St. Paul’s Bay

  • Enjoy the crystal clear water at the beaches

  • Hike one of the coastal trails

  • Take a cruise on the bay

Luxury

  • Seashells Sea View Penthouse: Eco-friendly one-bedroom apartment with a large terrace that has a dining area and private hot tub. Located in a quiet area and just a 10-minute walk to the nearest beach.

  • Islet Promenade Seafront Apartment: Located on the corner, this two-bedroom apartment offers a large, wrap-around terrace with a dining area and sea views. Provides airport transfers.

  • Islet Promenade Seafront Family Apartment: This two-bedroom apartment is located in the same building as the one above. It also offers a terrace with sea views and an outdoor dining area. Provides airport transfers.

Mid-range

  • Cosy Designer Seaview Penthouse: Gorgeous, beachfront two-bedroom apartment with a terrace that has sea views, just a one-minute walk to the sea and nearby restaurants. Beautifully and thoughtfully designed. Includes free parking.

  • Seaview Hotel: Beachfront adults-only hotel (16+) with a variety of room options that vary from a side sea view (midrange) to a suite with a hot tub (luxury) to a three-room suite with sea views (luxury). Located just minutes from the nearest beach, provides breakfast, and each room has a balcony.

  • Sea Side Porto Paolo: Environmentally friendly one-bedroom apartment located in a quiet area located near the beach with side sea views.

Budget

  • Coral Reef Apartments: Modern beachfront apartments with two rooms to choose from (one bedroom and a studio) and upscale design, including marble flooring and a sleek tiled bathroom in the one-bedroom apartment.

  • The Clover: One-bedroom apartment located on the beachfront with a balcony, on-site parking, and a great location.

Where to Stay in St. Julian’s - Best For the Nightlife Scene

If you’re looking for an energetic nightlife with nightclubs and bars, St. Julian’s is the place for you. This area caters to tourists and has a large selection of hotels and restaurants in addition to nightclubs and bars.

It’s located on the east coast of Malta, just a bit north of Valletta and Sliema. The two tallest buildings in Malta can be found in St. Julian’s — the tallest being both residential living and hotel accommodations. It is also well connected to public transport and is near some other major areas.

St. Julian’s is said to have some of the best hotels on the island, but they do come at a higher price compared to other areas. Some of the major hotel chains are in St. Julian’s, so you may be able to get a 5-star stay at lower prices if you have points with Hyatt, Hilton, or Marriot.

Things to Do in St. Paul’s Bay

  • Enjoy a night out at one of the many nightclubs/bars

  • Visit Spinola Palace

  • Treat yourself to a fancy dinner at a nice restaurant

Luxury

  • Villa in St Julian's with Private Pool: Gorgeous 5-bedroom/4-bathroom villa that was recently renovated and has a private pool, large terrace, a bidet, and private parking.

  • Hilton Malta: 5-star hotel located on the seafront with incredible views of the sea, five pools throughout the property, spacious rooms, and large balconies.

  • Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa: 5-star hotel, just a few hundred feet from the nearest beach, with a wide range of amenities (pools, sauna, fitness center) and multiple on-site restaurants. It’s also within walking distance of the nightlife scene.

  • The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta: 5-star hotel overlooking the beautiful sea with a wide selection of rooms, including large suites with spa baths and sea views. There is also an on-site restaurant and a lobby bar that stays open late.

Mid-range

  • St Julians Penthouse: Spacious two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with a modern design and decor, large terrace with an outdoor dining set, and comfy seating area. Located near the nightlife and restaurants in the city center. 

  • Hyatt Regency Malta: 5-star hotel with a spa center, both indoor and outdoor pools, an on-site bar and restaurant, a sauna, and upscale rooms. Get a 5-star stay at mid-range prices (for this area). 

  • Maltese Balcony: Two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with sea views, on-site parking, and a terrace. Located within walking distance of the marina and beaches.

Budget

  • Central Suites St. Julian's: Choose from a range of suites, the studio being the most budget-friendly. These suites offer airport transfers, cozy rooms (some with a terrace), and proximity to the beach.

  • Home Sweet Home: Lovely, large one-bedroom apartment with on-site parking, proximity to the marina, and located in a quieter area just 10 minutes from the promenade.

  • Rotas B&B: Bed and breakfast with a selection of rooms, some of which have a balcony and sea views. Located in the center of St. Julian’s, close to shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Where to Stay in Mellieha - Best For Sandy Beaches

The very northern tip of Malta (the main island) is Mellieha. The town is located at the top of hills overlooking Mellieha Bay. It’s known for its sandy beaches and large ferry terminal for trips to Gozo and Comino.

It’s further away from the other areas of Malta but has access to public transport. Its hilltop location offers sweeping views of the village and bays below. Although the town is located on the hilltop, Mellieha is widespread and includes the entire northern region of Malta.

Mellieha is a quieter area that doesn’t get as crowded as some of the other villages in Malta. Its quaint village and sandy beaches make for a more relaxing, laid-back trip with some local flare.

A stay in Mellieha will require walking up and down the hills and the beaches are not within reasonable walking distance unless you stay right on the beach. You may want to rent a car if you stay here since public transport isn’t always super reliable and frequent rideshares can be expensive.

Things to Do in Mellieha

  • Visit St. Agatha’s Tower

  • View Popeye’s Village from the cliffs (or visit Popeye’s Village!)

  • Enjoy a beach day

  • Take the ferry to Gozo for a day trip

Luxury

  • Mellieha beach: Large two-bedroom apartment within walking distance to Popeye Village and Mellieha Bay. This is one of few Mellieha rentals on this list where you are not on the hilltop and have easy access to the beach.

  • Lure Hotel & Spa: Adults-only hotel with indoor and outdoor pools, on-site restaurant and bar, and a business center. This is one of the best hotels in Mellieha and the rooms exude luxury.

  • Jaysky penthouse: Three-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with a moody and modern interior design, a patio that provides terrace and sea views, and an outdoor dining area.

  • Dome Sunset Views Apartment: Three-bedroom/four-bathroom apartment with amazing views from the balcony, newly renovated interiors with a sleek and modern design, and large windows for panoramic views of Mellieha.

Mid-range

  • Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands: Located on the Golden Bay (across the island from Mellieha Bay) with multiple swimming pools, a private beach, a spa, and a calming atmosphere. Some rooms offer views of the sea, while others have views of the countryside. 

  • Bliss on the Bay: Three-bedroom/two-bathroom sustainable apartment with a terrace that overlooks a quiet street. This is just a 5-minute walk to Mellieha Bay since it is not located on the hill.

  • Modern Beach APT: Spacious three-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with stunning sea views and proximity to Mellieha Bay — within walking distance of the beach! 

Budget  

  • Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa: 4-star hotel with a selection of room sizes with an on-site restaurant, multiple pools, a sauna, and some rooms with balconies and ocean views.

  • Sunshine Apartments Mellieha: Modern, three-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment with a balcony, and located just one mile from Mellieha Bay.

  • Gest: Highly-rated hostel with newly renovated private rooms/bathrooms and a shared common area with a large kitchen and seating area.

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Kessler

I’m a travel blogger and photographer from the San Francisco Bay Area, splitting my time between there and Santa Barbara. I love to share comprehensive guides about my travels, with a focus on all things sun, sea, and beach! When I’m not exploring new destinations (probably somewhere by the coast), I love being home with my husband and two fluffy kitties, Captain Jack and Sparrow.

https://www.kesslerelsewhere.com
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