An aerial view of the historic centre of Valletta, Malta
Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Malta

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Faraway Worlds

Staff writers

Looking for hotel recommendations in Malta? Here are our top picks...

Malta is a beautiful country located in the Mediterranean Sea, known for its stunning beaches, incredible weather, and rich history. While the island is small you will find many different areas to stay and explore in Malta, each with its own unique atmosphere and vibes.

It's easy to see why so many people love this small country. Malta has incredible nightlife, delicious food, and lovely people. You can see how visitors can be tempted to stay here as the island sees 300 days of sunshine each year - making it the perfect destination for a summer getaway at any point in the year.

The population of Malta is just under 500,000 people, and English is an official language (along with Maltese), making it a very accessible place for tourists. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Malta.

Boats in the harbour at Valletta with historic buildings in the background

At a glance

Best place to stay in Malta for first-time visitors

Valletta

An aerial view of the historic centre of Valletta, Malta

Valletta is the capital city of Malta and is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. This city is located on the southeastern coast of Malta and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, so there are plenty of historical landmarks and buildings to explore.

Valletta is the perfect place to stay if you want to experience the best of what Malta has to offer. The city is booming with tourism and there is always something to do. You can explore the historical landmarks, go for a swim at one of the many beaches, or enjoy a night out on the town. The city is also home to a number of different museums and galleries, so you can learn about the history and culture of Malta.

The city continuously surprises me with its hidden gems. From secluded beaches to tucked away restaurants, there is always something new to discover in Valletta. I always recommend that visitors get lost in the city and see where the day takes them. You never know what you’ll find in Valletta!

Stay at Ursulino Valletta for elegant rooms and city views with breakfast included.

Best place to stay in Malta for couples

Sliema

A hotel swimming pool in Sliema with view of Valletta in the distance

For those who want a more relaxed atmosphere during their stay in Malta, Sliema is the perfect place for you. This town is located on the northeastern coast of Malta and offers stunning views of Valletta across the water. This is one of my favorite areas as it is close enough to the city for a night out, but also provides a more laid-back vibe during the day.

There are plenty of great restaurants, cafes, and bars in Sliema, as well as some lovely parks and open spaces to enjoy. Days feel a little longer here with the peaceful vibe of the town and it is the perfect place to relax after a busy day exploring. You can reach Sliema easily by taking a short ferry ride from Valletta.

This is definitely the place to stay if you want to experience the best of both worlds while on holiday in Malta.

Stay at 1926 Hotel and Spa for beautiful rooms and a pool, just steps from the beach.

Best place to stay in Malta for beaches

St. Paul's Bay

St Paul's Bay waterfront and promenade

If you are looking for a place to stay in Malta with incredible beaches, look no further than St. Paul's Bay. This town is located on the northeastern coast of Malta and offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. St. Pauls has clear waters and lovely beaches, making it the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun.

St. Paul's Bay brings in tourists from all over the world who come to enjoy its beautiful beaches and incredible seafood. Shockingly, St. Paul's Bay has a few different manmade beaches which are almost as stunning as the natural ones.

The bay is also home to some great bars and clubs, so you can enjoy a night out on the town as well. Many people visit for the beaches but stay for the great atmosphere. This town still has that small town feel even though it is the largest town in the northern region of Malta.

Stay at the Salini Resort with clean, comfortable rooms overlooking the bay.

Best place to stay in Malta for sightseeing

Mosta

The Rotunda of Mosta at twilight

If you are looking to do some sightseeing while on holiday in Malta, Mosta is the perfect place to stay. This town is located centrally on the island and is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions. One of its most famous landmarks is the Rotunda of Mosta, which is one of the largest unsupported domes in the world.

Mosta is also home to the Mosta Dome Heritage Centre, which is a great place to learn about the history of the town and the dome itself. You can learn about the town’s role in World War II as well as how the dome was rebuilt after it was hit by a bomb in 1942.

One of my favorite reasons to travel is to taste all the food from other cultures and Mosta is a great place to find some traditional Maltese food. There are plenty of great restaurants serving up delicious dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. You can find everything from traditional Maltese pies to fresh seafood in Mosta.

Stay at Julina Boutique Living with vintage-style rooms and a sun terrace.

Best place to stay in Malta for nightlife

Paceville

Restaurants in Paceville at night

If you are looking for a wild night out, then Paceville is the place to be. This small town is located just outside of Valletta and is home to a large number of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. Paceville is the perfect place to stay if you want to experience the best nightlife that Malta has to offer.

This town is always buzzing with energy and there is always something to do. You can dance the night away at one of the many nightclubs or enjoy a few drinks at one of the bars. There are also a number of restaurants serving up delicious food, so you can refuel after a night of partying.

Malta is known to keep the party going until the early hours of the morning, so Paceville is the perfect place to stay if you want to experience this. The town is always full of people and there is a great atmosphere. You can easily get a round of shots and make some new friends while you’re here. Just be sure to pace yourself so you can make it to morning!

Paceville is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a holiday full of fun and adventure. There is always something to do in this town and you are sure to have a great time.

Stay at be.HOTEL for modern rooms with a large pool and rooftop terrace near a sandy beach.

Best place to stay in Malta for a local experience

Marsaxlokk

Colourful, traditional fishing boats called Luzzu in Marsaxlokk, Malta

It is easy to get lost in all of the popular spots in Malta and solely be surrounded by tourists, I mean there is a reason those places are extremely popular. However, Marsaxlokk is a fishing village that is located in the southeastern region of Malta that is a little less popular but offers a more realistic Maltese experience and it should not be missed if you are looking for a more authentic holiday.

This village is a picturesque fishing town with colorful boats dotting the shoreline. This is a great place to get fresh seafood as the fishermen sell their catch right off of the boats making it the freshest seafood in all of Malta. It also has a huge market where you can buy a variety of different fruits and vegetables. You will be walking the market with locals and getting a real feel for the culture. The Maltese are known for their hospitality and you will definitely feel welcomed in Marsaxlokk.

Marsaxlokk is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a more traditional Maltese experience. This village offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and is a great place to find some peace and quiet.

Stay at the South Wind Guesthouse with large, comfortable rooms and friendly hosts.

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Last Updated 7 September 2023

A hotel swimming pool in Sliema with view of Valletta in the distance

Malta

With over 7,000 years of history, Malta has a rich culture, beautiful cities and delicious food.