Best Place to Stay in Malta

Valletta has that charm culture lovers crave, St Julian’s nightlife scene is hard to top, and Mellieħa is the place to be for a lazy beach holiday. You get different experiences depending on where you stay, even for such a small country.

There are a handful of nice areas to stay in Malta, and in this guide, we’re going to break them down so you can find the perfect base for your trip. We’ll also give you some tips to show you how to save money by booking cheap flights with Kiwi.com using multiple airlines in a single itinerary.

Quick Answer: Where Is the Best Place to Stay in Malta?

Here’s a quick rundown of where to stay in Malta to help you choose. Each location appeals to a different type of traveler, so we’ve broken them down to show which areas suit different interests.

• Valletta: Best for history and sightseeing
• St. Julian’s: Best for nightlife
• Sliema: Best for shopping and convenience
• Mellieħa: Best for beaches and families
• Gozo: Best for relaxation

Valletta: Best for History and Sightseeing

Everyone knows Malta is a great European island to visit for its fabulous beaches. But what about its cities, like Valletta?

Malta’s capital is packed with culture, spectacular Baroque architecture, and endless galleries. It’s also super walkable, which means you’ll never have to worry about flagging down an overpriced taxi to get where you need to be.

Even though Valletta gets a lot of visitors and is one of the best places to stay in Malta, it still feels quite relaxed. Sure, you have the die-hard Game of Thrones lovers flocking to Eagle Street to see where the hit TV series was shot, but it’s not like other European capitals. While you’re here, make sure you head up to Upper Barrakka Gardens for some cracking harbor views. Worth every step.

Getting around Valletta is a breeze, too. The Valletta Ferry Service runs to the Three Cities and Sliema, with single tickets at €3 and returns at €5. Buses from the Valletta Terminal reach the south, north, and central areas of the island, starting from €1.50 in winter and €2 in summer.

Who Should Stay in Valletta?

If you’re a couple, solo traveler, or first-time visitor wondering where to stay in Malta, Valletta should be at the top of your list. It’s compact, easy to navigate, and well-connected enough to get you pretty much anywhere on the island without much hassle.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Valletta

Pros

• Very walkable
• Close to many of the main sites, like St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Upper Barrakka Gardens
• Fantastic public transport links
• Only a 15-minute drive from Malta International Airport
• Plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes

Cons

• Accommodation can be pricier here compared to some of the other best areas to stay in Malta
• There aren’t that many beaches nearby

St. Julian’s: Best for Nightlife and Entertainment

St. Julian’s is Malta’s party capital, plain and simple. For those wondering where to stay in Malta with good nightlife, St. Julian’s is where it’s at. The Thirsty Barber shakes up seriously delicious cocktails, Zeri’s Mediterranean food is genuinely mouthwatering, and Truth Nightclub is a hit with young travelers looking to let their hair down.

The thing that puts some people off basing themselves in St. Julian’s after grabbing last-minute flights with Kiwi is the noise levels, especially during the high season (June to August). Between the thumping music from the clubs and the swarms of drunk tourists, it can be quite loud. That said, if none of that bothers you, places like Paceville and the glitzy Portomaso Marina are well worth seeing.

Best Things to Do in St. Julian’s

• Stroll through Paceville: Paceville has long been central to St. Julian’s nightlife scene. Irish bars, lively clubs, and quirky cocktail lounges are crammed into this small area, and once the sun goes down, it turns into one big party.
• Indulge in some waterfront dining: St. Julian’s has some seriously good spots to eat by the water. Try Uniquato Mediterraneo Ristorante on the edge of Spinola Bay, or grab a terrace seat at Paranga.
• Go all in at a casino: Dragonara Casino, Casino Malta, and Portomaso Casino are all there when you’re feeling lucky.
• Party mid-day at a beach club: Head to Merkanti Beach Club, order a cocktail, and set the tone for the day. Day drinking always hits differently in the sun.

Is St. Julian’s Good for Families?

St. Julian’s pulls in a very specific crowd. Young, loud, and out for a good time. However, it’s still possible to find family hotels in Malta’s party district as long as you know where to look.

For example, you could base yourself somewhere like Balluta Bay, where you’ll have beach access without the drunk crowds. Score.

Sliema: Best for Shopping and Convenience

Sliema sits between Valletta and St. Julian’s and is one of Malta’s main shopping spots. The Point Shopping Mall covers the big international brands, while smaller souvenir shops and vintage clothing stores are scattered around if you fancy a browse.

The pace here is a little slower than the rest of Malta, and that’s a good thing. Mornings in Sliema are made for a walk along the Sliema Promenade, followed by a stop at Sliema Beach to watch the waves hit the rocks. Simple mornings in one of the best areas to stay in Malta, just as they should be.

You’re never too far from your next destination when staying in Sliema, either. Buses 13, 13A, 14, 16, 21, or TD13 link Valletta and Sliema, so you have easy access to the capital’s main highlights.

If you want to know the best day to book flights to Malta, Sunday often provides the best rates on European routes. Always check others, too, as you might stumble across discounted airfares during the week as well.

Why Sliema Is Popular With Tourists

• Convenience: Close to Valletta: check. Good transport: check. Things to do within walking distance: check. Sliema offers great convenience without Valletta’s high price tag.
• Ferry access: The Sliema Ferry Terminal is your gateway to other parts of Malta. Travel to the Three Cities for only €3 one way.
• Restaurants: Sliema punches above its weight when it comes to dining. Savor the flavors of the Orient at TORA or settle in for comforting bowls of pasta at Trattoria del Mare.
• Shopping malls: The Plaza and The Point are the two main malls. If you’re asking where to stay in Malta for shopping, everyone will point you here.
• Sea views: Since Sliema is right by the ocean, you can soak up sea views at Tigné Point and the Sliema Promenade.

Sliema vs Valletta

Two locations that always rank among the best places to stay in Malta are Sliema and Valletta, but how do they compare?

Atmosphere

Valletta is more geared toward tourists since it’s home to many of Malta’s main attractions. It’s also handier for public transport connections and has a lot of character. Sliema, on the other hand, feels more urban, with lots of tall buildings and slightly busier, plus it has less of that historic charm you find in Valletta.

Hotel styles

Given Valletta’s old-town charm, many accommodation owners have turned historic buildings into boutique hotels and small townhouses. In Sliema, the property scene is more focused on modern apartments and locally run stays by the sea.

Transport

Both locations have good public transport, as many buses that depart from Valletta stop in Sliema on the way. If you ever need to go from Sliema to Valletta to reach somewhere out of the way, there’s also a daily ferry linking the two.

Mellieħa: Best for Beaches and Family Holidays

Mellieħa sits in the far north of the main island and is the go-to for families in search of cheap beach holidays . It’s a cute resort village with some of the best beaches in Malta, and if you want to spend a little more on somewhere nice to stay, there are some genuinely world-class resorts up here too.

The one downside is the location. Mellieħa is out of the way compared to the rest of the island. Bus 41 connects you directly to Valletta, but it gets busy, so time your journey right or you’ll be standing at a stop for longer than you’d like.

Best Beaches Near Mellieħa

Planning a Malta beach holiday? These are the ones worth knowing about around Mellieħa.

• Mellieħa Bay: The big one right on the doorstep of town. Shallow water and plenty of space make it ideal for kids or anyone who just wants to float around without being battered by waves. It’s also one of the best spots in Malta for snorkeling.
• Golden Bay: Red sand, insanely blue water, and sunbeds ready and waiting, Golden Bay is a nice choice for a paddle in the north.
• White Tower Bay: Quieter, less touristy, and genuinely stunning. Locals love it. Keep it to yourself.

Is Mellieħa Too Far From Valletta?

About 45 minutes by car, so it’s not far, and there are bus connections when you need to move between the two, so you’re not cut off by any means. It is noticeably quieter up here, though, when compared to somewhere like St. Julian’s, which is exactly why many people choose Mellieħa when determining where to stay in Malta.

If you’re after beaches, family-friendly vibes, and peace over bars, noise, and late nights, Mellieħa makes total sense as a base. Just factor in the travel time when planning days out across the island.

Gozo: Best for a Quiet and Relaxing Stay

Gozo is Malta’s smaller, slower sister island, and that’s the whole appeal. Pretty villages like Għarb, rugged cliff formations, and rewarding hiking trails such as the Dwerja Walk make this place truly special. No wild nights out. No noise. Just good scenery. Gozo is the best place to stay in Malta when you want something totally different. 

What Makes Gozo Different From Malta?

If you thought parts of Malta were slow, think again. It’s less urban, more rural, 

and full of small settlements you stumble across while wandering through its lush landscapes. One moment you’re passing through Munxar, and the next you’re suddenly at the dramatic Sanap Cliffs, completely unexpected. 

That contrast is what makes Gozo so different from the main island, and why it’s well worth considering when deciding where to stay in Malta.

How Long Should You Stay in Gozo?

A day trip is doable, but trust us, the island deserves more of your time. Two days give you a proper taster, and by three you’ll practically feel like a local. That’s enough to see the ancient Citadella, the coastal formations at Dwerja, and the magnificent Bażilika tal-Madonna Ta’ Pinu. 

Gozo’s accommodation options are plentiful. Many hotels and locally run guesthouses are available, so finding somewhere to stay is never a problem.

Ready to Plan Your Malta Trip?

You’ve got the full picture now. You know which areas suit you, what to expect from each one, and where to skip. Some spots will cost more, others are great value, but either way, Kiwi.com has you covered for cheap flights to Malta. 

Begin exploring your options with flexible dates. Shift your departure a few days either way, and you might be surprised how much cheaper things can be. It’s also worth comparing multi-airline routes rather than just going straight for direct flights. Ryanair isn’t always the cheapest option. A layover in Athens with a connection on Aegean, for example, can end up being better value than you’d expect.