Best Places to Stay in Malta (2024): Area & Accommodation Guide

Check Out Our Tips On The Best Places To Stay In Malta!

Are you planning a trip to Malta? You’re not alone! This tiny island nation makes for an incredible holiday destination. However, searching for a place to stay can be a little daunting.

With so many great accommodation types and really nice towns/areas, deciding on exactly where to stay in Malta isn’t easy! That’s where we come in.

Eric visited Malta on a trip with friends. They stayed in Sliema and basically ended up exploring the entire country. He’s got a pretty solid understanding of the best places to stay in Malta.

So, from beautiful Malta hotels like 1926 Hotel & Spa to Malta resorts like the Radisson Blu Golden Sands, our guide cuts right to the chase.

We explain the different types of accommodations by style and budget, share our own experience, and then go over the top towns/areas to stay in with examples of accommodations in each.

Whether you’re searching for the best places to stay in Malta for beaches, couples, families, or nightlife, this guide has you covered. Oh, and if you’re looking for accommodations on Gozo, you can find that separate detailed guide here.

**Friendly Disclosure: We paid for our accommodations ourselves and were not told to include properties in this article.

Accommodation Types

With lots to offer all kinds of visitors, Malta has a healthy mix of accommodation styles from hotels to guesthouses and even hostels. However, these accommodation types are somewhat specific to certain areas.

For example: Valletta and Sliema are walkable with many harbourfront hotels and some apartment rentals but few resorts. Marsaskala, on the other hand, is quieter and offers primarily guesthouses and smaller hotels.

The Mellieha area – with Bugibba and St Paul’s Bay – has space for seaside resorts and seaside apartments. So, asking “where is the best place to stay in Malta” really depends on the traveller and what kind of trip you’re looking to have.

To help you find the perfect Malta lodging for you, this guide is divided into two main sections: this top section is on Malta accommodations by type while the bottom section walks you through some of the best areas to stay in Malta.

If you have an idea of what kind of accommodation you are looking for, you can get started looking below. Alternatively, if you want to find a place to stay in a specific area, you can start further down and have a look at accommodations in that area. Let’s get started with hotels.

Hotels in Malta

Of all the accommodation types, there are loads and loads of hotels in Malta. You’ll find Malta hotels lining the harbours in Sliema, tucked away down alleys in Valletta, and sitting quietly by the sea in Marsaxlokk.

There are smaller boutique hotels with terraces where you enjoy breakfast, large resort-style hotels with pools and spas, and Malta beach hotels with the waves at your doorstep. There is also a mix of popular chains as well as many locally-owned hotels across Malta.

You can also find hotels in Malta broken down by budget below. Malta offers everything from practical, budget hotels to lavish 5-star luxury hotels with amazing amenities.

⇒ Get started searching for hotels in Malta here

If you are simply looking for some of the most popular hotels for your Malta getaway that balance value for money, location, and amenities, have a look at some of the best hotels in Malta below.

Budget/Cheap Hotels in Malta

If you’re looking for good hotels in Malta, you don’t have to break the bank to do so. There are a number of really nice cheap hotels in Malta (in perfectly good areas) that can be great value for money.

Just because a hotel might be “budget” or “cheap”, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s terrible. Often, cheaper hotels just offer fewer amenities – no breakfast, no air conditioning, etc.

But if you know when you book – and you’re okay with not having perks like a pool and spa during your visit – then you can find cheap hotels that make for a nice place to lay your head each night.

You can have a look at these popular hotels in Malta that are on the more affordable side:

• Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel – A modern aparthotel with roof terrace in Sliema (Our Pick)
• Alexandra Hotel – A bright, charming hotel with rooftop terrace/pool in Paceville/St. Julian’s
• Cerviola Hotel – A hotel with rooftop terrace/pool and buffet breakfast in Marsaskala

Boutique Hotels in Malta

For hotels that have a bit of style, boutique hotels in Malta are a great option. Malta is packed with stylish hotels that suit lots of different design preferences. Let’s just say they photograph really well!

Some are chic and modern while others have elegant, charming interiors – all the while still being comfortable, functional, and located in great locations across the main island.

Check out some of top boutique hotels across Malta:

• La Falconeria Hotel – A trendy boutique hotel in the heart of Valletta (Our Pick)
• Waterfront – A stylish hotel with harbour views and pools in Sliema
• The George, Urban Boutique Hotel – A clean and bright hotel in the heart of Paceville/St Julian’s
• 50th Boutique Hotel – A trendy upscale hotel in the Three Cities (Birgu) across from Valletta
• Quaint Hotel Rabat – A modern, quiet hotel in beautiful Rabat close to medieval Mdina

Luxury Hotels in Malta

Of course, Malta wouldn’t be a complete destination for all kinds of travellers without a hint of luxury. There are a number of luxury hotels in Malta that spare no expense when it comes to amenities, service, and location.

Many Malta luxury hotels offer sweeping seaside views, rooftop pools, and beach access that you’d come to expect from 5-star beach hotels in Malta.

Some even offer relaxing spas that provide the perfect backdrop for a peaceful stay on the island.

If you’re looking for pure class, have a browse through these hand-picked luxury hotel choices:

• Palais Le Brun – A charming 4-star in Valletta with cute rooftop pool and bar (Our Pick)
• The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux – An elegant historic hotel situated in medieval Mdina
• Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour – A modern 5-star hotel located within the Three Cities (Senglea)
• Hilton Malta – A seaside 5-star resort hotel with restaurants, pools, and much more in St. Julian’s.

Resorts in Malta

For many travellers, Malta is a destination to soak up the sun with limited cares. Think about having a drink by the pool as you look out over the curling blue waves. If this is you, then Malta holiday resorts are what you’re after.

Luckily, Malta resorts have catering to your every need down to a science. From the best beach resorts in Malta to resorts with dining options, spas, and lots more amenities, resorts can make a great place to call home for a few days.

They also serve as a great base to do exactly what you want to do: relax by the pool, snorkel, explore the nearby town, or go on a day trip to another part of the island!

Holiday resorts in Malta are generally popular with couples but resorts can also be good for families with kids or large groups because they can offer a one-stop-shop for accommodations, food, outdoor amenities like pool and seaside swimming, parking, and even sometimes entertainment.

You can browse some of the best resorts in Malta here. Below are a few top resorts in Malta across great seaside locations:

• Radisson Blu Golden Sands – An exceptional 5-star resort famous overlooking Golden Bay Beach (Our Pick)
• AX Seashells Resort – A classic seaside resort with waterslide in Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay
• Salini Resort – A classy and relaxing resort with pools outside of Bugibba at the seaside
• Grand Hotel Excelsior – A standard resort with pools just outside the gate of Valletta
• Hilton Malta – A stunning seaside resort with restaurants, pools, and more in St. Julian’s/Paceville

Bed and Breakfasts/Guesthouses in Malta

If you are searching for more of a cozy accommodation in Malta that offers a similar experience to a hotel, a guesthouse might be the perfect option.

The terms “guesthouse” and “bed and breakfast” are kind of used interchangeably in Malta. You can often expect to get a nice host, fewer people, a cozy room, and breakfast served onsite in the morning.

There are a number of guesthouses available across the island. Often, guesthouses are in quieter seaside locations but this isn’t always the case.

You can check here for guesthouses and B&Bs in Malta. We’ve included some of the lovely guesthouses to get you started:

• Nelli’s B&B – A bright B&B with rooftop breakfast in the Three Cities (Cospicua) (Our Pick)
• The Maltese Sun – An authentic, cozy guesthouse with breakfast in Sliema
• Maleth Inn – A colourful, quirky guesthouse across the street from medieval Mdina in Rabat
• Fisherman’s Cove Guesthouse – Charming guesthouse with breakfast and rooftop pool in Marsaxlokk

Apartments in Malta

If you want your own space while you’re visiting Malta, you might be interested in an apartment rental. Apartments are generally popular with larger groups of friends or those travelling to Malta with kids/as a family.

Apartments allow you to take over a space for a few days to cook, relax, and use as a base for exploring.

As you may have guessed, the smaller seaside areas that are not the capital region have a vast majority of short and long-stay apartment rentals.

However, you can definitely also find apartment rentals and even aparthotels in Sliema and Valletta.

You can check here for great apartments in Malta. Below are a few awesome apartments in various areas all around Malta. Be sure to book early since the best seaside apartments will book up in advance!

• Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel – A modern aparthotel with roof terrace in Sliema (Our Pick)
• Valletta Kursara Port View – Colorful, authentic apartments with kitchenettes in Valletta
• The Village Apartments – Simple and clean apartments in the heart of Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay
• Sea Bank Villa Apartments – Functional apartments with pool and BBQ for large groups in Marsaskala
• Claureece Court Mgarr – Clean, functional apartments close to Golden Bay beach in Mgarr

Hostels in Malta

Hostels can be a good option if you are looking for an affordable place to stay in Malta. There are a few hostels in the country with a majority of them located in Sliema and St Julian’s. There are also a few on Gozo but that’s in another post.

Sliema is arguably the best area to stay in in Malta because it’s central yet quiet. We’ll explain more down below in the Sliema section.

Eric stayed right in the heart of Sliema and really enjoyed his stay at Corner Hostel. It made our detailed list of our favourite hostels across Europe.

However, you can stay in St Julian’s to be closer to the nightlife and the excitement. You can check here for top hostels in Malta. but some of the top-rated ones are listed below:

• Corner Hostel – A simple, no-frills hostel in Sliema walkable to water, bus routes, Valletta ferry, etc. (Our Pick)
• Two Pillows Boutique Hostel – A boutique hostel with beautiful décor and a terrace.
• Inhawi Boutique Hostel – An authentic hostel conveniently located between Sliema and St. Julian’s

Areas

Now that we’ve covered the different types of accommodations in Malta, we’ll talk about the best areas to stay in Malta.

We’ll tell you about the area (often small towns in Malta), what’s there to see and do, and who it’s best suited for. We’ll then provide a few great accommodation options in each.

Keep in mind that we won’t cover all the areas across Malta – we’re focusing on great areas for visitors! These are all the places where we have already stayed or would genuinely look to stay the next time we visit.

Whether you’re seeking a sunny beach, a seaside town, or a lively social centre, there’s an area below for you to check out.

If you know you’re travelling to Malta and know your interests, then you can get started with these top accommodation picks for each of the areas detailed below!

Speaking of places to stay in Malta: It should also be mentioned that overall, Malta is a safe country to visit. As a result, the areas above all make for really nice places to stay from a safety/comfort/pleasant experience standpoint.

Also, if you are worried about a hotel near Malta International Airport – don’t be. You can be at the airport from Sliema in around 30 minutes (via car/taxi).

The country is so tiny that you can pretty stay much anywhere on the main island and be no more than one hour from the airport.

You might also be renting a car, in which case you can easily drive to the airport from your accommodation. If this sounds like you, you can compare rental cars in Malta here.

Sliema – Social & Walkable

As we briefly mentioned above, Sliema is arguably the best area to stay in in Malta. This is because it is super centrally located with water views, it’s close to attractions, and yet parts of it are still quiet.

Accommodations in Sliema allow you to easily get to Valletta (the capital city) via the ferry in just a few minutes. Sliema also allows you to go out in St. Julian’s without the potential noise of staying close to that area.

Lastly, Sliema is great because the bus stops close by following coastal bus routes. These are the buses that will take you to different parts of the island. This makes Sliema a great option for those wanting to explore the whole country.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Sliema

Sliema is also close to Msida or Il-Gżira (Gzira) so you could opt for a place in those smaller towns if Sliema is completely booked. Sliema also has rock beaches, restaurants, and long sidewalks to enjoy the sea air.

Featured Accommodations in Sliema

Below are a number of top properties in different areas of Sliema. Some overlook the harbour across to Valletta while others are closer to the nightlife of St Julian’s.

They all benefit from close bus connections to explore the island and also benefit from being in Sliema – which can be less expensive than Valletta.

1926 Hotel & Spa – Check Now

• Style: A Stylish and Trendy Hotel
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: Heart of Sliema yet with seaside lounge area, a short walk to the Valletta ferry
• Featured Amenities: Air conditioning, spa, onsite bar, seasonal seaside Beach Club with pool

Waterfront – Check Now

• Style: A Stylish Boutique Hotel
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: Facing the harbour close to Gzira with restaurants and shops nearby
• Featured Amenities: Rooms with harbour views, outdoor pool, good breakfast

The Maltese Sun – Check Now

• Style: An Authentic Cozy Guesthouse
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: Heart of Sliema, close to the sea at St. Julian’s Bay and steps from bus route
• Featured Amenities: Breakfast available, sun terrace, air conditioning in rooms

Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel – Check Now

• Style: A Modern Aparthotel
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: Facing the harbour, just steps from the boardwalk and ferry across to Valletta
• Featured Amenities: Rooftop jacuzzi, suites with kitchen/kitchenettes, some with balconies

Valletta – For Location, History, & Sights

You might think that staying in Valletta is a great idea because it’s the capital city. Now, this isn’t wrong.

Europe’s smallest capital is beautiful and charming but it can get very busy. The cruise ports are close to the Valletta city centre so the crowds outside your hotel might be large (time of year depending).

That said, Valletta is historic and gorgeous and draws people in for these reasons. At night, Valletta has this quiet charm about it that makes it lovely. This makes it one of the best places to stay in Malta for couples.

Two things to keep in mind: You can leave Valletta via bus or ferry to get to Sliema and other parts of the island. Also, the shops and restaurants might be a tad more touristy than in other parts of the main island.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations In Valletta

Having said all of that, getting to and from Valletta is simple and there is plenty to do and see. In fact, we’ve written a whole guide on things to do in Valletta if you want to know what there is to do and see.

We’d recommend visiting Fort Saint Elmo, checking out the Upper and Lower Barrakka Gardens, and doing a Grand Harbour day cruise!

Featured Accommodations in Valletta

Below are some great properties in Valletta. They are dotted around the city, but since Valletta is so small you don’t really have to worry about exact location.

Determining where to stay in Valletta is really about which kind of accommodation suits you as opposed to its location in Valletta.

Grand Harbour Hotel – Check Now

• Style: A Simple, Quality Hotel
• Price Range: Lower Mid-Range
• Location: In the city, steps from the Upper Barrakka Gardens with views of Grand Harbour
• Featured Amenities: Great breakfast, air conditioning, rooftop terrace overlooking Grand Harbour

Palais Le Brun – Check Now

• Style: A Charming Boutique Hotel
• Price Range: Luxury
• Location: In the heart of Valletta, a short walk to the ferry to Sliema and beyond
• Featured Amenities: Rooftop pool and bar, amazing breakfast

La Falconeria Hotel – Check Now

• Style: A Trendy Boutique Hotel
• Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
• Location: In the heart of Valletta, closer to the grand main city gates
• Featured Amenities: Excellent breakfast, inner courtyard, shared rooftop pool with Palais Le Brun!

Valletta Kursara Port View – Check Now

• Style: Colorful, Authentic Apartments
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: The heart of Valletta, close to the all major attractions in the city
• Featured Amenities: Kitchenettes, a beautiful rooftop terrace with hot tub, amazing harbour views

St Julian’s/Paceville – For Lively Nightlife

St Julian’s is definitely one of the top areas where the nightlife never ends. The area is located further from Valletta but still very much in the concentration of the “capital area” of Malta.

You can see it if you’re walking along the shore in Sliema as shown in the photo above. This area is full of smaller bays that make for a winding coastline with restaurants and hotels along the way.

If you want to go out in Malta, St Julian’s has a notorious district called Paceville where you find all the clubs, bars, restaurants, and more. Eric went out here with friends to a few bars and it was quite lively everywhere they went!

⇒ Check Here For Hotels In St. Julian’s/Paceville

There aren’t too many historic attractions here. However, the area is well connected by bus to the rest of the island and to Valletta. You could also walk to Sliema and you’ll find the odd beach to enjoy.

Featured Accommodations in St Julian’s

Below are some top hotels in St Julian’s. The area is so concentrated around nightlife, bars, and shopping that the location of the property you choose won’t really matter.

The difference between the hotels is size – there’s a very large resort-style hotel and smaller hotels with style.

The George, Urban Boutique Hotel – Check Now

• Style: A Clean and Bright Hotel
• Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
• Location: In the heart of Paceville close to all the action
• Featured Amenities: Rooftop terrace with pool, some rooms with kitchenettes available

Alexandra Hotel – Check Now

• Style: A Bright, Charming Hotel
• Price Range: Budget
• Location: Right in the heart of Paceville, steps from lively nightlife and close to bus routes
• Featured Amenities: Buffet breakfast, gorgeous rooftop pool/terrace area, rooms with views

be.HOTEL – Check Now

• Style: A Trendy yet Comfortable Hotel (super popular)
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: In Paceville, but not right in the heart of the lively area
• Featured Amenities: Large rooftop pool, a/c in rooms, good breakfast, parking closeby

Hilton Malta – Check Now

• Style: A Top Tier 5-Star Hotel/Resort
• Price Range: Luxury
• Location: Quietly at the seaside in the heart of Paceville, yet steps from nightlife
• Featured Amenities: Multiple pools (some for kids), gardens, onsite restaurants, spa, etc.

Għajn Tuffieħa/Mellieħa – For Beaches & Hiking

If you are heading to Malta for a beach vacation, head for Għajn Tuffieħa. Specifically, Għajn Tuffieħa is an area that is part of the much larger area known as Mellieħa.

This region makes up basically most of the northern/northwestern tip of the main island and has lots of the best beach hotels in Malta.

Għajn Tuffieħa is the area where you’ll find Golden Bay (shown above) and its famous beach. You can walk to other more secluded beaches from here, too.

There are other towns close by – like Mgarr – as well as other attractions in the area like Popeye’s Village, the Inland Sea at L’Ahrax Point, and St. Agatha’s Red Tower. This region is also a big area for diving if that’s what you are interested in.

Closer to Mellieħa Bay is Mellieħa Bay beach with more of the best hotels in Malta on/close to the beach. If you plan on exploring Gozo, this area where you find the ferry to Gozo – although technically it is located in the tiny town of Cirkewwa.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations Near Għajn Tuffieħa

If you want to stay out of the busy city areas and have access to the other islands, staying in this area is a great choice for beaches, quietness, and the ocean breeze!

Featured Accommodations Near Għajn Tuffieħa

Below are a few accommodations in different parts of the region. Remember, you can stay at the resort in the photograph if you’re just heading to Malta for the beaches!

Radisson Blu Golden Sands – Check Now

• Style: A Bright and Exceptional 5-Star Resort
• Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
• Location: On the cliffs overlooking Golden Bay and the famous beach
• Featured Amenities: Excellent breakfast, onsite gym, multiple pools

Claureece Court Mgarr – Check Now

• Style: Clean, Functional Apartments
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: In the small town of Mgarr, close to the beaches in the surrounding area
• Featured Amenities: Apartments with kitchens, some with balconies

Solana Hotel & Spa – Check Now

• Style: A Colorful and Trendy Hotel
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: Close to Mellieha Bay (with beach), close to bus route and Gozo ferry
• Featured Amenities: Rooftop pool with views, nice breakfast, spa available

Bugibba/St Paul’s Bay – For Seaside Resorts & Nightlife

One of the most popular areas that are not Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s, or The Three Cities is the Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay area.

Located to the northeast coast of the main island, this area is very developed and is home to many of the Malta beach resorts and/or hotels.

This area has a very high concentration of accommodations (hotels, resorts, and apartments) because Bugibba nightlife is a lively mix of restaurants, bars, clubs, and even a casino.

That said, the Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay area is a nice alternative to staying in the capital region. You can always catch the bus back to Valletta or the ferry to Gozo from your place in St. Paul’s Bay.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations In The Bugibba/St Paul’s Bay Area

In fact, besides nightlife, you’ll also get to enjoy nature and the coast in this area without the craziness of the capital and some of the prices that go with it.

Featured Accommodations in Bugibba/St. Paul’s Bay

Below are some properties in the area. They are intentionally very different – some are self-contained apartments you can rent while the others are more resort-style.

AX Seashells Resort – Check Now

• Style: A Reliable Seaside Resort (very popular)
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: Overlooking Salina Bay with a bus route to explore the island right outside
• Featured Amenities: private balconies with sea views, great meals, pools, lounge, water slide for kids

The Village Apartments – Check Now

• Style: Simple, Clean Apartments
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: In the heart of Bugibba, but secure and with restaurants and bars steps from the location
• Featured Amenities: Fully equipped apartments with balconies and kitchens

Salini Resort – Check Now

• Style: A Classy yet Simple Resort
• Price Range: Lower Mid-Range
• Location: Quietly overlooking Salina Bay, a quick bus or walk to town centre of Bugibba
• Featured Amenities: Multiple pools, good meals, rooms with A/C and balconies with views

The Three Cities – For Views & Convenience

Another great option for staying in the “busy area” without staying in the centre of the action is The Three Cities.

The three small cities of Birgu, Senglea, and Cospicua are historic fortified cities. Together, the cities actually form two peninsulas that shoot out into the Grand Harbour right across from Valletta.

They are popular if you want to get away from the crowds of Valletta, St Julian’s, and even Sliema. Aside from lots of seaside views, you can find attractions like Fort St. Angelo, lots of restaurants and cafes, and frequent ferries to Valletta.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in The Three Cities

Featured Accommodations in The Three Cities

Below are three accommodation options in the Three Cities. There is a pretty healthy mix of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses here.

It’s a very compact area so if you stay on this side of the harbour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the whole area and attractions beyond!

Nelli’s B&B – Check Now

• Style: A Bright, Authentic Bed and Breakfast
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: In Cospicua, very close to where you catch the ferry to Valletta
• Featured Amenities: Rooftop breakfast served each morning, rooms with A/C

Cugo Gran Macina Grand Harbour – Check Now

• Style: A Modern, Luxurious Hotel
• Price Range: Luxury
• Location: In a historic building overlooking the water at Senglea, close to the ferry to Valletta
• Featured Amenities: Rooftop pool/terrace views, onsite bar/restaurant

50th Boutique Hotel – Check Now

• Style: A Trendy, Upscale Hotel
• Price Range: Mid-Range (great value)
• Location: Right in Birgu, close to the ferry to Valletta with plenty around to see and do
• Featured Amenities: Nice breakfast included, rooms with balconies and A/C

Rabat/Mdina – For Peace & Quiet

One of the few places we’d recommend staying in that isn’t by the ocean is Rabat/Mdina. Rabat is a small town that is located more in the middle of the country – but shifted towards the western coast.

Rabat is often confused with Mdina – which is a tiny fortified city that is basically beside/in the greater Rabat area.

This is why they are listed together here. Mdina is known as The Silent City and was actually the former capital city of Malta. History runs deep here and is waiting to be explored.

Even though it’s not located by the coast, the old city of Mdina has incredible historic sights and attractions in it like the Cathedral Museum.

The views of the countryside from the outer walls are also amazing. Outside Mdina, there are lots of great things to do in or close to Rabat.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Rabat/Mdina

We explored the St. Paul’s Catacombs and the famous Dingli Cliffs (the highest point on Malta) are only a short bus ride away. It’s a quieter area – but still very accessible to other parts of the main island!

Featured Accommodations in Rabat/Mdina

Below are some properties to check out in both Rabat and in Mdina. Staying inside the medieval walls of “The Silent City” would be quite the experience!

Quaint Hotel Rabat – Check Now

• Style: A Modern and Trendy Hotel
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: In the heart of peaceful and quiet Rabat, a short walk to Mdina
• Featured Amenities: Good breakfast, sun terrace

The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux – Check Now

• Style: An Elegant and Luxurious Hotel
• Price Range: Luxury
• Location: Within the old medieval walls of Mdina in a 17th-century building
• Featured Amenities: Breakfast with countryside views, terraces with hot tubs, free parking

Maleth Inn – Check Now

• Style: A Colourful and Quirky Guesthouse
• Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
• Location: In Rabat, across the street from the main bus stop, close to the walls of Mdina
• Featured Amenities: Rooms with A/C, kitchenettes

Marsaskala – For Seaside Tranquility

Those wanting to stay a little farther from the hustle and bustle of the main capital area can choose Marsaskala.

Located close to the southern tip of Malta’s main island, Marsaskala is a fishing village known for its quaintness. In fact, it’s geographically close to the Three Cities yet far away enough that they are very separate.

Since Marsaskala’s roots are that of a small fishing village, you’ll find charm and character, but fewer beaches. Like with most places, you are well-connected by bus to the rest of the island.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Marsaskala

However, if you know you want the best beaches close by perhaps don’t choose Marsaskala for your stay. Attractions like Saint Thomas Tower and St. Peter’s Pool keep the area interesting, however.

Featured Accommodations in Marsaskala

Below are some top properties in Marsaskala. They are all intentionally different: a hotel, a guesthouse, and apartments you can rent.

The area is on the smaller side so you’re never too far from the harbour and the long, beautiful boardwalk that runs the length of the water.

Cerviola Hotel – Check Now

• Style: A Classic and Reliable Hotel
• Price Range: Budget
• Location: A very short walk to the harbourfront with a bus route out the front door
• Featured Amenities: Balconies, rooftop terrace/pool, good buffet breakfast

Sea Bank Villa Apartments – Check Now

• Style: Bright, Functional Apartments
• Price Range: Mid-Range (great for large groups)
• Location: Steps from the seaside and bus route into Marsaskala (and beyond)
• Featured Amenities: Roof pool, BBQ facilities, full kitchens in units

C’est La Vie Guesthouse – Check Now

• Style: A Clean and Trendy Guesthouse
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: Right at the water, across from the long boardwalk into Marsaskala
• Featured Amenities: Nice breakfast, good Wifi, rooms with views

Marsaxlokk – For Picturesque Tradition

Similar to Marsaskala, Marsaxlokk is a very popular destination to explore in Malta. Marsaxlokk is kind of like the “light” version of Marsaskala.

Also located on the southern/southeast tip of the main island, Marsaxlokk is well connected to the capital but is still quite a distance from the busiest areas.

The small fishing village has grown in popularity in recent years with the famous “Sunday Fish Market”. Here, fishermen sell their catch right on shore along with other goods.

Besides the market, the area has developed with many restaurants that line the shoreline boardwalk for a stunning coffee break or romantic dinner.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Marsaxlokk

Other attractions include St. Peter’s Pool which we mentioned in Marsaskala because the popular cliff-side swimming area is between the two places. Remember, there are few beaches on this end of the island!

Featured Accommodations in Marsaxlokk

Because Marsaxlokk is an even smaller village than Marsaskala, there are a number of smaller guesthouses available.

You won’t find many bigger hotels here in this smaller village which might work well for you!

Port View Guesthouse – Check Now

• Style: A Clean and Simple Guesthouse
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: Short walk to the main promenade/water
• Featured Amenities: Great breakfast, a terrace, and views of the harbour

Fisherman’s Cove Guesthouse  – Check Now

• Style: A Boutique, Charming Guesthouse
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: Just a short walk to the harbourfront, close to the market
• Featured Amenities: Great breakfast, beautiful rooftop pool, gorgeous views of the sea!

Dun Gorg Guest House – Check Now

• Style: A Bright and Modern Bed and Breakfast
• Price Range: Upper Budget
• Location: Steps from the harbour, right on a bus route for easy travelling
• Featured Amenities: Rooftop sun terrace, nice breakfast, nice views

FAQ

If you wondering about where to stay in Malta for your specific group or interest, you can find detailed answers below:

What are the best places to stay in Malta for walking?

Stay at the Grand Harbour Hotel in Valletta for endless city exploring on foot. Waterfront in Sliema and C’est La Vie Guesthouse in Marsaskala allow easy access to seaside walking paths.

Also check out the Quaint Hotel Rabat in Mdina/Rabat which offers hiking along the nearby Dingli Cliffs.

What are the best places to stay in Malta for couples?

It depends on the couple – but Valletta and Mdina can be fun to explore and romantic at night.

Palais Le Brun in Valletta has a rooftop pool with views of the city and sea while The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux makes for a stunning getaway within the medieval walls of Mdina.

What are the best places to stay in Malta for nightlife?

St. Paul’s Bay/Bugibba and St. Julian’s can be very social at night and boast many lively bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Stay at The Village Apartments in the heart of Bugibba or at be.HOTEL in Paceville/St. Julian’s if this is what you’re after.

What are the best places to stay in Malta for families?

Practical aparthotels like Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel in Sliema are close to sights and bus routes to easily explore the island with kids.

Seaside resorts with pool areas and meals – like AX Seashells Resort – might also make travelling to Malta with kids much more enjoyable for the whole family.

Where to stay in Malta for beaches?

There are great Malta beach hotels close to Għajn Tuffieħa and around the Mellieha area near Mellieha Bay.

The Radisson Blu Golden Sands is a great option overlooking Golden Bay – as is Solana Hotel & Spa closer to Mellieha Bay Beach.

Related Articles

Once again, this post covered staying on Malta (the main island) and not accommodations on Gozo. You can find our Gozo accommodation guide right here. You can also learn about taking the ferry to Gozo.

We’ve also written a bunch of other helpful guides on all things Malta-related:

• Plan Your Malta Itinerary
• Sightseeing Tips on Malta’s Main Island
• Things to Do on Gozo
• Exploring Sights in the Capital, Valletta

And there you have it – a pretty comprehensive guide covering the best places to stay in Malta! In the end, this is just a guide – there are so many great places to stay all over the island.

We just wanted to provide you with a helpful overview and a few suggestions to get you started with booking your perfect vacation to Malta. If you end up going, let us know where you end up staying – we would love to know!

As always, Happy Malta Hotel Waddlin’,
-L&E

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