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Where to stay in Malta (2026): 8 best areas + map

Last updated on by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission (more)

Where should you stay in Malta to make the most of the archipelago? Should you choose Valletta for its history, Sliema for its shops, or rather Gozo for its nature?
Here’s my guide comparing the best places to stay in Malta:

  • A map of the towns to stay in,
  • The advantages and features of each area,
  • My recommendations based on your traveler profile,
  • The best places to stay in Malta, from boutique hotels to resorts and apartments,
  • …
where to stay malta destinations
Contents
Where to stay in Malta in 2026 – map and summary
Where to sleep in Malta – best hotels
Town 1 – Valletta
Town 2 – Sliema
Town 3 – Mdina and Rabat
Town 4 – Gozo
Town 5 – The Three Cities: Birgu, Cospicua and Senglea
Town 6 – Mellieħa
Town 7 – St Julian’s
Town 8 – St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba and Qawra
Frequently Asked Questions

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Where to stay in Malta in 2026 – map and summary

Map of the towns to stay in on Malta

Most accommodations are concentrated around the Grand Harbour and along the northeast coast of the main island. Gozo, further out to sea, feels like a world of its own with its own pace. To help you spot all the places mentioned in this article, here’s a map:

map where to stay malta destinations
Map: best places to stay in Malta

Where to stay in Malta based on your traveler profile

If you don’t want to read the whole article, here’s the essential information based on what you’re looking for:

Where to sleep in Malta – best hotels

You can also choose where to stay in Malta based on your hotel preferences: 5-star, boutique hotel, with a pool…
Among my favorites:

pool lit up at night
Pool at Hotel Cugo Gran Macina

Town 1 – Valletta

Valletta Malta

Why stay in Valletta

Valletta is Malta’s capital and one of the best places to stay on the archipelago for history lovers! Built by the Knights of the Order of St John in the 16th century, it’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed for its baroque architecture, fortifications and palaces. I love its entirely pedestrian old town, with narrow streets that regularly open onto a view of the harbor. The city also has numerous museums and a café life that keeps its squares buzzing from morning to evening.
Thanks to its bus and ferry connections to the rest of the island, Valletta works well both for a few days’ stay and as a stop at the start or end of a trip.

pool with a view
Hotel Gomerino

Recommended for

  • Couples
  • Solo travelers
  • Short city stays
Room at Hotel Cumberland Hotel Cumberland
Hotel Cumberland

What to do in Valletta

  • Visit St John’s Co-Cathedral and its baroque interior
  • Stroll along the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the view over the Grand Harbour
  • Explore the Grandmaster’s Palace
  • Wander the shopping streets and stop at a café
  • Take the ferry to Sliema or the Three Cities in a few minutes
  • …
Hotel Gomerino: staircase
Hotel Gomerino

Where to sleep in Valletta – Hotels

zigzag car

My tips for renting a car in Malta

  • Compare prices on Discovercars, my favorite platform and one of the highest-rated
  • Book your car early for more options and better prices
  • Don’t rent a car that’s too big, as the roads are narrow.

Read all my tips

Town 2 – Sliema

Modern buildings in Sliema

Why stay in Sliema

Sliema faces Valletta across the Marsamxett Harbour, just a five-minute ferry ride away. It’s a modern town with a long seafront lined with restaurants, bars and shopping centers. I particularly enjoy its evening promenade, when the light of the setting sun reflects off the capital’s fortifications right across the water.
Sliema is also a good option for remote workers, thanks to its range of apartments and its many Wi-Fi-equipped cafés.

Recommended for

  • Shopping lovers
  • Young couples
  • Digital nomads
View from a hotel in Sliema
Pool at Hotel Verdi Gzira

What to do in Sliema

  • Walk along the seafront promenade
  • Shop at the shopping centers
  • Swim from the designed rock platforms
  • Dine at one of the many restaurants with harbor views
  • Take the ferry to Valletta in five minutes
  • …
Breakfast at Hotel Verdi
Breakfast at Hotel Verdi

Where to sleep in Sliema – Hotels

Town 3 – Mdina and Rabat

Mdina Malta - citadel

Why stay in Mdina and Rabat

Mdina, Malta’s former capital, is a remarkably well-preserved walled city, locally nicknamed the Silent City. Very few cars circulate there, which makes it especially pleasant late in the day, once the tour groups have left. Rabat, right next door, offers a more local atmosphere, with its markets and early Christian catacombs.
I recommend this area to those looking for a romantic setting, away from the bustle of the coast.

Recommended for

  • History enthusiasts
  • Couples
  • Photographers
Ir-Rabat alley

What to do in Mdina and Rabat

  • Get lost in Mdina’s medieval streets
  • Admire the sunset from the ramparts
  • Visit St Paul’s Cathedral
  • Explore St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat
  • …
Local products

Where to sleep in Mdina and Rabat – Hotels

ZigZag activities

My favorite activities in Malta:

Town 4 – Gozo

island of Gozo

Why stay in Gozo

Gozo, Malta’s little sister, stands out for its slower pace and greener landscape. It has spectacular cliffs, some of the world’s oldest megalithic temples, and good diving spots. I spent a few days there, away from the bustle of the main island, and I really enjoyed the contrast.
The island is easy to explore by car or bike, over short distances.
You can stay in the small towns or out in the countryside.

Grand Hotel Gozo, view of the harbor and islands
Grand Hotel Gozo

Recommended for

  • Nature lovers
  • Couples
  • Hiking and diving enthusiasts
Kempinski San Laurenz, terrace of our room
Kempinski San Laurenz

What to do in Gozo

  • Swim at Ramla Bay, one of the archipelago’s most beautiful sandy beaches
  • Visit the megalithic temples of Ġgantija
  • Hike along the Dwejra cliffs
  • Go diving in the clear coastal waters
  • Explore the Citadel of Victoria (Gozo’s Rabat)
  • See my dedicated article on the island of Gozo
Pool at the Kempinski San Laurenz resort
Pool at the Kempinski San Laurenz resort

Where to sleep in Gozo – Hotels

Town 5 – The Three Cities: Birgu, Cospicua and Senglea

Three Cities Malta

Why stay in the Three Cities

On the other side of the Grand Harbour, facing Valletta, the Three Cities bring together Birgu (also called Vittoriosa), Cospicua and Senglea. This is where the Knights of St John first settled, even before the capital was built. The area has kept its residential character and its marina, while remaining noticeably less visited than the rest of the island.
I recommend this area to those looking for a more authentic stay while still enjoying a stunning view of Valletta’s fortifications.

Recommended for

  • Travelers seeking authenticity
  • Maritime history enthusiasts
Room at Hotel Cugo Gran Macina
My room at Hotel Cugo Gran Macina

What to do in the Three Cities

  • Stroll along Birgu’s marina
  • Visit Fort St Angelo
  • Admire Valletta from the Senglea gardens
  • Cross the harbor by traditional small boat (dgħajsa) to Valletta
  • …
pool at Hotel Cugo Gran Macina
Pool at Hotel Cugo Gran Macina

Where to sleep in the Three Cities – Hotels

Plan your unforgettable trip to Malta!

ZigZag guide
  • maps to help you plan
  • handpicked beautiful spots
  • Practical information, including GPS coordinates
  • photos to help you choose

COMING SOON

Town 6 – Mellieħa

Mellieħa Malta

Why stay in Mellieħa

In the north of the island, Mellieħa is known for its long sandy beach, Mellieħa Bay, one of Malta’s most popular family beaches. The atmosphere here is more relaxed than in St Julian’s or Sliema, and the hilltop village retains real local charm.
It’s also the gateway to Gozo and Comino: the ferries to both islands leave from nearby, making it a good base if you’re planning to explore the whole archipelago.

Recommended for

  • Families
  • Beach lovers

What to do in Mellieħa

  • Enjoy Mellieħa Bay beach
  • Take the ferry to Comino and the Blue Lagoon
  • Take the ferry to Gozo
  • Visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa
  • Hike along the coast toward Ghadira Bay
  • …
Mellieħa

Where to sleep in Mellieħa – Hotels

Town 7 – St Julian’s

Balluta Bay beach

Why stay in St Julian’s

Just north of Sliema, St Julian’s is the place to stay in Malta if you’re after a lively nightlife. The Paceville area is packed with casinos, cinemas, nightclubs and late-night bars. Buses connect this area easily to the rest of the island, which also makes it a good base for anyone wanting to combine nights out with day trips.
Do be careful, though, if you’re after peace and quiet: some streets stay noisy for much of the night, especially in high season.

Recommended for

  • Partygoers
  • Groups of friends

What to do in St Julian’s

  • Go out to the bars and clubs in Paceville
  • Try your luck at one of the casinos
  • Enjoy the seafront restaurants at Spinola Bay
  • Shop at the shopping centers
  • …
Balluta Bay beach with church

Where to sleep in St Julian’s – Hotels

Town 8 – St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba and Qawra

St Paul's Bay Malta

Why stay in St Paul’s Bay

St Paul’s Bay and the nearby towns of Bugibba and Qawra form, in the north of the island, an area with the feel of a seaside resort. It has a long promenade, plenty of restaurants and pubs, and generally more affordable rates than Sliema or St Julian’s.
Buses are frequent, making it easy to reach Valletta or Mellieħa without a car.

Recommended for

  • Budget travelers
  • Families

What to do in St Paul’s Bay

  • Walk along the long coastal promenade
  • Enjoy the family activities organized in summer
  • Swim from the Qawra Point platforms
  • Easily reach Mellieħa or Valletta by bus
  • …
boat at St Paul's Bay

Where to sleep in St Paul’s Bay – Hotels

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to stay in Malta for a first visit

In my opinion, Valletta and Sliema make the best bases for a first stay. I love how close the two towns are, connected by a five-minute ferry ride, which lets you enjoy the capital’s heritage while staying in an area that’s more practical for everyday life.

Valletta or Sliema?

For a historic atmosphere and short stays, I recommend Valletta. For a better choice of restaurants, easier access to shops and often lower prices, Sliema remains the safe bet. Many travelers actually choose to stay in Sliema and visit Valletta as a day trip.

Should you rent a car in Malta?

Malta is a small island: it takes about 1 hour to drive across it from north to south. A rental car is handy for exploring Mdina, Gozo or the more remote beaches, but it’s not essential if you stay within the Valletta, Sliema, St Julian’s triangle, which is well served by buses. Do be careful about driving in Valletta’s narrow streets, though – it’s better to leave the car in a parking lot and walk.

Where to stay in Malta to visit Gozo and Comino

If Gozo and Comino are on your itinerary, I recommend staying in Mellieħa, whose ferry port is nearby. Another option is to spend part of your stay directly on Gozo, to enjoy the island without depending on ferry schedules.

My final tips for choosing where to stay in Malta

  • Malta is small: you can reach most towns by car or bus in about 1 hour
  • Renting a car is useful, but avoid driving through Valletta’s narrow streets
  • Book early for a summer stay, as the destination remains very popular

Plan your trip to Malta!

Plan your unforgettable trip to Malta!

ZigZag guide
  • maps to help you plan
  • handpicked beautiful spots
  • Practical information, including GPS coordinates
  • photos to help you choose

COMING SOON