Where to Stay in Malta: 2026 Guide to the Ultimate Vacation

Wondering where to stay in Malta? There are so many amazing options depending on the kind of trip you’re looking for.

Honestly, I googled “where can you swim in Europe in October?” and boom, we had a vacation planned to Malta that I ended up loving.

I spent a week there this fall, exploring everywhere from the beaches of Mellieha to the bustling streets of Valletta to the tiny island of Gozo, and I was surprised at how every part of Malta feels distinctly different.

Here’s exactly what you need to know to find the best place to stay in Malta for your ideal (and trust me, it will be ideal) vacation.

Quick Guide on Where To Stay in Malta

What to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay in Malta

Before diving into specific neighborhoods, here’s what you’ll want to think about: 

• Do you want beaches or history? 
• Walkable city life or nature?
• Nightlife or calm?
• Budget or resort style?

You can’t usually get both prime beach access and historic central location in one cheap spot. But don’t worry! The island is small enough that you can get anywhere pretty easily, so even if you stay in one spot, you can still explore the others.

What Are The Different Places To Stay In Malta?

Malta might be tiny (in fact, the entire island is smaller than many cities!), but each area has a pretty unique vibe. Understanding the differences and what you’re looking for will help you choose where to stay in Malta.

Valletta: Historic Capital

Valletta is Malta’s capital and a UNESCO world heritage site. 

It’s full of narrow winding streets, pretty affordable restaurants, tourist shops, and beautiful baroque architecture. 

This is where I’d base if you don’t want to rent a car. Public transport runs frequently from here to all parts of Malta, and you’ll find tons of restaurants, museums, and historic sites within walking distance.

I did a food tour here and loved getting to learn about the city from our guide. The guide took us to local spots I never would have found on my own, and we tried everything from traditional pastizzi to rabbit terrine (Maltese food is…unique, to say the least).

Don’t skip Aki, an award-winning sushi restaurant that surprised me in the best way. Yes, sushi in Malta sounds random, but it’s legitimately excellent and the chef sources incredible fish.

The Upper Barrakka Gardens offer the best views in Valletta since you look out over Grand Harbour. Go around 4pm to watch the golden hour light hit the three cities across the water.

If you stay here, you need to be sure to book a hotel that doesn’t mention noise in the reviews. Valletta is popular and busy, and you don’t want to be kept up late! I have specific recommendations below.

Sliema & St. Julian’s: Urban Waterfront

Sliema and St. Julian blend together along Malta’s eastern coast, and are Malta’s most urban, modern area. You’ll find a waterfront promenade perfect for walking, lots of restaurants and cafes, and the island’s best nightlife scene.

This area is great if you want a mix of beach access and urban energy. The beaches here are mostly rocky platforms with ladder entries, but many hotels have their own beach clubs to solve this problem.

We made a friend on our tour who felt like Sliema had a little too much construction, so if you’re wondering where to stay in Malta but looking for nightlife, I’d recommend staying in St. Julian’s. 

St. Julian’s specifically is where you’ll find Paceville, Malta’s main nightlife district. Bars, clubs, and late-night spots dominate this neighborhood, so it can get loud on weekends, but you know you’ll have a good time!

The main island buses stop here frequently, so you’re well-connected without a car. You can reach Valletta in about 20 minutes by bus.

Mellieha: Beach Resort Paradise

Mellieha is where to stay in Malta if you’re all about the beaches (and it’s where I stayed). This former fishing village has transformed into a resort area with some of the island’s best sandy shores.

Mellieha Bay is Malta’s largest sandy beach with shallow water that stays calm even when other parts of the island have waves. This makes it perfect for families with young kids or anyone who wants easy, safe swimming.

I stayed here at the Radisson Blu Golden Sands (definitely one of the best places to stay in Malta) and spent either a morning or an afternoon every day swimming in the ocean (I make no apologies for my goggles and mermaid spirit). 

Even in October, the water was warm enough (a bit chilly, but totally swimmable), and the beach was gorgeous.

The town itself is much quieter and more local than St. Julian’s. You’ll find local restaurants, a few supermarkets, and a much more laid-back atmosphere.

You’ll probably want a car if you base yourself here. While buses do run to Mellieha, having your own transportation makes exploring other parts of Malta much easier.

Mdina: The Silent City

Mdina is Malta’s ancient walled city where cars aren’t allowed inside the walls and served as some of the set for Game of Thrones!

It’s stunning to explore for a day with narrow medieval streets, beautiful architecture, and that quiet, timeless atmosphere.

The city earned its nickname “The Silent City” because so few people actually live here. It’s incredibly peaceful, especially early morning or late afternoon when day-trippers have left.

Honestly, I would only recommend staying here if you’re a serious history buff. Accommodation options are limited to a handful of boutique properties, and you’ll miss out on beach access and nightlife if you stay here. Better as a day trip from wherever you’re based. 

That being said, I think my dad might love it. Getting to spend a night at the Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux would feel like stepping back into medieval times but with today’s luxury standards.

Gozo: Malta’s Quieter Sister Island

You get to Gozo on an easy ferry ride from Malta’s main island. The crossing takes about 25 minutes from Cirkewwa (northern Malta) to Mgarr (Gozo’s ferry port). Check out my video below of exactly what the experience is like driving on the ferry!

This island is more rural, quieter, and perfect if you want to escape crowds. The pace of life is noticeably slower, and the landscape is more agricultural with rolling hills and farmland.

I spent a day driving around Gozo and loved it, especially the Salt Pans.

Divers love Gozo for its clear water and excellent dive sites. The Blue Hole and Inland Sea are popular spots. The island also has beautiful beaches like Ramla Bay with reddish sand.

A lot of people recommend a night or two on Gozo, but honestly, I don’t think you need it.

If this is your first trip to Malta and you want to see multiple areas, I’d base yourself on the main island and do Gozo as a day trip. You can rent a car and take it on the ferry, or walk on as a passenger and rent an e-bike or grab a cab on Gozo itself.

My Week in Malta: Where I Stayed and Why It Worked

The best hotel I’ve stayed at in a while

When I was thinking about where to stay in Malta I chose Mellieha specifically because I wanted a beach-focused trip.

After spending forever researching different areas, I knew I wanted to prioritize swimming and relaxation over nightlife (though I certainly enjoyed a mojito or two).

The Radisson Blu Golden Sands delivered exactly that. The hotel is right on the beach and it’s worth upgrading to an ocean view room. To be honest, the rooms aren’t outrageously fancy, but the property is what you’re there for.

I splurged on a room facing the water and I seriously could have spent hours just sitting on the balcony watching the Mediterranean (give me a bath robe, a glass of wine, and a book and I’m a happy girl).

There’s a private beach section for guests with loungers, umbrellas, and towel service. This made beach days effortless because I didn’t have to bring anything except sunscreen and a book (good god, Demon Copperhead is amazing and sad).

The mimosa breakfast buffet every morning was absolutely one of the highlights. Fresh fruit, pastries, made-to-order omelets, local cheeses, and champagne. I’m usually someone who grabs coffee and runs, but I found myself actually sitting down for breakfast each morning.

When I went to Malta, what I did, and driving in Malta:

I went in October, which I’d highly recommend if you have flexibility with dates. The weather was perfect for swimming (the ocean was a bit chilly but nothing unbearable), the crowds were manageable, and prices were lower than peak summer.

Having a car meant I could easily drive to Valletta for my food tour, take a boat trip to the Blue lagoon and explore different parts of the island without feeling rushed. The drive from Mellieha to Valletta takes about 30 minutes, which is nothing.

I also took a day trip to Gozo by car and ferry. The ferry crossing is super easy and runs frequently, and having the car on Gozo made it easy to see multiple spots in one day.

Don’t let the left-hand driving scare you off from renting a car in Malta! It wasn’t that hard and no one was driving recklessly. I was happy we rented a car in Malta. 

For a relaxing, beach-centered trip where you still want to see the historic sites, this setup was perfect. I’d absolutely stay at the Radisson Blu again.

Best Hotels in Malta for Beach Lovers

If swimming and beach time are your priorities, northern Malta is where you want to be. The beaches here are sandier and the resort atmosphere is more developed than other parts of the island.

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands

This is the hotel I stayed at, and I genuinely can’t recommend it enough.

The property has private beach access, multiple pools, and rooms with views that make you want to stay on your balcony all day.

The breakfast buffet included everything from mimosas to cooked-to-order eggs, and the beach setup with loungers and umbrellas made it easy to spend entire days by the water.

The private beach section for guests means you’re not fighting for space even during busier periods.

What I loved most was how the hotel balanced resort amenities with easy access to Mellieha town. You can drive to local restaurants in about 10 minutes if you want a break from the hotel dining (though the hotel restaurants were actually delicious).

Db Seabank Resort & Spa – All-Inclusive

If you prefer an all-inclusive experience where you don’t have to think about meal planning, Db Seabank delivers. This resort sits right on the waterfront in Mellieha Bay with direct beach access.

The all-inclusive package covers meals, drinks, and snacks throughout the day. The hotel has multiple dining venues, so you’re not eating at the same buffet every night, and there’s a solid spa if you want to add some pampering to your beach vacation.

Families love this place because kids can grab snacks whenever they want, and parents don’t have to worry about restaurant budgets adding up.

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

The Westin Dragonara sits on its own peninsula in St. Julian’s, giving you beach access with city life. You’re technically in the nightlife district, but the hotel feels like a resort escape.

The property has a private beach club, multiple pools, and the signature Westin Heavenly Beds that actually live up to the hype. You can walk to dozens of restaurants and bars in St. Julian’s, then come back to a quiet, beachfront setting.

This is the perfect middle ground if you want both beach time and easy access to Malta’s dining and nightlife scene without needing a car.

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa

The Malta Marriott Resort & Spa combines resort amenities with a prime St. Julian’s location (so you get nightlife and a beach). The hotel has a private beach club at Balluta Bay, pools overlooking the water, and spacious rooms. 

What sets this apart is the location. You’re walking distance to tons of restaurants, the waterfront promenade, and Paceville nightlife, but the hotel itself feels removed from the chaos.

The spa is excellent if you want to add massage treatments to your beach days, and the breakfast spread rivals what I had at the Radisson.

Where to Stay in Malta for Nightlife & Walkability

St. Julian’s is the heart of Malta’s nightlife and urban dining scene. You’ll find everything from rooftop bars to waterfront restaurants to late-night clubs, all within walking distance.

ME Malta

ME Malta brings a modern, design-forward aesthetic to St. Julian’s. This boutique hotel feels trendy without trying too hard, with a rooftop pool and bar that’s one of the best spots to watch sunset over the Mediterranean.

The hotel sits right in the action on the Paceville waterfront. You’re steps from Malta’s main nightlife district, but the soundproofing is excellent so you can actually sleep when you’re ready.

Rooms are sleek and modern with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Radio Rooftop bar is worth visiting even if you don’t stay here, but having it as your hotel bar makes evening drinks incredibly convenient.

Corinthia St George’s Bay

The Corinthia St George’s Bay is one of Malta’s landmark hotels, sitting right on St. George’s Bay with private beach access and multiple pools. The property is massive but manages to feel welcoming rather than impersonal.

You get resort amenities (spa, multiple restaurants, beach club) with St. Julian’s walkability. The hotel has its own restaurants if you want to stay in, but you’re also a 10-minute walk from dozens of dining options.

The Apollo Day Spa here is one of the best on the island if you want to balance nightlife with wellness treatments. They have an indoor pool and extensive treatment menu.

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

I mentioned this in the beach section, but it works equally well if nightlife is your priority. The Westin sits on its own peninsula between St. Julian’s and Paceville, giving you the best of both worlds.

You can walk to bars and restaurants in about 5 minutes, but you’re staying at a beachfront resort property that feels separated from the chaos. The private beach club means you can recover from late nights with a relaxing pool day.

The Westin’s location is honestly perfect for people who want to experience Malta’s nightlife but also want peaceful mornings and beach access without changing hotels.

Best Place to Stay in Malta for Families

If you’re going with kiddos you’re gonna want to balance beach access, safety, kid-friendly amenities, and convenience. These three hotels deliver on all fronts.

Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Golden Sands

Mellieha Bay is one of Malta’s best beaches for families because the water is shallow and calm. It’s super easy to swim in and we saw lots of kids having fun on the beach.

The Radisson Blu has family rooms that can accommodate parents and kids comfortably. The hotel has multiple pools including a kids’ pool, and the private beach section means you’re not competing for space.

There’s a kids’ club with organized activities, which gives parents a break to enjoy the beach cocktails while children are entertained. The all-day dining restaurant makes meals easy when you’re dealing with picky eaters (young or old!).

The Westin Dragonara Resort, Malta

The Westin works perfectly for families who want both beach time and easy walking to restaurants without being stuck in a remote resort. Kids can swim at the beach or pools while parents relax, and you can walk to dozens of family-friendly dining options.

The hotel grounds are large enough that kids can roam safely, and there are organized activities during peak season. The location in St. Julian’s means families can easily visit other parts of Malta without long drives.

Family suites are spacious with separate sleeping areas, which makes a huge difference when traveling with children who go to bed early.

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa

The Malta Marriott also offers resort amenities while still being in the city center, so it’s perfect for families who don’t want to feel isolated. The hotel has a kids’ pool, organized activities, and spacious family rooms.

The private beach club at Balluta Bay is quieter than public beaches, and the hotel staff sets up loungers and umbrellas so parents don’t have to schlep equipment. You’re also close to public transport if you want to explore without renting a car.

The breakfast buffet has enough variety to please even selective eaters, and the hotel can arrange babysitting if parents want an evening out.

Where to Stay in Malta for History & Culture Lovers

Valletta is the obvious choice if history is your main interest. The entire city is a world heritage site, and staying here puts you in the heart of Malta’s cultural treasures.

The Phoenicia Malta

If you’re wondering where to stay in Malta that exemplifies luxury, this is it. This is one of the best hotels in Malta and I 100% want to stay at some point in my life. The Phoenicia Malta is a landmark hotel just outside Valletta’s city gates.

The property itself feels historic with beautiful gardens, a pool overlooking the old city walls, and that classic Mediterranean elegance.

You’re a two-minute walk from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the heart of Valletta’s historic sites. The hotel has been hosting travelers since the 1940s, so there’s a sense of history just staying here.

The rooms blend traditional style with modern amenities. You get the feeling of old-world Malta without sacrificing comfort, and the pool area is perfect for cooling off after a day of sightseeing.

Domus Zamitello

Domus Zamitello is a boutique hotel in the heart of Valletta, converted from a 16th-century palazzo. This is the experience of truly living inside a world heritage site.

The hotel has just a handful of rooms, each decorated with period details and modern touches. Stone walls, wooden beams, and original architectural features make every corner Instagram-worthy, but more importantly, they give you an authentic sense of Valletta’s history.

Everything in Valletta is walking distance from here. You’re on a quiet side street, so you get the peace without being far from restaurants and attractions.

Rosselli

Rosselli is a luxury boutique hotel in Valletta that manages to feel both historic and contemporary. The 17th-century building has been beautifully restored with a rooftop pool that offers stunning views over the city.

The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant, Under Grain, which is worth experiencing even if you’re not staying here. The rooms are spacious by Valletta standards (old buildings usually mean smaller spaces), and the design is impeccable.

This is where you stay if you want to treat yourself to luxury while being based in Malta’s historic capital. The location puts you within easy walking distance of everything Valletta has to offer.

Hotels to Book on Points in Malta

Malta has several excellent options for maximizing your points and miles. These properties offer strong value for loyalty program members.

Hyatt Regency Malta

The Hyatt Regency Malta in St. Julian’s is one of the best World of Hyatt redemptions on the island. The hotel sits right in the heart of St. Julian’s with a rooftop pool and modern rooms.

It’s a category 3 hotel and redemptions are pretty cheap – around 9k points per night in May. 

You could easily earn this many points with the World of Hyatt Credit Card or any of the Chase Sapphire cards which allow you to transfer points 1:1 to World of Hyatt. I have a completely free guide to Chase points here. 

You’re walking distance to Paceville nightlife, the waterfront promenade, and dozens of restaurants. The location means you won’t need a car since everything is accessible on foot or by bus.

Hyatt points typically offer strong value, and this property consistently has good award availability. The rooftop pool area alone makes it feel like a special stay, and you’re getting a prime location without paying cash rates.

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa

Marriott Bonvoy members should look at the Malta Marriott Resort & Spa in St. Julian’s. This resort property has beach club access, multiple pools, and spa facilities while maintaining that urban St. Julian’s convenience.

A week in May will run you about 42k points per night or 300,000 points total. But, as a Marriott Bonvoy member, you get a 5th night free. 

It’s not cheap, but the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card typically offers a welcome bonus over 100k points that could put you well on your way (or allow you to cover at least part of your trip with points, and hey, I’ll take a $1,000 discount by using points!).

You get true resort amenities (private beach club, spa treatments, multiple dining venues) with walkability to Malta’s best dining and nightlife scene.

The hotel location means you can skip the car rental and still access everything easily. 

Marriott Bonvoy points do transfer from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Amex Membership Rewards, making this accessible for multiple points currencies.

However, I usually don’t recommend using these points for Marriott. If you’re interested in learning more about how to use your points, I offer free (actually free) consultations here.

Hilton Malta

I’ll be real, I’m not a huge fan of Hilton points, but there’s not denying the Hilton Malta in St. Julian’s is a beautiful option for Hilton Honors members. The hotel has a private beach, multiple pools, and a prime location on the Portomaso Marina.

It’s not cheap to stay here, but that’s always the case with Hilton redemptions. 

This is one of Malta’s larger resort properties with extensive facilities including restaurants, bars, a spa, and organized activities. The marina setting gives you beautiful water views and easy access to waterfront dining.

Hilton points can be earned through Amex transfers or directly through Hilton cards. To be honest, I wouldn’t transfer Amex points to Hilton, but if you already have Hilton points, this is an option!

Budget-Friendly Hotel Options In Malta

You don’t need to spend a fortune to stay somewhere nice in Malta. Smart timing and location choices make affordable luxury totally achievable.

Shoulder Season Savings

I love a shoulder season vacation. I went in October when prices are significantly lower than summer rates. The weather was still perfect for swimming (the ocean was a bit chilly but totally enjoyable), and attractions weren’t crowded.

May and September are also excellent shoulder season months where you’ll get good weather without peak pricing. Hotel rates can drop by 30-50% compared to July and August.

Restaurants are less busy too, which means you can often get tables at popular spots without advance reservations. The overall experience feels more relaxed when you’re not competing with peak summer crowds.

Hotel Valentina

Hotel Valentina is a family-owned boutique hotel in St. Julian’s that’s an amazing affordable, luxury option with a pool. The property sits on a quiet residential street but you’re still a 5-minute walk from Paceville nightlife and restaurants.

The rooms are modern with comfortable beds, air conditioning, and balconies in many units. The design feels fresh without being over-the-top trendy, and everything is kept very clean.

The rooftop pool and bar (open April-October) is the main draw. It’s small but perfect for cooling off between sightseeing, and the views are nice. Free breakfast is included, and it’s a proper buffet with hot and cold options.

Free parking is a huge bonus if you’re renting a car. Most St. Julian’s hotels charge for parking or don’t have it at all.

The hotel gives guests a discount card for The Avenue restaurant nearby, which is owned by the same family. It’s an easy budget-friendly dinner option when you don’t feel like venturing far.

Melior Boutique Hotel

Hotel Melior sits right on Republic Street in the heart of Valletta, and yes, the entrance is literally inside a Starbucks. It sounds weird, but it actually works.

The hotel has 18 modern rooms that are clean, comfortable, and much larger than you’d expect for a Valletta property. Some rooms have balconies with views over the city, and they all come with coffee machines and the basics you need.

The breakfast situation is unique. Starbucks delivers it to your room at whatever time you choose between 7:30-10:30am. You pick what you want, and they bring it up. It’s not a fancy buffet, but it’s convenient and included in your rate.

The location is perfect for exploring Valletta. You’re on the main street with everything walkable, and you can reach the Upper Barrakka Gardens in about 5 minutes. The hotel is rated 8.6 on Booking.com, which is solid for the price point.

Practical Tips for Choosing Where to Stay in Malta

A few things to keep in mind when booking that will make your trip smoother.

Renting a Car in Malta

If you stay in Mellieha or anywhere in the north, a car makes life much easier. I loved having a car and have zero regrets. You can reach beaches, explore Mdina, and visit Gozo on your own schedule.

Renting is cheap in Malta. I paid about $60 for the whole week for a small car that I rented here on DiscoverCars. It was provided by Routes, a local rental company, and everything went incredibly smoothly. International companies charge more, but even those rates are reasonable compared to other European destinations.

The left-hand driving takes maybe 30 minutes to feel comfortable. Roundabouts require extra attention at first, but after a few tries, it becomes second nature. The roads are generally well-maintained, though some rural areas have narrow streets.

Parking in Valletta can be tricky and expensive. If you’re visiting for the day, use the park-and-ride at the entrance or look for parking garages just outside the city walls.

Getting Around Without a Car

Valletta, St. Julian’s, and the surrounding areas are totally manageable without a car. Public transport in Malta is reliable and inexpensive, though buses can get crowded during peak season.

Paying is easy thanks to a tap-and-go system. Buy a 7-day bus pass if you’re planning multiple trips. It’s significantly cheaper than paying per ride, and you can use it on any bus route across Malta and Gozo.

Taxis and ride-sharing (Bolt works in Malta) are available but can add up quickly if you’re taking them daily. I’d budget for these as occasional transportation rather than your primary method.

The ferry between Malta and Gozo runs frequently and takes about 25 minutes. You can walk on as a passenger or bring a car. The views from the ferry are beautiful and there’s a little cafe inside where you can buy chips, coffee etc.

When To Book Your Stay in Malta: Busy Season

Malta gets very busy in July and August, especially during the local festa season when each town celebrates its patron saint. Hotels book up months in advance for these dates.

If you’re flexible on timing, shoulder season (May, June, September, October) offers better pricing, better availability, and a more relaxed experience. You’ll still get excellent weather for swimming and sightseeing.

You’ll want to book your trip at least 2-3 months ahead for summer trips. Last-minute deals are rare during peak season, and you’ll likely end up paying premium rates or settling for less desirable locations.

For shoulder season, 1-2 months advance booking is usually sufficient, though popular properties like the Radisson will definitely go up in price.

Weather and Swimming Season

I swam comfortably in October! The ocean was slightly chilly but totally enjoyable, and the air temperature was perfect for beach days without being oppressively hot.

The swimming season really runs from May through October. July and August have the warmest water but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. June and September offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds.

Even in shoulder season, bring reef shoes if you plan to swim at rocky beaches. Many Malta beaches have rocky entries, and the shoes make getting in and out of the water much easier.

Is Malta Safe?

Malta is generally very safe. I never felt uncomfortable walking around Valletta, St. Julian’s, or Mellieha at any time of day.

Paceville (the nightlife district in St. Julian’s) can get rowdy late at night on weekends, but it’s not dangerous. Just standard bar district stuff with drunk tourists being loud.

The usual travel warnings apply. Watch your belongings in crowded tourist areas, don’t leave valuables visible in rental cars, and use hotel safes for important documents.