The best area to stay in Malta depends on what you want from the trip. Sliema and St Julian’s suit most first-timers because they combine restaurants, shops, sea views and easy transport. Mellieha and the north suit families who want a sandy beach. Valletta suits history lovers on a short city break, and Gozo suits anyone who wants a slower pace. Malta is small, so wherever you stay you are rarely far from the rest of the island.
Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
Which area is best to stay in Malta?
There is no single best area, but there is usually a best area for you. Malta is only about 27 kilometres long, and most of the main resorts sit along the north and east coasts. The island is compact enough that you can base yourself in one place and still reach most sights by bus, taxi or ferry in under an hour, though journey times vary with traffic and the season, so check current timetables before you plan.
Here is a quick way to narrow it down:
- Lively and convenient: Sliema and St Julian’s.
- History and architecture: Valletta, or nearby Floriana and Mdina.
- Budget package holidays: Bugibba, Qawra and the St Paul’s Bay area.
- Beach and families: Mellieha and the north.
- Quiet and rural: Gozo.
- Authentic fishing village: Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala in the south-east.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Malta?
For a first visit, Sliema and neighbouring St Julian’s are the safest choice. Sliema has a long seafront promenade, plenty of cafes and restaurants, shops and a ferry across the harbour to Valletta, which many visitors find easier than driving or taking the bus into the capital. St Julian’s is a short way along the coast and has Spinola Bay, a wide choice of restaurants and a busier nightlife area known as Paceville.
The trade-off is that these areas are built up and the coast here is mostly rocky rather than sandy. Many hotels have pools or rooftop terraces, and there are lidos and rocky swimming spots along the shore. If a big sandy beach matters to you, look further north instead.
Valletta
Valletta is the compact walled capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is excellent for a few days of sightseeing, with churches, museums, harbour views and narrow streets of historic buildings. It is quieter in the evenings than the resort areas, and there are no real beaches in the city itself. It suits couples and culture-focused travellers more than families who want a seaside holiday.
Mdina
Mdina is the old walled city inland, often called the silent city because of its quiet lanes. Accommodation inside the walls is limited and tends to be boutique. Most visitors see it on a day trip rather than staying overnight.
Where is best for families in Malta?
Families often choose Mellieha and the north-west because Mellieha Bay is one of the larger sandy beaches on the island, with shallow water in places. Resorts and apartments in this area are popular for beach-focused holidays, and the ferry terminal for Gozo is a short distance away. Bugibba, Qawra and St Paul’s Bay are also popular with families and are often found in package holidays, with a good range of hotels, pools, restaurants and entertainment.
When comparing family hotels, look at:
- Whether the hotel has a family-friendly pool and shallow areas.
- How far it is from the beach or the nearest bus stop.
- Whether rooms sleep three or four people comfortably.
- Whether meals are included. See our all inclusive holidays guide for how board types work.
- Steep streets and steps, which can be difficult with buggies.
Is it better to stay in the centre or somewhere quieter in Malta?
Central areas such as Sliema, St Julian’s and Valletta put restaurants, buses and ferries on your doorstep, which suits short breaks when you want to see as much as possible. The downside is noise, particularly near nightlife areas and busy roads, and prices can be higher. Quieter bases such as Mellieha, Marsaskala or Gozo give you more space and calm, but you will rely more on buses, taxis or a hire car to get around.
If you are unsure, check recent guest reviews for comments on noise and read the hotel location carefully. A hotel described as in St Julian’s may be a long walk from the main restaurant area, or right next to the busiest bars.
Gozo
Gozo is Malta’s smaller, greener sister island, reached by a short ferry crossing. It has a slower pace, historic sites, dive spots and quieter beaches. Many visitors come over on a day trip, but staying a few nights is a good option if you want a more relaxed holiday. You may find a car useful there. Our car hire guide explains what to check before you book.
How much should you budget for accommodation in Malta?
Prices change with the season, the hotel type and how far ahead you book, so it is not possible to give a reliable fixed figure. As a general pattern, summer and school holidays are the most expensive, while spring and autumn are often better value, and winter can be cheaper still though cooler and less predictable. Self-catering apartments can be good value for families and longer stays. Package holidays that include flights and a hotel can also work out cheaper than booking separately, so compare both, and see our cheap holidays guide for ways to keep the total down.
Always check what is included, for example whether breakfast, airport transfers or resort fees are part of the price, and compare the total cost rather than the headline nightly rate.
Choosing between a hotel, apartment and guesthouse
Malta offers everything from large resort hotels with pools and entertainment to small boutique places in converted townhouses. Large hotels are convenient for families and for anyone who wants facilities on site, but they can feel anonymous. Apartments give you a kitchen and extra space, which helps with children, early starts and longer stays, though you will need to shop and cook. Guesthouses and boutique hotels, particularly in Valletta, Mdina and Gozo, often have more character but fewer facilities, and some are in historic buildings with steps and no lift.
Before you book, it is worth checking:
- The exact location on a map, not just the area name.
- Whether the pool is heated or open in the colder months.
- Air conditioning, which is useful in summer.
- Whether there is a lift, if stairs would be a problem.
- Any building work nearby, which recent reviews often mention.
- The cancellation policy, in case your plans change.
Booking a package with flights can be simpler if you want one point of contact, and booking separately can give more choice of dates and rooms. Either way, compare the final total, including baggage and transfers.
Getting to Malta and getting around
Malta has direct flights from several UK airports, including Gatwick, although routes and operators change by season. Flight times from the south of England are typically a little over three hours, but check your booking. Once there, public buses cover most of the island, taxis and ride-hailing apps are common, and ferries link Sliema and Valletta. Malta drives on the left, as in the UK, which makes hiring a car less daunting for British visitors. Malta uses the euro and UK-style plugs, but check current requirements before you travel.
Best time to go
Summer is hot and busy and best for beach time. Late spring and early autumn often balance warm weather with fewer crowds, and winter is mild compared with the UK but can be breezy and wet. See our winter sun destinations guide if you are considering a cooler-season trip.
Frequently asked questions
Is Malta good for a long weekend?
Yes. Because it is small and well connected, three or four nights is enough to see Valletta, the three cities, Mdina and a beach or boat trip. See our city breaks guide for other short-trip ideas.
Is Sliema or St Julian’s better?
Sliema is calmer and better for shopping and promenade walks. St Julian’s is livelier at night. Staying in Sliema and walking or taking a taxi to St Julian’s for dinner is a popular compromise.
Are there sandy beaches in Malta?
Yes, but fewer than many visitors expect. Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay and Gnejna Bay are among the better-known sandy beaches, and much of the coast elsewhere is rocky. Check the beach situation for your resort before you book.
Do you need travel insurance for Malta?
It is sensible to have it for any trip abroad. A UK GHIC may help with some state healthcare costs but does not replace insurance. Read our travel insurance guide for what to look for.
Is Malta suitable for visitors with limited mobility?
Many old towns have steep streets, steps and uneven paving, so check access carefully. Newer resort areas and hotels may be easier. Ask accommodation directly about lifts, step-free access and distance to transport.
Can you do a day trip to Gozo?
Yes. Ferries run from the north of Malta and the crossing is short, though timetables change, so check before you travel.
We have not stayed at every hotel or area mentioned, so use this guide as a planning starting point and check recent reviews and official information before you book.