Where to stay in Malta with video and comparative table
In this post, you’re going to discover where to stay in Malta based on the type of holiday you have in mind.
You will become familiar with all the best areas to stay in Malta, also thanks to a handy map, an easy table that compares all the places and a video of my first-hand experience.
The great thing about Malta is that you can find all the options, at a relatively small distance from the airport, close to amazing historical towns and at great value too. Basically, you will not get bored.
But let’s jump straight into it!
Where to stay in Malta for couples, beaches and families- in a nutshell
If you have just 2 minutes, then this table is really all you need. However, I suggest continuing to read to gain a better understanding of the island.
Click on the Area/Town for a much more detailed description. Swift left or right on the mobile to see the entire table.
| Main reason | Area/Town/City | Hotel | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach | Mellieha | Maritim Antonine Hotel | Best beaches, relaxed stay with a few restaurants and bars |
| Family Time | St. Paul’s Bay | AX Sunny Coast | Best resorts for families with kids, facilities and shops built with children in mind |
| Couples getaway | Birgu | Palazzino Birgu | Romantic boutique town, historical baroque style experience. Rabat and Mdina are other options |
| Nightlife | St. Julian’s | Holiday Inn | Plenty of nightlife options, lots of bars, and a wide choice of restaurants |
| Weekend or short stay | Valletta | Grand Hotel Excelsior | A fantastic town with a great hub for public transport, and a great choice of accommodations |
| History | Valletta, Birgu, Gozo Island | Grand Excelsior, Palazzino Birgu, The Duke | Valletta and Birgu for a short stay, Gozo Island for a longer stay to step back in time |
| Young couples trip | St. Julian’s | Hotel Valentina | Good choice of restaurants, drinking places, and clubs, with a small beach. Mellieha has amazing beaches, but no nightlife (very quiet) |
| Near the beach | Rabat and Mdina | Xara Palace Relais | Great baroque towns close to beaches, but public transportation is not great |
| Renting a car and Diving around | Mellieha | Maritim Antonine Hotel | Most diving sites are in the north, diving operators can pick you up from Mellieha, and there are lovely beaches around |
| Stay with a baby | Mellieha | db Seabank | Quiet beach place, Gozo Island is another option for a quiet stay full of history, but not as great of a beach |
| Without a car | Valletta | Grand Hotel Excelsior | Hub of the Malta bus routes, easy access to explore the island with day trips using public transport |
| For Backpacking | St. Julian’s | Boho Hostel | Good backpacking accommodations like the Boho Hostel, within walking distance of the centre of the action (Paceville) |
Of course, things may be different based on the time of the year you are planning your visit. There is no point in suggesting a beach town for Christmas.
Here is a quick table to see where to stay in Malta based on the month of your trip
| Time | Area/Town/City | Hotel | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas | Valletta, Sliema | Grand Excelsior | Christmas vibes with plenty of lights. Accommodation options in the old centre. Sliema is an option for shopping. |
| January and February | Valletta, Sliema | Grand Excelsior | Busy towns with plenty of locals, too cold for beach resorts. Valletta is my favourite |
| March and April | Valletta, Birgu, St. Julian’s | Grand Excelsior, Palazzino Birgu, Holiday Inn | Valletta for a historic area with locals and travellers, Birgu for a secluded place, St. Julian’s for the beach (small) and nightlife |
| May | Mellieha, St. Julian’s | Maritim, Holiday Inn | Start of the season, a great time for the beach. Mellieha for beach time, St. Julian’s for bars and restaurants |
| June and Sept. | Any area | Best months, sunny and warm but not hot, not as busy | |
| July and August | Any area | Peak season, need to book well in advance, Gozo is the quietest area |
Are you planning more than a short weekend in Malta?
Best area to stay in Malta on a map
These are the 10 best areas to stay in Malta. Each one has its own identity.
Starting with Valletta and Birgu, the description of the popular areas follows an anti-clockwise direction
- Valletta: the capital city of Malta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many historic buildings, the oldest ones being from the 16th century. Perfect spot to stay if you want to get deeper in the history of the city, an otherwise great destination for a day trip
- Birgu: one of the oldest towns in Malta, facing the capital, right in the Grand Harbour. A walk through the small lanes and the little alleys is absolutely a must. Try to make it on Tuesday for the local market. A great boutique place to stay
- Sliema: it is one of the busiest localities on the island, inhabited mostly by a mix of people with a Maltese and British background. Once a fishing village, it has been (over)built with apartment blocks. The number of pubs may make you think of being suddenly in the UK
- St. Julian’s: nice marina and great dining options. This region is a perfect hangout destination for travellers looking for bars and nightclubs open till the early hours of the morning. The place to stay for young couples and singles looking for nightlife.
- St. Paul’s Bay: located to the north of Malta, this region is divided into multiple villages and towns. Bugibba and Qawra are the most popular spots in this area which can get quite busy in the high season (July and August). A great spot for families
- Mellieha: it is one of the topmost northern villages of Malta. The place is famous for Mellieha Bay, also known as Ghadira. The bay’s sandy beach is one of the largest and most beautiful ones in Malta. It is a very quiet area, popular with couples, looking for a romantic stay, and families with kids
- Rabat and Mdina area: these are two of the most popular places in the southwest of Malta. Both Mdina, the old capital city, and Rabat display one of the finest medieval-era architectures, still so well preserved to be featured in movies as Munich (2005)
- Birżebbuġa and the southeast coast: it is one of the developing areas located in the southeast section of Malta. It’s quieter than other parts of the island. It can be visited on a day trip, and you should not miss the Blue Grotto on the south coast.
- Gozo Island: considered the “sister” of Malta, much more rural than the main island. It’s a getaway destination with almost no nightlife, beautiful beaches, which do not get busy even in high season, and lovely nature all around
- Comino Island: a tiny island between Malta and Gozo. This is the perfect place if you are after some trekking in complete isolation. It can be visited also on a day trip from Gozo or Mellieha.
Valletta, the historical capital to visit
- 🌎 Where to stay in Malta for a short stay and history 🏩 Grand Hotel Excelsior is the recommended accommodation in the area
- 👍 Pros: great for a weekend or a short break, amazing history, beautiful architecture, bus hub for Malta, the place to be in winter and Christmas
- 👎 Cons: no beaches, a bit chaotic, no parking
Valletta is the capital city of Malta, in fact, the smallest capital in the whole of Europe with a population of just ~6,000 people.
The city is the centre for the administrative and commercial activities of Malta, facing the Grand Harbour and the Marsamxett Harbour.
UNESCO declared Valletta a World Heritage site in 1980, mainly due to a large number of historic buildings, the oldest ones being from the 16th century.
The city is well known for its baroque architecture and the great variety of Catholic churches, besides the new Parliament House, designed by Renzo Piano in 2011 and inspired by a fort surrounded by bastion walls.
The Upper Baraka Gardens, located in southern Valletta, is one of the unique spots to have spectacular views of the Grand Harbour while having a sip of coffee in the evening in its kiosk or terraces.
Merchant’s Street, one of the longest walks in the city, probably offers the best way to experience small churches, cafes and fancy little shops.
Valletta is a great spot to stay for a short weekend or just a few days to experience the history of this beautiful island, wander around, and have some nice meals at the boutique restaurants scattered around the city.
The Grand Hotel Excelsior has one of the most beautiful views and an outdoor pool in Valletta with easy access to a private beach, too.
Absolutely a dream place in the city, with a hot tub too, and still very close to everything Valletta has to offer. Amazing breakfast.
Check availability at Grand Hotel Excelsior
If you prefer an Airbnb-style apartment, then Door Eight is what you may be looking for. It’s within walking distance of the centre and the bus station, so convenient.
It’s a boutique size apartment in a typical 1930 building, refurbished and recently renewed. The price is very very competitive and probably, for this reason, it’s often booked out.
If you enjoy spending your time between the old lanes and alleys, I would also consider Rabat and Mdina, which, besides the beautiful baroque architecture typical of both towns, are also close to a few amazing beaches.
Birgu, the boutique destination of Malta
- 🌎 Where to stay in Malta for couples 🏩 Palazzino Birgu is the recommended accommodation in the area
- 👍 Pros: very romantic, great for a weekend or a short break, amazing history, beautiful architecture, quiet, boutique hotels and restaurants
- 👎 Cons: no beaches, well connected to Valletta but otherwise hard to get around Malta from Birgu
Birgu was the only town able to not surrender to the Ottoman invaders during the Great Siege of 1565. For this reason, it is also known as “Cittá Vittoriosa” (winning city).
The Knights of St John were based in Fort St Angelo, overlooking the Grand Harbour, hosting still today the arsenal of the Order.
A must-visit place to understand more of the history of Malta and for the spectacular views over the bay.
Birgu, the quieter Senglea (Città Invicta) and the busier Valletta are the three cities to visit in the Grand Harbour.
Nowadays Birgu is developing into a boutique destination with elegant wine bars and restaurants hidden in the winding lanes and alleys of the tiny town.
Also, the Birgu waterfront has been redeveloped with a Marina and a few restaurants and bars, overlooking the water and L-Isla on the other side of the bay, So lovely
The entire city is surrounded by ancient defensive walls, monuments, and incredible old buildings.
Don’t miss out on the weekly Tuesday street market where you may be able to find old treasures.
Other attractions are the St. Lawrence’s Church, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and the Notre Dame Gate.
I wrote a full guide about the Birgu waterfront and all you need to know about this area.
Birgu can be the perfect place for a romantic stay, a weekend or just a few days.
You can mix your time in exploring the city maze, enjoying the local cafes and spending some lazy time in one of the many tiny wine bars.
Birgu is becoming famous for its boutique hotels and the Palazzino Birgu is definitely one to experience.
Imagine a romantic and charming family-run bed and breakfast, located peacefully between limestone buildings.
The view from the roof terrace is just outstanding.
Sliema, shopping and highrise
Sliema is one of the busiest localities in Malta island.
Finding a place to park the car can be really tricky and expensive too, considering the cost per hour ($3 and over).
On the positive side, Sliema is a good option for any kind of shopping with a few malls around, easily accessible, just walking through the town’s pedestrian area.
For drinks and nightlife, head to “the front”, the 10km long promenade that runs along the northeastern shoreline, from Gżira to St. Julian’s. The view is really beautiful.
Unfortunately, there are no sandy beaches, although you can still access the water through the rocks area.
The water is, however, not the best. Basically, go elsewhere if you are after a swim.
Sliema was once just a fishing village outside Valletta. And surely it was beautiful.
Nowadays, highrise buildings are dominating the landscape and you may feel overwhelmed by it.
I would personally not suggest staying in Sliema unless you travelled to Malta for a shopping experience mixed with a restaurant and pub nightlife.
Sliema can be visited on a day or half-day trip from anywhere on the island (by bus or organised tour).
If you decide to drive there, you are better off parking in Floriana, just outside Valletta.
From there walk 10 minutes to the Sliema Ferry and grab one of the frequently served ferries.
If you are staying overnight or just visiting the area later in the day, I suggest checking the events at the Teatru Salesjan, a small boutique theatre right in the centre of the town.
They usually have a great mix of local music as well as jazz and plays, too.
How big is Malta?
St. Julian’s, the best place to stay in Malta for nightlife
- 🌎 Where to stay in Malta for nightlife 🏩 Holiday Inn Express is the recommended accommodation in the area
- 👍 Pros: best nightlife, great for young couples and singles, backpacking and on a budget, plenty of restaurants
- 👎 Cons: it can be a bit noisy and chaotic, small beach
- 🍷 Best restaurants and bars: Buffalo Bill, 1927 and The Dubliner
St. Julian’s is located just north of Sliema (there is not a real demarcation between the two towns) and a few kilometres from Valletta.
As you may already know, St. Julian’s is the best hangout destination in Malta for travellers who seek a good and long nightlife.
Paceville, an area in the centre of St. Julian’s, is well known for nightclubs as well as bars, which offer a great hangout experience, till easily the early hours of the morning.
St. Julian’s is also renowned for its restaurants, both in Paceville and surrounding the Spinola Bay area, with its long promenade which runs all the way to Sliema.
Entertainment in St. Julian’s has no limits with a bowling centre, a shopping complex and Malta’s largest cinema complex.
Head to St. George’s Bay for the man-made beach.
It’s probably not the best in Malta, probably not even a good one, but certainly within walking distance of any accommodation.
St. Julian’s is undoubtedly the best place to stay in Malta for nightlife, with a crowd mostly based on young couples and singles looking for a fun night, however, still searching for an easy beach to access or good accommodation with a pool.
The Hotel Valentina is one of the best options in St Julian’s, including spacious rooms with air conditioning and modern amenities.
It is right in the centre of the action, however, so well insulated that you will not hear any noise.
There is also a pool on the rooftop which offers a great view. Although advertised with a 3-star hotel price, it definitely offers 4-star service and facilities.
Check the bargain price at the Valentina
The Holiday Inn Express offers quite frequently special deals that make the hotel one of the best bargains on the island, especially considering you can use the facilities of the Intercontinental Hotel next door, a huge gym and a nice swimming pool.
Most of the rooms have a great view. Location is right in the middle of the action, still very nicely insulated from the outdoor noise. The ideal place to explore the local nightlife.
Latest deal at the Holiday Inn Express
From St. Julian’s, you can easily organise day tours or boat trips to some of the most beautiful sandy beaches around Malta.
Places to dine in St. Julian’s
St. Julian’s options are just amazing, definitely the best in Malta, for both variety and quantity. Here below is just a small selection:
- Buffalo Bill: located in Portomaso Marina. The place has a warm, lively atmosphere and is renowned for its meat selection, especially the slow-cooked beef as well as the different BBQ options, all at a reasonable price, although in a great central location.
- 1927: it is the perfect destination for trying out the local Maltese cuisines in Spinola Bay. Pan-fried local rabbits and potatoes marinated with rosemary and garlic seasonings are a must-try.
- The Dubliner: a great Irish pub right on the waterfront of Spinola Bay. Head to the second level for the best view. Good selection of beers and pub food. A nice place for a late afternoon drink.
St. Paul’s Bay, a family-oriented destination
- 🌎 Where to stay in Malta for families with kids 🏩 Park Lane Aparthotel is the recommended accommodation in the area
- 👍 Pros: best for a family trip, small but clean beaches, many organised resorts, very quiet
- 👎 Cons: no nightlife (only a few pubs) , not as charming
- 🍷 Best restaurants and bars: Made in Sud and Bugies
Proceeding north of Valletta, around 30 minutes from it, St. Paul’s Bay is one of the favourite destinations for families with kids.
St Paul’s Bay is actually a municipality organised in different villages and towns. A few of them are mostly inhabited by the local Maltese community.
Bugibba and Qawra are the two popular towns with tourism, that become quite busy during the summer months.
There is not a clear demarcation between the two towns. In fact, you can stay in either of them and you will not notice the difference. Moreover, you can walk between the two in just a few hundred meters.
You can clearly see that the area has been built in the last few decades with the total absence of the nice baroque style you can find elsewhere.
These towns are mostly catered to families, with resorts offering swimming pools and services with particular attention for the kids.
There are a couple of beaches in the area. The Ta’ Fra Ben Beach and the Bugibba Beach.
They are both reclaimed beaches with rocky seabed. Take some sandals with you to enter/exit the water. They will make your life more comfortable.
St Paul’s Bay is the best place to stay for families if you are looking for an organised resort, including all the facilities for young kids and offering the possibility to explore Malta with single days trips, either pre-organised or with a rented car.
There is not much nightlife around. However, there is a wide choice of British pubs to have a beer and some live music.
You can also take a bus to St. Julian’s if you plan to have a crazy night.
The Park Lane Boutique Aparthotel has to be one of the best value accommodations in Malta.
True, it has a small rooftop swimming pool, however, the view is amazing and the apartments are just a perfect base to explore the island.
Check the amazing price at the Park Lane
For a bigger size pool, a great view and a slightly higher price, you can also check the AX Sunny Coast Resort with its well-sized private rooms.
Located right in front of the Mediterranean Sea, it is in an unbeatable location. No extra cost for the breakfast, which includes a nice selection of food and drinks.
If you plan to go for drinks and/or food, you may want to check out these options:
- Made in Sud: one of the best pizzerias in Malta. It’s a tiny place and finding a table may take time. They also offer a takeaway service, which is a good option if you are in a serviced apartment.
- Bugies: another great value option to eat family and locally made food for a bargain price.
Mellieha, best place to stay in Malta for beaches
- 🌎 Where to stay in Malta for beaches 🏩 Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa is the recommended accommodation in the area
- 👍 Pros: amazing beach, charming village, great for small kids and toddlers, romantic for couples
- 👎 Cons: super quiet, not much happening, small selection of restaurants
Mellieha is a small town on top of a hill overlooking Ghadira Bay. It has a nice village feeling, lacking in other parts of Malta as in the previous St. Paul’s Bay.
The bay’s sandy beach is one of the largest and most attractive places in Malta, with beautiful turquoise shallow water
It’s the perfect spot for families with small kids looking to spend most of their time sunbathing.
It has also gained a blue flag for its amazing clean water.
If St. Paul’s Bay is quiet, then Mellieha is super quiet, with no nightlife to talk about.
It’s more about an easy-going experience, in a lovely village with a few restaurants and cafes to watch life passing by.
Being so quiet, you may want to consider renting a car to visit from here the rest of Malta and the two small islands of Gozo and Comino.
The Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal is just 10 minutes away from Mellieha. From there you can take the ferry to Gozo for a lovely day trip to the island.
You will be spoiled by the selection of beaches in this part of Malta.
Head north to the L-Armier peninsula for a few small sandy coves, and go west to the amazing Golden Bay Beach and Riviera Beach.
Mellieha is a great place to stay in Malta for a romantic getaway or for families looking to spend lots of time at the beach with the kids.
The Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa is a great choice for couples looking for a bit of quality time.
It has two pools, an outdoor and an indoor pool too, of which one is on the rooftop where you can experience a great view and some lovely Thai food for dinner.
The SPA is absolutely a bonus and the location is so central to Mellieha.
Check availability at the Maritim Antonine
The db Seabank is the perfect spot for families with small kids that want to enjoy the outdoor pool and the beach nearby.
They offer also a kid’s club which is perfect if you plan to have some time also for yourself.
db Seabank offers also free parking, in case you are on a road trip
Check availability at the db Seabank
Another alternative is to stay at Golden Beach at the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa.
The experience starts with the complimentary welcome drinks to continue to the fabulous rooms with amazing views, the great pools, the lovely beach, 5 restaurants to choose, and the fitness centre.
Really, all you need for a memorable stay.
Check availability at the Radisson Blue
Rabat and Mdina area, the baroque towns
- 🌎 Where to stay in Malta for history 🏩 Xara Palace Relais is the recommended accommodation in the area
- 👍 Pros: more than 4,000 years of history, Mdina is very quiet (no cars), romantic, charming, beautiful architecture
- 👎 Cons: limited accommodations in Mdina, Rabat can be chaotic, far from the beach
These are two of the most attractive places in Malta, based on a mix of baroque and medieval architecture enclosed in fortified walls on top of a hill.
The history of Mdina dates back to 4,000 years ago and once you cross the gate of the city, you may feel suddenly in a time machine, an open-air museum, so beautiful, so unique.
Mdina is also called the “silent city“, mostly because of the absence of any kind of noise.
Even cars are not allowed within the walls.
And this adds up to this idea of an “impossible” place to find. You may actually think it’s a ghost town.
Also for this reason, Mdina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (tentative list).
Mdina and Rabat were once behind the same fortified walls. Following the Arab invasion, Rabat was separated and the wall was destroyed.
Rabat was the film set for a few scenes of the beautiful film Munich in 2005.
Rabat (meaning “suburb”) is nowadays more of the commercial hub, more modern, much greener and with a bigger population too.
Interestingly enough, Rabat is considered the birthplace of Maltese Christianity. The Apostle Paul lived here in 60 AD, according to tradition.
Both towns are also close to the beautiful sea cliff and Golden Beach, making it an attractive place for sunbathing as well.
Mdina is a great place to stay if you are after a romantic or nostalgic stay. Most of the accommodations are in baroque buildings, making it a unique experience.
Here you can find the highest concentration of boutique hotels.
The Xara Palace Relais is a beautiful, warm and charming hotel, right on the edge of the wall, with a beautiful view of the Malta landscape.
Book only the breakfast and try one of the few restaurants and wine bars in town instead.
Check availability at the Xara Palace Chateaux
Two great alternatives, more affordable as well, are the Maleth Inn (right next to the Mdina Gate) and the Casa Azzopardi Guesthouse.
They are both boutique accommodations with amazing exteriors and interiors.
Check the price at the Quaint Check the price at the Casa Azzopardi
Birżebbuġa and the south-east coast
This is another area to drive and experience in Malta.
It’s not very touristy as there are not many beaches and the few existing ones, such as Pretty Beach, are close to the Malta Freeport, a huge harbour for commercial boats.
The small fishing village architecture is a mix of 70s and baroque that somehow has its own distinctive style.
I would personally not suggest Birżebbuġa for a long stay. However, it is evolving as a seaside resort area, mostly between Kalafrana and Marsaxlokk Village.
Its popularity is increasing also thanks to the presence of archaeological places such as the Ghar Dalam caves and the Borg in-Nadur prehistoric site well as natural wonders such as the Blue Grotto and the St. Peter’s Pool.
Gozo Island
- 🌎 Where to stay in Malta for seclusion and a unique stay 🏩 The Duke Boutique Hotel is the recommended accommodation in the area
- 👍 Pros: much quieter than Malta, perfect for seclusion, experience Malta as it used to be, plenty of history, lovely old town in Victoria
- 👎 Cons: very few beaches, far from the airport
Gozo Island is the best place to stay in Malta if you are looking for a secluded and relaxing holiday, even in the peak season of July and August.
Another great reason is the sea, the most beautiful in Malta, with amazing turquoise water which is perfect for both snorkelling and diving
You can visit the island on a day trip, however, I personally suggest spending at least 2 or even 3 nights in Gozo. There are so many things to see and do that it would be a pity to disappear after a few hours.
Gozo is more of a “Malta Island as it used to be“, with the main town, called Victoria, and a few small roads heading to the coast.
Keep in mind that this is a tiny island, no more than 10km from coast to coast.
Victoria is the place to stay on the island. You can still experience the old day’s Malta charm here and still have all the facilities of a big town.
A lovely place to check out is The Duke Boutique Hotel, with its beautiful views over the Cittadella, the Old Town and the islands as well.
I had one of the best experiences in Malta in this hotel, starting from the a la carte breakfast, including mostly locally sourced ingredients and products.
I was lucky enough to be upgraded to the Junior Suite, with a balcony overlooking the old Cittadella and a Jacuzzi, which is the best retreat after a day of walking
Check the price at The Duke The Duke Hotel Review with lots of photos
Another great place to stay is the Cittadella boutique living
This accommodation has just the best location, next to the Cathedral, within walking distance of many restaurants and right in the heart of the old town (see photos here)
Moreover, they have also a swimming pool, great for those hot days in summer
Frequently Asked Questions for a stay in Malta
Which Is The Best Part To Stay In Malta?
I would suggest Valletta for a short stay (2-3 days), St Julian’s for the nightlife, restaurants and bar, and Ghadira Bay for the beach time
Where should I stay in Malta for the first time?
As a first-time stay, I would probably stay in Valletta. If you have more than 3 days I recommend adding a second stay in another place. You can check my itineraries of Malta for 3, 5, 7 or more days.
Is it better to stay in Valletta or Sliema?
Most definitely Valletta, unless you are into shopping and in this case, Sliema works better
What should I avoid in Malta?
There are plenty of accommodation options in Malta. The cheapest ones are usually outside the main centres. Make sure you book these places only if there is a good bus connection with Valletta. Otherwise, you will waste so much time walking and commuting. Of course, this is not an issue if you rent a car.
How many days in Malta is enough?
To see most of it, plan 7 or even 10 days in Malta. This will give you 2 nights also in Gozo and a stay on the off-the-beaten-path south of the island
Is St Paul’s Bay Malta Lively?
It is lively with restaurants and bars, but it doesn’t have a big nightlife scene. For that, you should go to St Julian’s
Is St Julian’s nice in Malta?
It is the best town if you are after a crazy time in bars and nightclubs. There is also a beach, but definitely not the reason to go there.
How Do You Get Around Malta Without A Car?
There is a good bus network system called Malta Public Transport, or MPT. Check the website for real-time timetables and routes. I find Google Maps to be also very reliable. The biggest drawback of the bus network, in my opinion, is that it is very centric to Valletta and you end up always passing by there, even if you do not need to.
Is it a good idea to rent a car in Malta
It is a fantastic idea. You will be able to see so much more and reach destinations otherwise impossible to get to, like the Coral Lagoon. I wrote a full guide about renting and driving a car in Malta with plenty of information.
Hi Stef,
Great info on your site. We go to Malta Oct 6-10 and I’m curious about the parking situation in Floriana. Is it still quite busy during this time or is October the “shoulder season” when you could find more parking spots? We’d stay in Valletta. thanks!
Valletta is never great for parking but October is definitely so much better than June to September. The Park and Ride Floriana should be no problem in October.
Let me know how it goes.
Cheers
Great article. Thanks for the tips. We are a newly married couple looking to spend a winter away from the cold Canadian winter for 3 months. I work a month on/off rotation so I will have to return to work for the 2nd month leaving my wife in Malta for that time. We are looking at Air BnB for the duration. Definitely want to Explore and see as much as we can but also want to live like we would at home. Get the feel of how it would be to live in Malta. Morning walks to a local cafe. Cooking our meals means close to a market etc. With that in mind where would you recommend? Also need to make sure my wife is in a safe area with everything she needs local. Thanks!!
No worries Sean, my pleasure to help out.
Valletta is the best bet in my opinion. You and she will have easy access to public transportation and therefore you will be able to explore the island at your own pace. The town itself is beautiful, with a great feeling and character, and between December and March you will feel like a real local (not many tourists around).
There are a few small markets/convenience stores around. For the weekly buy you can go to Lidl, a few km outside the old town. Grab a taxi if you don’t have a car, the most convenient way.
It’s also conveniently connected to the airport.
I hope I was able to help out.
Enjoy your long stay :)
Cheers
Stef
Hi Stefano
This is very informative with such a variety of choice! I hope to visit from Dublin for a week in October. We love the beach, old town vibes, nice food and culture and don’t mind doing the odd day trip. Would you recommend St Julians or somewhere else. We hadn’t planned to hire a car.
Thx
Avril
St Julian has great food and drinking options. The beach is small but ok. You can always take a tour to the major beaches which are predominately on the west coast.
If you want more of an old town vibe then probably Valletta works better and you will be better connected to the rest of the island but no beaches.
Based on your comment, I would personally suggest St Julian and from there you can visit other destinations/beaches or enjoy the local vibe.
At night you will have for sure plenty of options, which is great.
Enjoy your trip 😀
Hi Stef, thank you very much really useful information!
We are visiting Malta in August for the first time(me, my husband, 7 years daughter as well as my best friend her husband and two boys 8 and 11), I am still not sure where I want to stay as most of the places you have recommended are already sold out. We definitely like the beach but what we like to do the most is to live like a local, do local experiences more than touristic ones. Do you have any recommendations for that?
If we want to go in a boat tour, is it easy to rent a boat? is it expensive?
Is there any nice festivals in that week August 17-24.
If we decide to go to Sicily which ferry shall we take? is it from Valetta?
Any information you can share is highly appreciated!
No worries Suha,
August is very popular in Malta, I am not surprised that most of the accommodations are full, it’s peak season and finding a place for two families is not that easy.
Being all booked out I would recommend checking on Gozo island. This is usually less popular with tourism and in that respect more authentic, with more locals than travellers.
In Gozo it may be also easier to find a big villa (they are usually beautiful over there) that can host all of you, possibly with a swimming pool to have everyone happy.
You may want to check in Gozo one of these two options (hopefully still available):
> House FEED
> Ta’ Marie Farmhouse, smaller, but also cheaper
they are both probably 5km from the lovely Victoria (the main town of Gozo, so beautiful).
My suggestion: whatever accommodation you find still available in Malta in August, you should book it straight away without hesitation (it’s going to be harder to find anything)
Boat tours really depend on what you want to do, how many people, how long…so many variables. In Gozo there are a few quite interesting. especially the trip to the Blue Lagoon.
About the festival, if you are in Gozo you should attend the Delicata Wine Festival. It will be also in the main island however not in the dates when you will be there.
The Assumption of Our Lady is on the 18th of August in many towns and villages. You would ask once you arrive at the destination to see which town is closest to you.
About the Malta-Sicily ferry, check out the Virtu Ferries, they operate on this route.
I hope I was able to help
Enjoy your trip!!
Cheers
Hi Stef,
So much great information – thanks so much! I’d love some advice, please, regarding what area to stay in. We’re a family from Australia and we’ll be in Malta for just 5 days in December and would like to stay somewhere historic with transport nearby to the various sites (anything historic, museums, etc). We’re hoping to get a place with a kitchen as we’ll probably stay in at night and eat either pre-prepared food/takeaway or cook food ourselves. So, a market or supermarket/corner store close by would also be helpful, but not imperative.
May I ask if you think that perhaps Valletta or Birgu would be good choices if we’d like to feel immersed in an historical area?
Thanks so much for your help!
Cheers,
Sue
I would personally stay in Valletta. The transportation from/to the capital works so much better than Birgu. I would definitely take a trip to Birgu but probably not staying there.
In December things get busy with Christmas time.
Valletta and Sliema are the cities where you will feel more Christmas time, with plenty of lights. Head to Sliema and St. Julian’s for shopping, although be warned that it will be very busy with possibly lots of traffic (everyone looking for gifts LOL).
You can check one of these two apartments. They are right in the old centre, so beautiful there. They have both 2 BR
Central Valletta Apartment
Valletta collection – Mint Suite
Being December Low-Season I am sure you will find great values for the accommodations.
Once there, you can use the Kinnie minimarket, walking distance for the small buys. If you want to save some $$ on grocery shopping go to Lidl, it’s a bit far away but it will the cheapest option if you have to buy lots of stuff.
There are no big supermarkets in the old town.
Walk to the Bus Interchange, next to the The Triton Fountain for all the transportation you need.
Enjoy your trip!!
Hi Stef, really great information on here, fantastic write up, thank you. We are looking to get married in October on the island and we are taking 4 kids with us, we are looking at renting a villa, we do not need clubs and english bars so to speak but a place with nice architecture and a place to walk and have a beer and a bit of entertainment for the kids on an evening.
regards
Morgan
Hi Morgan,
I may recommend one of these options:
Villa Michael: seafront, beautiful view, close to the centre of Bugibba, a great spot. There are a few English bars around Bugibba, however, there is much more than that.
Villa Neptune: close to the shops, nice walk to the harbour, amazing pool with a view to the sea. If available, it’s a great choice.
I hope I was able to help :)
Have a great stay!
Cheers
Thank you and I appreciate with you.
No worries, thanks for your feedback
Hi Stefano
I really enjoyed reading your blog mate, Definitely soaked in a lot of information!! My girlfriend and I have just had our first child and this is our first trip as a family, he’s only a few months old so he’s easy to carry around and he’ll be sleeping most of the time. We’re thinking about staying in melliha and doing day trips to Valletta and birgu and rest of the island. We’re a little concerned about the driving time and traffic around the island as we can only drive when our son is having his nap and can’t be in the car for to long
Cheers buddy for your kind comment.
Mellieha is a great choice. It’s the area with the best beaches and very quiet too.
The distance between Mellieha and Valletta/Birgu is around 25km and it takes around 40 minutes (a bit more or a bit less based on traffic).
As you can imagine, try to avoid rush hours. It’s sort of quick and easy to reach the destination but once you are in Valletta/Birgu than the complicated part comes…..find parking.
In Valletta, you can check one of the parking in Great Siege Road. There 3 or 4 of them. Usually you can find a spot there.
In Birgu, it is usually more complicated. You can try here.
I hope I was able to help out.
Enjoy your trip!!
Hi, thanks for your blog. I’m staying 8 full days in Malta. I’m 26, solo traveller.
I would like to “feel” old towns life walking around, sitting in a Cafe + 1 or 2 nights of nightlife + best beaches in a natural environment.
Where would you stay? Would you split the visit? I’m thinking some days close to Valleta + some days in Gozo, in order I have many days.
Thanks in advance.
Vale
Hi Vale, glad I was able to help.
Let’s start from the easy part, nightlife :)
– St Julian’s is, in my opinion, the best place to stay for that. There is also a small beach there but definitely not the main reason to stay there. The Holiday Inn Express is a great base there, right in the middle of the action with plenty of facilities.
About the second part. Yes I agree with you on Gozo. Especially if you have 5-6 days. From there you can also join a few tours to explore some snorkelling spots or remote beaches, reachable only by boat.
The main town, Victoria, is the place to be. You can still experience the old days Malta charm here. A nice place to stay in Maria Townhouse, a beautiful guesthouse between old walls, very budget friendly. If you would like to have a pool then Vittoria Living is the place to go (you will be amazed by this accommodation).
From Victoria take a bus+ferry to the Blue Lagoon, really an amazing spot to spend a day. Or take a ferry to Comin Island, another beautiful remote and genuine place.
I hope I was able to help
Enjoy your trip!!
Hi Stef,
My son and I are looking for a place to stay where we have easy access to great snorkelling. What can you recommend?
Br, Dennis
Hi Dennis, thanks for your comment.
One of the best beaches for snorkelling is Paradise Beach, up in the north. The name says it all.
The Paradise Bay Hotel is a great spot to stay, and for a few reasons:
– you are next to this amazing snorkelling spot with a spectacular view to the beach
– next to the bus station (very convenient if you don’t have a car)
– next to the ferry pier to Gozo and Comino island.
From there you can also take a direct ferry to the Blue Lagoon, another unbelievable spot for snorkelling. Comino Island itself is well renowned for many snorkelling spots too. You can explore it on your own or join a snorkelling tour.
Gozo has also some amazing spots but you would need to join a local tour for that.
The great thing about staying in Paradise Beach is that you can enjoy the local snorkelling and you can easily take a ferry to other great spots.
Enjoy your trip!!