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Although Malta is a small destination, it caters for a variety of holidaymakers. Whether you’re a family looking for beaches and entertainment, a group of friends in search of nightlife or, like us, a couple craving some relaxation (with some sightseeing thrown in!) then Malta has it all. Our getaway happened to be our babymoon, so I spent A LOT of time researching where to stay in Malta! Here’s my little run down of the top areas to stay, particularly handy for first time visitors.
The Most Popular Areas to Stay in Malta
Valletta
Valletta is the capital so if you’re staying on the island with a city break type holiday in mind then this is your best bet. Found on the north east coast of the island, it is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. The city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and known for its history and architecture. If you’re not really a history nerd, then you will still appreciate the foodie scene and charming streets. Oh and don’t miss a visit to Upper Barrakka Gardens for views across the harbour.
- Best for: Couples and culture seekers.
- Pros: A fairly walkable city with easy public transport options for exploring other parts of the island without a car.
- Cons: Can be busy and bustling like most cities. It’s also quite hilly so not the best option for families with small children or those with mobility issues.
St Paul’s Bay
St Paul’s Bay is located on the north of the island and is one of Malta’s largest coastal areas. The area is known for its sea views, promenade walks and plenty of restaurants and bars. We stayed at the DoubleTree Hilton in the Qawra region of St Paul’s Bay and found it perfect for a relaxing couples break. If you’re looking for something a little livelier, then the Buggiba area will probably suit.
- Best for: Couples, families, solo travellers.
- Pros: Plenty of choice for accommodation, restaurants and activities. Great for most budgets.
- Cons: Can feel a little touristy.
St Julian’s / Paceville
Like many other European islands, Malta has its own party reputation. St Julian’s, a short drive from Valletta, is the liveliest resort on the island. The Paceville district in particular is known as Malta’s party hub. Our flight in Malta saw us landing at 1.50am and our minibus transfer took us through Paceville on our way to our hotel in Qawra. I can confirm that even at 3am the streets of Paceville were pretty lively.
- Best for: Party people.
- Pros: Plenty of nightclubs and bars for those looking to dance the night away.
- Cons: Not the place to be if you want peace and quiet.
Central Malta
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, then staying in central Malta could be a great relaxing holiday. Although the Mdina/Rabat and San Anton areas don’t feature on many ‘Where to stay in Malta’ posts, I’m including them because they were my favourite areas to visit during my stay in Malta. Mdina is the old walled city and has a completely unique vibe to it. San Anton is home to the San Anton Gardens which are lovely and opposite the Corinthia Palace Hotel where we stopped for lunch one day.
- Best for: Couples and those looking for a quiet getaway.
- Pros: More laidback than the coastal resorts.
- Cons: Not as well connected as the coastal resorts in terms of public transport.
Mellieha
Found on the north of the island is Mellieha. This town offers picturesque views and most notably, Malta’s largest sandy beach. We didn’t actually visit Mellieha during our stay but if I was ever to revisit Malta then I would absolutely stay here – my daughter would love it!
- Best for: Families and beach babes.
- Pros: Close to catching the ferry over to Gozo. Nearby Popeye Village is a popular attraction for children.
- Cons: More of a trek to reach other parts of the island.
Use the below map to help discover resorts and accommodations on the island:
Tips for deciding where to stay in Malta
- Choose your location based on the type of holiday you are looking for. I was very glad we didn’t stay in St Julian’s for our babymoon, Paceville really didn’t seem like my vibe.
- If you want to explore the island, then consider either hiring a car or staying in a resort with good public transport options.
FAQs
When is the best time to visit Malta?
In my opinion Malta is the best during the shoulder seasons (Spring and Autumn). That way you get the sunny weather without being too hot and fewer crowds than peak season during the height of summer.
How many days do you need in Malta?
We spent 5 days in Malta and hired a car for 3 days. It is a small island so very easy to explore. Our 5 day Malta itinerary was fairly relaxed as I was pregnant but you could easily spend a week or more here and have time to discover the island, chill by the pool or beach and perhaps even hop on a boat over to Gozo.
Do I need a car in Malta?
Malta is fairly easy to get around. If you choose to hire a car in Malta, then note that they drive on the left (like in the UK). We found that none of our journeys took any longer than around 30 minutes. So there was plenty of time for sightseeing! If I returned to Malta then I would definitely hire a car again. Personally I recommend DiscoverCars as they are a price comparison site, so you can easily choose the option that best suits your budget without worrying about any hidden fees.
If you decide not to hire a car, then as long as you stay in a well connected resort you should have no trouble travelling the island by bus.
