The best areas to stay in Malta

A stay in Malta, one of the pearls of the Mediterranean? Discover with us which city to stay in in Malta

The Republic of Malta – the smallest sovereign state of the European Union – is an archipelago of nine islands, four of which are inhabited: Malta, Gozo, Comino, and Manoel Island. With 446,547 inhabitants spread over 316 km², Malta enjoys a strategic position between Tunisia and Sicily. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Malta has long been coveted by the great powers throughout its history. Known for blending different atmospheres and cultures, Malta offers visitors a change scenery. Between Valetta, the cosmopolitan capital city, and the island’s stunning natural environment of wild cliffs, lovely beaches, and idyllic coves, Malta boasts an abundant range of accommodation: hotels, bed & breakfasts, farmhouses, homestay apartments, youth hostels, guest rooms, etc. You won’t have trouble finding a place to stay in Malta. The first step is to select your preferred town to stay in Malta.

Between Valletta – in the center of the island -, Birkirkara, Birzebbuga and southern Malta, Dingli and the west coast and the island of Gozo in the north, you will find everything you need to enhance your holiday in a picturesque setting. Here are the best places to stay in Malta.

Valetta

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a multicultural relic of ancient times: formerly dominated by the Roman Empire, it was conquered by the Arabs, later colonized by the French and then annexed by the British Empire before becoming independent in 1964. Valletta offers the most things to do and see in Malta. Indeed, the Maltese capital boasts a rich historical heritage including three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and seven megalithic temples which are some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

Between turquoise waters, medieval fortifications, and villages perched on the hills – Senglea, Vittoriosa, and Cospicua – you will find everything you need: bars, restaurants, nightclubs, souvenir shops, and delicious culinary specialties. Valetta is a busy city, especially during the summer season, when accommodation rates are on the rise. To avoid soaring prices, a convenient option to stay in Malta is the book a room in a guest house or to look for local homestay accommodation (via Airbnb for example).

Find a hotel in Valetta
Find an Airbnb in Valetta

The North side

To enjoy a tranquil stay in Malta, delight your taste buds with local delicacies, revel in the natural surroundings, and relax on the beaches, you should aim for the north of the island. Though the area is affected by mass tourism, inciting shameless property developers to line the coast with concrete. If this propensity to degrade the coastline really gets under your skin, the island of Gozo offers an excellent alternative. Home to a wide range of hotels, from five-star hotels to cheap youth hostels, the north coast is a convenient place to stay in Malta. Il-Mellieħa and Bugibba have hotel complexes featuring 200 to 400 rooms – which are real tourist magnets – and a host of cafés, bars, restaurants, clubs, swimming pools, spas, children’s playgrounds, etc. As is often the case with all-inclusive deals, you will be able to enjoy a laid-back atmosphere, but you won’t avoid the hordes of tourists and group travelers.

Find a hotel in Il-Mellieħa
Find an Airbnb in Il-Mellieħa
Find a hotel in Bugibba
Find an Airbnb in Bugibba

Gozo

If you are looking for a peaceful and quiet place to stay in Malta, Gozo Island’s diverse natural surroundings and charming authentic villages offer a pleasant, less touristy alternative. Unlike the island of Malta, Gozo has been spared from urbanization and remains protected from the tentacles of property developers who are building many hotel complexes and seaside resorts. Although you can no longer dive under the Azur Window (it collapsed in 2017 due to a storm), you can still swim and snorkel in Xlendi Bay, relax on Ramla Bay Beach and enjoy the picturesque narrow streets of Victoria (also called Ir-Rabat).

Find a hotel in Gozo
Find an Airbnb in Gozo

The Southern part of Malta

Photo credit: Flickr – Michaela Loheit

Home to lovely fishing villages embedded in wild creeks, the southern part of Malta is a popular area to stay in Malta. Discover the area’s majestic cliffs lining the coastline – especially the impressive Dingli Cliffs -, the village of Marsaxlokk, and the natural swimming pool of Saint Peter. These quiet villages exude a family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal place to stay in Malta if you’re looking to indulge in a relaxing holiday.

Find a hotel in Dingli
Find an Airbnb in Dingli
Find a hotel in Marsaxlokk
Find an Airbnb Marsaxlokk