Where to stay in Malta: the areas explained, from Valletta to Gozo

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In short: where should you stay in Malta?

Stay in Valletta for history, restaurants and evenings without the noise. Choose Sliema for views of Valletta and easy transport, St Julian's for nightlife, Mellieħa for sandy beaches and Gozo for peace. Malta is small enough to reach most places from anywhere, but the buses are slow, so the choice matters more than the map suggests.

For what to do, read things to do in Malta. For an overview of the country, see our Malta travel guide.

Valletta: for history and a city break

The capital was built by the Knights of St John in the 16th century and the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once the cruise passengers have reboarded, the streets go quiet and you have the wine bars and the steps down to the sea to yourself. Hotels are often small and set in old palazzos.

• Best for: couples, city breaks, first visits.

• Less good: no beach, steep streets and few large hotels.

Sliema: views and a ferry to town

Sliema sits across Marsamxett Harbour, with a seafront promenade and views straight across to Valletta. The ferry over takes five minutes. It has the most mid-range hotels and good shopping.

• Best for: good transport links and sea views.

• Less good: the swimming spots are rocks and platforms, not sand.

St Julian's and Paceville: for nightlife

Just north of Sliema are Spinola Bay and St George's Bay, with large hotels and restaurants. Paceville is Malta's nightlife district, busy until late at weekends.

• Best for: groups of friends and nights out.

• Less good: night-time noise in the heart of Paceville.

Mellieħa: for sand and families

In the north of the island is Mellieħa Bay, Malta's longest sandy beach, with shallow water that suits children. Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa are a short drive away, and the ferry to Gozo and Comino leaves from nearby Ċirkewwa. See more in the best beaches in Malta.

• Best for: families and beach holidays.

• Less good: a long way from Valletta, especially by bus.

Mdina and Rabat: for peace and quiet

The old walled capital is almost empty in the evening. Stay here and you have one of Europe's most atmospheric medieval towns to yourself, but little going on and no beach.

• Best for: couples and romantic breaks.

• Less good: you need a car or taxi for most things.

Gozo: for nature and a slow holiday

The sister island is greener and calmer, with farmhouses to rent, excellent dive sites and small villages. Read more in our guide to Gozo.

• Best for: divers, walkers and anyone who wants to switch off.

• Less good: the ferry adds time to everything on the main island.

Where to stay

The Phoenicia: the grand hotel by the city gate

The classic hotel sits in Floriana, just outside Valletta's walls, with large gardens and a pool overlooking Marsamxett Harbour. The city gate is a five-minute walk.

Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Phoenicia

The Xara Palace: inside the Silent City

A small 17th-century palazzo hotel inside the walls of Mdina, with a terrace looking over half the island. In the evening you have the town almost to yourself.

Book your stay: Check availability and prices at The Xara Palace

Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Malta

What is the best area to stay in Malta?

For a first visit, Valletta or Sliema is best. Valletta has the history and restaurants, while Sliema has more hotels, sea views and a five-minute ferry to Valletta.

Where should you stay in Malta with children?

Mellieħa in the north has the longest sandy beach and shallow water. It is also close to Golden Bay and the ferry to Gozo and Comino.

Is St Julian's a good place to stay?

Yes, if you want nightlife and large hotels. Stay a little away from Paceville if you want to sleep at weekends.

Should you stay on Gozo or Malta?

Stay on Malta to see more and be close to Valletta. Choose Gozo for peace, nature and diving, and consider a few nights on each island.