Where to stay in Malta
Website design By BotEap.comAlthough the Maltese islands are relatively small, it is important to stay in the correct city or part of the island. Below is an overview of the main areas to help you decide where to stay.
Website design By BotEap.comCORE MALT
Website design By BotEap.comThese parts of Malta offer the largest selection of restaurants and entertainment on the island. Most of the 5-star hotels are also located in St. Julians and Sliema. These are year-round venues and highly recommended in all seasons.
Website design By BotEap.comst julian
This was once a sleepy fishing village that has been transformed into a hub of activity filled with restaurants of all kinds. It is located a short distance from Paceville, where all the nightlife is concentrated, it is a high-density tourist area, which offers the largest selection of restaurants and entertainment on the island. Like Sliema, this is a favorite place for both winter and summer stays. Most of the 5-star hotels are also located in St. Julians. It is not necessary to rent a car if you are staying in this area. Website design By BotEap.comsliema
Sliema is the heart of shopping in Malta. It is a mix of residential and commercial properties. There is a great pedestrian promenade that runs for miles and takes you from Gzira to St Julians. It is central to most places and is easily accessible by public transport. There is movement both in the winter and summer months and it is not necessary to rent a car to get around. Website design By BotEap.comValletta
Built in the time of the Knights, the capital city of Valletta has a lot of historical value and is a World Heritage City. It is famous for its St. John’s Co-Cathedral, where the Knights of Malta were buried. The city is not as crowded at night as other capitals, but things are slowly changing. In fact, there are not many hotels in Valletta, since before 7:00 pm there is a lot of activity due to offices and shops. Most of the museums are located here and it is full of cafes. Valletta is only a 15 minute drive from both Sliema and St. Julians and is the main hub for all public transport, so staying in a hotel in either of the 2 mentioned cities should be fine if you want to be centrally located . Website design By BotEap.comTHE NORTH OF MALTA Website design By BotEap.comThis refers to the northern tip of the island and includes several hotels in the town of Mellieha but also on the outskirts of this town. Mellieha is mostly busy in the summer, but is also ideal in the winter for those who want to be completely separate and enjoy a peaceful break and getaway. Qawra and Buggibba are most popular in summer when they are busy with both locals and tourists. All of these cities are in close proximity, and therefore staying in any one should provide you with relatively the same accessibility and location factors. Website design By BotEap.comMellieha
Mellieha is in the north of the island and offers the largest beach in Malta. It is a very popular area during the summer. It’s worth hiring a car if you plan to stay there as it’s about a 45 minute drive from St Julians and Valletta. Website design By BotEap.comQawra
Most of the large and low-priced hotels are situated in Qawra. It is very crowded, and mostly populated by tourists, however it is quieter than neighboring Bugibba. It is within walking distance of Bugibba, where you can find several bars and restaurants. It offers various types of accommodation within walking distance of the various beach lidos. It is relatively quiet and secluded in winter. Website design By BotEap.combugibba
Buggibba is one of the largest spa towns in Malta. The boardwalk stretches from Salina Bay to St Paul’s Bay and offers some of the best open sea views on the islands and a view of St Paul’s Island. The shoreline is rocky, but that hasn’t dampened the appeal of the resorts. Flat rocks provide sunbathing spots and there are access points from time to time for bathers. The water is deep, but generally clean, clear, and safe for bathing. Very crowded and full of tourists in summer… Great variety of restaurants, bars and cafes. Website design By BotEap.comSaline
Bahía Salina takes its name from the salt pans excavated in the interior segment of this sea inlet. The water in both bay yards is not deep but quite suitable for swimming off the rocks. Ideally, one rents a car if staying at a hotel in this area. Website design By BotEap.comCORE OF THE PEOPLE OF MALTA Website design By BotEap.comWe have defined these two towns as Village Core even though they are actually located in the center of the island. However, their physical central presence does not mean that they are ‘located in the center’ of the center and activity of the island from the visitor’s point of view. Website design By BotEap.comlate
Attard is well known for being the home of the President’s Palace. It is a mostly residential area, which makes it a relatively quiet place. It is located between Mdina and Valletta and public transportation is easy. The San Antón Gardens surround the Presidential Palace and are open to the public. During the summer months you will often find performances taking place there. Website design By BotEap.commdina
Mdina is the ancient capital of Malta. It is a medieval town, with narrow and quiet streets, located in the center of the island. It is also known as the “Silent City” and commands a magnificent view of the island. Today, cars (except those of a limited number of residents) are not allowed in Mdina and there is a calm atmosphere as one walks through its narrow streets and lanes. The city displays an unusual mix of Norman and Baroque architecture, including several palaces, most of which serve as private residences. The Cathedral is worth visiting and is in front of a large square. Public transportation is easily accessible, but renting a car is also recommended. Website design By BotEap.comJoy
Malta’s sister island is Gozo and is only 25 minutes away by ferry. This island is significantly quieter, less populated, and calmer than the main island of Malta. If you have the time, it’s worth the 2 day trip in Gozo. We highly recommend that you hire a car in Gozo as public transport can be a long wait and will give you access to explore and enjoy the island and what it has to offer. Staying in any of the towns listed below would not make a tangible difference to your stay and accessibility. Website design By BotEap.comMarsalforn (Gozo)
The small fishing village of Marsalforn on the north coast of Gozo has become the most popular summer resort on the island. It offers several places for swimming and water sports, and is well-supplied with restaurants, bars and accommodation establishments. It is recommended to rent a car in Gozo. Website design By BotEap.comMgar (Joy)
Mgarr overlooks Mgarr Harbour, which is home to the berth for the Malta-Gozo ferry. The port is also dominated by a neo-Gothic monument, the Church of Lourdes, built in 1888. Mgarr Harbor is a picturesque fishing port and is also home to a number of pontoons for private yachts. Inside the port, at the water’s edge, there are also a number of bars and restaurants. There is a hotel, overlooking the harbor and conveniently located at the top of the hill, just a 10 minute walk from the harbour. Website design By BotEap.comSannat (Joy)
Sannat is well known for its carved stone balconies, all made by hand. It is an agricultural town that is also famous for its traditional lace making. It is not far from the cliffs of Ta Cenc which make it a wonderful walking area. It is recommended to rent a car in Gozo. Website design By BotEap.comXaghra (Joy)
This town, one of the largest on the island, is built on a hill. The famous Ramla Hamra beach with its red sand is in its immediate vicinity and should be a part of your trip. The Ggantija temples are also located on the outskirts of the village. They are one of the oldest prehistoric temples in the world. For a small fee you can walk around and in the Temple. It is recommended to rent a car in Gozo. Website design By BotEap.comXlendi (Joy)
Xlendi is a small fishing port that is a great place for seafood restaurants. There is a small pebble beach where you can swim and snorkel. There is a good walk along the rocks from where you can see the town. Driving up to Xlendi, you can stop and have a look at the old washing water well which is still in use today. It is a quiet area, although the main nightclub in Gozitan is halfway up the hill. It is recommended to rent a car in Gozo. Website design By BotEap.comVictory (Joy)
As the capital city of Gozo, it is the heart of shopping in Gozo with a number of cafes worth trying. The Citadel of Victoria is surrounded by huge bastions built to protect the city. It is full of narrow winding streets that have many local shops. You can sample some of the local produce as well as shop to take home. It is recommended to rent a car in Gozo.
This was once a sleepy fishing village that has been transformed into a hub of activity filled with restaurants of all kinds. It is located a short distance from Paceville, where all the nightlife is concentrated, it is a high-density tourist area, which offers the largest selection of restaurants and entertainment on the island. Like Sliema, this is a favorite place for both winter and summer stays. Most of the 5-star hotels are also located in St. Julians. It is not necessary to rent a car if you are staying in this area. Website design By BotEap.comsliema
Sliema is the heart of shopping in Malta. It is a mix of residential and commercial properties. There is a great pedestrian promenade that runs for miles and takes you from Gzira to St Julians. It is central to most places and is easily accessible by public transport. There is movement both in the winter and summer months and it is not necessary to rent a car to get around. Website design By BotEap.comValletta
Built in the time of the Knights, the capital city of Valletta has a lot of historical value and is a World Heritage City. It is famous for its St. John’s Co-Cathedral, where the Knights of Malta were buried. The city is not as crowded at night as other capitals, but things are slowly changing. In fact, there are not many hotels in Valletta, since before 7:00 pm there is a lot of activity due to offices and shops. Most of the museums are located here and it is full of cafes. Valletta is only a 15 minute drive from both Sliema and St. Julians and is the main hub for all public transport, so staying in a hotel in either of the 2 mentioned cities should be fine if you want to be centrally located . Website design By BotEap.comTHE NORTH OF MALTA Website design By BotEap.comThis refers to the northern tip of the island and includes several hotels in the town of Mellieha but also on the outskirts of this town. Mellieha is mostly busy in the summer, but is also ideal in the winter for those who want to be completely separate and enjoy a peaceful break and getaway. Qawra and Buggibba are most popular in summer when they are busy with both locals and tourists. All of these cities are in close proximity, and therefore staying in any one should provide you with relatively the same accessibility and location factors. Website design By BotEap.comMellieha
Mellieha is in the north of the island and offers the largest beach in Malta. It is a very popular area during the summer. It’s worth hiring a car if you plan to stay there as it’s about a 45 minute drive from St Julians and Valletta. Website design By BotEap.comQawra
Most of the large and low-priced hotels are situated in Qawra. It is very crowded, and mostly populated by tourists, however it is quieter than neighboring Bugibba. It is within walking distance of Bugibba, where you can find several bars and restaurants. It offers various types of accommodation within walking distance of the various beach lidos. It is relatively quiet and secluded in winter. Website design By BotEap.combugibba
Buggibba is one of the largest spa towns in Malta. The boardwalk stretches from Salina Bay to St Paul’s Bay and offers some of the best open sea views on the islands and a view of St Paul’s Island. The shoreline is rocky, but that hasn’t dampened the appeal of the resorts. Flat rocks provide sunbathing spots and there are access points from time to time for bathers. The water is deep, but generally clean, clear, and safe for bathing. Very crowded and full of tourists in summer… Great variety of restaurants, bars and cafes. Website design By BotEap.comSaline
Bahía Salina takes its name from the salt pans excavated in the interior segment of this sea inlet. The water in both bay yards is not deep but quite suitable for swimming off the rocks. Ideally, one rents a car if staying at a hotel in this area. Website design By BotEap.comCORE OF THE PEOPLE OF MALTA Website design By BotEap.comWe have defined these two towns as Village Core even though they are actually located in the center of the island. However, their physical central presence does not mean that they are ‘located in the center’ of the center and activity of the island from the visitor’s point of view. Website design By BotEap.comlate
Attard is well known for being the home of the President’s Palace. It is a mostly residential area, which makes it a relatively quiet place. It is located between Mdina and Valletta and public transportation is easy. The San Antón Gardens surround the Presidential Palace and are open to the public. During the summer months you will often find performances taking place there. Website design By BotEap.commdina
Mdina is the ancient capital of Malta. It is a medieval town, with narrow and quiet streets, located in the center of the island. It is also known as the “Silent City” and commands a magnificent view of the island. Today, cars (except those of a limited number of residents) are not allowed in Mdina and there is a calm atmosphere as one walks through its narrow streets and lanes. The city displays an unusual mix of Norman and Baroque architecture, including several palaces, most of which serve as private residences. The Cathedral is worth visiting and is in front of a large square. Public transportation is easily accessible, but renting a car is also recommended. Website design By BotEap.comJoy
Malta’s sister island is Gozo and is only 25 minutes away by ferry. This island is significantly quieter, less populated, and calmer than the main island of Malta. If you have the time, it’s worth the 2 day trip in Gozo. We highly recommend that you hire a car in Gozo as public transport can be a long wait and will give you access to explore and enjoy the island and what it has to offer. Staying in any of the towns listed below would not make a tangible difference to your stay and accessibility. Website design By BotEap.comMarsalforn (Gozo)
The small fishing village of Marsalforn on the north coast of Gozo has become the most popular summer resort on the island. It offers several places for swimming and water sports, and is well-supplied with restaurants, bars and accommodation establishments. It is recommended to rent a car in Gozo. Website design By BotEap.comMgar (Joy)
Mgarr overlooks Mgarr Harbour, which is home to the berth for the Malta-Gozo ferry. The port is also dominated by a neo-Gothic monument, the Church of Lourdes, built in 1888. Mgarr Harbor is a picturesque fishing port and is also home to a number of pontoons for private yachts. Inside the port, at the water’s edge, there are also a number of bars and restaurants. There is a hotel, overlooking the harbor and conveniently located at the top of the hill, just a 10 minute walk from the harbour. Website design By BotEap.comSannat (Joy)
Sannat is well known for its carved stone balconies, all made by hand. It is an agricultural town that is also famous for its traditional lace making. It is not far from the cliffs of Ta Cenc which make it a wonderful walking area. It is recommended to rent a car in Gozo. Website design By BotEap.comXaghra (Joy)
This town, one of the largest on the island, is built on a hill. The famous Ramla Hamra beach with its red sand is in its immediate vicinity and should be a part of your trip. The Ggantija temples are also located on the outskirts of the village. They are one of the oldest prehistoric temples in the world. For a small fee you can walk around and in the Temple. It is recommended to rent a car in Gozo. Website design By BotEap.comXlendi (Joy)
Xlendi is a small fishing port that is a great place for seafood restaurants. There is a small pebble beach where you can swim and snorkel. There is a good walk along the rocks from where you can see the town. Driving up to Xlendi, you can stop and have a look at the old washing water well which is still in use today. It is a quiet area, although the main nightclub in Gozitan is halfway up the hill. It is recommended to rent a car in Gozo. Website design By BotEap.comVictory (Joy)
As the capital city of Gozo, it is the heart of shopping in Gozo with a number of cafes worth trying. The Citadel of Victoria is surrounded by huge bastions built to protect the city. It is full of narrow winding streets that have many local shops. You can sample some of the local produce as well as shop to take home. It is recommended to rent a car in Gozo.