In case you already know where you’re going and you came here to check for hotels then check our Malta Hotels Guide.
Malta is one of the best getaway cities in Europe and probably not the first to come to mind when thinking about a vacation in Europe. Although it’s a small island, there are many cities to choose from and all of them are great to stay in.
If you’re looking for the more familiar options, then go ahead and pick Valletta or Mdina, but in case you want the more unique towns or should I say “hidden gems” then stay with us.
So here are the best towns in Malta to stay in:
Valletta
When you’re coming to Malta, the most traditional option is Valletta. Valletta is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe with just 7000 residents and to add to her uniqueness she’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a large variety of historical sites in Valletta since its dates back to the 16th century, so in case you’re a history lover, Valletta must be your choice. The most famous historic sites to see in Valletta include St.John’s Co-Cathedral, Casa Rocca Piccola, and Fort St Elmo, but don’t get confused there is much more to see from a historical point of view.
Valletta’s top attractions:
St. John’s Co-Cathedral – At first sight, you’ll think this place is nothing special and it’s only a regular church, but when you go inside… Everything on the interior just attracts your eyes and you just can’t decide on what to focus on.
Grand Master’s Palace – beautiful courtyards, fountains, and statues, that’s what is waiting for you here. As the name says it was originally the Grand Masters of the Order of Malta’s residence and nowadays it’s the house of the President of Malta Office.
Republic Street and Merchant Street – The place for the shoppers, if you’re looking for souvenir shops with all the magnets, postcards, and pictures this is a must-go-through for you.
The best restaurants in Valletta:
Guze Bistro – Located at 22, Bakery Street Valletta, Guze Bistro is a French-styled cuisine restaurant with some touch of other cuisines as well. The place is very consistent in bringing high-quality dishes to your table and it’s generally one of the best in the city.
AKI – This great place is located at 175 Strait St Corner of St. Street and Santa Lucia St Valletta. If you’re willing to spend some extra cash to get extraordinary Japanese food, then AKI is the place for you. In terms of making Sushi, Maki, and all the Japanese food you can think of, AKI is the best place in Malta.
Papannis – Located at 55, Strait Street, Valletta. Papannis is one of the best places to take your partner to a romantic dinner. The place offers wonderful Mediterranean-styled food and the menu is always changing.
Towns In Malta
Luxury:
Iniala Harbour House
Towns In Malta
Mid Budget:
Grand Hotel Excelsior
Towns In Malta
Cheap But Good:
AX The Saint John
Mellieha
Here things are starting to drift away from the default Malta trip planning, Mellieha might not be the all-around place to stay in but it’s for sure the best place if you came to spend your time around the beach. Mellieha has a more village vibe, unlike Valletta, and near the city, you’ll find the largest sandy beach in Malta, Mellieha Bay. Another good thing (in most cases) is that you’ll see in Mellieha fewer tourists and more locals so you can experience the “real Malta”. The downside to Mellieha is that you’ll need to climb steps or walk uphill because the village sits on top of a hill.
Mellieha’s Top Attractions:
Mellieha Beach – This is the longest beach in Malta and one of the best. You can’t come to Malta and not enjoy her beautiful beaches, where the water is shallow and safe for kids. In addition, the beach facilities are excellent.
Popeye Film Set – If you’re a fan of the late Robin Williams or just a fan of the 1980 musical production Popeye then this is a must for you. The place is packed with colorful activities and themed food outlets.
World War II air-raid shelter – This one is for history lovers, the place is not far from Mellieha’s main square. It was dug by hand during World War II and reaches a depth of 12m it’s a must-see place
The best restaurants in Mellieha:
Ix-Xatba Restaurant – Located at 15 Triq Il-Marfa, Mellieha, Ix-Xatba is specializing in Maltese cuisine. Everything here is fresh, from lobsters and oysters to fish and shellfish, and what can go wrong with fresh sea life on your plate?
Mithna – Located at 58 Triq Il-Kbira, Mellieha, Mithna is open since 2016 and the place is only available Tuesday-Sunday. The place specializes mainly in Mediterranean cuisine and it’s one of the best places in Malta to grab a steak!
Tosca Restaurant – Located at Gorg Borg Olivier Street | Solana Hotel, Mellieha, Tosca is an italian restaurant. The place is your all-around good European restaurant, with good Italian food and a wide variety of wine selections.
Towns In Malta
Luxury:
Lure Hotel
Towns In Malta
Mid Budget:
Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa
Towns In Malta
Cheap But Good:
Solana Hotel & Spa
Sliema
In Sliema be prepared to spend the largest amount of cash, the streets of the commercial capital of Malta are packed with shops and dining options. The downside of Sliema is that due to her great location she’s probably the most expensive city on the island, In terms of hotels. So if you like to spoil yourself during a vacation that must be your place but in case you’re backpacking and looking mostly for hostels or cheap accommodations then count this area off.
Sliema’s Top Attractions:
Valletta’s Ferry – If you want to experience Malta from another angle then you got to take Valletta’s Ferry. The Ferry is very affordable and you can catch it every half an hour, on the ferry you’ll get to see landmarks such as fortified Manoel Island and the butterscotch-hued walled city of Valletta, and more.
Manoel Island – Another great one for history lovers, the island is connected to the mainland via a bridge. In 1592 it was used to contain an outbreak of the plague and cholera.
Tigne Point – Once a British Military barracks, Tigne point is now one of the best places to catch Malta’s breathtaking views.
The best restaurants in Sliema:
Mint – Located at 30/39 Luzio Junction, Stella Maris Street, Sliema, Mint is a waterfront good cafe place. Everything here is freshly made with organic and local ingredients and they have daily homemade specials that depend on the season.
Little Argentina – Located at 210, Triq it-Torri / (210, Tower Road), Sliema, The place is a resto grill bar. In Little Argentina, it’s all about the quality of the meat and it’s cooked by none other than Argentinian meat specialists.
Il-Merill – Located at 9, St. Vincent Street, Sliema, Il-Merill is a family-run business where you’ll feel at home from the first minute you’re walking in. The place Specializes in Maltese and Continental and is very affordable.
Towns In Malta
Luxury:
1926 Hotel & SPA
Towns In Malta
Mid Budget:
Palazzo Violetta Boutique
Towns In Malta
Cheap But Good:
Pebbles Boutique Aparthotel
St. Julian’s
If you’ve been waiting for the nightlife area, we have arrived, St. Julian’s is a seaside town that’s known for its busy nightlife. In addition, the town is connected to amazing bays and beaches, so in case you came to Malta for getting a tan during the daytime and a party during the nighttime, you have to book your accommodation in St. Julian’s. Except for beaches and clubs, the town also has great high-end casinos and some of the best hotels on the island.
St. Julian’s Top Attractions:
Spinola Bay – This might be one of Malta’s most famous places, in Spinola Bay you are probably going to take the largest amount of pictures. Maybe you’ve seen this place already cause it’s featured in a lot of travel guides and brochures.
Paceville Nightlife – As I mentioned earlier, St. Julian’s is the best area to party so you just can’t miss Paceville. The district is just packed with bars, clubs, restaurants, and mainly with crazy good party vibes.
Balluta Bay – If you’re looking for a good place to swim then search no more, in Balluta Bay you’ll find a small section of sand when the tide is low and it’s really a hidden gem in the area.
best restaurants in St. Julian’s:
Emperor of India – Located at Elia Zammit Street, STJ 3153, Paceville, St. Julian’s, the place offers the best Indian authentic food in Malta. Since the restaurant opened its doors in 1994 she’s been consistent in delivering the best quality to your table.
Don Royale Malta – Located at St George’s Bay, Saint Julian’s, STJ3301, St. Julian’s Don Royale specializes in good fresh Italian food. The place is not your casual Italian stop where you can grab a slice of pizza and pasta, in here you’ll taste true Italy with great Italian chefs cooking your order.
Suruchi Restaurant Malta – Located at 35, Ball Street, Paceville, St. Julian’s, Suruchi is an Indian/Middle Eastern restaurant. The place is perfect for every person who wants to avoid gluten or meat because most of the dishes are gluten-free/vegetarian.
Towns In Malta
Luxury:
H Hotel & SPA – Adults Only
Towns In Malta
Mid Budget:
Hotel Juliani – Boutique Hotel
Towns In Malta
Cheap But Good:
Mercure St. Julian’s Malta
Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala
Here comes the place where real explorers want to stay, basically in Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala you’ll experience the “real Malta”. Since it’s less touristy than other areas, the vibe here is more chill and less busy. Though it’s not packed with tourists it doesn’t mean that there is nothing to do here, in fact, there is a large number of good restaurants, shops, and a great coastline that includes St. Thomas Bay.
Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala Top Attractions:
St Thomas Bay – This is a very famous spot for locals since the area is less known for getting tourists. The beach in St Thomas Bay is less busy and crowded so if you don’t like tanning with thousands of people this one is for you.
Marsaxlokk Fish Market – The market is open every Sunday and if you seek out fresh-off-the-boat fish and seafood then this is the place you need to be.
St Peter’s Pool – This is the perfect place for swimming, in addition, the place is surrounded by flat rocks that gives a great tanning place.
best restaurants in Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala:
Sabai Jai Thai Bistro – Located at 106 Triq Is-Salini, Wied il-Għajn MSK 3012, this one is for all you Thai food lovers. The place uses only fresh ingredients to cook the most authentic northern Thai food you’ll eat on the island.
Tiny Mint Bistro – Located at Triq ix-Xatt, Marsaskala, Tiny Mint specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. The prices here are very reasonable and the staff is very welcoming, so if you like to feel at home when you’re going to eat, this place is for you.
Angela’s Restaurant – Located at 50, Triq Ix-Xatt, Wied il-Għajn, MSK 2113, Angela’s specializes in Mediterranean/Italian cuisine. In addition, the place is proud to serve you farm-to-table dishes so you’ll find here only fresh and tasty food.
In Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala all the accommodations are cheap but good so here is a link to all the guesthouses/hotels in Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala.
St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra
If blue color is the only one you want to see on your vacation then don’t miss out on St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra. The whole area is lying on the coast, due to its good location some of the best resorts have been built here. Vacation-wise, this area is an all-around tourist destination, you got good resorts, tons of good restaurants, and buzzing nightlife.
St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra Top Attractions:
Malta’s National Aquarium – Personally; I’ll go snorkeling, but if you’re with kids or just don’t like to get wet this is the perfect place for you to see the underwater life. The place is composed of 5 different zones so prepare yourself to experience a lot.
Buġibba Water Park – You know that if you have kids you have to go through this one. The park itself is shaped like a boat and has water loops, water umbrellas, parasols, a bucket tower, a palm spring, and two water cannons.
St. Paul’s Bay Wignacourt Tower – Another historical landmark, in here the entry fee is only 2 euros and the place is full of historical facts to learn.
best restaurants in St. Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra:
Pepe Nero – Shell Shack & Grill – Located at Trejqet Il-VeccjaSt. Paul’s Bay, SPB3630, Pepe Nero specializes in Lebanese cuisine. The place is a family-style restaurant that will serve you healthy and mouth-watering dishes.
Surf N Turf – Located at Triq l-Imħar Qawra, San Pawl il-Baħar, the place is all about good Mediterranean cuisine. In Surf N Turf you’ll find some great seafood dishes and to enhance your experience, you’ll get to choose a wine from their large selection of wines.
Gourmet Bar & Grill – Located at 114 TRIQ IL-HGEJJEG BUGIBBA, Gourmet Bar & Grill specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. The place is a family-style restaurant where you’ll get to eat some good street food.
Towns In Malta
Luxury:
Seaview Hotel – Adults Only 16 Plus
Towns In Malta
Mid Budget:
Hotel Juliani – Boutique Hotel
Towns In Malta
Cheap But Good:
Hotel Santana
What’s next?
If you feel exhausted from the crazy race of life, just book yourself the perfect relaxing vacation in one of the links above.
But in the case you are into checking another Mediterranean styled city that sites on the coast line see our Best Hotels In Antalya Guide or our Best Hotels In Malta Guide and even our Best Hotels In Fuerteventura guide and when to visit in Hersonissos guide.
We have other guides that you might wanna check about luxurious destinations like Tulum, Mexico Resorts or La Paz, Mexico hotels, and even the best hotels in Medellin Colombia.
Also check our new series about when to visit Chania, Greece, Hersonissos, Greece or Hallstatt, Austria.