Where to Stay in Malta — by Traveller Type

Choosing the right area in Malta can change the whole feeling of your trip.

After living on the island long-term and moving around different neighbourhoods, here is how the main areas actually feel.

This guide is meant to help you find a place that matches how you want to spend your time here.

If it’s your first time in Malta

Valletta

Valletta is small, walkable and has the island’s best bus connections. Most things you want to see are reachable within 20–40 minutes. Streets are steep but very safe at night. Good for history, culture and eating out, not great for beaches.

Sliema

Sliema is more modern than Valletta and has a long waterfront with shops, cafés and swimming spots. You can walk everywhere. Good for people who want convenience and an easy base.

If you want cafés, restaurants and a central location

Gzira

I lived in Gzira for a while and it’s a good mix of local and international. You have every supermarket within walking distance, many cafés and it’s easy to reach Valletta or Sliema by bus. Manoel Island is right in front and you can walk to Stone Beach in 15 minutes. Good if you don’t want to rent a car.

St. Julian’s

More nightlife, more traffic, more things happening. If you like energy and don’t mind a louder neighbourhood, this is it. Not my personal style, but many visitors enjoy it.

If you want quiet local life

Marsaxlokk

A fishing village with a calm atmosphere. Sundays are busy because of the market, but during the week it’s quiet. Good food, sea views and several swimming spots nearby.

Zurrieq & Blue Grotto

Good for views and coastal walks. Quiet at night. Not a place with many restaurants, but if you want nature and slower daily life, this works well.

Mgarr

Green fields and countryside. You’ll need a car here, but it gives you a more rural version of Malta.

If you want beaches

Mellieha

Mellieha Bay is the largest sandy beach on the island. The area has many hotels and apartments. Good for families or people who want to swim every day.

Golden Bay and Riviera Beach

Two of Malta’s most famous beaches. Sunset is beautiful here. You need a car or patience with buses.

Gnejna Bay

More local than the other two. The road down is steep, but the beach is nice.

If you love culture, history and older towns

The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Bormla)

One of my favourite areas. Narrow streets, old stone houses, quiet evenings and some of the best views of Valletta. Good for photography and slow mornings. Not ideal for night owls, but perfect if you like peaceful cities.

Mdina and Rabat

Mdina is the old walled city and Rabat has the local cafés and bakeries. You won’t stay here for nightlife, but for atmosphere it’s perfect.

If you don’t want to rent a car

Valletta

Main bus terminal. You can reach almost anywhere.

Sliema and Gzira

Direct buses to the airport, ferries to Valletta, and Bolt rides are cheap. You can walk a lot, so you don’t waste time in traffic.

St. Julian’s

Still doable without a car, but traffic is heavy at peak hours.

If you want swimming without crowds

Marsaskala and St. Thomas Bay

Long promenades, quiet mornings and natural swimming spots.

Delimara (Kalanka / St. Peter’s Pool)

Better for confident swimmers. Very clean water outside summer.

Manoel Island (Stone Beach)

Right next to Gzira. Rocks and concrete platforms, but the view is great.

If you want the “island escape” feeling

Gozo

Slower pace, smaller towns, greener landscapes. If you want to switch off completely, Gozo is the best option. Ferries run often and the ride is quick.

Comino

Only worth staying overnight if you want true quiet. During the day Blue Lagoon is busy, but mornings and evenings are quiet.

Where I would stay depending on my trip

Here’s my own quick list:

  • Short city break: Valletta

  • Relaxed week with cafés and walks: Gzira

  • Beach holiday: Mellieha

  • Best photography / atmosphere: Three Cities

  • Nature and hiking: Zurrieq or Gozo

  • Quiet winter stay: Marsaxlokk

  • No car: Sliema or Valletta

Our Upcoming Apartment in Kalkara

Next year we’ll have our own apartment available for short stays in Kalkara. If you want early access before it goes live on booking platforms, message us on instagram!

FAQs – Where to Stay in Malta

  • Valletta and Sliema have the best bus and ferry connections and you can walk to many places.

  • Valletta, Sliema and St. Julian’s are the most common choices for convenience and transport.

  • Marsaxlokk, Zurrieq, the Three Cities and Mgarr offer calmer neighbourhoods.

  • Mellieha, Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa (Riviera Beach) and Gnejna are best if swimming is your priority.

  • Gozo is quieter and greener. Better for long slow stays, hiking and relaxed holidays.