Where to Stay in Malta

Where you stay in Malta defines your whole holiday. I learned this by moving around the island over the last few years. I spent my first year in Gzira and the next three years in Gudja (central Malta) before settling down in the historic waterfront of Kalkara.

Because I’ve lived in all three — the urban, the local and the historic — I wrote this guide to help you find the area that matches your interests.

Sliema, Gzira and Valletta — Urban Heart of Malta

Living in Gzira means your favourite morning coffee place is just around the corner and you’re basically living by the sea.

You have supermarkets, bus connections and the ferry to Valletta all within reach. If you are planning to stay for a month or longer to work, I recently wrote a blog on finding affordable flats. Read: Malta Workation on a Budget.

A row of tall palm trees lining the waterfront promenade in Gzira, Malta, during the late afternoon.

Gzira Waterfront at sunset

Just a short ferry ride across the harbour there is Valletta. The capital is iconic when it comes to architecture and it was named European Capital of Culture in 2018. It is the perfect city break, if you are into photography, museums and coffee places.

Three Cities and Kalkara

This is where my heart is — and where I live now. The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Bormla) and the neighbouring village of Kalkara have a completely different pace. It is the ancient Malta that was under Ottoman siege.

My morning commute often involves taking the traditional wooden boat (Dgħajsa) across the Grand Harbour to Valletta. It is quieter here, more authentic and you’ll always have a fantastic view of Valletta.

Northern Malta

If your main priority is swimming in the sea every day, the North is your best choice. Mellieha Bay is the island’s longest sandy beach. The vibe here feels more like a classic summer holiday resort — relaxed, family-friendly and slower than the central areas.

Nearby is Mgarr, a rural village surrounded by green fields and strawberry farms. From here you can get quickly to beautiful beaches like Golden Bay or Gnejna Bay.

If you choose to base yourself in the North (especially Mgarr), you will either have to go by Bolt or rent a car.

Golden sunset over Gnejna Bay, Malta, illuminating the distinctive clay slopes and a sailboat on the calm water, with hikers walking along the coastal ridge.

Gnejna Bay at sunset

A hiker with a backpack looking out over the cliffs and the blue sea at Golden Bay, Malta.

View over Golden Bay

Marsaskala and Marsaxlokk

If you want to experience how the locals spend their Sundays, head South. During my three years living in Gudja this area became my “backyard”. My favourite was running along the airport runway down to Birzebbuga and ending with a dip in the sea at Pretty Bay. It’s a side of Malta that most tourists miss.

A traditional Maltese stone townhouse built on a rocky incline in Marsaskala, featuring old wooden windows and a large cactus plant in the foreground.

Marsaskala townhouse

Close-up of a colorful traditional Maltese Luzzu fishing boat with the 'Eye of Horus' symbol, with an old stone townhouse in Marsaskala visible in the background.

Traditional luzzu in Marsaskala

In the South you generally choose between two main spots for your stay though, Marsaskala and Marsaxlokk.

Marsaskala is defined by a long promenade — perfect for morning runs or evening walks — and the beautiful St. Thomas Bay for swimming or dinner at the seafront.

Marsaxlokk is famous for the Sunday fish market and the Luzzu boats. It is only busy on the weekends and pretty quiet during the week.

What I love most about this area is the coastline between these two towns. I spent countless afternoons exploring the cliffs and sea caves here. It’s the best place to find natural swimming pools carved into the rock (like St. Peter’s Pool).

Nightlife

Finally, a word on St. Julian’s. You will see it recommended everywhere. If you love clubs and bars and luxury hotels, it is the place to be. But honestly? It’s not my personal style. It can be loud and traffic-heavy.

In the end, there is no "best" area — only the one that fits the pace you are looking for. Whether you choose the urban areas or the silence, I think you should just select a base that lets you live the island life your way.

Upcoming apartment in Kalkara

Soon we’ll have our own apartment available for short stays in Kalkara. If you are interested in staying with us, message us on instagram!

Author: Bjorn

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 due to convenience and transport.

  • Marsaxlokk, Mgarr and the Three Cities 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 and slow stays, hiking and relaxed holidays.