Malta hotels

Where to stay in Malta for families

Malta is a very family-friendly island throughout, but families visiting Malta for the first time will probably want to stay on the bustling east coast to see most of the sights. You can choose from Valletta – although the capital can be busy and pricey – or opt for Sliema or St Julian’s. St. Paul’s Bay has plenty of budget-friendly accommodation, although no sandy beaches, while the picturesque former fishing village of Mellieħa is ideally placed for beach days and exploring Gozo and Comino. Other beach holiday options include Għadira and Golden Bay.

Best places to stay in Malta for beaches

Malta is a rocky island with stunning water quality that makes it exceptionally popular for snorkelling and diving; locals will happily swim off any rocks or jetty they can find. Many tourists staying on the vibrant east coast, in Valletta, St Julian’s or Buġibba, prefer to book a hotel with a pool so they can guarantee some swimming, even if they aren’t too close to a beach. The west of the island holds most of the sandy beach options with a mix of beaches with family facilities and under-the-radar, up-and-coming surf spots. That said, Mellieħa Beach is Malta’s longest sandy beach and can be found in the northeast, close to Għadira and Mellieħa. db Seabank Resort + Spa is a popular all-inclusive option right on the shore here, offering a spacious pool, spa and family-friendly facilities like a kids’ club, animation team, games room and bowling alley.

Best places to stay in Malta for young couples

As with everywhere, where you stay in Malta will depend on the activities you have planned as a couple. Culture lovers will want to stay within an easy bus ride of Rabat and Valletta – or in the romantic capital itself – while avid walkers might prefer Rabat itself for its proximity to the beautiful west coast and walking areas. Sliema and St Julian’s both traditionally attract a younger crowd, with decent nightlife and bars, while Buġibba is a budget-friendly option for both the accommodation and bars and eateries. Couples seeking sandy shores with the potential of snorkelling or diving excursions should make a beeline for Mellieħa, which has more of a family feel but still has plenty going on and is close to Malta’s two islands.

Cheap areas in Malta

Luckily, there are cheap hotels in every corner of Malta (as well as wonderful luxury options, of course). Valletta and neighbouring Birgu tend to be more expensive, but you can stay a very short bus ride from the glitzy capital on almost any budget in Sliema or St. Julian’s. Hotels for less than £100/night in the right season can also be found in Mellieħa, St Paul’s Bay and Buġibba, while Rabat and Mdina tend to be pricier.

The Top Five Must-Sees of Malta

• Take a day trip to **Gozo or Comino. **Gozo has fascinating churches and history, as well as great beaches, while Comino is usually visited as part of a boat excursion, stopping here to swim and snorkel in the impeccable water.

• Explore **historic Valletta and the waterfront. **You’re sure to be enchanted by the tiny, picture-perfect capital with its narrow streets and expansive sea views. You can drop into **St John’s Cathedral **and St Paul of the Shipwreck Church, as well as the **National War Museum and **the Palace Armoury.

• Next, zip over to the **three ‘islands’ in Valletta **by boat and gawp at the super yachts, while taking in the chic atmosphere and perhaps stopping for a meal with a gorgeous view.

• Visit Mdina, the silent city. Wander around the peaceful streets, spotting beautiful buildings, churches and sunny plazas and dipping in and out of the pretty shops.

• Explore **the catacombs in Rabat. **A fascinating subterranean world of days gone by.

Bonus tip: One of the best things to do in Malta is enjoy the water, whether that’s on a boat, swimming or under the water’s surface. The beaches here are a delight too. Avid walkers will also want to pack their walking boots and enjoy the island’s green interior and impressive coast paths.

Party and nightlife in Malta

Malta is renowned for its vibrant party scene and eclectic nightlife, offering something for every type of night owl. The island's night clubs, especially those in Paceville, St. Julian's, stand out with their diverse music scenes and lively atmospheres, attracting both locals and tourists. Concert halls like the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta host a variety of live music events, from classical performances to contemporary concerts, showcasing both local and international talent.

Secret party spots are scattered across the island, offering unique experiences away from the mainstream. From summer beach parties at Ghajn Tuffieha to intimate gatherings in centuries-old farmhouses, these hidden gems provide unforgettable nights under the stars.

When it comes to the best neighbourhoods for going out, St. Julian's and Paceville are the heart of Malta's nightlife, boasting an array of bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to all tastes. Sliema offers a more laid-back vibe, with chic bars and cafes lining the waterfront, perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed evening.

Going shopping in Malta

When it comes to shopping in Malta, you're spoilt for choice. The trendy Sliema area, particularly around Bisazza Street, is where you'll find the latest fashion and lifestyle brands, offering a modern shopping experience with sea views. For those on a budget, Valletta's Merchant Street provides a mix of affordable shopping options without skimping on the variety. Craft enthusiasts will delight in Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, a haven for traditional Maltese crafts, from hand-blown glass to intricate lace and silver filigree.

Markets in Malta

Malta's markets are a vibrant part of local life. The Marsaxlokk market, especially on Sundays, offers a traditional experience where you can find fresh fish, local produce, and a variety of goods in a picturesque fishing village setting. Weekly farmers' markets, like the one in Ta’ Qali, give you a taste of local life, offering fresh, seasonal produce directly from the growers. For a more contemporary vibe, the Monti in Valletta sets up on weekends, blending traditional stalls with trendy finds. Flea market enthusiasts will enjoy the Birgu market, where you can rummage for antiques, vintage items, and unique finds.

Where to buy holiday souvenirs

For holiday souvenirs that capture the essence of the island, head to Valletta and Mdina's main streets. Here, you'll find a range of shops selling everything from Maltese crosses and handmade lace to locally produced honey and sea salt. The Mdina Glass shop in Valletta is a popular spot for picking up beautifully crafted glassware, a perfect memento of your time in Malta.

Shopping malls

Malta's shopping malls offer convenience and variety for a one-stop shopping experience. The Point Shopping Mall in Sliema is the largest on the island, hosting a wide range of international brands, dining options, and entertainment facilities. Bay Street Complex in St. Julian's combines retail with leisure, featuring shops, restaurants, and even a hotel, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

Spa hotels in Malta

On Malta’s scenic west coast, steps from the fabulous Golden Bay, is Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands. The five-star resort is surprisingly budget-friendly for all the facilities you get, and great for families too. There’s an indoor and outdoor pool, a wide choice of restaurants (buffet and a la carte) and bars, and great views from the spacious, modern rooms. The spa features an indoor heated pool, Ayurvedic centre, hammam, whirlpool, panoramic sauna, steam room, and fitness centre, and you can book indulgent, multi-day spa packages. To get a spa experience on an even better budget, you can also head to Cavalieri Art Hotel in bustling St Julian’s Bay. It’s a four-star establishment which prides itself on understated, modern elegance and a minimalist aesthetic. There are two restaurants and an outdoor lounge bar, plus a sea-view lido with a swimming pool and kids play pool. There’s also an indoor heated pool and the very reasonably priced Del Mar Spa, offering treatments and packages.

Hotels with rooftop bars in Valletta, Malta

Malta’s petite capital, Valletta, has two fantastic hotels with enviable rooftop views to choose from – both in the luxury category. Rosselli AX Privilege is set in a grand palazzo in the heart of Valletta and describes its vibe as ‘excellence reimagined’. The hotel promises opulent rooms, a rooftop pool and three restaurants to choose from; the quaint, on-street restaurant, Michelin-starred Under Grain, and seafood sensation Over Grain, located on the romantic rooftop terrace. Just a few streets away, just off St George’s Square, you’ll find The Embassy Valletta. Deluxe modern furnishings and features meet historical elegance in the four-star establishment. The rooftop pool and sophisticated European restaurant overlooking the historic city are the piece de resistance.

Cheap hotels in Malta

Sliema is a fantastic location for great access to the capital, good nightlife and food, and great budget hotels. In Gzira, close to the bustling waterfront of Sliema, Urban Rooms By Neu Collective is a modern, three-star establishment which frequently offers rooms for under £60/night. As well as your sleek, contemporary room, you’ll get access to Aqualuna Beach Club, the hotel’s private water-side lido, and a roof terrace. In Buġibba, a lively part of St. Paul’s Bay, you’ll find dozens of budget hotels, including the popular Mayflower Hotel. The rooms are sleek, modern and bright and the hotel has a restaurant, bar, skydeck with rooftop pool and spa facilities. For less than £50/night in the right season, you can’t go wrong.

Luxury hotels in Malta

Luxury hotels don’t get much more romantic than The Xara Palace Relais & Chateaux, perched in scenic and historic Mdina, near Rabat. This five-star boutique in ‘the silent city’ is popular with honeymooners, promising rooms that are grand and indulgently furnished, and even several hot tub suites with views. There are two restaurants – one with a Michelin-star and a view – and one trattoria, promising a cosy, courtyard atmosphere and exquisite food. For five-star luxury in the capital, you can’t go wrong at Palazzo Consiglia. This traditional Maltese townhouse, close to St Rocco’s church, is home to 13 unique, boutique rooms, each with a palatial feel and an emphasis on art and antiques. With a secluded rooftop pool commanding a sunset view, a heated indoor pool, a steam room and a full spa menu, it’s hard to see how you’d leave this exceptionally beautiful building.