Malta is a beautiful, unique archipelago in the Mediterranean. It is located between between Sicily and Northern Africa. Malta’s climate is perfect for visiting all year round, although winters can be colder, but bearable. Most of the tourists visit Malta during late spring and summer because the weather is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Summer months are the busiest, but I didn’t mind the crowd. You forget all about the crowds when you plan your perfect day and start exploring Malta. If you need any suggestions on what to see in this lovely island, here are Ten amazing things to see in Malta. But, where to stay in Malta?
Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It’s a relatively small island but you need to know where to stay so you can go everywhere you want easily and see the most important sights.
Here are the best areas to stay in Malta:
1. The first one is Sliema. This area is in the north of Malta. So, why stay in Sliema? This is a city within the island, which means it has everything, from great hotels and AirBNBs, coffee shops and some great restaurants, beautiful boardwalk by the sea and some of the best beach bars (MedAsia Playa, Lido Sliema). It also has many small shops as well as a big shopping mall.
So, where exactly you should stay in Sliema? As a relatively bigger town in Malta, Sliema offers a lot of different options from the expensive hotels with great views to pretty apartments in charming, old Maltese buildings. Depending on your preferences and your budget here are some of my recommendations. I’m sure there’s something for everyone. The hotels at Sliema waterfront you can check out on Booking are The Diplomat, Fortina Hotel, Preluna hotel and spa, 115 The Strand Hotel and Suites, The Marriott Hotel.
There are a lot of boutique hotels and beautifully decorated apartments with great sea views in Sliema, so be sure to check them out as well.
Tip: If you’re choosing a hotel in Sliema close to the waterfront, take a room with the view of Valletta.
Photo tip: close to the Tigne Point Shopping Center you’ll find a gorgeous view of Valletta.
How to get from Sliema to Valletta and other sights you want to see?
(Tips on public transport and driving in Malta)
The first thing I need to say is that I highly recommend renting a car while in Malta. It will make your life so much easier. You can use Google maps (or any other map) and go wherever you want to go. Just remember, in Malta they drive on the left (like in the UK). It may be a problem if you’re used to driving on the right, but you’ll get used to this one quickly as well. Just be careful, of course!
The second option is using public transport (buses or taxi).
Buses in Malta are not expensive and you can buy your ticket directly from the driver. The problem is that sometimes it can happen that you’ll wait for the bus for some time. So, if you’re using buses in Malta please be patient. It’s not always the case that they’re late but it can happen. Taxis are pretty expensive if you’re going long distance, so that’s my last option. Also, from Sliema you can catch a boat and go to Valletta and vice versa. It’s the easiest and the most beautiful mode of transport when in Malta.
2. St Julian’s is another area in Malta I recommend staying at. St Julian’s is connected to Sliema, so you can simply walk from one city to another. This town is famous for its nightlife, bars and lots of restaurants (especially the area called Paceville), but also as a place with some of the best hotels. St Julian’s is a place where a lot of tourists stay at when in Malta. If you like staying at great hotels and money is no object for you I recommend staying in St Julian’s.
Some of the best hotels here in this area are Hilton (with two open pools and a very small private beach), The Westin Dragonara Resort with a pool and its own rocky beach as well. Corinthia Hotel in St George’s bay in St Julian’s is also a great place to stay in Malta. From these more expensive hotels I’ll also mention InterContinental Malta and Radisson Blue Resort. I’m sure you all heard of these hotel chains so there’s no need for me to say more about them. Another nice hotel is Cavalieri Art hotel.
If you prefer staying at the apartment you’ll find a lot of options depending on your budget and preferences. So, if you’re looking for an apartment with a balcony and a nice view check out some of the AirBNB’s close to Spinola Bay, Balluta bay or George’s Bay.
There are also a lot of lovely boutique hotels such as 123 Main Street Boutique Hotel and Hotel Juliani.
3. Valletta is the capital of Malta and one of the most beautiful cities I’ve seen. Its architecture and streets will blow you away. Beside the museums, churches and other places of interest to see Valletta is also a great place to stay when in Malta. You can find AirBNBs in Valletta with some amazing views as well as hotels with rooftop pools and charming interiors. The good thing about staying in Valletta is that you’re already at one of the most important places to see in Malta. Unlike Sliema and St Julians, Valletta is much quieter during the evenings and nights. So, if you need your good nights sleep then this is definitely a place to be when in Malta.
Hotels and apartments in Valletta you may want to check out are Grand Hotel Excelsior, Valletta Harbor Views Penthouse, The Barrister Hotel, Jean de la Vallette Boutique Living, Palais le Brun, Palazzo Paolina Boutique Hotel.
Some of these boutique hotels in Valletta are so charming that you’ll have hard time choosing where to stay.
4. Saint Paul’s Bay is another area I recommend for staying in Malta. It’s far from “main” cities (Sliema and St Julian’s), it is also far from the capital city Valletta. And there is nothing much to see in this area. So, why would you want to stay here? Well, if you stay somewhere in Saint Paul’s Bay, you’ll be close to gorgeous beaches. This is a place for families and people who are actually looking for a place to have a relaxing vacation. St Paul’s Bay has cheaper accommodation prices compared to Sliema and St Julian’s for example.
When choosing a hotel in Saint Paul’s Bay type is Bugibba or Mellieha, as those are the parts where most of the hotels and restaurants are.
I hope you found this post useful and as always, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me or send me a message on Instagram.
