Choosing where to stay is one of the most important decisions when visiting Malta without a car. Although the Maltese archipelago is small, there are so many beautiful gems to visit here! And, if you’re visiting Malta for the first time, you’ll be very happy to hear that most of the must-see sites are easily accessible by public transport!
This means that you shouldn’t worry about enjoying the island to the max, should you decide against renting a car, for any reason. In fact, I previously posted a very detailed post with a 7-10 day itinerary for visiting Malta without a car which I recommend you read alongside this post.
To help you even further, I created this super detailed guide for the best places to stay in Malta without a car, and the pros and cons of staying in each area – with hotel recommendations for all budgets.
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Things to consider when deciding where to stay in Malta without a rental car
In the next sections, I will dive into each of the best areas to stay in Malta without a car. These are mainly determined by their proximity to the must-see sites and public transport connections.
However, depending on your traveling style and the goal of your trip, there are a few things to consider which may affect the location you choose to stay in:
What you want to see and do: This may seem obvious, but different traveling styles beg for different traveling arrangements. If you love to party, you’ll likely enjoy your trip to Malta a lot more if you stay in Paceville / St. Julian’s. If you want to visit the sandy beaches in the north of the island, you will be better located if you stay in St. Paul’s Bay. However, Valletta is a better base if you don’t have a lot of time, or if you plan to visit Marsaxlokk in the south. Finally, if you really want to get off the beaten track, then staying in the island of Gozo might be the ideal option for you.
Time of the year and travel budget: From a budget perspective, visiting Malta in the low season is a very different experience from visiting in peak summer. In the summer months, hotel prices in Valletta and its surrounding areas rise significantly, therefore staying in locations like St. Paul’s Bay may be better if you want to keep costs down. Alternatively, if you visit in the low season, the beaches likely aren’t your focus and you might enjoy being based in Valletta to visit the historic and cultural sites instead.
Distance from the airport: Malta only has one airport, which is located in the south of the main island. While getting to the airport by bus or taxi from different points of the main island of Malta is relatively easy, if you don’t have lots of time, you should avoid staying in the island of Gozo. The travel time between the islands can be long, especially if you’re relying on public transport alone.
How long you will be visiting for: Relying on public transport will always inevitably take slightly longer than driving yourself. If you’re planning a short stay, Valletta or its surrounding areas might be the perfect base for you. However, if you’re planning a longer holiday, you may choose to split your stay between more than one area, so that you’re closer to different sightseeing spots (and save time on transport!)
These are the best places to stay in Malta without a car:
Valletta
Valletta is the capital city and one of the most popular choices for staying in Malta for a few good reasons. In terms of transport, Valletta has bus connections to most of the island, though reaching some destinations at the north end of the island will take longer.
The biggest advantages of using Valletta as a base during your holiday in Malta include its lively atmosphere and foodie scene, its proximity to most historical and touristic sites, as well as being a very walkable city and, therefore, ideal for those visiting on a short trip.
Pros:
- Valletta is the capital city of Malta, therefore, this is where you’ll find most of the touristic attractions, food spots, and tours. This is particularly attractive if you are visiting the island on a short trip (less than 4 days), as there is plenty to do around here.
- Valletta has plenty of accommodations to choose from, from modest to luxury stays.
- As the capital city, Valletta is very well-connected to the rest of the island by public transport. You can get buses from the city to Marsaxlokk in the south, to the airport, to the medieval town of Mdina, and to the sandy beaches in the north such as Golden Bay.
- There is also the option to take a ferry from Valletta directly to the island of Gozo from the Grand Harbour, if you wish. Check the ferry information here.
Cons:
- As a popular base for tourists, accommodation in Valletta is pricier than in other parts of Malta, such as St Paul’s Bay or even nearby Sliema. The cost of food and other items will also be higher.
- Travelling in and out of Valletta (especially by bus) means that you’ll be doing the same commute as a big part of Malta’s population. During peak times and on weekends, this can result in big traffic jams, adding significant time to your journey.
- Although Valletta has good transport links with the rest of the island, journeys can take longer if you plan to visit locations on the north of the island like Paradise Bay Beach, Popeye Village, or the Coral Lagoon. If you plan to spend most of your time at the sandy beaches in the north, you may want to consider St Paul’s Bay as a base, at least for part of your trip.
- While Valletta is a lively harbour capital city, if you are looking to party you may still find the city somewhat quiet. In this case, Paceville / St. Julian’s would be a better choice for you, as it is the place for clubbing in Malta.
- If you plan to take a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon and the island of Gozo or a Valletta Grand Harbour boat cruise, please note that these tours do not depart from Valletta. You will have to go to the meeting point at Sliema’s Ferry Terminal to board the boat.
Where to Stay in Valletta:
These are my recommendations for hotels in Valletta:
Mid-Range ($$)
The House in Old Mint Street
A modest, clean, very colourful, and centrally located stay.
Boutique ($$$)
Casa Rocca Piccola B&B
This has to be one of the most unique boutique stays in Valletta, with its incredible interior design. Hard not to feel immersed here!
Premium ($$$)
The Embassy Valletta Hotel
With an unbeatable pool and rooftop view, this hotel provides an iconic sight over the Roman Basilica of Our Lady of Mt Carmel.
Luxury ($$$$)
The Phoenicia Malta
The epitome of luxury – this is one of the most iconic hotels in Malta and it’s sure to provide an incredible experience throughout.
St. Julian’s (San Ġiljan) / Paceville
St. Julian’s is one of the seaside districts north of Valletta, prized for some of its beaches, resorts, casinos, and most notably Paceville – an area south of St. George’s Bay Beach known as “Malta’s Sin City”.
There are different reasons why you may choose to use St. Julian’s as a base for your visit to Malta, but some of them may include being close to bus stops that connect to various sightseeing spots and beaches, and being based in the centre of Malta’s clubbing scene.
Pros:
- St. Julian’s places you close to Ross bus stop, with transport links to many parts of the island, including buses to Golden Bay Beach, Ghadira Bay, Valletta, Mdina/Rabat, and Marsaxlokk.
- If you’re a party lover, there isn’t a better place to stay in Malta than St. Julian’s and the general Paceville area. From restaurants to bars, casinos, and clubs for all tastes and pockets, this is the liveliest district to be based in.
- St. Julian’s also has a few beaches if you want to stay local, like Balluta Bay Beach, St. George’s Bay, and St. Julian’s Bay.
- If you’re looking for a relaxing upscale holiday by the pool, St. Julian’s accommodation offerings have plenty of suitable options, boasting with 4-5 star resorts from household brand names like Hilton, Mercure, Corinthia, Radisson Blu, Marriott, Westin, and others.
Cons:
- If you plan to take a boat tour to the Blue Lagoon and the island of Gozo, please note that these tours do not depart from St. Julian’s. You will have to go to the meeting point at Sliema’s Ferry Terminal to board the boat.
- Many of the buses riding through St. Julian’s are on the same route to and from Valletta. Travelling in and out of these routes means that you’ll be doing the same commute as a big part of Malta’s population who live around the capital city. During peak times and on weekends, this can result in big traffic jams, adding significant time to your journey.
- Should you wish to take a passenger ferry directly to the island of Gozo, please note that the closest ferry route departs from Valletta‘s Grand Harbour. Check the ferry information here.
- St. Julian’s pairs with Valletta on the pricier side. As a cosmopolitan and energetic district, many of the hotels and resorts in the area tend to be big-brand names and have the amenities and price tags to match. It is still possible to find cheap eats, but you’ll need to be more intentional than in other parts of Malta.
- Although St. Julian’s has good transport links with the rest of the island, bus journeys can take longer if you plan to visit locations on the north of the island like Paradise Bay Beach, Popeye Village, or the Coral Lagoon. If you plan to spend most of your time at the sandy beaches in the north, you may want to consider St Paul’s Bay as a base, at least for part of your trip.
Where to Stay in St. Julian’s:
This is where I stayed in St. Julian’s – Hilton Malta.
The hotel is very conveniently located only a few steps away from the Portomaso Casino and the Ross bus stop, linking to various points on the island. However, the resort is slightly removed from the busy and loud party areas, and it’s large enough that you can enjoy a relaxed stay.
It is a large 5-star resort with multiple outdoor pools, as well as indoor pools and spa. There are also a few restaurants and bars inside, where you can have afternoon tea, drinks, or a meal.
The hotel also houses the wonderful Blue Elephant Restaurant, designed akin to a traditional Thai Village and serving delicious Thai food. You can book the restaurant even if you’re not a hotel guest, and I highly recommend it.
The room I stayed in is the Marina Terrace Spa Room, which has a private balcony and a jacuzzi! The breakfast at the Hilton was also one of the best hotel breakfasts I ever had, with the widest variety of foods available – you name it, they’ve got it!
Other hotels I recommend in St. Julian’s:
Budget ($)
The Rose Hostel
This hostel is the perfect choice for a budget stay in St. Julian’s. It’s centrally located only a few minutes away from Ross bus stop and features modern amenities with privacy curtains on the bunk beds.
Mid-Range ($$)
V Hotel
Perfectly-located hotel, only a few steps away from Ross bus stop and the bars/nightlife.
The modern decor and the small rooftop pool are good features that will make you feel at home here.
Premium ($$$)
be.HOTEL
This is one of the best premium hotels in St. Julian’s, less than 10 minutes away from Ross bus stop.
The rooftop pool with a sea view is the ideal relaxing spot for a soothing holiday.
Luxury ($$$$)
The Westin Dragonara Resort
Probably the best hotel in St. Julian’s, the Westin Dragonara is a luxurious resort featuring two private beaches, multiple indoor and outdoor pools, and three restaurants.
Sliema
Like St. Julian’s, Sliema is a seaside district north of Valletta. Although also a lively and cosmopolitan area, Sliema is a quieter and more affordable location to stay than St. Julian’s.
Sliema is evenly well-connected by public transport, as the same bus routes that drive from St. Julian’s circle around Sliema’s coastline. This makes it an equally good option when choosing where to stay in Malta without a car.
Pros:
- If you’re looking for a lively area to stay in for a relatively lower budget than staying in Valletta or St. Julian’s, Sliema is a good choice. There aren’t as many high-end resorts here, which is compensated by a higher number of budget and mid-range accommodations.
- Sliema places you close to several bus stops with transport links to many parts of the island, including buses to Golden Bay Beach, Ghadira Bay, Valletta, Mdina/Rabat, and Marsaxlokk.
- Sliema is a good choice if you want to stay in a lively place but still want to enjoy a relaxing holiday. The multicultural district still boasts plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants, but its nightlife is less loud and energetic than St. Julian’s / Paceville. The clubbing scene is only in the next town, however, so you don’t have to compromise on either.
- The Sliema Ferry Terminal is one of the only departure points for the boat tours to the Blue Lagoon and the island of Gozo, which makes being based here a convenient option for boarding the tours. It is also the departure point for the Valletta Grand Harbour boat cruises.
Cons:
- Although Sliema is a more affordable option than Valletta, it cannot rival Valletta‘s richness in history and culture. If budget is not a concern for you and you want to be in the heart of Malta’s cultural heritage, Valletta might be a better choice for a base, as you will be within walking distance from most of the main attractions.
- Although Sliema has good transport links with the rest of the island, journeys can take longer if you plan to visit locations on the north of the island like Paradise Bay Beach, Popeye Village, or the Coral Lagoon. If you plan to spend most of your time at the sandy beaches in the north, you may want to consider St Paul’s Bay as a base, at least for part of your trip.
- Many of the buses riding through Sliema are on the same route to and from Valletta. Travelling in and out of these routes means that you’ll be doing the same commute as a big part of Malta’s population who live around the capital city. During peak times and on weekends, this can result in big traffic jams, adding significant time to your journey.
- Should you wish to take a passenger ferry directly to the island of Gozo, please note that the closest ferry route departs from Valletta‘s Grand Harbour. Check the ferry information here.
Where to Stay in Sliema:
These are my recommendations for hotels in Sliema:
Budget ($)
Hostel On
This hostel is excellently located only a few steps away from Exile bus stop, and you can catch most of the buses on the route from St. Julian’s. This is a beach-front accommodation with lots of character.
Mid-Range ($$)
Plaza Regency Hotels
A comfortable hotel with a privileged location right above Antik bus stop!
The accommodation is in fact two different hotels connected by a bridge, boasting three pools along with multiple restaurants and bars.
Boutique ($$)
Tinja Bnb
Beautiful bed-and-breakfast located only a 2 minutes-walk away from bus stop Ferries 5 and the Ferry Terminal.
The atmosphere of the place is authentic and ideal for design-lovers!
Premium ($$$)
1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa
This hotel is a solid choice for modern design and comfort. Apart from the quick 5-minute walk to either the Chalet bus stop or the Sliema Ferry Terminal, the hotel has one of the most incredible pools of all of Malta!
Gzira (Il-Gżira)
Gzira is the coastal town neighbouring Sliema to the west. While benefitting from the proximity to Sliema’s shops, nightlife, and ferry terminal, Gzira is quieter and less frequented by tourists, although it has a prominent student population which keep its nightlife vibrant.
When choosing where to stay in Malta without a car, Gzira can be a good option as it benefits from the same reliable bus routes passing from Sliema towards Valletta and other parts of the island, as well as good-quality and more affordable hotels.
Pros:
- Staying in Gzira places you close to a few bus stops with transport links to many parts of the island, including buses to Golden Bay Beach, Ghadira Bay, Valletta, Mdina/Rabat, and Marsaxlokk.
- Gzira is a modern and lively area with plenty of food and drink options. Whether you fancy traditional foods, good coffee shops, cocktail bars or even a sushi night, you will find it all here.
- The Sliema Ferry Terminal (only a 15-minute walk away from Gzira) is one of the only departure points for the boat tours to the Blue Lagoon and the island of Gozo, which makes being based nearby a convenient option for boarding the tours. It is also the departure point for the Valletta Grand Harbour boat cruises.
Cons:
- Although Gzira is a more affordable option than Valletta, it cannot rival Valletta’s richness in history and culture. If budget is not a concern for you and you want to be in the heart of Malta’s cultural heritage, Valletta might be a better choice for a base, as you will be within walking distance from most of the main attractions.
- Although Gzira has good transport links with the rest of the island, journeys can take longer if you plan to visit locations on the north of the island like Paradise Bay Beach, Popeye Village, or the Coral Lagoon. If you plan to spend most of your time at the sandy beaches in the north, you may want to consider St Paul’s Bay as a base, at least for part of your trip.
- Many of the buses riding through Gzira are on the same route to and from Valletta. Travelling in and out of these routes means that you’ll be doing the same commute as a big part of Malta’s population who live around the capital city. During peak times and on weekends, this can result in big traffic jams, adding significant time to your journey.
- Should you wish to take a passenger ferry directly to the island of Gozo, please note that the closest ferry route departs from Valletta‘s Grand Harbour. Check the ferry information here.
Where to Stay in Gzira:
Hotels I recommend in Gzira:
Mid-Range ($$)
Strand Suites by NEU Collective
A comfortable and modern stay just around the corner from the bus stop. The hotel also provides free access to an incredible rooftop pool with seafront views only 2 minutes away.
Mid-Range ($$)
115 The Strand Hotel by NEU Collective
From the same collection as the Strand Suites, this hotel also provides access to a seafront rooftop pool across from the property. The rooms are modern and clean – perfect for a comfortable stay!
Mid-Range ($$)
Azur Hotel by ST Hotels
This contemporary hotel is a great option only a few steps away from the bus stop. Guests of the hotel also get free access to the nearby rooftop pool with sea views.
Premium ($$$)
Grands Suites Hotel Residences and Spa
For a more upscale option in Gzira, this hotel features amenities such as swimming pools, spa, and a fitness centre. The modern design rooms are comfortable, and some suites even boast a private hot tub!
St. Paul’s Bay / Bugibba
If you plan to visit the beaches in northern Malta, St. Paul’s Bay might be the ideal location. This area has a good concentration of affordable hotels and accommodations, along with restaurants and bars. It is also one of the departure ports for the boat tours to the Blue Lagoon and the island of Gozo.
When considering where to stay in Malta without a car, the main highlight for basing yourself in St. Paul’s Bay / Bugibba is the fact that the town has plenty of public transport connections to different beaches and other parts of the island, like Popeye Village, Golden Bay Beach, Ghadira Bay, Valletta, and Mdina.
Pros:
- For those planning to spend time relaxing or exploring the north of Malta without a car, St. Paul’s Bay is the perfect base with several public transport links. There are various bus connections heading to locations like the popular sandy beaches (Golden Bay Beach, Paradise Bay Beach, or Ghadira Bay) and attractions like Popeye Village.
- If you’re on a budget, St. Paul’s Bay may be a good option for a base as is a cheaper area to stay in, when compared to Valletta, St. Julian’s, and Sliema. It has, however, seen increasing investment in recent years, with many modern hotel openings improving the accommodation offering.
- St. Paul’s Bay is a good choice if you want to stay in a lively yet relaxing holiday location. The multicultural district boasts plenty of bars and restaurants open until late.
- The port area in St. Paul’s Bay is one of the only departure points for the boat tours to the Blue Lagoon and the island of Gozo, which makes being based nearby a convenient option for boarding these tours.
Cons:
- St. Paul’s Bay is smaller and quieter than Valletta and its surrounding areas. The evenings are still lively, with buzzing bars and restaurants open until late at Bugibba Square. However, the nightlife is very tame when compared to other areas. If you love to go clubbing, you may choose to stay in St. Julian’s / Paceville instead.
- Although St. Paul’s Bay is a great base for exploring the north of Malta, it can be far away from the main sites in central and southern parts of the island when relying on public transport alone. If you plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring areas like Valletta, Mdina, or Marsaxlokk, you might instead consider basing yourself in and around Valletta, or splitting your stay between two locations.
- Should you wish to take a passenger ferry directly to the island of Gozo, please note that the closest ferry routes depart from Cirkewwa or from Valletta‘s Grand Harbour. Check the ferry information here and here.
Where to Stay in St. Paul’s Bay / Bugibba:
This is where I stayed in St. Paul’s Bay – Mayflower Hotel Malta
I knew I was going to be exploring outside of the hotel area for most of the time, yet I was still happy to book a comfortable accommodation. While the area in St. Paul’s Bay / Qawra itself is very walkable, there are multiple convenient bus stops around the hotel, connecting to different parts of the island.
The Mayflower is a modest, clean hotel, and as a highlight it has a nice rooftop infinity pool area with loungers and a view over the sea!
Other hotels I recommend in St. Paul’s Bay / Bugibba:
Budget ($)
Buccaneers Boutique Guest House
This private property is a good budget option, especially due to its privileged location around the corner from the bus stop and only a few steps from the lively Bugibba Square.
Mid-Range ($$)
ibis Styles ST Pauls Bay Malta
The reliable Ibis hotel brand can be a good choice for a stay in St. Paul’s Bay. The hotel rooms are modern and Bugibba Square is only around the corner from the property.
Premium($$$)
DoubleTree by Hilton Malta
Previously named Dolmen Hotel Malta, this hotel was under refurbishment and reopened in April 2024 as a DoubleTree by Hilton property. The hotel boasts sea views and a private beach.
Premium ($$$$)
AX ODYCY Hotel
This hotel is a step-up in terms of comfort and modern design. If you’re traveling with children, there are both outdoor and indoor family pools with slides.
Victoria, Gozo
The island of Gozo is the smaller inhabited island of Malta. Usually, visitors do not consider staying in Gozo when travelling to Malta, and there are a few valid reasons for that.
In fact, I would advise against planning to be based in Gozo when deciding where to stay in Malta without a car for the first time. However, if this is not your first visit to Malta, or if you have a longer holiday planned and you want to venture beyond Malta’s main sights, Gozo is a great location to venture in and explore.
If you want to explore Gozo, then Victoria (also known as Rabat, and the capital city of Gozo Island) is the best location to be based in the island without a car.
Pros:
- If this isn’t your first visit to Malta, or you have a longer trip that allows you to go off the beaten track, Gozo is the ideal place to explore with less crowds and plenty of natural and historic gems to discover.
- Gozo is ideal if you want a secluded and peaceful holiday, as it is less cosmopolitan and instead more rural and rugged. You can also experience more of the authentic local culture here.
- As it’s less-frequented by overnight visitors, Gozo’s accommodations are generally cheaper than those in Malta’s main towns. Gozo’s accommodations also tend to be more rustic and traditional, although the island has some modern resorts as well.
Cons:
- If this is your first visit to Malta, I would advise against basing yourself in Gozo for the entirety of your stay. This is because you cannot easily commute between Gozo and Malta’s main island for the day, especially without a rental car. I would also advise against squeezing in Gozo as a base for your trip if you don’t have a long holiday (10+ days). For first-timers and those on shorter visits, I recommend taking a day tour by boat to the Blue Lagoon and Gozo departing from Sliema or from St. Paul’s Bay instead.
- Due to the island’s rural and less-developed nature, reaching some of Gozo’s best gems can take some time and bus changes. This can be an issue if you don’t have a lot of time to explore.
- Although a great location to visit and explore, Gozo is much smaller than Malta’s main island and therefore has fewer places of interest in comparison. This is also part of the reason why I wouldn’t recommend you stay in Gozo for the entirety of your first visit to Malta.
Where to Stay in Gozo:
These are my recommendations for hotels in the island of Gozo:
Budget ($)
Splendid House Victoria Gozo
Traditional Gozitan house less than 5 minutes away from Victoria’s main bus stops.
The Citadel is merely 10 minutes away by foot, and the accommodation also provides bike rental services.
Mid-Range ($$)
Townhouse17 Boutique Bed & Breakfast
With privileged views over the Cittadella and the sea, this townhouse also counts with a sun terrace and a pool!
The stay is also just around the corner from Victoria’s main bus bays.
Premium ($$$)
39 St. George
This bed and breakfast allows you to feel immersed in a traditional Gozitan house just outside the Cittadella.
The main bus stops are also only a few minutes away by foot.
Premium ($$$)
Provicario
Only a step outside of the Cittadella, this sustainable bed and breakfast provides comfort in a charming traditional building.
The accommodation is also conveniently located only 5 minutes from Victoria’s bus terminus.
My experience staying in Malta
I visited Malta north to south over 7 days. I based myself in St. Paul’s Bay for the first two-thirds of my trip while exploring the north of the island, and then spent the last few nights in St. Julian’s. This allowed me to save time on public transport, as I planned my itinerary around the areas where I was staying.
If I planned my trip again, I would personally add 2-3 extra days to travel slower, and simply relax on the beach or to lounge around the hotel pool. If I had even longer, I would go to Gozo and stay there for a few days too.
I published a a very detailed post with a 7-10 day itinerary for visiting Malta without a car, which I definitely recommend you check out.
Where to stay in Malta FAQ
Last thoughts
I hope this post helps you plan your next trip to Malta and deciding where to stay without a car. There are plenty of options but, no matter what you pick, I’m sure you’re going to love it!
Feel free to let me know in the comments if you have any questions regarding any part of this post – I’ll do my best to help.
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