WHERE TO STAY IN MALTA & GOZO WITHOUT A CAR.
Malta and Gozo are surprisingly easy to explore without a car. Public transport is generally reliable and cheap. Many of the best places to stay are well-connected by buses or ferries.
When we visited Malta, we mostly explored the island on foot as we were walking the coastal trail. But we also used public transport to get around a bit as well. We also had the pleasure of family joining us on this trip and they were fully reliant on buses.
Not having a hire car in Malta and Gozo should not limit your options of where to stay. Nor should it mean that you can’t get around and explore the island.
Here’s my guide to the best areas to stay in Malta without a car. I’ve included budget, mid-range, and luxury accommodation choices for each.
Valletta – Best for History and Convenience
Malta’s capital is compact and easy to get around on foot. It’s a great base if you want to explore the island, as the main bus station is here, and the ferry to Sliema and the Three Cities is just by the harbour.
Additionally, the high speed ferry goes directly from Valletta to Gozo. So, you really can see a lot if you base yourself in Valletta.
Pros: Easy connections to Malta and Gozo, buzzy city vibes, very beautiful compact city, lots of see and do.
Cons: Valletta itself doesn’t have a beach, accommodation and restaurants are a little more pricey than elsewhere.
Where to stay in Valletta
It’s difficult to go too wrong in Valletta, the city is small and as such most accommodation is more or less in the centre.
Here are a few suggestions:
BUDGET: True budget options don’t really exist in Valletta, but you can sometimes get a good deal, especially off-peak. Try smaller B&Bs like Casa Asti, which has a great location.
MID RANGE: Capital Boutique Hotel – A boutique hotel in a restored townhouse with a lovely bar (including a free drink for residents) and spacious rooms. We stayed here and were very happy with the hotel’s fancy touches.
LUXURY: The Embassy Valletta – A five-star hotel with a central location and elaborate rooftop pool situation.
Sliema – Best for a Lively but Well-Connected Stay
Sliema is busy, but it’s well-located for transport and has lots of bars, restaurants, and shopping. The promenade is great for a seaside walk, and the ferry to Valletta takes only five minutes. There are also some quiet corners of Silema, like the lovely natural swimming pools.
Pros: Silema is a busy and bustling resort with good nightlife, close to Valletta, swimming options.
Cons: Not ideal if you want a quiet escape, very modern and sprawling – not traditional, not a budget destination.
Where to stay in Silema
BUDGET: Mr Todd Hotel – a modern hotel close to the ferry terminal.
MID-RANGE: The Londoner Hotel is a comfortable hotel in a good location.
LUXURY: 1926 Le Soleil Hotel & SPA has two outdoor polls and an in house spa.
St. Julian’s – Best for Groups and Nightlife
St. Julian’s has a mix of lively areas and quieter spots. Paceville is known for its nightlife, while Spinola Bay has good restaurants and scenic views.
Pros: Bustling nightlife, good range of hotels, the resort has beaches, easy access to Valletta.
Cons: Hectic nightlife may be too much for some, not a traditional or quaint place.
Where to stay in St Julian’s
BUDGET: Follow the sun hostel is a stylish hostel that looks more like a hotel. It has a pool and lots of communal space.
MID-RANGE: Rotas B has a great central location and comfortable rooms.
LUXURY: Hotel Juliani has a smart rooftop terrace, gym and views of the water.
Mdina – Best for a Quiet, Romantic Stay
Mdina, the old capital, is a small, walled city with a peaceful atmosphere. It’s a great option if you want to experience Malta’s history in a quieter setting. Stay in Mdina or Rabat, the two towns are connected to one another.
Pros: Lovely food scene, traditional and quaint area, very pretty and romantic.
Cons: Not as well connected as other towns, a few days here would be sufficient.
Where to stay in Mdina/ Rabat
BUDGET: My Travel House is a well priced boutique hotel in the heart of Rabat. Breakfast is included at a nearby bar.
MID-RANGE: Point de Vue Guesthouse is located in between Rabat and Mdina and offers palatial style accommodation with design touches.
LUXURY: Palazo Bifora is one of the only hotels inside the Mdina walls. A boutique and stylish place with great breakfast.
Mellieha– Best for Beach Lovers and a Slower Pace
Mellieħa, in the north of Malta, has some of the island’s best beaches. It’s further from Valletta, but buses connect it well to other parts of the island.
Pros: Quieter location, well connected, budget options.
Cons: Not as much nightlife, further away from Valletta.
Where to stay in Mellieħa
BUDGET: M31 Boutique Hotel is a budget options with a rooftop pool.
MID-RANGE: Hotel VIU57 – A comfortable hotel with easy access to beaches and bus routes.
LUXURY: DOMS Boutique Living offers a rooftop pool and delightful views.
Three Cities – Best for an Alternative to Valletta
Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua are across the harbour from Valletta. They offer a similar historic feel but are quieter. The ferry to Valletta is a quick and scenic way to get across.
Pros: Ease of access to Valletta, lower prices than the capital, quaint and atmospheric.
Cons: No beaches, but you can get to swimming spots. Quieter nightlife.
Where to stay in the Three Cities?
BUDGET: Pacificu Scicluna is a budget option in the quiet and quaint streets of Birgu. We stayed here and loved the pretty design touches.
MID-RANGE: Gallo House is located in Cospicua, the third and quietest of the three cities. Stay here if you want a lowkey option away from it all.
LUXURY: IBB Hotel Palazzo Bettina Malta offers stunning accommodation in the heart of Birgu. I think the pictures say it all.
St Paul’s Bay – best for bus connections and budget
St Paul’s Bay is our top pick for budget travellers who want to see the island. Bus connections from here are really good and ou can get to Gozo easily too.
Pros: A nice blend of locals and tourists, cheaper accommodation, swimming spots, range of restaurants.
Cons: Some parts of the town feel a little tacky, not much traditional architecture.
Where to stay in At Paul’s Bay?
BUDGET: We stayed at the Mayflower Hotel and loved the rooftop pool and purse friendly rates.
MID-RANGE: Seaview stays is ideal if you’d like mid-range self-catered accommodation with great views.
LUXURY: Ibis styles is a smart hotel in St Paul’s. Although it is 3-4*, it’s one of the most upmarket in the resort.
Gozo – Best for a Relaxed Island Escape
Gozo is smaller and slower-paced than Malta. It’s easy to get around by bus, and the ferry from Malta runs frequently. Victoria, the capital, is the main transport hub, while coastal villages offer a quieter stay.
Where to stay in Gozo
BUDGET: Shanti Ghar Gozo is a quiet slice of bohemian heaven close to Xlendi. A lovely B&B with a pool.
MID-RANGE: The Duke Boutique Hotel is in the heart of Victoria. This is an ideal location if you want to visit lots of the island as Victoria is the central hub for buses.
LUXURY: Hotel Calypso is in the pretty town of Marsalforn. A 4* hotel with wonderful views and balconies overlooking the water.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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