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This Mediterranean destination stands out for its diversity of locations, from historic capital Valletta to sleepy island outpost, Gozo
The sun shines most of the time (even in winter), the sparkling azure sea is swimmable five to six months of the year, and the sights range from stone temples older than the pyramids to 21st-century statues, via the Knights of Malta’s towering limestone fortifications and dazzling baroque interiors. It’s just a three-hour flight from the UK, with English an official language, and a food culture gathering plaudits by the day.
The Mediterranean island nation of Malta may be one of the world’s smallest, but it has a full catalogue of locations, each with its own character, history, ambience and activities. From narrow streets of creamy limestone curlicues and colourful wooden balconies in the Unesco World Heritage capital Valletta, to never-need-to-leave sun-and-sea resorts; from rural villages full of local life to labyrinthine streets of the central Medieval citadel, there’s a spot to suit all tastes. Here’s our guide to where to stay in Malta.
Every hotel in this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, who are usually hosted on a complimentary basis. They stay for a minimum of one night, test at least one meal and trial other experiences that the hotel might have to offer.
The narrow bridge to Valletta’s main gate carries you over its deep defensive ditch into the glowing grid of creamy limestone facades where almost every street leads to a view of sparkling azure sea. Built by the Knights of St John Hospitaller, accommodation for visitors has burgeoned in the last decade, offering sightseers, history buffs and (during its many festivals) music lovers, a perfect place to stay. Everything is in walking distance and you’re spoiled for choice of great places to eat. The whole town is just one kilometre by 600 metres but it boasts days’ worth of things to see and do and, since almost all routes lead to Valletta, it also offers the easiest access to the rest of the island.
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Malta’s little sister island, described by Edward Lear as pomskizillious and gromphiberous, Gozo is the place to chill out and relax. A little outpost of unbuilt-up beaches and hidden coves, sculpted cliffs and fertile valleys, it has just enough sights to keep you interested without any pressure to see see see. Older Gozitans still hang out on their doorsteps – occasionally making lace – or in the village square, chatting the day away. Choose from a couple of sympathetically-built resort hotels, design-conscious budget-friendly guesthouses, and village hideaways. Gozo is small, so wherever you choose, you won’t be far from everywhere else.
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Most people day-trip to Mdina, so staying here – or close by – is a wonderful way to experience ‘The Silent City’ when it actually is. With day visitors gone, it’s all yours. Wander in peace through the historic labyrinth of this citadel city’s tiny alleys and take in the stunning views from high atop the bastion walls. As dusk descends, settle into one of several excellent restaurants before an atmospheric wander back to your bed. As well as Mdina, the centre of Malta includes most of the nation’s other top-end residential areas like Naxxar, Attard, Lija and Balzan, perfect places to discover a different side of Malta far from the madding crowds.
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Full of bays, bars and restaurants, St Julian’s is a touristy coastal area that also attracts the Maltese. The shore is mostly rocky but the water is clear, blue and swimmable, and there’s the odd patch of sand as well as one golden beach (quite a party spot) in St George’s Bay. From beach bars to Michelin stars, vegan bowls to fresh fish dishes, you’ll find all sorts of culinary delights all within easy walking distance. And there’s the full range of accommodation, from cosy boutique to all-you-can-ask-for resort hotels.
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Malta’s best sandy beaches are all in the north (as well as in Gozo) so if you’re after a classic beach holiday, this is your spot. It all starts at Golden Bay – the clue is in the name – where the Radisson Blu stands more or less alone, practically on the sand. Going further north, the hilltop village of Mellieha peers vertiginously down on Malta’s longest sandy beach in Mellieha Bay. Gently sloping with plenty of shallows, it’s perfect for families, and has all the watersports and facilities you could ask for. And if you fancy checking out Gozo’s beaches, the ferry is just over the brow of the next hill, runs frequently and costs less than €5.
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As Valletta gets more crowded, the Three Cities are really coming into their own. Three tiny towns that run into each other around a creek on the dramatic Grand Harbour, this is an area full of history, charm and gorgeous views across the water to Valletta. Birgu/Vittoriosa has the most sights – Malta’s oldest fortress and the Knights first (16th-century) homes in Malta, but Bormla/Cospicua is just next door (minutes’ walk away) and Senglea/Isla is a wonderful place for an observant wander. A ferry runs to Valletta, as do traditional dghajsa water taxis.
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