Malta is a small island. With a length of only 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) and a width of 14.5 kilometers (9 miles), you can stay anywhere on the island within 30 minutes of anywhere else. On the other hand, hotels are concentrated in certain areas, which can influence the type of vacation you prefer. Your travel companions may also influence your lodging options.
Valletta
Everyone will want to stay in the capital because it is the European Capital of Culture this year. Valletta, the seat of government, has a thriving nightlife with top restaurants and trendy wine bars. Several centuries-old palazzos and townhouses have been converted into boutique hotels, each exquisitely decorated, and some feature designer furniture and genuine antiques. Floriana, just outside Valletta’s bastions, has two luxury five-star hotels. Stay here if you want a romantic city break, are on your honeymoon, want to be in the heart of all things arts and culture, are a gourmand and enjoy people-watching while sipping a proper coffee.
Sliema And St Julian’s
St Julian’s, a picturesque former fishing village just 25 minutes from the airport, is now the island’s entertainment hub, with a plethora of trendy bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, crowned by the landmark Portomaso yacht marina, which renews the town’s maritime tradition. St Julian’s also has large number of sea view hotel in Malta, from which many are five-stars. It is connected to the upmarket residential town of Sliema and its many shops by a delightful seaside promenade. Stay here if you enjoy the nightlife, have children (who will enjoy the playgrounds along the promenade), have teenagers, want to indulge in some retail therapy, and be close to Valletta (only 10 minutes by ferry from Sliema).
The Northern Coast
Malta retains its rugged natural beauty, with lush, fertile valleys, small farming villages, the largest sandy beaches on the island, and popular holiday resort towns like Mellieha, St Paul’s Bay, Bugibba, and Qawra. The Malta National Aquarium is a must-see for children, and the island’s largest nature reserve offers bird-watching opportunities. Stay here if you want to go to the beach, if you are traveling with children, if you are renting a car to tour the rest of the island, or if you want to include Gozo as a day trip on your itinerary.
Central
The island’s quieter center is mostly residential, away from the hustle and bustle of capital and the bright lights of the main tourist resorts. Still, the medieval walled city of Mdina dominates it. And, yes, you can stay in this noble city’s hotel. If you are not traveling with small children, want a quiet break, are more interested in history than anything else, are renting a car, and are not on a tight budget, stay here.
Gozo
A 20-minute ferry ride from Cirkewwa will take you to Malta’s sister island, where life is slower and more seasonal. Gozo has some of the best dive sites in the world. The accommodation on Gozo is as distinct as the island itself. Hotels are individually decorated to reflect local architecture and heritage. You can also go self-catering and rent out a genuine centuries-old farmhouse, albeit one equipped with all modern conveniences. Stay here if you’re traveling with your family, want to get away from it all, relax, and enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, biking, or enjoy diving.
