Holidays to Malta: Best Places To Stay For Couples, Families and Friends Getaways
Holidays to Malta are perfect for those seeking a mix of history, adventure, and relaxation, with plenty of cultural experiences and beach days to enjoy.
With direct flights available from Dublin and Shannon airport with Ryanair as well as a new Aer Lingus service from Dublin, holidays to Malta are an ideal choice at any time of year. Malta boasts 300 days of sunshine, is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and has many top attractions including the famous Blue Lagoon, and the ancient capital of Valletta.
Read: Top 10 reasons to visit Malta
Whether you’re planning a quick city break in Valletta, a luxury foodie escape, or a sunny beach holiday with the kids, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience. I visited Malta recently and have listed the best areas to stay in Malta for couples, families and also friends getaways, as well as hotel recommendations to make holiday planning to Malta even easier.
Best areas to stay in Malta
Selecting the right area to stay in Malta can be tricky, as there are so many similar resorts. I have selected the most popular locations for holidaymakers depending on your holiday style, and included some of the best restaurants in Malta for you to enjoy.
St Julians – Upbeat and Lively
St. Julian’s is one of Malta’s top resorts, and is perfect for those seeking a lively atmosphere. It’s home to the island’s nightlife hub Paceville, featuring a strip lined with bars and clubs. However, it also offers quieter spots along the seafront, with fancy resorts and waterfront restaurants.
Each year, Malta hosts major music festivals like ‘DLT,’ ‘Isle of MTV,’ and ‘Defected,’ making it an ideal destination for a group of friends looking for a fun and energetic holiday. You can check the music festival dates here.
Restaurant recommendation : Veranda Fusion Restaurant
Top thing to do in St Julian’s: Blue Lagoon Boat Trip
St Pauls Bay- Laidback and Relaxing
I stayed in this area and really enjoyed the relaxed vibe. It’s well connected to other parts of the island, with a main bus station nearby. You’ll also find Café del Mar Beach Club and the National Aquarium in the area. St. Paul’s Bay is known for its smaller, quieter beaches, making it an ideal spot for families or couples who want a more peaceful experience, while still being just a short drive from St Julian’s.
Qawra/ Bugibba
These two towns in the St. Paul’s Bay area are popular with holidaymakers seeking budget friendly accommodations and a laidback vibe. They both offer a range of affordable hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options, as well as access to the sea, for water sports and boat trips.
Restaurant recommendation : LOA restaurant Michelin rated
Top thing to do in St Paul’s Bay : Gozo Island Day Trip
Mellieha – Epic Beaches for Family Fun
For a beach holiday in Malta, Mellieha Bay is one of the largest sandy beaches on the island, offering family friendly facilities, shallow waters ideal for children, and a variety of water activities. Located in the northern part of Malta, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing by the sea. This area also boasts a number of family oriented resorts and restaurants, making it an ideal destination for a memorable beach holiday in Malta.
Restaurant recommendations : Blu Beach Club & Cave Bar located in the Pergola Hotel
Top thing to do in Mellieha : Popeyes Village
Sliema – Romantic Couples Escape
Sliema is located right next to Valletta, so if you wanted the best of beach and city this resort would be ideal. There is some great shopping in this area with high street shops like Zara located here.
The seafront promenade is great for leisurely strolls, and the area offers plenty of activities such as water sports, boat tours, and nightlife. Personally, I think Sliema is the best place to stay in Malta for couples as it has a bit of everything, from nice bars and restaurants, stunning scenery and is close to both Valletta and St Julian’s.
Restaurant Recommendation : Tiffany’s Bistro
Top thing to do in Sliema : Mdina Lost city
Valletta – City Breaks
Valletta is the stunning capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a must visit in Malta. Despite being a city, you’ll never be far from a beach, making it an ideal spot for a long weekend. When I visited Valletta I was blown away by how beautiful and untouched it was – I felt like I was stepping back in time. If you choose to stay in one of the beach resorts, I would highly recommend taking a day trip to experience this beautiful city.
Restaurant Recommendations : Tribe & Muza
Top thing to do in Valletta : Visit the Game of Thrones filming locations
Best places to stay in Malta for Couples
Malta offers a wide range of different areas and hotels that are ideal for couples. Depending on your preferences, the following hotels would be perfect for a romantic getaway.
AX The Palace, Sliema
With its rooftop infinity pool and Asian restaurant, this hotel offers a 5 star experience in the heart of town. The main shopping area and restaurants are just a 10 minute walk from the hotel. The rooftop infinity pool gives you great views over the city, and there’s also a heated indoor pool which is ideal if you are visiting in winter. I personally think this is one of the best places to stay for couples in Malta.
Mayflower Hotel, St Pauls Bay
This is the hotel I stayed in back in 2022. The location is great in St Paul’s Bay, It is walking distance to bars and restaurants and a bus station is around the corner if you want to explore more of the island. The rooms were clean and comfortable, and the staff was very friendly and accommodating.
The rooftop pool has the most epic views over the bay. Breakfast is included in your stay, which set us up for our days of exploring. If you fancy staying in St Pauls Bay, this hotel is a great pick for your holiday to Malta.
Corinthia Hotel , St Julians
The Corinthia Hotel in St. George’s Bay is the best place to stay in Malta for couples looking for a luxury stay. Its spa services, great dining options, and beachfront location are perfect for a romantic getaway. At the hotel you will have 4 pools and 8 restaurants to choose from and the lively centre of St. Julians is just 15 minutes walk away.
Solana Hotel and Spa, Mellieħa
The Solana Hotel is located just a 10 minute walk from the beach of Mellieha Bay. The rooftop terrace with pool is a real highlight. The hotel also features an indoor pool with hydromassage and a gym. There is a range of restaurants and snack bars on site and live entertainment takes place in the evening. This hotel is usually good value for money, so its perfect if you’re looking for a cheap hotel in Malta close to the beach.
You can also book package holidays to Malta including flights and accommodation, with low deposit options available.
Best places to stay in Malta for Families
Malta is an ideal destination for a family holiday, offering a range of family friendly accommodations, exciting attractions, and beautiful beaches for all ages to enjoy.
DB Seabank Resort & Spa, Mellieħa
I think this is one of the best, if not the best place to stay in Malta for families. This beachfront hotel comes with five bars, five pools and seven restaurants, plus it puts on some of the best evening entertainment in Malta. The db Seabank Resort & Spa has a prime location, right opposite Malta’s largest sandy beach. Mellieha Town is a 20 minute walk, and there’s also a bus that stops outside the hotel.
This hotel comes as an all inclusive basis, with all food and drinks included for the duration of your stay. This is one of the top rated hotels in Malta for Families.
AX Odycy, Qawra
This hotel features seaview pools, a choice of five restaurants and a fantastic location in the middle of town. Boasting amazing 5/5 TripAdvisor reviews this place is another great choice for a family holiday in Malta.
The AX Odycy has an amazing pool scene with 4 to choose from, including a large main pool, an adults only pool, a rooftop pool and a kids’ pool with a slide.
The location is great as you’re less than 15 minute walk from the hustle and bustle of Bugibba Square, or you can hop on a bus from the front of the hotel.
Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julians
This hotel is located on its own 18 acre peninsula, just steps from a private beach with areas for both adults and children. It’s also only a 15 minute drive from Valletta, which is ideal for a day trip or an evening out.
During your stay, you can unwind by the indoor our outdoor pool, or choose to join exercise classes while the kids enjoy the hotel run kids club. Dining is taken care of with three restaurants: a buffet, a Mediterranean and an Italian restaurant.
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Malta Golden Sands, Mellieħa
The Radisson Blu Resort Is known for its private and quiet setting with super sea views. It’s a popular hotel for both relaxation and adventure, with various leisure facilities including outdoor and indoor pools, a spa, fitness center, and multiple dining options. The resort also offers easy access to nearby attractions like the historic city of Mdina, Gozo, and the picturesque Mellieha Bay.
Check out Popeye Village for a great day out for all the family. Located just a short distance from Mellieha, this theme park was originally the film set for the 1980 movie Popeye, It’s now a fun family attraction with shows, rides, and boat trips.
Best places to stay in Malta for Friends Getaway
Heading to Malta with friends? You’ll likely want a lively spot, and St. Julian’s is just the place. With plenty to see and do, it offers an exciting atmosphere, featuring vibrant bars and clubs for that late night party energy.
be.Hotel, St Julians
Just 200 metres from the sandy beach of St George’s Bay, the 4 star be.Hotel is located within the main tourist area of Bay Street. It boasts a large panoramic rooftop pool terrace. Inside the complex, you will find a large number of shops, a bowling alley and a large range of restaurants. Pubs, bars and clubs are all located close by allowing you to make the most of Paceville’s lively nightlife scene.
H Hotel and Spa, St Julians
This adult only hotel is positioned in the lively district of Paceville, St. Julian’s. The hotel is surrounded with bars, nightclubs and restaurants. The Hotel features an indoor pool and a Wellness centre as well as a seasonal infinity rooftop pool with cocktail bar and secluded hot tubs.
A Live DJ performs by the pool every afternoon in summer. On some evenings the hotel hosts parties on the rooftop till the early hours of the morning.
Hugo’s Boutique Hotel, St Julians
Sister hotel to the H hotel is Hugo’s Boutique Hotel. This is superbly positioned in the heart of the lively district of Paceville, St. Julian’s, and the sandy beach of St. George’s Bay is just a 2 minute walk away.
Breakfast is served in the sister H Hotel, next door. Some rooms feature a hot tub, sauna or just epic sea views. During the summer months, guests can enjoy the infinity rooftop pool (seasonal), which as views of St. George’s Bay.
You can also book package holidays to Malta including flights and accommodation, with low deposit options available.
Barrakka Suites, Valletta
Situated just five minutes walk from the popular Republic Street in Valletta, you cant beat this apartment on location. It gets great reviews and the price point is brilliant value for money. Barrakka Suites offers a stylish and comfortable stay in the heart of Malta’s capital. It’s an ideal base for exploring the city’s rich culture and architecture.
Some rooms offer balconies with sea views and all rooms come with a fully equipped kitchenette and Nespresso machines
Grand Hotel Excelsior, Valletta
The Grand Hotel Excelsior provides an exceptional 5 star experience in a prime location, offering both luxury and convenience. It boasts two bars, two swimming pools, and three top-notch restaurants, as well as a beautiful beach right on its doorstep.
The vibrant heart of Valletta is only a 15 minute walk from the hotel, giving you easy access to the city’s fascinating history and landmarks.
The Embassy Hotel, Valletta
You can’t get a better location that the Embassy Hotel. Located in the very centre of Valletta, this hotel puts you on the doorstep of the Valletta’s top attractions. Take a short five minute walk from the hotel to the MUZA Museum of Fine Arts and the National Museum of Archaeology. You’re only an eight-minute walk from the scenic waterfront and two minutes from the famous St John’s Cathedral.
Experience amazing panoramic views of Valletta with a dip in the rooftop pool, relax in the therapy rooms with various treatments on offer. The hotel offers a cinema experience as well as afternoon tea in the courtyard.
You can also book package holidays to Malta including flights and accommodation, with low deposit options available.
I hope this post helps you decide on the perfect place to stay for holidays to Malta. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, prices and experiences are subject to change. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional charge to you.
