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Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 01:19 pm
If you’re reluctant to get to know Malta on a road trip and wondering where to stay in Malta without a car, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’re listing the best places to stay in Malta without a car. For each destination, there’s an overview of its pros and cons, alongside recommendations for the finest accommodation options.
Keep reading to find out where to stay in Malta without a car. Depending on your interests, needs and the time you have to spare, you can even split your stay in two or more locations, to make getting around Malta without a car even easier.
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Where To Stay in Malta Without a Car
1. Valletta
Founded in the 16th century by the Knights of St. John, Valletta is Malta’s sparkling jewel. With its rich history and gorgeous Baroque architecture, the historic city of Valletta is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason.
Top Attractions
St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the Grand Master’s Palace are two of the best places to visit in Valletta. The Upper Barrakka Gardens are perfect for panoramic views over the Grand Harbour. At Fort St. Elmo, you’ll learn everything about the Great Siege, a pivotal moment in Malta’s history.
Pros
With so many things to see in Valletta, Malta’s capital is the best area to stay. Especially if you’re visiting Malta for the first time. The main bus terminal just outside the city walls renders Valletta the perfect base to explore Malta without a car.
Buses from Valletta run daily to most of the tourist attractions in Malta. What’s more, plenty of organised day trips start from Valletta, in case you want to explore the country in a more hassle-free way.
Cons
The most significant downside of staying in Valletta without a car is that some places and beaches in the north of Malta are far to reach by public transport. Also, Valletta gets packed and unbearably hot in the summer months. On the other hand, Valletta is perfect if you’re visiting Malta in spring or autumn.
Hotel Recommendations
1926 Le Parisot Boutique Suites: Housed in a historic building within Valletta’s city walls, this boutique hotel features luxurious comfortable suites with spectacular views of the Grand Harbour.
The Phoenicia Malta: A few steps from the City Gate and the main bus station, this 5-star luxury hotel has a perfect location that allows you to explore Valletta on foot, but also venture outside the capital city of Valletta easily. The hotel’s luxurious rooms and infinity pool are ideal for a cosy stay even in the summer season.
2. Three Cities
Located opposite Valletta, the Three Cities are Vittoriosa (former Birgu), Senglea (former L’Isla) and Cospicua (former Bormla). Vittoriosa was Malta’s capital when the Knights of the Order of Saint John arrived on the Mediterranean island. Nowadays, the Three Cities don’t get as much attention as glossy Valletta. However, they’re among the quaintest places to visit – or stay – in Malta.
Top Attractions
Attractions in Vittoriosa, Malta’s former capital, stand as reminders of the Order’s victory against the Ottoman Empire during the Great Siege. The most important among them is Fort St. Angelo, the Knights’ headquarters. In Senglea, the iconic watchtower at the Gardjola Gardens is the best place for panoramic views of Valletta and the Grand Harbour.
Pros
The best thing about the Three Cities is that you’re close to busy Valletta yet far enough to enjoy peace and quiet away from the hordes of tourists. With narrow streets and historical buildings, the Three Cities are as quaint as Valletta. Besides the bus, you can get to Valletta by the Valletta Ferry, water taxi or a traditional Maltese wooden boat, the dghajsa.
Cons
Although the Three Cities are a perfect choice for authentic experiences among locals, the bus connection with other parts of the island is not that good. Almost always, you’ll need to get to Valletta first and then take another bus to get anywhere else.
Hotel Recommendations
IBB Hotel Palazzo Bettina Malta: Boasting an excellent location in the heart of Birgu, this 4-star hotel features spacious rooms and an outdoor pool on the rooftop.
Senglea Suites: With an almost perfect review score, this boutique hotel offers a comfortable luxury stay in less touristy Senglea. It’s housed in a traditional refurbished building with well-equipped spacious rooms.
3. Sliema
Situated close to Valletta, Sliema is a residential area with plenty of hotels and many options for bars and restaurants. Despite the modern buildings along the waterfront, the old centre occupies a hill in Sliema and is abundant in charming buildings with traditional balconies.
Top Attractions
Walking along the promenade until you reach Point Shopping Mall and Tigné Point is one of the best things to do in Sliema. In the old centre, you’ll discover hole-in-the-wall bars and several bakeries where you can try the mouthwatering pastizzi.
Pros
Sliema is very well-connected to Valletta and the island’s northern coast by public buses. A more fun and great way to get to Valletta from Sliema is by ferry. Moreover, if you’re wondering how to get to the Blue Lagoon, Sliema is very convenient as you can join a boat trip from Sliema Port. Last but not least, Sliema is a lively place with numerous options for food, drinks and shopping.
Cons
Although Sliema is a vibrant town, it lacks historical sites if sightseeing is the main reason you visit Malta. Furthermore, apart from the northern coastline, you need to change buses to explore the rest of the island. Also, if you are a beach person, you can walk to some rugged beaches for basking, but to reach the proper swimming-worthy ones, you have to take the bus.
Hotel Recommendations
Verdi Gzira Promenade: With an excellent location near the bus stop and the ferry port to Valletta, this modern hotel offers 4-star services with comfortable rooms, a rooftop swimming pool and stunning views over the harbour and Valletta.
Amery House: With modern and comfortable rooms, Amery House is a boutique hotel housed in an old renovated building with easy access to shops, cafés and restaurants. The lovely staff will help you with everything you need throughout your stay.
4. St. Julian’s
Located next to Sliema, St. Julian’s is hands down the heart of Malta’s nightlife. The lively coastal town is full of hotels, restaurants, clubs and karaoke bars to keep you entertained during your holidays.
Top Attractions
As you might expect, there isn’t any significant attraction in St. Julian’s. However, Spinola Bay, a scenic harbour with lots of small traditional boats, is a great spot to enjoy your evening. The long promenade is perfect for a leisure walk or cycling while St. George’s Bay and Balluta Bay are ideal for spending a beach day.
Pros
Obviously, St. Julian’s is the perfect place in Malta for nightlife and clubbing if this is what you’re looking for. There are also a couple of sandy beaches. Although small, they’re good for swimming. The town is connected by bus to other towns and beautiful beaches on the northern coast and Valletta.
Cons
Bustling St. Julian’s is probably the most touristic place in Malta and that’s something you have to keep in mind if you’re looking forward to relaxing. Like Sliema, you need to change bus lines to reach the island’s main attractions on the southern coast.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel Juliani: Conveniently located on Spinola Bay, this 4-star boutique hotel features modern clean rooms and a fantastic rooftop pool with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. What else could you ask for a memorable vacation?
Hugo’s Boutique Hotel: Situated in the heart of Paceville, the buzzing nightlife district of St. Julian’s, this adults-only hotel is perfect to revel all day and night. A few steps from the hotel, St. George’s Bay is where you can loosen up between parties.
5. St. Paul’s Bay
Similar to St. Julian’s, St. Paul’s Bay is one of the most touristic places in Malta. The former small fishing village has turned into a resort, preserving only a few quaint and authentic parts of its past. The seaside town is located on Malta’s northern coast. It’s presumed that St. Paul got shipwrecked there in 60 AD.
Top Attractions
With lots of cafés and restaurants, the long promenade is one of St. Paul’s Bay highlights. Wignacourt Tower on the coast is a reminder of the history of the Knights of Malta. In town, there are a few rocky spots for swimming and snorkelling. The nearby Xemxija Heritage Trail is ideal for hiking enthusiasts.
Pros
St. Paul’s Bay boasts a convenient location if you want to explore the north of Malta and the remote beaches on the west by bus. Moreover, you have easy access to Valletta as the main bus routes pass through St. Paul’s Bay. Also, it’s easy to get to the Blue Lagoon with one of the boat tours that depart from St. Paul’s daily.
Cons
The fact that St Paul’s is a resort town is a con on its own. Although there are many food and drink options, the feeling is rather tasteless, lacking authenticity.
Hotel Recommendations
Mayflower Hotel: Set in the heart of St. Paul’s, Mayflower Hotel is perfect for a comfy stay in one of its spacious rooms, with frequent dips in its fantastic rooftop pool.
Seaview Hotel: Located on the seafront, this 4-star adults-only hotel features two swimming pools, superb breakfast, comfy rooms and a central location to enjoy your stay in St. Paul’s Bay.
6. Mdina & Rabat
Also known as the Silent City, Mdina is the old capital of Malta. With impressive gates and fortifications, Mdina’s Citadel is the true gem of the city. Home to many restaurants, cafés and hotels, nearby Rabat has no shortage of great things to do either.
Top Attractions
Most Mdina attractions such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and Palazzo Falson are located in the Citadel. Rabat is famous for St. Paul’s Catacombs and St. Agatha’s Catacombs, two of the oldest underground burial sites.
Pros
With many top sights on their grounds, Mdina and Rabat are among the best places to stay in Malta without a car. Unlike St. Julian’s and St. Paul’s, Mdina and Rabat feel utterly authentic even though they’re popular destinations for a day trip. However, once the day trippers are gone, it’s great to mingle with locals and enjoy Mdina and Rabat without the crowds.
If you want to venture outside Mdina and Rabat, there’s a direct bus connection to Valletta, St. Paul’s and several points of interest in the south, such as Dingli Cliffs, the Blue Grotto and the Hagar Qim and Mnajdra archaeological complex.
Cons
To be honest, we can’t find any good reason why you shouldn’t stay in Mdina or Rabat other than the hordes of day trippers they attract in the daytime. But even that is a minor problem that shouldn’t keep you from considering Mdina or Rabat when deciding where to stay in Malta without a car.
Hotel Recommendations
The Xara Palace Relais & Chateau: Set on the city walls’ bastions, this 17th-century palace is an exclusive 5-star hotel that promises a seamless stay with all the luxury amenities.
100 Boutique Living: Located in the heart of Rabat near Mdina, this boutique hotel offers an outdoor swimming pool, comfy spacious rooms and delicious breakfast.
7. Mellieha
Located in the northwestern part of Malta, Mellieha seems remote on the map. Yet, the town is conveniently located near the main road from Valletta to Cirkewwa, with easy access to the island’s main towns. Some of the best places to visit in Malta are situated in the north of the island, making Mellieha a great place to stay.
The modern town of Mellieha was developed when Malta was under British rule. The uphill part of the town feels more off-the-beaten-path than the seaside part of the town in Mellieha Bay, which is packed with holidaygoers in the peak season.
Top Attractions
Top attractions in Mellieha include a fascinating World War II air-raid shelter, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieha and the underground chapel of Il-Madonna-Tal-Ghar. Near Mellieha, you can visit Popeye Village, perfect for families travelling with young children.
Pros
Mellieha is the ideal place to stay for beach lovers. That’s because the bus from Mellieha can quickly take you to some of the best beaches in Malta, such as Golden Bay and Ghadira Bay. Although far from Valletta, there’s a direct bus connection with the Maltese capital that also stops at St. Paul’s Bay and Mosta. You don’t have to worry about food and drinks as the town is lively with many restaurants and cafés.
Cons
Staying in Mellieha is not a great idea if you’re visiting Malta mainly for sightseeing. Some of the island’s top sights, such as Mdina and Marsaxlokk, are difficult to reach by bus.
Hotel Recommendations
DOMS Boutique Living: A few steps from the main square, this charming 4-star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool and elegant rooms for a perfect stay in the historic centre.
Victoria by Petit Chic: A short walk from the city centre, this B&B was one of our picks during our trip to Malta. The small hotel with the lovely staff offers comfortable spotlessly clean rooms and a delicious breakfast.
8. Victoria (Gozo)
Our last suggestion on this list of where to stay in Malta without a car is on Gozo Island rather than the main island of Malta. As we explained in our guide about what to do in Gozo, it’s worth spending a few days on Malta’s sister island.
If you decide to extend your trip to Gozo, the ideal place to stay without a car is Victoria. Also known as Rabat, Victoria with its vibrant squares and quaint alleys is a wonderful place to explore.
Top Attractions
Victoria’s ultimate highlight is its imposing Citadel that looms over the picturesque town. Other Gozo attractions easily accessible from Victoria include the Inland Sea, the Salt Pans and Ta’ Pinu Basilica. If you haven’t already visited the Blue Lagoon from Malta, you can also book a private boat tour from Gozo to Comino.
Pros
Gozo is a small island with short distances. As such, it’s easy to get around and visit most beaches and tourist attractions. Victoria, the island’s capital, is well-connected to most towns, villages and the port.
Cons
Although the bus network is reliable and extensive in Gozo, some places such as Tal’ Mixta Cave and Wied Il Mielah Window aren’t easy to access by public transportation. However, thanks to the island’s compact size, it’s a good idea to hire a taxi or a tuk-tuk to visit those remote places.
Hotel Recommendations
The Duke Boutique Hotel: Within walking distance from the Victoria bus terminal, this boutique hotel offers luxury accommodation in fashionable comfortable rooms.
Maria Rosa Suites: Boasting an excellent location in the heart of Victoria, this boutique hotel housed in a renovated building is perfect for a marvellous stay in one of its impeccable rooms.
How To Get Around Malta Without a Car
By Public Transport
Public transport in Malta consists of buses and local ferries. There isn’t any metro, tram or train.
Buses
The bus network in Malta is extensive and reliable. The main bus terminals are in Valletta and St. Paul’s (Bugibba) on Malta Island and Victoria in Gozo. Express bus lines run from Malta International Airport to Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s, St Paul’s, Mellieha, Mdina and Marsaxlokk.
The most well-connected city in Malta is Valletta. Public buses from Valletta are frequent and take you to almost all the main towns. Moreover, night buses connect St. Paul’s to St. Julian’s, Sliema and Valletta.
You can pay for the bus ticket directly to the driver on board. Alternatively, buy one of the bus-only bundles for unlimited travel. Check out bus ticket types on the official Malta public transport website.
Ferries
Two ferry lines in Malta connect Sliema to Valletta and Valletta to Cospicua (Three Cities). The ferry from Sliema leaves from the port on the Sliema waterfront and arrives at a small quay in Valletta from where you can jump on a small bus to avoid the uphill walk to the city centre.
Ferries from Cospicua to Valletta arrive at a ferry terminal near the Barrakka Lift. The ferry ticket from Cospicua allows you to use the Barrakka Lift for free and reach Valletta centre without effort. For more information about tickets and the ferry schedule, check here.
By Taxi & Riding Apps
Getting a taxi is a good option if you want to get around quickly, especially for short distances to or from Valletta. Moreover, Uber and Bolt operate in Malta and we used these apps regularly during the Valletta/Sliema leg of our trip to Malta, before renting a car to see the rest of the country.
On Guided Tours
Sometimes buses can be very slow and inconvenient for sightseeing, while distances to some major attractions are quite long for a taxi ride. If you’re not driving, the most hassle-free way to visit any of Malta’s main attractions is to join a guided tour. There are plenty of tours from Valletta, Sliema, St. Julian’s and St. Paul’s to the Blue Lagoon, Mdina or Marsaxlokk that will save you time and energy.
If you ask us, driving in Malta is the best way to explore the Maltese Islands at your own pace, getting even to the remotest places in the most comfortable way. However, if driving in a foreign country isn’t your cup of tea, you can easily explore Malta without a car as long as you choose the right place(s) to stay and then take short sightseeing trips from there.
We hope this thorough guide helps you decide where to stay in Malta without a car to enjoy the most memorable trip to this sunny European country and make the most of Malta’s compact size.
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria