Finding the best places to stay in Malta without a car? You've found the right guide for you. Malta is a spectacular destination, and with the right location, you can experience the beauty of the sun-drenched island on foot or with very convenient public transport.
Visualize the experience of waking up and having an excellent view of the ocean. The beauty of Malta is in its accessibility, and with the right location, you can enjoy beaches, cultural landmarks, and local markets. It is not just about convenience; it is about enjoying Malta’s atmosphere at your own time, allowing every moment to feel like part of the adventure.
1. Valletta
Valletta, Malta's glittering gem, was established in the 16th century through the Knights of St. John. If you're looking for the best place to stay in Malta without a car, it is a great option. The ancient city of Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason—it boasts stunning Baroque architecture and a rich history.
Two of Valletta's top tourist destinations are the Grand Master's Palace and St. John's Co-Cathedral.
The Upper Barrakka Gardens provide excellent panoramic views of the Grand Harbour. Fort St. Elmo will teach you everything you need to know about the Great Siege, a watershed moment in Malta's history. With so much to see in Valletta, Malta's capital is the ideal place to stay. Especially if this is your first visit to Malta.
The main bus terminal, located just outside the city walls, makes Valletta ideal for seeing Malta without a car. The majority of Malta's tourist destinations are accessible by bus every day from Valletta. Furthermore, many scheduled day trips depart from Valletta, allowing you to discover the country more easily.
2. Sliema
Sliema provides excellent amenities and connectivity without requiring a car, making it the perfect destination for leisure and shopping travelers. Sliema's promenade is perfect for leisurely walks or watching a sunset, and it gives breathtaking views of Valletta across the river. The area is filled with gelato outlets and cafes, making it the ideal place to enjoy the water.
Sliema, the center of Malta's retail district, has everything from boutiques to high-street labels. A diverse range of eating options guarantees everyone something to enjoy, from fast nibbles to sumptuous meals overlooking the sea. Sliema caters to all budgets, with lodgings ranging from luxury hotels to boutique hotels and small guest houses.
Many are close to retail malls, restaurants, and transportation hubs, making them the best choice for tourists without a rental car. Malta's public transportation system provides excellent access to Sliema, with regular bus routes connecting it to Valletta and other popular tourist destinations. The Sliema Ferry also provides frequent service to Valletta, offering a picturesque route across the bay.
3. St.Julian’s
St. Julian's is a beachfront suburb north of Valletta, famed for its resorts, beaches, casinos, and Paceville, which is located south of St. George's Bay Beach. It is considered one of the best places to stay in Malta without a car due to its public transportation links. You can base your trip to Malta at St. Julian's for various reasons, including being near bus stations that connect to other beaches and tourist attractions, and being in the heart of Malta's nightlife.
Julian's is conveniently located near the Ross bus station, which provides transportation to various sections of the island, including Marsaxlokk, Golden Bay Beach, Valletta, Mdina/Rabat, and Ghadira Bay. If you enjoy going out to parties, St. Julian's and the Paceville region are the best places to stay in Malta. This is the most vibrant neighborhood, with restaurants, pubs, casinos, and clubs to suit all tastes and budgets.
4. Mellieha
Malta is well-known for its beach resorts, and if you intend to spend a lot of time sunbathing, we recommend staying in Mellieha. It stands out as one of the best places to stay in Malta without a car, with plenty of amenities nearby. Mellieha, located in northern Malta, offers access to some of the island's best beaches, including Mellieha Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, and Golden Bay.
Comino and Gozo, two nearby islands, are only a short ferry trip from this location. Getting from Mellieha to other parts of Malta by bus and cab is as simple as it is everywhere else on the island, but be aware that your trip will take longer if you like to see some of the southern tourist attractions. With Malta being one of the easiest immigration countries in Europe, Melleiha is a good place to stay after relocating.
5. Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a small fishing village in the southern section of the island. It is popular for the colorful Luzzo boats frequently docked in the harbor and the popular Saturday fish market. Marsaxlokk is a popular destination with a thriving harbor, coastal restaurants, a daily tourist market, cafes, and a Sunday fish market.
It's a modest community with a very local vibe, even though its markets are popular. You'll love staying at Marsaxlokk and wandering along the seafront to see all the boats! They each have their name, which is generally painted on the side, and you may see local fishermen docking or leaving.
6. Three Cities
You'll find that three cities are frequently listed among the best places to stay in Malta without a car. Senglea (formerly L'Isla), Cospicua (formerly Bormla), and Vittoriosa (formerly Birgu) are the Three Cities, which are situated across from Valletta. The Three Cities don't receive as much attention as glitzy Valletta these days. Nonetheless, they rank among Malta's most charming destinations for visits or residence.
Attractions in Vittoriosa, Malta's old capital, are memories of the Order's victory over the Ottoman Empire during the Grand Siege. The most important is Fort St. Angelo, which serves as the Knights' headquarters. The landmark watchtower at Senglea's Gardjola Gardens offers panoramic views of the Grand Harbour.
The Three Cities' best feature is that, although close to bustling Valletta, you can still enjoy some peace away from the crowds of tourists. Like Valletta, the Three Cities are charming, with their antique structures and winding streets. In addition to the bus, there are other ways to get to Valletta: the Valletta Ferry, a water taxi, or the dghajsa, a traditional wooden boat from Malta.
7. St.Paul’s Bay
St. Paul's Bay is the best place to stay in Malta without a car, thanks to its convenient location. The area is ideal for families and people looking for a relaxing escape, since it provides a relaxed ambiance with easy access to Malta's natural treasures. For the best place to stay in Malta without a car, we would pick St. Paul's Bay over Valletta because of its regular bus and ferry connections. St. Paul's Bay is well-known for its serene waters and laid-back vibe, making it a safe and delightful beach destination for families and anyone looking for a more peaceful stay.
The region is ideal for water sports, exploring the natural landmarks nearby, and visiting attractions such as the Malta National Aquarium. Nearby boat services offer tours of Malta's gorgeous shoreline, Gozo, and the Blue Lagoon. A bus network serves St. Paul's Bay in the north of Malta, offering convenient access to the main cities and sites in the north and central island regions. It is a major port for trips to the well-known Blue Lagoon.
8. Gzira
Gzira is a beach town that borders Sliema to the west. It is quieter and less visited by tourists, although it benefits from being close to Sliema's stores, nightlife, and ferry station. Its nightlife is kept lively by a large student population. Gzira can be a good choice if you don't have a car because it has more reasonably priced hotels and the same regular bus routes from Sliema to Valletta and other parts of the island.
Staying at Gzira puts you near a few bus stops that provide transportation to several regions of the island, including Ghadira Bay, Valletta, Golden Bay Beach, Mdina/Rabat, and Marsaxlokk. Gzira is a vibrant, modern neighborhood with many places to eat and drink. You can find anything here, including sushi nights, cocktail bars, fine coffee shops, and traditional foods.
9. Marsaskala
Marsaskala is often recommended as one of the best places to stay in Malta without a car. It’s also our recommendation for a peaceful area to stay in Malta, which is the harbor village of Marsaskala. There are some excellent dining options, and it's enjoyable, quiet, and picturesque. Whether you use Bolt or the local taxi service, it costs a few euros to hail a cab. We strongly suggest taking a taxi from Marsaskala instead of the bus if you can afford it. The buses are inexpensive, but they're not particularly fun!
10. Mdina and Rabat
These areas are worth considering for those wondering about the best place to stay in Malta without a car. Mdina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, entirely walled, and has lovely, narrow alleyways. It is well-known for serving as the entrance to King's Landing during the first season of Game of Thrones.
The old structures and streets across the city give it a timeless atmosphere. Because cars are not permitted within the walls, you can easily spend hours on the winding roads. Mdina has extremely few lodgings, so make your reservation before they are all booked as soon as possible. Given the scarcity of accommodations, they are all on the higher price scale.
Rabat, located close to Mdina, is another fantastic city with a few Game of Thrones filming locations buried within it. Rabat and Mdina lie in the middle of the island and you can't get there by ferry. To get around the island, you must drive, use a rideshare or cab, or take public transportation.
How to Travel to the Best Places in Malta Without a Car
1. Buses
Malta's bus network is vast and reliable. Valletta, St. Paul's, and Victoria are home to the central bus terminals. There are express bus routes from Malta International Airport to Valletta, St. Julian's, Sliema, St. Paul's, Mdina, Mellieha, and Marsaxlokk. Valletta is Malta's best-connected city. Nearly all major towns are accessible by frequent public buses from Valletta. In addition, St. Paul's is connected to St. Julian's, Sliema, and Valletta by night buses.
2. Taxi & Riding Apps
Taking a cab is a fantastic alternative if you want to move around fast, especially for short trips to and from Valletta. Furthermore, Bolt and Uber operate in Malta.
3. Ferries
In Malta, two ferry routes run from Sliema to Valletta and from Valletta to Cospicua (the Three Cities). Starting from the port on the Sliema shoreline, the ferry travels to a small dock in Valletta, where you can board a small bus to avoid the steep hike to the city center.
Conclusion
Choosing the best place to stay in Malta without a car makes it easy to enjoy the island’s charm. With the right location, you can walk to local attractions, hop on convenient buses, and immerse yourself in the culture without worrying about driving. Let your stay be about relaxation and discovery, making every step part of an unforgettable Maltese experience.
