⛱️ Malta resorts and hotels for a beach holiday: 2026 guide

Malta covers three inhabited islands in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. A vacation here is built around the sea, short transfers, and affordable food prices.

Beach season opens in mid-May and lasts until late September. You can swim almost all summer and into the velvet September, when the water is still warm and the heat subsides.

The main question when booking: which resort and hotel will suit you best. St. Julian's buzzes with clubs, Sliema is calmer, Valletta works well for sightseeing, and Gozo is chosen for its quiet. Below we break down four resorts, five vetted hotels, meal plans, and the swimming season so you can pick the area that fits your vacation.

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Which resort to choose

💡 In short:

Resorts in Malta fall into three types: lively St. Julian's, calm Sliema and Valletta, quiet Gozo.
For the beach, choose St. Julian's or Sliema; for sightseeing, stay in Valletta.
Season, beaches, and swimming conditions: 09/2026, according to the Malta Tourism Authority.

St. Julian's Bay

This is the island's liveliest resort. It lies northwest of Valletta, in Spinola Bay, one of the most convenient on the coast. It has a dense concentration of hotels, cafes, and restaurants, and the promenade operates almost around the clock.

panorama of Spinola Bay promenade and bay in St. Julian's

The area's main beach spot: the man-made sandy beach at St. George's Bay. It is equipped with loungers, umbrellas, and water sports rentals, with shops and bars all around. Nearby is Paceville, the center of Malta's nightclubs and discos.

You'll appreciate this area if you want to step out of your hotel straight to the sea and bars. The catch: because of the clubs in Paceville, it's noisy until the early morning, so families with small children are better off choosing another place.

Sliema

Sliema attracts fans of beach holidays, water activities, and diving. The town sits in the northeast, in Marsamxett Harbour, across from Valletta. Squares, parks, and a garden on the promenade make the area green, while old mansions recall the 19th century.

Sliema's beaches are well maintained but rocky: the entry into the sea is paved with flat stones. The water near the shore is clear and deep, and the bay protects the coast from northern winds. In summer the rocks get crowded, so you'll need to claim a spot in the morning.

The area offers hotels and apartments. In the evening youth clubs are open, and during the day world-brand boutiques operate, so you can combine shopping and beach time. The catch: there is no sandy beach in Sliema itself; you'll have to travel to the north of the island for sand.

Valletta

Valletta, the country's capital, grew up around a major seaport. The city was built by the Knights of the Order after their victory over the Turks in the 16th century, and it is still surrounded by fortress walls. From the bastions, a panorama opens over both harbors, which is why photographers come here.

This is not a beach resort. There are few swimming spots, the rocky stretches of coastline are not equipped, and you'll travel to neighboring areas to swim. But Valletta serves as the island's sightseeing hub: cathedrals, museums, palaces, and fortresses are packed into a compact area.

Staying in Valletta is convenient for those who come for history and are ready to walk. The streets climb uphill, so it will be hard with a stroller. The catch: hotels in the center are more expensive, and parking is almost nonexistent.

Gozo Island

Gozo, the archipelago's second-largest island, lies north of Malta. It's for those who prefer a leisurely vacation away from the noise: hills, steep slopes, and rocky shores alternate with sandy shallows and small seafood restaurants run by fishermen.

Gozo is tied to the legend of the nymph Calypso, who, according to tradition, held Odysseus captive in a mysterious cave. The water around the coast is clear, which is why divers love the island.

Until 2017, Gozo's main natural attraction was the limestone arch known as the Azure Window. It collapsed in a storm on March 8, 2017, which was covered by the world press, for example The New York Times. Today divers descend to its remains.

The catch: the only way to reach Gozo is by Gozo Channel ferry. It runs around the clock, but there are fewer departures at night.

Best hotels in Malta

Malta is not a beach destination in the usual sense. Hotels here focus on combining the sea, history, and city entertainment, so the service is designed for a mixed vacation. Below are five hotels in different areas: from the center of Valletta to the St. Julian's waterfront.

La Falconeria

The hotel is located in the center of Valletta, about 300 m from Upper Barrakka Gardens (according to the map). Rooms face the sea or the city, free internet is available, and there is a fitness center and an indoor pool.

The restaurant offers three meals a day, and the bar makes cocktails for every taste. The front desk can help with car rental for trips around the island.

Who it's for: couples and those who value the center and walkable access to attractions.
Not for: those who want a beach right outside their window, Valletta doesn't have one.
Location: Valletta, about 300 m to Upper Barrakka Gardens (according to the map).
Price: mid-range for the center, check exact rates on Trip.com.
The catch: the area is historic, parking in central Valletta is limited.

Grand Hotel Excelsior

A waterfront hotel for a quiet couples' getaway, located in a peaceful spot near Valletta. Most rooms have a balcony or terrace with a sea view, and the grounds include a landscaped garden and pools.

The hotel has its own sea access, a small beach, and a yacht marina. There is a spa with professional massage and a gym. Guests are taken to Valletta free of charge twice a day, and Sunday lunch is served in several restaurants.

Who it's for: couples and those who value quiet and a sea view near the capital.
Location: Floriana, by the sea; free shuttles run to central Valletta.
Price: check Grand Hotel Excelsior prices on Trip.com.
The catch: drinks at Sunday lunch are not included in the price.

The Westin Dragonara Resort

The resort is located in St. Julian's on the bay shore, next to the casino and the Paceville entertainment complex. Rooms are comfortable and functional, with soundproofing, and suites have jacuzzis.

The hotel's private beach is rocky, covered with a concrete slab, and the sea is deep near the shore. Stairs with railings are installed for entry, and because there is no sand, the water stays very clean. There is a small artificial sandy beach 0.5 km away (according to the map).

The grounds include pools, a gym, and a kids' club. Breakfast offers a varied selection, and in September there are sometimes discounts on stays.

Who it's for: couples and those who like a quiet beach and clean water.
Not for: guests with small children, the sea entry here is deep.
Location: St. Julian's, by the sea, near Paceville and the casino.
Price: check The Westin Dragonara rates on Trip.com.
The catch: the sea gets deep immediately and the entry is rocky, inconvenient for toddlers.

Marina Hotel Corinthia Beach Resort

The hotel is aimed at fans of nightlife, casino visitors, and business travelers. It is located in St. Julian's next to the Bay Street shopping center, the Paceville area, and the Eden Cinemas.

hotel terrace overlooking the sea and bay

Bright rooms have private balconies overlooking the bay. The spa offers massage, sauna, reflexology, and a jacuzzi, and there are several pools, including a children's pool, and a private beach.

Babysitting is available for families at an extra charge. The hotel has several restaurants, internet, a conference room, and car rental, and the sandy beach lies in St. George's Bay.

Who it's for: couples, business guests, and groups coming for nightlife.
Location: St. Julian's, near Bay Street, Paceville, and Eden Cinemas.
Price: check Marina Hotel Corinthia rates on Trip.com.
The catch: it gets noisy nearby in the evening because of the Paceville clubs.

Corinthia Hotel St. George's Bay

The hotel stands on the bay shore next to a public sandy beach and the Paceville area. Despite the proximity to clubs, the hotel is quiet and peaceful, and rooms have balconies.

stone tower and buildings of Corinthia hotel

The spa offers reflexology treatments, and there are several pools. The hotel beach is well equipped but rocky, and the sea near the shore is clean and deep. The hotel has a diving school and yacht rental.

Breakfast is a hearty buffet with champagne, and the bar offers vintage wines. Guests are taken to Sliema and Valletta free of charge, and couples and newlyweds often leave good reviews about their time together.

Who it's for: couples and newlyweds.
Not for: those looking for a sandy beach at the hotel.
Location: St. Julian's, on St. George's Bay, near Paceville.
Price: see Corinthia St. George's Bay prices on Trip.com.
The catch: the beach is rocky, although there is a public sandy beach nearby.

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All inclusive or breakfast

Before booking a trip, many people choose a meal plan. There is no single right answer: it all depends on the purpose of the trip, the hotel category, and the budget. The price difference between all inclusive and breakfast can be significant.

For a family beach vacation with kids, all inclusive is more cost-effective, especially with unlimited drinks and drinking water. Three meals a day costs more, but it removes the problem of finding food in the heat.

If your trip is about sightseeing, breakfast will be enough. You don't overpay for lunches and don't sit around the hotel waiting for a table, and you can spend the difference on restaurants and local cuisine. In Malta, it's worth trying meat and fish dishes, seafood, and the must-try rabbit Fenek, stewed in wine with garlic.

Food in pastizzerias and pizzerias is cheaper than at hotels, so eating lunch outside the hotel works out to be more economical.

When is the best time to visit the island

The climate allows you to vacation in Malta year-round, but the main beach season starts in mid-May and lasts until the end of September. Locals start swimming earlier, on the feast of St. Gregory after Easter, when the water is still cold.

The water temperature rises gradually. In May it stays around +19 °C, in June it rises to +21...+22 °C, and in July and August it reaches +25...+26 °C (according to seatemperature.info). High season coincides with school holidays, so book hotels in advance.

Valletta promenade, sea and bell memorial

The velvet season falls in September. The water is still warm at this time, the sea is calm, and there are no more scorching days. Resorts have more older tourists. The season is short: in October, rains and winds begin, evenings become cool, and by the end of the month the beaches empty out.

In the low season, from November to April, tourist activity decreases, but hotels and excursions get cheaper.

Vacationing with kids

With kids, it's worth knowing that not all resorts on the island are suitable for young children. School-age kids will enjoy it: they will be interested in seeing the sites of knightly battles and ancient sculptures. Young children find museums and fortresses boring, excursions involve a lot of walking, and they get tired quickly.

panorama of Mellieha beach and bay in Malta

Areas with rocky coastlines are uncomfortable for a toddler: it's hard to walk on uneven rocks. Sandy beaches are not everywhere. For a family vacation, the southeastern shores of Marsascala and Saint Thomas Bay and the northwestern Mellieha Bay, Qawra, and Buggibba, along with Golden Bay, are suitable.

The sandy bays of Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay offer a gentle entry into the water. The shores of Qawra, Buggibba, and Marsascala are mostly rocky. Near Qawra and Buggibba, there is a water park on the shore with a large pool and slides, so kids will find entertainment outside the hotel too. Choose a hotel with a pool and babysitting services: many hotels run children's activities.

The catch: in high season, the sandy bays are overcrowded, so come early in the morning.

Malta resorts on the map

Below is a map with the resorts and beaches of Malta discussed above: from St. Julian's and Sliema in the east to Golden Bay in the northwest.

Resorts of Malta

Places on the map

St. Julian's The liveliest resort, next to the Paceville club district
Sliema Rocky developed beaches, boutiques and diving
Valletta Fortified capital, the island's sightseeing hub
Gozo Quiet second island of the archipelago, clear water and diving
Marsaskala South-east coast, suits family holidays with children
Mellieha North-west of the island, sandy Mellieha Bay with a gentle entry
Qawra Northern resort with a sandy shore and a water park nearby
Bugibba Northern resort, a water park with a pool and slides nearby
Golden Bay One of the island's best sandy beaches

Open it on your phone before the trip: this way you can plan travel between areas.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which resort in Malta should you choose for a first trip?

For a first visit, St. Julian's or Sliema are good options. St. Julian's has the sandy St. George's Bay beach and all the nightlife, while Sliema is quieter and closer to Valletta. If you want peace and nature, choose Gozo, but you'll need to take a ferry to get there.

When is the best time to go swimming?

The swimming season runs from mid-May to late September. The most comfortable months for swimming are June and September. In June the water is already warm enough, and by September the sea is warm but without the exhausting heat. July and August are the hottest months, and in high season hotels are more expensive and beaches are packed.

What should you choose, all-inclusive or breakfast only?

For a beach holiday with kids, go all-inclusive: you won't have to look for food in the heat. If your trip is more about sightseeing, breakfast will be enough, and plan lunches and dinners at local pastizzerias, where food is cheaper.

Is Malta suitable for a holiday with small children?

Yes, if you choose an area with a sandy beach. Pick hotels in the northwest near Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay, or further southeast near Marsascala. Mellieha Bay and Golden Bay have fine sand and a gentle entry into the water, and there's a water park near Qawra and Buggibba.

Are there sandy beaches in Malta?

Yes, although the island is rocky, there are sandy bays here. The best known are Mellieha Bay, Golden Bay, and St. George's Bay. The water has fine sand and a gentle entry, so families with children swim there.

In short: what to book

Malta works for both beach and sightseeing holidays, so choose your area based on the purpose of your trip. If you're going as a couple for the clubs, pick St. Julian's. For a quiet stay with a pool, Grand Hotel Excelsior is a good fit. With kids, stay in the northwest near the sandy bays.

For a cultural itinerary, stay in Valletta: that way you'll be in the center of things every day. Book hotels in advance, as rooms sell out quickly in high season.

Before your trip, check hotels and prices on Trip.com.

Holidays in Malta: where to stay and when to go