Tourist Locations

Malta welcomes over 2.5 million tourists annually. Despite the island's small size, where a tourist chooses to stay completely dictates the kind of holiday they will have.

The island is segmented into very distinct zones: mass-market family resorts near the sandy beaches, bustling urban hubs for nightlife and shopping, meticulously restored historic centers for cultural breaks, and the tranquil sister island of Gozo for rustic retreats.

If the priority is sea, sand, and large resort amenities, the north of the island is the primary destination.

• St. Paul's Bay (Buġibba & Qawra)

  This is Malta's mass-market tourism engine. It is heavily populated with large, affordable hotels, British-style pubs, karaoke bars, and family entertainment like the Malta National Aquarium. It features a long, rocky promenade with lidos (like Cafe del Mar) and man-made perched beaches. It is incredibly busy in the summer and very budget-friendly.

• Mellieħa

  Located further north, Mellieħa sits on a hill overlooking Malta's largest sandy beach (Għadira Bay). It is generally more upscale than Buġibba, featuring large 4-star and 5-star all-inclusive resorts (like the db Seabank). It is perfect for families with young children due to the shallow, safe waters of the bay.

For younger travelers, couples, and those who want to be in the center of the action, the Sliema and St. Julian's coastline is the premier choice.

If you are traveling with children and want to avoid the chaotic student crowds while still having access to great entertainment and beaches, consider these top alternatives:

• Mellieħa: The ultimate family destination. It boasts Malta's largest and safest sandy beach (Għadira) with shallow waters, and is incredibly close to family attractions like Popeye Village. The resort hotels here are heavily geared towards families.
• Qawra: Situated at the quieter end of St. Paul's Bay. It features a wide, flat promenade perfect for strollers, a sandy perched beach, and is home to the fantastic Malta National Aquarium.
• Marsaskala (The South): For families wanting a more authentic, laid-back Mediterranean holiday, this southern fishing village offers great playgrounds, affordable family dining, and the beautiful St. Thomas Bay, far away from the northern tourist crowds.

Over the last decade, Valletta has transformed from a sleepy administrative center into one of Europe's top destinations for luxury city breaks. It caters to a completely different demographic than the northern beach resorts.

• Accommodation: There are no massive resort hotels in Valletta. Instead, tourists stay in exquisitely restored 16th and 17th-century Palazzos that have been converted into luxury, 10-to-20 room boutique hotels with rooftop plunge pools.
• The Vibe: Highly cultured. Tourists spend their days exploring St. John's Co-Cathedral and museums, and their evenings dining at Michelin-starred restaurants or sipping wine on the steps of Strait Street.
• Best for: Cultured weekend breaks, romantic getaways, and history enthusiasts. It is significantly more expensive than other areas of Malta.

Malta's sister island, Gozo, offers a radically different holiday experience. It is greener, much quieter, and entirely lacks the high-rise development of the mainland.

Best for: Scuba divers (Gozo has world-class dive sites like the Blue Hole), hikers, large family groups sharing a farmhouse, and anyone looking to completely disconnect from urban life.