Where to Stay in Malta Without a Car: 5 Best Areas
Choosing where to stay in Malta without a car makes a huge difference to your trip. Pick the right place and Malta feels easy to explore. Pick the wrong one and you can lose far too much time waiting for buses or paying for taxis.
I’ve visited Malta more than once without hiring a car, using buses, ferries, taxis, bikes and my own two feet to get around. I’ve also stayed in different parts of Malta and Gozo, so I know how much your base affects the trip.
For most first-time visitors, I think Floriana or Valletta is the best place to stay in Malta without a car. But Gozo, The Three Cities and Mellieħa can all work well, depending on your plans.
This is a carefully considered guide based on personal journeys, tested bus routes, and real-life logistics. I’ll show you the best areas to stay in Malta without a car, who each one suits, and which popular places I wouldn’t choose first.
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At a glance: best areas to stay in Malta without a car
If it’s your first trip to Malta without a car, I’d stay in Floriana (Valletta). You’ll be close to the main bus station and ferries, which makes day trips much easier. You’ll also be able to walk to historic sights and plenty of places to eat.
For a longer trip, I’d split your stay between Floriana and Victoria, on Gozo, for easy bus connections.
Compare best areas to stay in Malta without a car
|
Area |
Best for |
|---|---|
|
Floriana (Valletta) |
First-time visitors, public transport, culture and ferries |
|
Victoria, Gozo |
Gozo bus connections and short stays |
|
Xagħra, Gozo |
Village atmosphere, walking, slower travel |
|
The Three Cities |
A quieter harbour base close to Valletta |
|
Mellieħa |
Beaches, hiking and Gozo ferry access |
My honest recommendation
For most people visiting Malta without a car, Floriana is the best spot. You get easy access to Valletta’s buses and ferries, but with a better chance of a peaceful night’s sleep than staying right in the centre of the capital.
If you have a week or more, I’d make it a two-centre trip. Spend the first part in Floriana, then move to Gozo for slower days, coastal walks and plenty of swims.
Choose Victoria if you want the easiest bus connections on Gozo. Choose Xagħra if you want a quieter village stay and don’t mind walking more.
My top hotel picks for Malta without a car
| Area | Hotel | Why it works without a car |
|---|---|---|
| Floriana | 23 Boutique Hotel | Quiet base close to Valletta buses and ferries |
| Xagħra | Il-Logga Boutique Hotel | Walkable to the village square and to Victoria |
| Victoria | Casa Gemelli | Central location close to buses, restaurants and the Citadel |
| The Three Cities | The Lodge, Cospicua | Good for waterfront access and boats to Valletta |
| Mellieħa | Lure Hotel & Spa | Better for beaches, buses and northern Malta |
Is it possible to stay in Malta without a car?
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to stay in Malta without a car. I’ve done it more than once, using buses, ferries, taxis, bikes and plenty of walking instead.
You do need a bit of patience. Malta’s buses are useful and affordable, but they don’t always run exactly how you expect, and you won’t cover as much in one day as you would with a car.
That said, travelling without a car can make Malta feel more rewarding. On one of my Gozo trips, I was dropped off by the coast after meeting family who had rented a car. I still had a couple of hours to walk back to my hotel, but the slow route through the countryside ended up being one of my favourite memories.
The sun was starting to set, the fields were glowing, and I had time to notice the farms, local vegetables and quiet lanes I’d have missed completely from a car window.
The key is choosing the right base. Stay somewhere close to useful buses, ferries, restaurants and day trip options, and Malta without a car is easy.
Bonus: download a free pocket guide to Malta’s buses for essential information on how to get around Malta by bus.
Where to stay in Malta without a car
Choosing where to stay in Malta without a car depends on the kind of trip you want. For a first trip, I’d prioritise transport access. Being close to Valletta and a good ferry connection makes day trips much easier.
For a slower trip, especially if you’ve already visited Malta before, Gozo is a brilliant choice. You’ll need to plan your days a little more carefully, but the pace is calmer and the scenery is fabulous.
Before you book, think about:
- How close you want to be to the main bus routes.
- Whether you want to visit Gozo.
- Whether beach access matters more than sightseeing.
- How much walking you’re happy to do.
- Whether you want quiet evenings or a livelier base.
Floriana and Valletta: best for a first trip without a car
Floriana and Valletta are the best places to stay in Malta without a car, especially if it’s your first visit.
My personal preference is Floriana rather than central Valletta. You still get the transport benefits of staying near the capital, but it’s usually quieter at night.
Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and as soon as you start walking its steep stone streets you’ll see why. Grand historic buildings and sweeping harbour views make it a joy to explore.
You’ll also find some of Malta’s best-known sights here, including St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Lascaris War Rooms.
What makes Valletta especially useful for car-free travellers is the transport access. Malta’s main bus station is just outside the city walls, by the Triton Fountain, so you can reach most parts of the island by bus.
The bus bay layout can be a bit confusing because the stands spread out around the corner. Give yourself extra time, and don’t be shy about asking for help. English is one of Malta’s official languages, so it’s easy to check directions.
Valletta is also a great departure point for Gozo. You can take the fast ferry to Gozo, which is quicker and far more scenic than taking a long bus ride north followed by the standard ferry.
One of my favourite experiences in Malta was taking a traditional wooden boat, called a dgħajsa, across the Grand Harbour to The Three Cities. The view back to Valletta is unforgettable and one of the best photo spots on the island.
Pro tip: Airport direct buses leave from stand B1 (and on Lascaris, by the fast ferry terminal). Check for any changes to this on the Malta Public Transport website.
Best places to visit from Valletta without a car
- Mosta Dome (bus #41, #44, #45, #48 or #250)
- Marsaxlokk and St Peter’s Pool (bus #85 direct or #91 and change at Moro to #210)
- The Three Cities (via traditional Maltese boat or ferry)
- The Blue Grotto (bus #74 direct or #72 and a 20-minute walk from Qrendi)
- Dingli Cliffs (bus #52 or #56)
- Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa (bus #44)
- Mdina (bus #51, #52 or #53)
- Gozo Island (via fast ferry from Lascaris)
- Comino and the Blue Lagoon (fast ferry to Gozo then ferry from Gozo to Comino)
Where I’d stay in Floriana or Valletta without a car
My honest recommendation is to stay in Floriana over central Valletta. You’re still close to Valletta’s buses, ferries and sights, but it’s easier to get a quieter night’s sleep.
Central Valletta can still be a good choice if you want to be right among the historic streets, restaurants and evening atmosphere. Just check reviews carefully for noise before you book. On my first visit to Valletta, I stayed right in the centre. While it was certainly convenient, I didn’t get much sleep. Car horns, fireworks, and street noise kept me up most nights.
On my next trip I stayed at 23 Boutique Hotel, Floriana, a stylish boutique hotel, ideally located away from the hustle and bustle of the centre of Valletta but near enough to take advantage of all the public transport options.
Many buses stop just a couple of streets away on St Anne Street.
I loved 23 Boutique Hotel. The modern decor was spot on, and the duplex suite I booked came with a mezzanine bedroom, a huge bathroom, and a little indoor balcony where I could sit with breakfast and watch the world go by.
If you’re travelling without a car and want the best of both worlds, easy access to Malta’s public transport and a peaceful place to sleep, I highly recommend staying in Floriana over central Valletta.
The only downside of 23 Boutique Hotel is that it gets booked up quickly. If there’s no availability for your dates, check out the superb and highly rated Ellul Living apartment instead.
Xagħra, Gozo: best for a slower village stay
Xagħra is a great choice if you want your Malta trip to feel slower and more local. It’s best if you’re happy to walk, plan around buses, and accept that you won’t have everything on your doorstep.
I love Xagħra because it feels peaceful, pretty and easy to settle into. It’s not the most convenient base on Gozo, but that’s partly the point.
If you’ve got a week or more in Malta, I recommend making your trip a two centre one. Spend a few nights in Valletta, then take the fast ferry and head across to Gozo, Malta’s sister island.
Even if you’ve only got limited time in Malta, I still recommend taking a day trip to Gozo from Valletta.
Gozo has a slower, more spacious feel and is perfect for walking, swimming and generally switching off a bit. I love Gozo. Say it quietly, but I might even prefer it to the main island.
Travelling around Gozo without a car is totally possible, especially if you don’t mind mixing things up a bit.
I enjoyed taking the bus to a village, then walking out to the coast for a swim in the deep blue sea at one of Gozo’s beaches.
After a lazy few hours at the beach, I’d either walk back along a scenic trail or order a Bolt or Uber Malta taxi to save my legs (for around €10).
Xagħra is an ideal base for car-free exploring. It has a traditional feel of a Gozitan village, with a lively square, shops and several good restaurants.
One of my favourite walks from Xagħra is down to Ramla Bay, Gozo’s iconic red sandy beach.
You can also head downhill towards Victoria along Triq Il-Knisja, where you’ll find buses connecting to the rest of the island.
Xagħra’s also a good choice if you’re thinking of hiring a bike.
I’ve tried both a standard push bike and an e-bike here and I’d strongly suggest going electric. Gozo is very hilly. Local companies will deliver the bike straight to your accommodation.
Bus #307 runs between Xagħra and Victoria (also called Rabat). From there you can connect to buses serving the rest of the island.
Things to do in Xagħra without a car
- Visit the prehistoric Ġgantija Temples, older than the pyramids.
- Explore the underground caves of Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s Cave.
- Learn about traditional breadmaking at the Ta’ Kola Windmill.
- Eat out at one of the restaurants in the village square, I’ve had great meals at Latini restaurant.
- Watch the sun set over the countryside from the benches in front of the Cornucopia Hotel, drink of choice in hand.
Where I’d stay in Xagħra without a car
I stayed at Il-Logga Boutique Hotel in Xagħra. It’s a peaceful spot, just on the edge of the village, with views across the valley and out towards the Gozo coast. You can easily walk to the village square for evening meals, or walk down the hill to be in Victoria, Gozo’s capital, in under half an hour.
There’s also a small restaurant onsite where you can enjoy a great breakfast choice.
My favourite part of the Il-Logga Boutique Hotel is the wonderful rooftop pool. Perfect for a cooling splash at the end of a day getting around Gozo.
Victoria, Gozo: best for bus connections on Gozo
Victoria, also known by its older name, Rabat, is the capital of Gozo. It’s the heart of the island’s bus network, so if you’re keen to see as much of Gozo as possible without relying on taxis or long walks, this is the place to base yourself.
It doesn’t have the same quiet village feel as Xagħra, but it’s a better choice if convenience matters more than atmosphere.
From Victoria’s main bus terminal, you can get a direct service to most parts of the island, including the harbour. This makes it a convenient hub if you’re only staying on Gozo for a couple of days.
That said, Victoria is busier than the surrounding villages, and you don’t get the same countryside calm that you do in places like Xagħra.
Personally, I prefer the quieter, more traditional feel of Gozo’s smaller villages, but if you value location over peace and quiet, Victoria might suit you better.
Victoria isn’t short on culture either. Its Citadel, perched up above the town, is a must-visit.
The views from the ramparts are spectacular and inside the fortified walls you’ll find small museums and historical buildings.
Where I’d stay in Victoria, Gozo, without a car
In Victoria, I’d choose accommodation close to the Citadel or bus station. This makes it much easier to get around Gozo during the day.
Victoria is the most practical Gozo base if you don’t want to think too hard about transport.
Casa Gemelli is a luxurious boutique townhouse (B&B) that offers a unique and relaxing stay for adults only. The hotel was built in 1890 and originally formed part of the local convent. Now, it offers incredible views of the Citadel, the ancient fortified city of Gozo.
Each room is elegantly decorated. Pick a room with a terrace or a balcony so you can enjoy fresh air and the scenery.
An exceptional breakfast is included, made with fresh and local ingredients. Conveniently located close to the bus station, Casa Gemelli is ideal if you’re travelling without a car.
The Three Cities, Malta: best quieter alternative to Valletta
The Three Cities are a good choice if you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Malta that’s close to Valletta but has a slower, more local feel.
The Three Cities are called Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (L-Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla).
You won’t have the same direct bus convenience as Floriana or Valletta, but the ferry and traditional dgħajsa boat crossings make this a lovely car-free base if you don’t mind a little extra planning.
They sit just across the Grand Harbour from the capital, yet feel worlds away in terms of pace and atmosphere.
Similar to Gozo, they’re a little more peaceful, a little less hurried, but still packed with things to see and do. Staying in the Three Cities best suits repeat visitors or slower travellers more than first-time visitors trying to see everything.
One of the best things about staying in the Three Cities is simply wandering through the backstreets. You’ll find narrow passageways, colourful balconies, and quiet squares. It’s a great place to base yourself if you enjoy travelling on foot and soaking up daily life.
Getting around without a car is easy. You’re only a few minutes from Valletta and its transport connections, via the regular ferry or the more traditional dgħajsa (wooden water taxis).
I recommend taking the wooden boats at least once, it offers some of the best views of Valletta’s skyline.
There’s plenty to see and do within the Three Cities themselves. In Vittoriosa you’ll find the excellent Malta at War Museum, the Inquisitor’s Palace, Fort St Angelo and the Malta Maritime Museum.
Senglea offers a lovely waterside promenade and Gardjola Gardens, which is home to one of Malta’s most photographed lookout posts.
Where I’d stay in the Three Cities without a car
For The Three Cities, I’d choose somewhere close to the waterfront or ferry crossing. That way, you can get across to Valletta easily without making every journey feel like a mission.
This area is best if you want atmosphere, harbour views and quieter evenings, rather than the most convenient transport base on the island.
Accommodation in the Three Cities tends to be smaller-scale; boutique hotels, guesthouses, and renovated historic homes.
The Lodge, Cospicua is a small, boutique hotel, close to the waterfront, that offers a cosy and authentic stay in a traditional Maltese building. The hotel has been renovated with care and a focus on preserving original features. There are a small number of rooms, each with its own style.
The hotel is rated as superb and ranked 9.1 out of 10 on booking.com. The Lodge provides a delicious breakfast, as well as aircon and Wi-Fi in all rooms.
Some rooms do have a bathroom that is external to the bedroom, which adds to the quirky feel of the hotel. There’s also a beautiful internal courtyard for guests.
Mellieħa: best for beaches, hiking and Gozo ferry access
Mellieħa is the best choice on this list if beaches and northern Malta matter more to you than being close to Valletta.
It works well without a car if you want sandy beaches, coastal walks and access to the Gozo ferry, but it’s not the base I’d choose for a first trip focused on sightseeing across the whole island.
Mellieħa doesn’t have quite the same appeal as some of the other spots on this list, but it does offer good access to some of Malta’s great coastal scenery and sandy bays.
Local buses are frequent and can take you to plenty of places in the area. From Mellieħa, it’s an easy bus ride to Golden Bay and Għajn Tuffieħa, two of the best sandy beaches in Malta.
There’s also a good hiking trail nearby, with coastal routes that offer sweeping sea views and very few crowds. If you’re after something off the beaten path, the northwestern coastline is a solid choice.
For quirky sights, there’s Popeye Village, originally built as a film set in the 1980s and now a photogenic oddity perched on the edge of the bay. It’s 40 minutes’ walk from the town, or you can get bus #101.
Mellieha gives you direct access to buses heading to the Gozo ferry terminal, in the north of Malta, at Cirkewwa.
You can also bus it down to party central, St Julian’s, or St Paul’s Bay (or skip them if busy areas and clubbing aren’t your thing).
Where I’d stay in Mellieħa without a car
In Mellieħa, I’d choose accommodation either close to the village centre or within easy reach of the beach, depending on what matters most to you.
The village is better for restaurants and buses. The beach area is better if you want sand and sea on your doorstep, but you’ll need to think more carefully about evening meals and day trips.
If you’re after a peaceful escape in Mellieħa, Lure Hotel & Spa is a solid choice. This 4-star boutique hotel blends modern luxury with traditional touches, think tile floors, sleek furnishings, and carefully curated interiors that feel indulgent and welcoming.
Rooms are generously sized and designed for comfort, with plush beds, private bathrooms, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Some offer a balcony or terrace with views stretching out over the sea.
On-site facilities at Lure Hotel & Spa include a spa, an indoor pool, a heated infinity pool outdoors (open all year), and a sun terrace.
Other popular areas to consider without a car
Sliema: practical, but not my first choice
Sliema is one of the most practical places to stay in Malta without a car. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, shops, seafront walks, buses and ferry links.
However, it wouldn’t be my personal first choice. Parts of Sliema feel busy and built up, so I’d choose it for convenience rather than atmosphere. If you want somewhere with more character, I’d choose Floriana, Valletta or The Three Cities instead.
St Julian’s: best if you want nightlife
St Julian’s can work without a car, but I’d only choose it if nightlife, bars and resort hotels are a big part of your trip.
It’s not the place I’d personally pick for a slower Malta holiday. If you’re looking for peaceful evenings, historic streets and easy sightseeing, Floriana or Valletta will suit you better.
St Paul’s Bay and Buġibba: good for budget stays and northern Malta
St Paul’s Bay and Buġibba are practical options if you want budget accommodation, family friendly facilities and easier access to northern Malta.
They can be useful without a car, especially if you’re planning boat trips and beach days. However, they’re not as convenient as Floriana or Valletta for a first trip where you want to explore widely across Malta.
Mdina and Rabat: beautiful, but better as a day trip
Mdina and Rabat are beautiful places to visit, and I’d absolutely include them in a Malta itinerary. However, I wouldn’t choose them as my base to stay without a car.
They’re quieter in the evenings and less convenient for island wide transport than Floriana or Valletta. If it’s your first trip to Malta, I’d stay somewhere better connected and visit Mdina and Rabat as a day trip instead.
Transport in Malta
One of the best things about Malta and Gozo is that you really don’t need a car to get around. Between the buses, budget-friendly taxis, and scenic ferry rides, there are lots of options for exploring the islands car-free.
If you’re staying in Malta without a car, a few good apps can make the trip feel much easier. I’ve put together the travel apps I use, including maps, ferry booking, mobile data, taxis and travel money.
Malta buses
Malta’s buses are the main method of public transport and they cover most of the island, including popular spots like Valletta, Mdina, Marsaxlokk, and Golden Bay.
A single bus ticket is valid for two hours from purchase, so you can change buses within that time without buying another ticket.
For visitors, the most useful options are usually:
- A single journey ticket, best if you’ll only use the bus occasionally
- The 12 single day journeys card, best for couples or short trips because it can be shared
- The Explore Flex card, best if you’ll use buses regularly over several days
Check the latest bus fares on the official Malta Public Transport website before your trip.
Pro tip: download the Tallinja app before you travel. It has timetables, route maps and stop locations.
Be prepared that not everything runs perfectly. I once boarded a bus expecting to end up in Golden Bay and instead found myself in a totally different place. I never got to the bottom of why, but it was clear from the groans of other passengers that this wasn’t just a ‘me’ issue.
If something similar happens to you, don’t panic and get a Bolt or Uber if necessary. They’re both widely available on the island and reasonably priced.
Ferries, boats and kayaks
To get to Gozo, you have two main ferry options:
- The Gozo Highspeed ferry between Gozo and Valletta, Sliema or Buġibba
- The Gozo Channel ferry between Ċirkewwa in northern Malta and Mġarr in Gozo
The fast ferry from Valletta is the best option. It’s quicker and much more pleasant than busing it up to the Cirkewwa ferry terminal.
For shorter journeys, Valletta Ferry Services run between Sliema and Valletta, and between Valletta and The Three Cities. This is one of the reasons The Three Cities can work well without a car, even though it’s not as convenient for buses as Floriana or Valletta. There’s also the option of taking a traditional wooden boat for a few euros.
Always check ferry times close to your trip. Routes, timetables and crossings can change because of season, demand or sea conditions.
You can also take beautiful boat trips to Comino’s Blue Lagoon, or even join a kayaking tour if you fancy getting closer to the water.
Walking, taxis and tours
Malta is compact enough for exploring many parts of it on foot, though Valletta’s steep streets can give your legs a workout.
If you’re not up for walking far, or you’re tight on time, taxis are a good option. Bolt and Uber both operate across Malta and Gozo, with typical fares ranging from €10 -12 for shorter journeys.
For airport arrivals, you can book a private transfer in advance. This can be worth it if you’re arriving late, travelling with heavy luggage or staying somewhere that needs more than one bus connection.
To take all the hassle away and explore more in one day, join one of the excellent Gozo tours. This is especially useful if you’ve only got a few days on Malta.
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Find a great deal for your accommodation in Malta with Booking.com. Check out the 10 best boutique hotels in Malta. For a car-free trip, check the map and look for places close to bus stops, ferry terminals or walkable restaurant areas.
FAQs: where to stay in Malta without a car
What is the best area to stay in Malta without a car?
Floriana or Valletta is the best area for most first-time visitors staying in Malta without a car. You’ll be close to the main bus station, ferries, restaurants and historic sights, so day trips are much easier to organise.
Is Sliema a good place to stay in Malta without a car?
Sliema can work well without a car, especially if you want restaurants, shops, seafront walks and ferry access. I wouldn’t personally pick it over Floriana or The Three Cities because it feels more built up, but it’s practical.
Is Gozo worth staying on without a car?
Yes, Gozo is worth staying on without a car. Victoria is the easiest base for buses, while Xagħra is better if you want a quieter village feel and don’t mind walking or using the occasional taxi.
Can you stay in Mellieħa without a car?
Yes, Mellieħa can work without a car, especially for beaches, hiking and access to the Gozo ferry. However, it’s further from Valletta and southern Malta, so I’d only choose it if northern Malta is your priority.
Wrap up: where to stay in Malta without a car
The great thing about Malta is just how compact it is. Getting from one end of the island to the other takes roughly 90 minutes by bus, or around 50 minutes by taxi.
Gozo’s even quicker to cross, at around 30 minutes by taxi or you can walk it in 3.5 hours. So even without a car, you’ll have plenty of time to see Malta’s beaches, temples, villages, coastal paths, and historic sights.
For most first-time visitors, Floriana is the best place to stay in Malta without a car. You’ll be close to Valletta’s main bus connections, ferries, restaurants and historic sights, but with a better chance of a quieter night’s sleep.
If you’re staying for a week or more, I’d split your trip between Floriana and Gozo. Choose Victoria if you want the easiest bus connections, or Xagħra if you want a slower village feel and don’t mind walking more.
Wherever you stay, the key is choosing somewhere close to buses, ferries, restaurants or walkable sights. Do that, and travelling around Malta without a car feels like a breeze.
More Malta resources
10 Best Boutique Hotels Malta: A Guide to Where to Stay
15 Best Beaches on Gozo and How to Get to Them
15 Best Blue Lagoon Malta Boat Trips
Ferry to Gozo, Malta: Cheap & Fast Ways to Get to Gozo
Getting Around Malta by Public Transport
Gozo Hiking: Take the Slow Lane
Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay on Gozo: A Complete Guide
How to Get to Blue Lagoon Malta and Best Things to Do
Malta is in What Country? Where is Malta Located on the Map & Other Facts
Places to Go in Malta & Gozo: 5 Best Swimming Spots