Where to Stay in Malta Without a Car
Planning a trip to Malta without a car? You’re in the right place. I’ve explored the island more than once using nothing but public transport, ferries, and my own two feet.
I’ve written this guide to help you do the same.
As a travel writer specialising in car-free adventures across Europe, I’ve built up years of experience navigating islands like Malta the independent way.
I know which places are easy to get around without a car, and what’s required from a good base for a car free trip.
This is a carefully considered guide based on personal journeys, tested bus routes, and real-life logistics. If you’re keen to experience Malta without a car, and in a way that’s a bit more local, I’ll show you where to stay and why.
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.
In a hurry? Top 5 places to stay in Malta without a car
- Floriana (Valletta)
- Xaghra, Gozo
- Victoria, Gozo
- The Three Cities
- Mellieha
Planning a trip to Malta? Check out these key services
🚖 How to book an airport transfer?
Get picked up and go directly to your location in Malta with Kiwitaxi.
📌 What’s a great site to find tours and experiences?
Check out the best tours and activities in and around Malta with Viator. Discover my favourite day trips in Malta.
✈️ Where to stay near the airport?
Stay at the wonderful boutique Talbot and Bons B & B, a short walk from Malta airport. I loved the breakfast terrace and pool on my stay.
🛌 How to find hotels?
Find a great deal for your accommodation in Malta with Booking.com. Check out the 10 best boutique hotels in Malta.
Is it possible to stay in Malta without a car?
Yes, I’ve stayed in Malta without a car more than once. I don’t own a vehicle, so I travel everywhere without a car.
I loved travelling all over Malta and the sister island by a whole variety of methods.
It’s fair to say that a bit of patience is required when travelling around Malta without a car. Sometimes you can’t see as much as with a car, but you do benefit from a slower travel approach and can feel like you’ve taken the time to explore the landscape.
On one of my trips, I met up with family who had rented a car, and they dropped me off afterwards by the Gozo coast. This meant I still had a walk of a couple of hours to get back to my hotel.
The walk was gorgeous, the sun started to set, and the rolling Gozo countryside was bathed in golden light.
I took my time wandering over to see what vegetables were growing locally and to take photos of farming machinery as I went by.
I was able to really feel the landscape and the beauty of nature as I strolled home. If I’d been in a car I would have gone straight from point A to point B and I would have missed out on this visceral experience of Gozo.
Where to stay in Malta without a car
Valletta (Floriana)
Naturally, you’re likely to want to see Malta’s capital, Valletta, on your trip. It’s one of the best places to stay without a car.
Not only is Valletta culture-packed, it’s also the hub of the island’s public transport network, which makes getting around much easier than you might expect.
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.
It’s also where you’ll find cultural attractions, like St John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the Lascaris War Rooms.
What makes Valletta especially good for car-free travellers is the excellent transport access. Malta’s main bus station is just outside the city walls at Vjal Nelson, right by the Triton Fountain.
From here, you can reach almost anywhere on the island by bus. Although I found the layout of the bus bays a bit confusing.
The stands spread out around the corner so you can’t always see where everything is at once. So give yourself a little bit of 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.
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 Trasport website.
Valletta is also a great departure point for Gozo.
You can hop on the fast ferry to Gozo from the Lascaris Wharf terminal, which is quicker (and far more scenic) than taking a long bus ride north followed by the standard ferry.
From Gozo, you can also reach Comino and the famous Blue Lagoon.
One of my favourite experiences in Malta was taking a traditional wooden boat (a dgħajsa) across the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities. The view back to Valletta is unforgettable, one of the best photo spots on the island.
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 to stay in Valletta without a car
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 tried something different and stayed on the outskirts of Valletta, in Floriana. It was so much better.
I stayed at 23 Boutique Hotel, 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.
Xaghra, Gozo
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).
Xaghra 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 Xaghra and Victoria (also called Rabat). From there you can connect to buses serving the rest of the island.
Things to do in Xaghra 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 to stay in Xaghra without a car
I stayed at the Il-Logga Boutique Hotel in Xaghra. It’s a peaceful spot, just on the edge of the village, with views across the valley and out towards the Gozo coast.
There’s 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
Victoria, also known by its older name, Rabat, is the capital of Gozo and, much like Valletta on the main island, it’s a smart choice if you’re travelling without a car.
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.
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 to stay in Victoria, Gozo, without a car
Look for places close to the Citadel or the bus terminal, both are walkable from the town centre.
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
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, Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea (L-Isla), and Cospicua (Bormla), are a brilliant choice.
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.
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 Maratime Museum.
Senglea offers a lovely waterside promenade and Gardjola Gardens, which is home to one of Malta’s most photographed lookout posts.
Where to stay in the Three Cities without a car
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 that offers a cozy 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.
Mellieha
If you’re planning to spend time in the north of Malta, Mellieha makes a convenient base, especially if you’re keen on beaches and hiking.
It 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 Mellieha, 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 to stay in Meliah without a car
If you’re after a peaceful escape in Meliah, 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.
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.
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.
The Tallinja Explore card is a great deal if you’re planning to use buses daily, it gives you 7 days of unlimited travel for €25 or 4 days for €21.
Pro tip: download the Tallinja app before you travel. It has timetables, route maps and stop locations.
That said, 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, 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.
In Malta, the ferry across the Grand Harbour between Valletta and the Three Cities is cheap, efficient, and frequent.
There’s also the option of taking a traditional wooden boat for a few euros.
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’s 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.
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.
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.
If you pick one of the places to stay on this list, between public transport, ferries and the occasional taxi, you should easily be able to get around Malta without a car. You can sit back, watch the scenery roll by, and not worry about parking or Malta’s heavy traffic.
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