Malta Suggestions

lecker Hendl

Hello all,

My girlfriend and I are planning on going to Malta in mid September, however I am unable to decide on what location to stay.

I was tempted by Mellieha, however it feels far away if we want to visit other areas on random days.

The likes of Paceville/St Julians wouldn't be our cup of tea. Looking for something more relaxed with good restaurants. Hotel with a nice pool seeing as beaches in most areas don't exist (other than Mellieha). Sliema always seems to be the answer online but I keep reading that there's nothing there really. So, I'm a bit lost (and probably too fussy). Any suggestions would be great!

3 the square

We stayed in the Fortina 4☆hotel in Sliema which is linked to there 5☆ hotel... it has a lazy river with bar dividing both hotels so you get all the benefits of the 5☆ hotel. It also has a sea water pool on the waterfront with amazing view over to valletta .we found it a fantastic location as you can get the ferry/bus easily to any part of the island from sliema.. the water taxi takes about 5mins across and in another 5 mins walk after getting off you reach the centre of Valletta.. We found lovely restaurants along the promanade every evening.. only down side we found was lack of pubs with atmosphere . This didn't bother us as when we were going out we just went to st.julians.. we were keen to visit all the island & found by staying in Sliema we were able to do this easily.

lecker Hendl

Thanks 3 the square. That's quite useful.

fricatus

Depends on what you want to do really... if you just want to be by a beach, then you've done your research and you know the best options.

If you want to be able to explore though (and don't want to hire a car), then the bus system is good (and the island is small), and the best places to stay are Sliema, Gzira and Valletta.

If you stay somewhere like the Excelsior Grand, you're an easy walk away from wherever you want to go in Valletta, which is a lovely place to explore, and you're also right by the big bus terminal, with connections pretty much everywhere. Also, you can usually get a seat on any bus that's leaving from there, whereas in Sliema, every bus that passes is usually full. The Maltese are polite and good-humored, so it's not so bad, but crowded buses are still not for everyone.

otnomart

I drove through some of the resorts like Bugibba and Qawra and did not like them at all.
I stayed once in Sliema and another time at the Excelsior just ouside Valletta. Both locations are good.
Another location I would stay is Mdina. Not on the seaside, but really charming city.

fricatus

otnomart wrote: »

Another location I would stay is Mdina. Not on the seaside, but really charming city.

+1... Mightn’t be what you’re looking for, but so lovely and atmospheric. Definitely visit anyway.

I had another thought... on a bus tour, we passed through Birgu, which faces Valletta on the opposite side from Sliema. It looked like it had a nice vibe about it. Might be worth checking our.

Pataman

Lovely Island. Very friendly people. I usually stay in St Julians. I know you said you didnt like the area but there are plenty of restaurants and clubs if you want them. You are also just beside the sea. Loads of nice hotels.
Mdina very quiet
Sliema/Gzira nothing really there only waterfront not beach
Qawra /St Pauls bay quite a bit up if you dont rent a car. Nice beaches and aquarium.

I suggest you rent a car in the airport. Goldcar rent them for €25 approx per day. Very easy to drive there. Best way to see the country. Visit Valetta especially the cathedral ( the name escapes me). Beautiful gold ceiling.

highlydebased

Pataman wrote:

Lovely Island. Very friendly people. I usually stay in St Julians. I know you said you didnt like the area but there are plenty of restaurants and clubs if you want them. You are also just beside the sea. Loads of nice hotels. Mdina very quiet Sliema/Gzira nothing really there only waterfront not beach Qawra /St Pauls bay quite a bit up if you dont rent a car. Nice beaches and aquarium.

Not quite true, Sliema has loads of beaches, they are just sandstone!

I would stay in Sliema, not rowdy like St Julian's but close to Valletta. Beware accommodation is expensive in high season.

Snow Garden

I am curious. When I read about Malta I see people commenting on the waterfront and promenade a lot in the more urban areas of Malta. Is the water clean enough for people to swim? Is there good snorkeling there? I am talking about the water in the Sliema, St Julian, Valetta areas.