Short answer: Inhawi Boutique Hostel in St. Julian’s is the best all-rounder in Malta (pool, breakfast included, works for solo travelers and couples), Two Pillows Boutique Hostel in Sliema is the pick for couples, families and anyone who wants a private room that beats the hotels nearby, and Hostel Malti is the backpacker choice for tours, a rooftop and an actual jacuzzi. All three sit in St. Julian’s or Sliema, which is where you want to be. Compare prices on Hostelz first, because the same bed swings a lot between booking sites in summer.
Welcome to the tiny island in the middle of the Mediterranean, and welcome to the 3 best hostels in Malta.
Malta is small. Really small. You can drive from one end of the main island to the other in about an hour, which means the whole “where should I base myself” question matters far less here than almost anywhere else in Europe. What you get instead: 5,000-year-old temples, honestly excellent food, and water that looks fake in photos.
In this guide we share the 3 top hostels in Malta (yes, with a swimming pool, a jacuzzi and a spa between them), the best part of Malta to stay in, and the practical stuff nobody warns you about until you have already landed. We have traveled here ourselves and picked up a few tips along the way that belong in your backpacking Malta plan.
Your Shortcut:
- Inhawi Boutique Hostel – Top pick for solo travelers and couples
- Two Pillows Boutique Hostel – for groups and families.
- Hostel Malti – ideal for backpackers
Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.
This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…
- are tired of crappy hostels!
- want a social Hostel to actually meet people
- are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience
In this list you will find the answer to where to stay in Malta. Find all our guides to the best hostels in the world here. And we are quite confident you will be surprised. Or are you already expecting a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, a spa, a rooftop terrace and boutique design? Let’s get this party started.
- All hostels compared at a glance
- How to pick the right Malta hostel
- Introduction
- 3 top hostels
- Best Hostel for Solo-Travelers
- What about the cheapest hostels in Malta?
- How to book?
- More hostels worth a mention
- Discounts
- Malta Backpacking Guide
- Best time to visit Malta
- How many days do you need?
- How to get around Malta?
- Is Malta safe?
- All 3 Hostels put on a map + sights
- FAQ
- Flights to Malta
Best Hostels in Malta Compared at a Glance
Eight hostels, one table. If you only read one part of this article, read this one.
| Hostel | Best for | Vibe | Area | Standout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inhawi Boutique Hostel | Solo travelers, couples, digital nomads | Polished, sociable without being loud | St. Julian’s | Swimming pool, garden hammocks, breakfast buffet included |
| Two Pillows Boutique Hostel | Couples, families, groups, older travelers | Boutique and calm | Sliema | Superior Suite with private spa and balcony |
| Hostel Malti | Backpackers and first-time solo travelers | Social, tour-driven, rooftop hangouts | St. Julian’s | Rooftop jacuzzi, island tours, small pub crawls |
| Marco Polo Hostel | Nightlife-first backpackers | Bar-led and easygoing | St. Julian’s / Paceville | On-site bar, sun terrace, airport shuttle |
| Boho Hostel | Travelers who want quiet, female dorms | Laid-back, garden hangout | Edge of St. Julian’s | Garden with hammocks, female-only dorms, free parking |
| Vallettastay Dormitory | Museums, old town, culture | Simple and low-key | Valletta | 50 m from the National Museum of Fine Arts |
| Corner Hostel Malta | Self-caterers on a tight budget | Practical and friendly | Sliema | Full kitchen, mini-supermarket, 24-hour security |
| Granny’s Inn Hostel | Longer stays and cooking your own food | Homely, family-run | Sliema | Well-equipped kitchen, everything within walking distance |
Hostelgeeks Tip: Malta has a small hostel scene, and in July and August the good beds go first. Compare the same dates across booking sites on Hostelz, then book the one with free cancellation and stop thinking about it.
How to Pick the Right Malta Hostel
Honestly, the choice here is easier than in most countries, because there are only three areas worth staying in and they are all close together. Find yourself in this list:
- Traveling as a couple: Two Pillows Boutique Hostel. The private rooms genuinely compete with hotels in Sliema.
- Solo and you want a proper social hostel: Hostel Malti. Tours, BBQs, rooftop, people to talk to on night one.
- Solo and you want comfort more than chaos: Inhawi Boutique Hostel. Social, but nobody is doing shots at 4pm by the pool.
- Female solo traveler: Inhawi for the calmer, better-lit, well-staffed option. Boho Hostel if you specifically want a female-only dorm.
- Traveling as a group: Two Pillows for space and room types, Marco Polo if the group’s plan is Paceville.
- Here mainly to party: Marco Polo or Hostel Malti. Both are walkable home from Paceville, which matters more than you think at 4am.
- Digital nomad: Inhawi. Fast wifi, breakfast, a terrace to work on.
- Cooking your own food to stretch the budget: Corner Hostel or Granny’s Inn in Sliema. Both have real kitchens.
- You want Valletta, museums and old streets: Vallettastay Dormitory.
- You just want the cheapest bed: compare live prices on Hostelz. The cheapest option changes week to week here.
Quick Introduction to Malta Hostels
Average price for a bed: A bed in a dorm can be as cheap as 10€ up to 18€. This is a rough average to give you an idea. Prices always depend on season and holidays. Please always check exact rates on Hostelworld.com, or run your dates through Hostelz, which compares the booking sites side by side so you are not opening six tabs.
Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3pm), while the check-out time is before 11:00 (11am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.
Malta Tourism Tax: This one changed recently, so pay attention. Since 1 July 2026 the environmental contribution is € 1.50 per person per night for anyone aged 18 and over, capped at € 22.50 per visit. It used to be 50 cents. It is almost never included in the room price, and you usually pay it at the hostel.
Rent a car: Malta has three islands. I recommend visiting all three, especially Comino Island for the Blue Lagoon. For the main island I highly recommend renting a car. It is cheap and much faster than public transport. In Malta you drive on the left-hand side of the road. Check more tips on how to get around below.
Things to do and to see: I added all my best tips for the best things to see in Malta here. Two things need booking in advance: the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, where space is genuinely limited, and the free timed access pass for the Blue Lagoon on Comino if you plan to set foot on shore.
Where to stay in Malta, the towns: You are most likely choosing between Valletta, St. Julian’s and Sliema. Sliema and St. Julian’s run into each other along the seafront, so it is a walk of roughly 20 to 30 minutes between them depending where you start. Valletta is the oldest part, with the walls and the museums. Most hostels are in St. Julian’s and Sliema, and that is where to stay in Malta if you want a night out. There are more bars and restaurants there, and I personally enjoyed that side more.
For shopping, Valletta is better.
🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:
- How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
- 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
- How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide
The 3 coolest Hostels in Malta
Let’s jump right into the boutique hostels here in Malta, St. Julian’s, Gozo and Sliema.
Quick overview:
Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type
| 🦸 Solo Traveler: | Inhawi Boutique Hostel |
| 🙎♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler: | Inhawi Boutique Hostel |
| 🥳 Party Hostel: | Hostel Malti |
| 👩❤️👨Couple Hostel: | Two Pillow Boutique Hostel |
| 👨👩👦 Family Hostel: | Two Pillow Boutique Hostel |
| 👩💻 For Digital Nomads: | Inhawi Boutique Hostel |
| 🧘 Cozy Hostel: | Hostel Malti |
1. Inhawi Boutique Hostel
If you are visiting Malta solo, look no further.
Probably the most luxurious hostel in Malta for solo travelers, and the best place to stay in Malta in October or honestly any other month, the Inhawi Hostel Malta.
It comes with the Instaglam-Factor. Just look at the photos below. There is a small garden with hammocks and a swimming pool to cool off in, and if you prefer actual sea, that is 300 meters down the road.
The wifi is free and fast, and breakfast is included. It is a proper breakfast buffet, and you can eat on the terrace or in the on-site restaurant. That combination is really not easy to beat.
Inhawi Boutique Hostel is one of the best hostels in Malta for male and female solo travelers, and for couples.
The only downside we see is the dorms not having privacy curtains on the beds.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Here is a nice introduction video, showing you around.
2. Two Pillows Boutique Hostel (pure Luxury)
Okay, get ready for a real treat.
This is the best place to stay in Malta for couples.
Number two on the list of Malta hostels is also a boutique hostel, this time in Sliema. Inhawi is still the more budget-traveler oriented of the two. The Two Pillows Boutique Hostel takes another step up the ladder.
It was the first boutique hostel on the island, and it caters to anyone who wants a social place with high-end facilities.
Two Pillows is the top hostel in Malta for:
- Young couples
- students
- retired couples
- families
It was refurbished in 2017 and now offers everything from apartments to private doubles and dorms. Breakfast is always extra. It is a rich breakfast, but I would still send you to one of the beach cafés nearby instead. Food in Malta is affordable and, thanks to the Italian influence, really good.
For the Luxury traveler: Get the Superior Suite. It comes with a private spa and a balcony. This room challenges and beats the hotels in the area.
If you are traveling with your parents and you are looking for an excuse to stay with them in a hostel, you have now found your reason. Just show them the photo of the Superior Suite at Two Pillows.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
3. Hostel Malti in St Julian’s (Backpacker’s choice)
Now the one most backpackers end up in, and for good reason: Hostel Malti.
This is a classic backpacker hostel with a rooftop terrace, BBQ nights and a full menu of tours. We recommend joining their island tours in summer. They take you to the Blue Lagoon, Gozo, Valletta and Mdina, which saves you working out the bus network on your second day.
After a day out on the island, we suggest a cocktail in the jacuzzi. No, we are not kidding.
Now, this probably sounds like Hostel Malti is the top party hostel in Malta. Truth be told, the Malta party moves elsewhere around 11pm anyway. The hostel runs smaller pub crawls, so it works as both a place to go out from and a place to stay in and recharge.
Unfortunately the beds do not have curtains, which would be a big plus. On the bright side, the rooms have black-out curtains, so you can actually sleep in.
Location is no problem. Hostel Malti sits in St. Julian’s, with a bay a 5-minute walk away.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Best Hostel in Malta for Solo-Travelers?
We think there are two answers to the question “what is the best hostel in Malta for solo travelers”.
It depends on your style.
- More Luxury: Go for Inhawi Boutique
- More Backpacker? Go for Hostel Malti
Both are social, although you will find more tours and pub crawls at Hostel Malti. If that is what you are after, you just found your best bet.
Here is the overview again for the different types of travelers and the hostel that fits them.
- Female Solo-Traveler (Luxury): Inhawi Boutique
- Solo-Traveler (Backpacker style): Hostel Malti
- Backpacker: Hostel Malti
- Couples: Two Pillows Boutique
- Retirees: Two Pillows Boutique
- Families: Two Pillows Boutique
- Digital Nomads: Inhawi Boutique Hostel
What about the cheapest hostels in Malta?
Here is the honest version. Malta has a small hostel scene, maybe thirty places across the whole country, and prices move a lot with the season. A bed that costs 12€ in April can double in the first week of August. So the “cheapest hostel in Malta” is not a fixed answer, it is a moving one.
What we would do: check Sliema first. Corner Hostel and Granny’s Inn are usually the two that come in under the St. Julian’s places, they both have kitchens, and cooking a few dinners does more for your budget than saving 2€ on a bed.
Then compare the same dates on Hostelz, which pulls prices from the booking sites into one list instead of making you check them one by one.
What about the cheapest hostels in Malta?
Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Malta.
- Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Malta
- add your dates
- Order the listings by price
Simple as that.
Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.
Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.
How to book a hostel in Malta
Malta is small and summer is busy. That is basically the whole booking strategy.
- Book earlier than you think for June to September. There simply are not many hostels here, so the good ones sell out while you are still deciding.
- Compare before you commit. The same dorm often has different rates on Hostelworld and Booking.com. Hostelz puts them next to each other so you can see it in one go.
- Pick free cancellation when the price is close. Plans change on islands, especially when the ferry weather does.
- Check what breakfast actually costs. Inhawi includes it, Two Pillows charges extra. Over five nights that is a real difference.
- Remember the environmental contribution. It is added at the hostel, not in the booking price.
Hostelgeeks Tip: If you land late, message the hostel before you fly and ask about the airport shuttle. Marco Polo, Corner Hostel and Granny’s Inn all offer one, and after a 1am landing it beats standing at the bus stop.
More Malta Hostels worth a mention
We hope that by now you already have a hostel in mind and a pretty good idea where to stay in Malta.
Inhawi Boutique Hostel, Two Pillows Boutique Hostel and Hostel Malti are our personal favorites and they stand out in our reviews, but there are other places worth a look.
We listed more hostels below.
- Marco Polo Hostel
- Boho Hostel
- Vallettastay Dormitory shared hostel
- Corner Hostel Malta
- Granny’s Inn Hostel
Hostels are still the better option compared to Malta hotels, mostly because they are more affordable and you actually meet people.
Marco Polo Hostel Malta
Marco Polo Hostel is owned by the same people as Hostel Malti. It has an on-site bar and a sun terrace where guests hang out and meet other travelers.
All units are air conditioned, and both the private rooms and the dorms are bright and modern. Ask the front desk about car and bike rentals.
Perks at Marco Polo Hostel:
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Beachfront
- Free WiFi
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Bar
Location: In St. Julian’s, 300 m from Spinola Bay, with Paceville on the doorstep. Malta International Airport is around 7 km away.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Boho Hostel
Want the social part without the Paceville part? Boho Hostel has a garden with hammocks and a TV lounge, and it sits just outside the center, which is the whole point. You can disconnect and still be ten minutes from everything.
There are mixed dorms and female-only dorms, both with fans and lockers, plus private rooms.
Perks at Boho Hostel:
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- Facilities for disabled guests
Location: In St. Julian’s, a 10-minute walk from the center and about 20 minutes from the clubbing district. The airport is reachable by bus.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Vallettastay Dormitory shared hostel
This is the one for people who came for the old town rather than the beach bars. Vallettastay Dormitory shared hostel has private rooms and dorms with a shared bathroom, and a living room full of bean bags where people actually sit and talk.
Perks at Vallettastay Dormitory shared hostel:
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free WiFi
Location: In Valletta, 50 m from Malta’s National Museum of Fine Arts. St. John’s Co-Cathedral is 350 m away and the Sliema ferry quay is a 3-minute walk.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Corner Hostel Malta
Corner Hostel is Sliema’s practical option. Not the prettiest place on this list, but it is near everything and it works.
The staff are friendly and helpful, the kitchen is fully equipped (which will save you a serious amount at the supermarket), and the rooms are clean and look like the photos. That last part is rarer than it should be.
Perks at Corner Hostel Malta:
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Free parking
- Free WiFi
- 24 Hour Security
- Bicycle Hire
- Mini-Supermarket
Location: In the heart of Sliema, 200 m from Sliema beach. The Exiles bus stop is 200 m away, with links to the airport, Valletta and St. Julian’s.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Granny’s Inn Hostel
Family-run, quiet, and the kind of place where you end up staying longer than planned. Granny’s Inn Hostel suits backpackers who want comfort over noise.
The kitchen is well equipped, so cooking your own food is easy. Getting around by bus from here is simple, and you can walk to the bus station, the shops, the bakeries and the restaurants in central Sliema.
Perks at Granny’s Inn Hostel:
- Airport shuttle
- Non-smoking rooms
- Family rooms
- Free parking
- Beachfront
- Free WiFi
Location: 350 m from Sliema’s seafront. Paceville is a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride, and Luqa Airport is around 10 km away.
Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld
Discounts and promo codes for Malta hostels
Small scene, small margins, so nobody here is handing out 40% off. What does move the price: booking outside July and August, staying four nights or more (several places quietly drop the rate), and taking the larger dorm instead of the 4-bed.
Any Discounts?
You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.
It is completely free to join!
How to book?
The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.
We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.
Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld
We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Malta best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.
The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.
Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!
Our Secret Backpacking Tip for Malta
Choosing a hostel in Malta is already the right budget move. Food and beds are reasonable here compared to most of southern Europe, which makes it a genuinely good backpacker destination.
Now for the part almost nobody does.
Take the last slot at the Blue Lagoon instead of the first one.
Since 2025 you need a free timed access pass to set foot on the shore at the Blue Lagoon on Comino. There are three slots a day, and everybody fights over the morning one. The evening slot is the one to book. The day-trip boats have gone, the water goes quiet, and the color is at its best in the late light.
Second thing: the pass only covers the Blue Lagoon landing area. Santa Marija Bay on the north side of Comino needs no pass at all, and it is a proper sandy beach with a fraction of the people. It is roughly a 20 to 30 minute walk over from the Blue Lagoon drop-off point. Crystal Lagoon on the opposite side is the other one people skip.
One honest update: for years the tip here was to bring a tent and stay at the informal campsite near Santa Marija Bay. That is no longer something we can recommend. Camping on Comino has been the subject of enforcement action and the island is now treated as a day-trip destination. If you have your heart set on camping, check the current rules with the Maltese environment authority before you turn up with a tent and a sleeping bag.
Hostelgeeks Tip: Book the Comino pass the moment you know your dates. In July and August the good slots go weeks ahead, and the ferry from Ċirkewwa runs roughly every 20 to 30 minutes in season, so the pass is the bottleneck, not the boat.
When to visit Malta
The sweet spot is May, June, September and October. Warm sea, workable temperatures, hostels not fully booked out.
July and August are hot, busy and expensive, and the Blue Lagoon in particular gets genuinely overloaded. That said, this is also festa season, and stumbling into a village feast with fireworks going off over a church is one of the better travel accidents you can have in Malta.
Winter is mild, cheap and quiet. The sea is cold, some tourist places close, and Paceville is a shadow of itself. If you came for culture and walking rather than swimming, though, November through March is underrated.
How many days do you need in Malta?
Four to five days covers the main island properly: Valletta, Mdina, the south coast, plus a day for Comino and the Blue Lagoon.
Add two more if you want Gozo done at a human pace rather than as a rushed day trip. Gozo deserves a night, honestly. The island empties out after the last ferry and it feels like a different country.
A week is plenty for everything. Ten days if you are working remotely and want beach afternoons in there too.
How to get around Malta?
As said at the start, the island of Malta is small.
I mean, really small. The main island is around 27 km long and 14.5 km wide.
Driving north to south takes you roughly an hour, and from the Dingli Cliffs in the west to Sliema in the east is around 30 minutes. You see, it is really small.
We highly recommend to rent a car when you come here.
I always rent my car with Discover Car Hire. It is a price-comparison site that also sells the insurance. Reliable, and the deals are good.
It is genuinely cheap to rent a car in Malta. Just remember you drive on the left. Malta was a British colony and that part stuck.
In the map below you will find more details to give you a better idea of the distances.
Buses, if you skip the car
The bus network reaches almost everywhere, and it is cheap. The catch is that nearly everything routes through Valletta, so a 15-minute drive can turn into an hour on the bus.
- A standard single ticket is € 2.00 in winter and € 2.50 in summer, and it is valid for two hours including transfers.
- The Explore Card gives 7 days of unlimited travel for € 25. It pays for itself around the tenth journey.
- Express airport routes (the X and TD services) cost € 3.00 and are not covered by the Explore Card.
- Download the Tallinja app. The printed timetables at the stops are decoration in summer.
Getting from Malta airport to your hostel
The airport sits in the middle of the island, so nothing is far. For Sliema and St. Julian’s, the X2 airport route and the TD2 and TD3 express buses are the ones you want. Journey time is roughly 20 to 30 minutes. The X routes have luggage racks, which the regular buses do not.
Several hostels run an airport shuttle, and white taxis with fixed fares wait outside arrivals. If you land after midnight, arrange the pickup in advance rather than hoping.
Going to Gozo
With a car? Take the ferry from Ċirkewwa in the north of Malta. The return boat leaves from Mġarr in Gozo and the crossing takes about 25 minutes. A foot passenger pays around 5€ return, and a car with driver was around 16€. You only pay on the way back.
You can find exact prices for the ferry here.
Without a car? There is now a passenger-only fast ferry running direct from Valletta to Mġarr in about 45 minutes. It costs more than the Ċirkewwa crossing, but it saves you the long bus ride to the top of the island, which is the real cost when you are hostel-based in Sliema or Valletta.
Is Malta safe for backpackers?
Yes. Malta is one of the safer countries you will travel in, and walking home at night in Sliema or St. Julian’s is not something most people worry about. Solo female travelers generally report feeling comfortable here.
The real risks are the boring ones. Paceville at 3am is drunk-tourist territory, so watch your drink and your phone. The traffic is the actual danger: narrow roads, aggressive driving and pavements that give up halfway. And if you swim outside the buoyed areas near Comino, remember boats cannot hear you and you cannot hear them.
Add sunburn and jellyfish to the list, in that order of likelihood.
All hostels and sights on a map
Our Favorite Hostels in Malta put on a map + sights
Below we included all the coolest Maltese hostels and sights in one map.
It helps you get a better understanding of the island, or better said, the three islands.
Important to understand: Malta is a small country made up of three islands sitting next to each other. Malta is the main island, Gozo is the second biggest to the northwest, and right in between you find Comino.
When it comes to Malta hostels and backpacking Malta in general, there are really only three places to stay:
- St. Julian’s
- Sliema
- Gozo
Quite frankly: it does not matter whether you stay in St. Julian’s or Sliema. They run into each other along the seafront and it feels more like two districts than two towns. If you have been to Barcelona, London or Paris, you will grin at these distances.
The main sights in Malta are:
- Take a day trip to Comino and the Blue Lagoon
- Wander Valletta
- Dwejra and the Azure Window dive site (the arch itself collapsed into the sea in 2017, and what is left is for divers)
- Visit Mdina
- Ta’ Ħaġrat Temples
- Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum
- Ġgantija
- Blue Grotto
Here you find all tours and day trips in Malta. For a fun night out we recommend the Malta Pub Crawl.
Any questions about hostels in Malta? 🤔
Join our Facebook Group!
Ask all your questions and connect with like-minded wanderers 🔥
FAQ
Alright, you should have found your accommodation by now. Below are the questions we get asked most about hostels in Malta.
What is the best hostel in Malta?
Inhawi Boutique Hostel in St. Julian's is the best all-rounder, with a pool, included breakfast and a mix of solo travelers and couples. If you want a more classic backpacker place, Hostel Malti is the pick, and Two Pillows in Sliema is the one for couples and families.
How much does a hostel in Malta cost?
A dorm bed usually falls somewhere between 10€ and 18€, depending heavily on season. August is the expensive end, spring and autumn the cheap one. Compare your exact dates on Hostelz, since prices differ between booking sites.
What is the best area to stay in Malta?
St. Julian's for nightlife and the most hostels, Sliema for a slightly calmer base with the same access, and Valletta if you are here for the old town and museums. Sliema and St. Julian's are walkable from each other along the seafront.
Are hostels in Malta safe?
Yes. Malta is a low-crime country and the hostels here are small, well-run and used to solo travelers. Use the lockers anyway, especially in the bigger dorms.
What is the best party hostel in Malta?
Marco Polo Hostel and Hostel Malti are the two closest to the action, both within walking distance of Paceville. Neither is a full-blown party hostel, because in Malta the party leaves the hostel around 11pm and moves into town.
What is the best hostel in Malta for solo travelers?
Hostel Malti if you want tours, pub crawls and easy socializing. Inhawi if you would rather meet people over breakfast and by the pool than at a pub crawl.
Is there a female-only dorm in Malta?
Boho Hostel in St. Julian's offers female-only dorms alongside mixed ones. Availability changes, so check the room list for your dates before booking.
How many days do you need in Malta?
Four to five days for the main island plus a day trip to Comino. Add two more if you want to give Gozo the time it deserves rather than rushing it.
When is the best time to visit Malta?
May, June, September and October. The sea is warm, the crowds are manageable and hostel prices are far friendlier than in August.
How do I get from Malta airport to my hostel?
The X2 airport bus and the TD2 and TD3 express routes run to Sliema and St. Julian's in roughly 20 to 30 minutes. Several hostels also offer an airport shuttle, which is worth arranging for late arrivals.
Do I need a car in Malta?
Not if you are staying in Sliema or St. Julian's and sticking to the main sights, since buses reach nearly everywhere. A car is cheap here though, and it turns a slow bus day into a quick loop of the west coast and the south.
Do I need to book anything in advance in Malta?
Two things. The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum sells out weeks ahead, and setting foot on the Blue Lagoon shore on Comino requires a free timed access pass booked online in advance.
Can you camp on Comino?
Not the way travelers used to. The informal campsite near Santa Marija Bay has been subject to enforcement action, and Comino is now treated as a day-trip island. Check current rules with the Maltese environment authority before planning to camp anywhere on the island.
Planning to visit Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum?
This is the most unique thing you can do in Malta. And it needs preparation.
Get your ticket as soon as you know your dates. Tickets are usually sold out for the next 4 to 8 weeks, because only a tiny number of people are allowed in each day.
The Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum is a complex of interconnecting rock-cut chambers set on three levels. The earliest remains date back to around 4000 BC, and the complex was in use over many centuries, up to about 2500 BC.
You can buy tickets for Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum directly on their website.
Our Guide to Malta
We wrote up a big guide to things to do in Malta. It is a different kind of guide. It is not public, it is meant only for real travelers.
In our guide to backpacking Malta we cover, for instance:
- a beach and swimming spot you get almost to yourself if you time it right
- how to get around, and our smartest recommendation for transport in Malta
- a local beach for having a BBQ right on the sand with locals
- a beautiful swimming spot just off the path
- and a delicious (and cheap) restaurant right by the sea
Geeky Tip: We show you what you need to book in advance. There is basically one thing, and people miss it every time.
Check out our Things to do in Malta here.
Flights to Malta
Flights to Malta?
Flights to Malta are easy to find and quite affordable, it always depends on your departure airport. We paid 23€ for a flight to Malta.
The airport is right in the center of Malta. There are regular buses leaving to:
- Sliema,
- Valletta and
- St. Julian’s.
Look for the X routes or the TD express buses, both signposted from arrivals. It takes around 20 to 30 minutes from the airport to Sliema.
We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.
Skyscanner has a bunch of cool features like Multi-City Trip. Instead of doing this research step-by-step, Skyscanner offers this flight planning tool.
More guides
Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Malta.
We did the leg work for you and bring you more hostel guides to destinations:
- 40 Best Hostels in Italy
- 3 best hostels in Rome
- best hostels in Venice, Italy
- best hostels in Greece
- best hostels in Crete Island, Greece
You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels in here.
We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list and more.
Over to you
So here you go, we just gave you the 3 best hostels in Malta.
Do you have any questions or doubts?
Then please leave us a comment. This list of Malta hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.
Your questions help me understand what I have missed. You get your answer, and you help me and your fellow travelers improve this article.
So do not be shy, drop us a comment, we are keen to help.
Last note: Our commitment
This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best places on a budget. We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.
We will never recommend a place we have not evaluated or are not convinced by. We only share places we would also recommend to our best friends and family.
Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all our 5 Star Hostels.
– – –
pin it for later
