The Best Hostels to Stay at in Malta

With sparkling pools and a bubbling hot tub, Inhawi feels more like a hotel than a hostel. Factor in the contemporary dorms with terraces and a free breakfast buffet and you’re living the flashpacker dream. Spend lazy afternoons in the garden hammocks and poolside loungers or take a 10-minute stroll from St Julian’s to the beach. Inhawi is the Maltese word for neighbourhood and this glamorous hostel seeks to embody a welcoming blend of Maltese and international culture.

This striking aqua-blue, 200-year-old Maltese townhouse was converted into a hostel by backpackers for backpackers. It hits the sweet spot for hostel culture, fostering a social scene with rooftop barbecues, summer tunes and hot tub cocktails, yet has a strict 11pm quiet time rule for a peaceful stay. There’s a variety of dorms or private rooms, as well as a TV lounge and kitchen. Don’t miss the popular, locally guided trips to places including the Blue Lagoon and Gozo island.

Billed as a sanctuary for hippies and solo travellers, Boho Hostel is set in a tranquil villa away from the nightlife of Paceville and a stone’s throw from the limestone beaches of Sliema. Created by Maltese backpackers, the villa sleeps 26 guests with a laid-back vibe. Imagine book swaps and hammocks, guitar strumming and a garden with a shaded terrace. Choose from dorms or double rooms, plus there’s a kitchen where you can share communal meals with like-minded travellers.

When it comes to nightlife in Malta, location is everything. Book PV Hostel to be in the heart of the St Julian’s clubbing area, which is bursting with bars and eateries. The prime location offers backpackers access to St George’s and Spinola bays, nearby supermarkets, a cinema and bus terminal. Simple four- or five-bed dorm rooms with metal bunks and lockers are perfect for recharging after a heavy night, as is the sunny roof terrace and TV room.

Coming to Malta to party? Then check into Marco Polo Hostel for long, boozy nights on their rooftop terrace with a crow’s nest, which has a bar and hosts social events such as barbecues and themed nights. Close to St Julian’s nightlife, the hostel is also ideal for bar crawls, as well as sunbathing sessions at nearby Spinola Bay. Modern dorm rooms feature colourful bunks. There are also private ensuites, a shared kitchen and volunteer programme where you can exchange housekeeping duties for a free stay.