Airbnb in Malta: How to Rent Wisely in 2026

Airbnb in Malta today: what is on offer?

On Airbnb in Malta, you will mainly find flats and studios in coastal areas, renovated village houses (often listed as townhouses or houses of character), penthouses with terraces and, on Gozo, plenty of stone farmhouses with pools. Most listings are entire homes, often managed by agencies rather than private individuals.

According to figures presented to the Maltese Parliament and reported by the local business press, the islands had more than 7,600 licensed short lets in October 2025, around 1,500 of them on Gozo. The Maltese press points out that some online listings still operate without a licence: that is exactly what the 2026 reform aims to fix.

Prices are highly seasonal: demand peaks from June to September, and rates follow. As a rough guide, the analytics firm Airbtics put the average nightly rate at around €118 in 2025, across all property sizes.

The real advantages of an Airbnb in Malta

• A kitchen and space: for a group or a family, a two or three-bedroom flat often works out cheaper per person than several hotel rooms, and cooking some of your meals makes a real dent in the budget.
• Neighbourhood life: staying on a residential street in Sliema, Birgu or a Gozo village gives you a truer picture of Malta than a large hotel complex.
• Protected payment: when you pay on the platform, the host is only paid after you arrive. AirCover for guests provides rebooking or a refund if the host cancels or if the place does not match the listing (fewer bedrooms, no kitchen or pool), provided you report the problem within 72 hours.
• Reviews: for a property that has been reviewed over several seasons, recent comments tell you a lot about cleanliness, noise and how responsive the host is.

Drawbacks and costs to plan for

Service fees. Airbnb is rolling out a model in which fees are charged to the host (about 15.5%) and built into the displayed price. On listings that still use split fees, the Airbnb Help Centre gives a guest fee of between 14.1% and 16.5% of the subtotal. Add any cleaning fee: so always compare the total price, not the nightly rate.

House rules. Check-in times can be strict, there may be chores at check-out (bins, washing-up) and guest numbers are capped. Parties have been banned in all Airbnb properties since 2022, and Maltese law now requires the operator to provide a contact available 24 hours a day to deal with neighbours’ complaints.

Security deposits. Most listings no longer require a deposit. If there is damage, the host must make a claim through Airbnb’s Resolution Centre, with evidence. A deposit requested in cash or by bank transfer that is not mentioned in the listing is a red flag.

Cancellation. Each listing shows its own cancellation policy, which you should check before paying:

The property itself. Missing or tired air conditioning in August, damp in winter, no lift, a building site next door: these are the most common disappointments in Malta. Read the reviews for the months of your stay and ask the host questions before you book.

Maltese regulations: what changes in 2026

In Malta, letting a property to tourists requires a licence from the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA). The former “Holiday Furnished Premises” are now called Short-Let Rented Accommodation: the Tourism Accommodation Regulations 2026 (Legal Notice 92 of 2026) came into force on 15 June 2026. What matters to you as a guest:

• no more than two people per bedroom, no more sofa beds in other rooms, and a maximum of 10 beds in a flat;
• a maximum of 90 consecutive days per booking, according to the MTA;
• a plaque outside the property showing the registration number and a contact available 24 hours a day;
• a registration number displayed on every online listing, as required by EU Regulation 2024/1028 on short-term rentals;
• a three-year ban for the operator and the property if it is let without a licence.

The eco-contribution. Since 1 July 2026, the environmental contribution has been €1.50 per night per person aged 18 or over, capped at €22.50 per continuous stay (up from €0.50 and a €5 cap previously). It applies to all accommodation, Airbnb included, is not included in the nightly rate and is paid separately, usually on arrival, in cash or through a payment request from the host on the platform. Example: a couple staying 7 nights pays €21.

Where to stay in Malta for your type of trip

The area changes everything: atmosphere, noise, journey times. Our page on Malta’s most iconic towns covers each locality in detail.

• Sliema: the best all-rounder for a first visit. Seafront, shops, ferries to Valletta and departures for boat trips. Ideal without a car.
• St Julian’s: restaurants, town beaches and Paceville nightlife. Perfect for groups of friends, less so for families looking for peace and quiet: read our guide to St Julian’s.
• Valletta: for history lovers, with characterful properties in old townhouses. The streets are steep and many buildings have no lift. See our guide to Valletta.
• Mellieħa: in the north, for families and beach lovers, close to the island’s largest sandy beach.
• St Paul’s Bay (Buġibba, Qawra): plenty of choice, often more affordable, a seafront promenade and the National Aquarium in Qawra. Journeys to Valletta take longer.
• Gozo: to unwind, in a farmhouse with a pool. Plan on a car and the ferry, and see our pick of things to do in Gozo.

To get around from your accommodation, our guide to getting around Malta compares buses, ferries, ride-hailing and car hire.

Scams to avoid

The golden rule: pay for everything on the platform. Airbnb’s Help Centre points out that only certain fees and local taxes stated in the listing may be paid separately. Be wary if:

• the host offers a discount for paying by bank transfer, money order or PDF invoice;
• they invite you to continue the conversation on WhatsApp or by email before you have booked;
• you are sent a link to a payment page that imitates Airbnb (always check the web address);
• a listing with no reviews shows a price far below the market in the middle of August;
• for a long let found on social media, you are asked for a deposit before any viewing.

Off the platform, you lose all protection: report this kind of request to Airbnb straight away.

Airbnb, hotel or aparthotel: an honest comparison

For a couple who spend their days out and about, a well-located hotel is often just as good value as an Airbnb once fees are included, with reception and housekeeping thrown in. For a family or a group, a flat usually wins.

Booking also lists plenty of flats and houses in Malta, often with free cancellation, and Trip.com lets you compare hotels and aparthotels. For family-friendly aparthotels, the Luna Holiday Complex and the Mellieħa Holiday Centre in Mellieħa offer units with kitchens; in Sliema, The Diplomat Hotel is a well-located hotel alternative.

What to book instead of “Airbnb Experiences”

The activities offered by locals on Airbnb have equivalents run by local operators that you can book online:

Option	Departure point	Price
Valletta: Maltese food & drink walking tour	Valletta	50 €
Valletta guided tour	Valletta	23 €
First scuba diving experience	St Paul's Bay	80 €
Guided hike along the northwest coast	Mellieħa	35 €

For more ideas, see our top activities in Malta and our list of must-see attractions.

Airbnb for a long stay: students and remote workers

From 28 nights, many hosts offer a monthly discount, but cancellation policies become stricter (full refund only up to 30 days before check-in under the Firm policy). Above all, a licensed short let cannot exceed 90 consecutive days per booking. Beyond that, you need a private residential lease, which must be registered with the Housing Authority: our guide to living in Malta covers the cost of living and housing.

If you are coming to learn English, an Airbnb is rarely the best option: schools offer packages with host families, residences or shared flats, often close to the classes. Compare our English language stays in Malta, browse the list of English schools or ask for a quote for a language stay.

Frequently asked questions about Airbnb in Malta

Is Airbnb legal in Malta?

Yes, as long as the property holds a Malta Tourism Authority licence. Since 15 June 2026, its registration number must appear on the listing and on a plaque outside the property.

How much is the eco-contribution in Malta?

Since 1 July 2026, €1.50 per night per person aged 18 or over, capped at €22.50 per continuous stay. It is paid separately, usually on arrival, including in an Airbnb.

Which area should I choose for a first Airbnb in Malta?

Sliema is the easiest choice: well connected, lively without being rowdy and linked to Valletta by ferry. St Julian’s suits night owls, and Mellieħa families who put the beach first.

The host is asking me to pay by bank transfer: what should I do?

Refuse and report it to Airbnb. Paying off the platform leaves you with no protection if something goes wrong, and it is the most common scam scenario.

Is an Airbnb cheaper than a hotel in Malta?

For a family or a group, often yes. For a couple, the difference shrinks once service and cleaning fees are added: always compare the total price with that of a hotel or aparthotel.

Do I need a car if I stay on Gozo or in Mellieħa?

Strongly recommended on Gozo, handy in Mellieħa: our guide to renting a car in Malta covers the rules and the pitfalls to know about.