Malta measures just 27 km from end to end, but don’t let the small size fool you. This tiny Mediterranean archipelago packs in three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 7,000-year-old temples, dramatic cliff coastlines, hidden swimming coves, and villages where a freshly baked pastizz still costs under a euro. The best way to experience all of it? Behind the wheel of a rental car.
We built this itinerary specifically for drivers. Every stop includes real driving times, parking advice, and route tips you won’t find in generic travel guides. Whether you’re picking up your car at Malta Airport or from a delivery anywhere on the island, this 7-day loop covers the absolute best of Malta and Gozo with zero wasted time.
Quick Reference: Your Week at a Glance
| Day | Focus | Total Driving | Highlights |
| Day 1 | Valletta on foot | Airport to base only | St. John’s, Barrakka Gardens |
| Day 2 | Southern coast loop | ~45 min total | Blue Grotto, Marsaxlokk |
| Day 3 | Mdina, Rabat & Dingli | ~40 min total | Silent City, cliffs at sunset |
| Day 4 | Northern Malta & beaches | ~50 min total | Popeye Village, Golden Bay |
| Day 5 | Gozo full day | ~30 min + ferry | Citadel, Ramla Bay, salt pans |
| Day 6 | Comino + east coast | ~35 min driving | Blue Lagoon, Three Cities |
| Day 7 | Flexible & departure | To airport | Last swim, shopping, airport |
Before You Hit the Road: Rental Car Essentials
Which Car Should You Choose?
Malta’s roads are narrow and parking spaces are tight, especially in older towns. For most travelers, a compact or economy car is the smart choice. They’re easier to park, cheaper on fuel, and handle Malta’s tight corners well. Traveling as a family or carrying dive gear? A mid-size car or SUV gives you the boot space without being too large for village streets.
If you’re not confident with a stick shift on left-side roads, go for an automatic. One less thing to worry about while you adjust to driving on the left. And if this trip is a special occasion, a luxury car or convertible along the Dingli Cliffs at sunset is genuinely unforgettable.
Driving Tips for Malta
Malta drives on the left (a legacy of British rule), speed limits are 80 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in built-up areas, and there are no toll roads anywhere on the islands. Fuel is price-controlled and costs around €1.30–1.40 per litre. Petrol stations are plentiful on the main island but less common on Gozo, so fill up before catching the ferry.
The biggest challenge isn’t the roads themselves — it’s the other drivers. Maltese driving can be assertive: expect last-second lane changes, creative use of roundabouts, and the occasional horn. Stay calm, drive defensively, and you’ll be fine. For a deeper look at what to expect, check our full guide on driving in Malta.
Insurance: Don’t Skip It
Malta’s narrow roads and limestone walls mean minor scrapes are more common than in most countries. We strongly recommend taking full damage waiver (FDW) or Super CDW to reduce your excess to zero or near-zero. Read our complete breakdown of car rental insurance in Malta before you book so there are no surprises at the counter.
Parking: The Quick Version
White lines mean free parking, blue lines mean paid (buy a ticket from nearby machines), and yellow lines mean don’t even think about it. In Valletta, use the MCP car park or the park-and-ride at Floriana.
In Sliema and St. Julian’s, multi-storey car parks are your safest bet. Everywhere else, you’ll usually find free street parking without much trouble. Watch out for ZTL (restricted traffic) areas in Valletta’s core — your rental could get fined if you enter without authorization.
Day 1: Arrive and Explore Valletta on Foot
Driving time today: Airport to your base only (~20 min to Sliema/St. Julian’s)
Pick up your rental car at Malta International Airport (MLA) and drive straight to your accommodation. We recommend basing yourself in Sliema or St. Julian’s for the week — both are central, well-connected, and have parking options. The drive from the airport takes about 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Drop the car and explore Valletta on foot, driving in the capital is more hassle than it’s worth, and parking is limited. Take the ferry from Sliema (10 minutes, runs every 30 minutes) or drive to the Floriana park-and-ride and walk in through City Gate.
What to See in Valletta
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is the unmissable highlight. The plain facade hides one of the most jaw-droppingly ornate church interiors in Europe — every surface covered in gold leaf and Baroque marble.
Caravaggio’s Beheading of St John, his only signed painting, hangs here. Entry is €15 and it’s worth every cent. Open Mon–Sat, 9:00–16:45. Cover your shoulders and knees.
Walk to the Upper Barrakka Gardens for sweeping views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. If you time it right, catch the Saluting Battery cannon fire at noon or 4 PM — it’s been a tradition since the 16th century and still rattles every honey-stone wall around the harbour.
Wander Strait Street (the old sailor’s strip, now reborn with craft-beer bars and live music), browse Republic Street’s shops, and end the day with dinner overlooking the harbour. For Maltese flavours, try rabbit stew or fresh lampuki fish.
Tip: Download the Tallinja app for bus times and the Bolt app for taxis before you arrive. You won’t need them much with a car, but they’re useful for evenings out when you’d rather not drive.
Day 2: Southern Coast — Blue Grotto, Temples & Marsaxlokk
Driving time today: ~45 minutes total across all stops
Today is your first proper driving day, and it’s a beauty. Head south from your base and you’ll cover three of Malta’s most iconic attractions in a relaxed half-day loop.
Stop 1: Blue Grotto (Wied iż-Żurrieq)
Drive time from Sliema: ~30 minutes.
Leave early — the water inside the caves turns electric blue when morning sunlight hits it, and the boat queues build fast after 10 AM. Park at the free Blue Fitzi car park just above the village (about 100 spaces, but full by mid-morning in summer).
Walk to the viewpoint first for photos of the massive limestone arch, then head down to the harbour for a boat tour (€10 adults, €5 children, cash only, ~20 minutes). The caves are spectacular — your boatman will narrate the geology as you glide through.
Stop 2: Ħaġar Qim & Mnajdra Temples
Drive time from Blue Grotto: 3 minutes.
These megalithic temples are over 5,500 years old — older than Stonehenge, older than the Egyptian pyramids. They sit on dramatic clifftops overlooking the sea and the tiny uninhabited island of Filfla.
Entry is €10 and includes both temple complexes plus a small museum. The outdoor setting makes this far more atmospheric than indoor museums. There’s a car park right at the visitor centre.
Stop 3: Marsaxlokk
Drive time from temples: ~15 minutes.
This fishing village is the postcard-perfect Malta you’ve seen online. The harbour is lined with colourful luzzu boats painted with the traditional Eye of Osiris. On Sundays, the whole waterfront becomes a fish market buzzing with locals.
Even on other days, the seafood restaurants here are some of the best and most affordable on the island. Grab a table by the water and order the catch of the day. Parking is free along the roads leading into town, though it fills up on Sunday mornings.
Tip: If you have energy left, drive 10 minutes to St. Peter’s Pool — a natural rock swimming pool with crystal-clear water and flat rocks for sunbathing. The access road is narrow and bumpy (a good reason to have your own car), but the swim is fantastic.
Exploring southern Malta? Book your car here
Day 3: Mdina, Rabat & Dingli Cliffs
Driving time today: ~40 minutes total
Stop 1: Mdina — The Silent City
Drive time from Sliema/St. Julian’s: ~20 minutes.
Malta’s former capital is a fortified medieval town perched on a hilltop, and it fully earns its nickname. Once the tourist buses leave in the afternoon, the narrow lamp-lit alleys echo with nothing but your footsteps. Come early for fewer crowds, or late afternoon for the magical atmosphere.
Park in the free car park just outside the main gate (follow signs — it’s well signposted). Walk through the ornate Vilhena Gate and lose yourself in the winding streets. Highlights include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Palazzo Falson (a beautifully preserved medieval house), and the bastions with panoramic views over half of Malta. Game of Thrones fans will recognise Mdina’s gate as the entrance to King’s Landing.
Before leaving, stop at Fontanella Tea Garden on the bastions for cake and the best panoramic view in Malta. It’s deservedly famous and the terrace is glorious at any time of day.
Stop 2: Rabat
Drive time: 0 minutes (Rabat is directly adjacent to Mdina).
Walk from Mdina into Rabat for a completely different atmosphere, this is a working Maltese town with bakeries, local shops, and authentic life. Visit St. Paul’s Catacombs (€6), a sprawling underground network of 3rd-century tombs that’s genuinely eerie and fascinating. The underground chambers stay cool even in peak summer, making this a perfect midday stop.
Stop 3: Dingli Cliffs at Sunset
Drive time from Rabat: ~10 minutes.
Time this for late afternoon. The Dingli Cliffs are Malta’s highest point at 253 metres, dropping straight into the Mediterranean. There’s a small chapel, a few walking paths along the cliff edge, and absolutely nothing else — just you, the sea, and a sunset that turns the limestone gold. This is the single most beautiful driving destination in Malta and the reason you have a car. Park by the roadside near the chapel (free, plenty of space).
Tip: Pack a blanket and a bottle of local wine from Meridiana or Ta’ Mena. A sunset picnic at Dingli is one of those memories that stays with you.
Day 4: Northern Malta — Beaches, Popeye Village & Mellieha
Driving time today: ~50 minutes total
Today you explore the more relaxed, beach-oriented north of the island. The coastline here is sandier, the bays are swimmable, and the vibe is distinctly holiday.
Stop 1: Popeye Village
Drive time from Sliema: ~30 minutes.
This former film set for the 1980 Robin Williams movie has been converted into a quirky little theme park on Anchor Bay. Even if you don’t go in (€18 adults), the viewpoint from the cliff opposite is free and gives you a fantastic photo of the colourful wooden buildings against the turquoise water. Early morning light is best for photography.
Stop 2: Ghajn Tuffieha Bay (Riviera Beach)
Drive time: ~10 minutes.
This golden sand beach requires walking down about 180 steps from the car park, which keeps it much quieter than neighbouring Golden Bay. The water is pristine, the setting is dramatic, and there’s a small kiosk for drinks. If you’d rather skip the steps, Golden Bay next door has flat access, sunbed hire, and water sports. Both have free parking (arrive before 10 AM in summer to guarantee a spot).
Stop 3: St. Agatha’s Tower (Red Tower) & Mellieha
Drive time: ~15 minutes.
This 17th-century watchtower painted in bright red sits on top of Marfa Ridge with panoramic views across to Comino and Gozo. Entry is a couple of euros.
Then continue to Mellieha for the island’s longest sandy beach — shallow, calm, and particularly good for families. The town itself has some excellent restaurants and is a quieter base than Sliema if you prefer a laid-back atmosphere.
If you’re feeling adventurous, drive to the very tip of the island at Cirkewwa. You’ll see the Gozo ferry terminal here (useful reconnaissance for tomorrow) and can swim at Paradise Bay, a small sandy cove right next to the terminal.
Day 5: Gozo — Full Day on Malta’s Sister Island
Driving time on Gozo: ~30 minutes total (the island is tiny). Plus ferry crossing: ~25 minutes each way.
This is many travelers’ favourite day of the whole trip. Gozo is quieter, greener, and more rural than Malta — it feels like stepping back in time. And yes, you can take your rental car on the ferry to Gozo. Most rental companies allow it at no extra charge.
Getting to Gozo with Your Rental Car
Drive to the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal (45 minutes from Sliema via the main highway). Important: leave early in summer (before 8 AM) to avoid long queues.
You don’t need to book in advance — just drive up and join the vehicle queue. Ferries run every 30–45 minutes, the crossing takes 25 minutes, and you only pay on the return trip (around €15.70 for a car + driver, plus €4.65 per additional passenger). The ferry docks at Mġarr Harbour on Gozo.
For full details on the process, see our complete guide to taking a rental car to Gozo. And for those who prefer to rent a separate car on Gozo, check our Gozo car rental options.
Your Gozo Driving Circuit
Victoria (Rabat) & The Citadel: Start here. The Citadel is a fortified hilltop complex with 360-degree views over the whole island. Visit the Cathedral, walk the battlements, and browse the small museums. Victoria’s town centre below is the place for a coffee and a Gozitan ftira (a local flatbread with fresh toppings). Parking is available in the town square area.
Ramla Bay: Gozo’s most famous beach, with distinctive orange-red sand and warm, shallow water. Before heading to the sand, drive up to the Tal-Mixta Cave viewpoint above the bay for one of the most photographed views in all of Malta. Free access, and the short walk to the cave is easy. Parking at Ramla Bay is free but limited.
Xwejni Salt Pans: On the northern coast near Marsalforn. These ancient salt flats (some dating to Roman times) create a surreal chequerboard pattern on the rocky shoreline. Beautiful at any time of day, magical at sunset. Buy a bag of Gozo sea salt from a local producer as a souvenir.
Dwejra: The site of the former Azure Window (which collapsed in 2017). The Inland Sea and Fungus Rock are still spectacular, and the area offers some of the best diving in the Mediterranean. There’s a small restaurant by the Inland Sea for a late lunch.
Xlendi Bay: A picturesque cove on the south coast with restaurants built into the cliffs. Perfect for a final swim before catching the ferry back.
Tip: Fill up your fuel tank before driving onto the ferry — petrol stations on Gozo are less frequent than on Malta. Also, Gozo’s roads are even narrower than Malta’s in places, so take it slow through the villages.
Ready to explore both islands? Compare car rental deals.
Day 6: Blue Lagoon Day Trip + The Three Cities
Driving time today: ~35 minutes total (plus boat trip)
Morning: Comino & The Blue Lagoon
You can’t take a car to Comino (the island is uninhabited and has no roads), but you can drive to the departure point. From Sliema, boat trips to the Blue Lagoon run daily and take about 25 minutes.
Alternatively, drive to Cirkewwa and catch a smaller boat from there. The Blue Lagoon’s crystal-clear turquoise water is the most photographed spot in Malta for good reason. Arrive early — by midday it gets packed. Bring snorkelling gear, plenty of water, and sunscreen.
Book a boat that departs early (around 9 AM) and returns by early afternoon, leaving you the rest of the day for the Three Cities.
Afternoon: The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Cospicua)
Drive time from Sliema: ~15 minutes. These three fortified cities across the Grand Harbour from Valletta are where Malta’s maritime history truly comes alive.
Birgu (Vittoriosa) is the star — Fort St. Angelo dominates the waterfront, the streets are quieter than Valletta, and the gardjola (watchtower) at the tip of Senglea has one of the best harbour views on the island. Park in the Birgu waterfront area (paid parking available).
The Inquisitor’s Palace and Malta at War Museum are both worth visiting. For dinner, the Three Cities have excellent waterfront restaurants at lower prices than Sliema or St. Julian’s.
Day 7: Flexible Day & Departure
Driving time today: To airport ~20 minutes from Sliema/St. Julian’s
Your final day depends on your flight time. Here are the best options for making the most of your remaining hours:
If you have a full day: Revisit a favourite spot or fill a gap. Mosta’s Rotunda (the fourth-largest unsupported dome in the world, where a WWII bomb fell through the ceiling during Mass and miraculously didn’t explode) is a 15-minute drive from Sliema and only needs an hour. Or drive to Hagar Qim if you skipped it on Day 2.
If you have a half day: Take a last swim at your favourite bay, then head to Ta’ Qali Crafts Village near Mdina for glass-blowing demonstrations and locally made souvenirs. It’s on the way to the airport from most bases.
If you’re leaving early: The airport drop-off process is straightforward. Most rental companies have desks right at MLA. Return the car with the fuel level matching your agreement (read our fuel policy guide to avoid surprise charges), take photos of the car at return, and keep your receipt. There’s a petrol station right by the airport for a final top-up.
What This Road Trip Will Cost You
One of the biggest advantages of renting a car in Malta is the value. Here’s a realistic budget breakdown for a 7-day road trip:
| Expense | Approximate Cost |
| Economy car rental (7 days, mid-season) | €105–€175 |
| Full insurance / Super CDW | €40–€70 |
| Fuel (full tank + top-ups) | €30–€45 |
| Gozo ferry (car + driver + 1 passenger) | ~€20 return |
| Parking (estimated for the week) | €10–€20 |
| Total for 7 days | €205–€330 |
Compare that to seven days of taxis (easily €300–€500 for the same routes) or private tours (€80–€150 per tour), and a rental car is significantly cheaper while giving you total freedom. For a more detailed cost analysis, use our Malta car rental cost calculator.
Best Time for a Malta Road Trip
Malta is a year-round destination, but the sweet spots for a road trip are April–May and September–October. Temperatures are comfortable (20–28°C), the sea is warm enough for swimming, crowds are thinner than peak summer, and rental prices are lower.
Peak summer (July–August) is hot (34°C+), beaches are packed, and car rental demand pushes prices up — book well in advance if you’re visiting then. For detailed seasonal advice, read our guide to the best time to book a car in Malta.
Do You Need a Special License?
If you hold a valid EU driving license, you’re good to go — no extra paperwork needed. If your license is from outside the EU, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your national license.
Some rental companies are relaxed about this, but technically it’s required and police can ask for it. Full details are in our driving license requirements guide. Minimum rental age is 21 with a young driver surcharge for under-25s.
Ready to Book Your Malta Road Trip Car?
Compare prices from all Malta car rental companies
At Car Rentals Malta, we compare deals from all major and local providers — Sixt, Avis, Green Motion, and more — so you can find the right car at the right price for your road trip. Whether you want an economy runabout, a family SUV, or a luxury convertible, our comparison tool searches across all car rental companies in Malta to find you the best deal. No hidden fees, transparent pricing, and you can book in minutes.
Need help deciding? Check out our complete car rental information hub covering everything from how to book to deposit and payment terms, or contact us with any questions.
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