ℹ️ How to Use This Map
This map has different types of info:
- Parking areas
- Main tourist attractions
- Sunset viewpoints
👉 To see only the info you need:
- Click the (top-left menu) button.
- Uncheck layers you don’t want.
- Keep only the categories that matter to you.
🚗 Parking in Malta & Gozo
Finding parking in Malta can be one of the biggest challenges for travelers, especially in summer when the islands are at their busiest. The good news is that with a little planning, you can avoid the stress and make parking part of a smooth holiday experience.
Seasonal Differences
Parking availability changes throughout the year. In places like St Paul’s Bay and Bugibba, which are popular summer destinations for locals, free spaces vanish quickly during the warmer months. Meanwhile, quieter areas in winter are much easier to manage. Always expect heavier demand in July and August near beaches and tourist resorts.
Street vs. Private Parking
Street parking is widely available and often free, but it comes with risks in high-demand areas such as Sliema, St Julian’s, and Valletta. In summer evenings, it’s better to head directly to a private car park. These lots are generally affordable compared to the time and fuel wasted circling narrow streets.
Permit and Ticket Zones
Watch for resident-only bays (marked in green) — these are common in village cores and historic centers like Valletta and Mdina. Parking in the wrong place can lead to fines. In many towns, blue bays operate on a pay-and-display system with time limits, so keep an eye on your ticket.
Park & Ride Options
For stress-free access to busy hubs, Malta offers Park & Ride facilities. The most useful ones are in Floriana (for Valletta) and Pembroke (for St Julian’s). They provide affordable parking with frequent shuttle buses that drop you right in the city centers.
Beach & Attraction Parking
Beach car parks — such as those at Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa, and Mellieħa Bay — are free but fill up by 9:30am in summer. At popular attractions like Marsaxlokk on Sundays or the Blue Grotto, expect congestion and limited spaces. Arriving early or visiting outside peak hours makes a big difference.
EV Charging
Electric car use is growing slowly in Malta. A handful of EV charging stations exist near Valletta, St Julian’s, and larger towns. If you’re renting an EV, check whether your provider offers an RFID card or app to access them.
Time-Limited Street Bays
Many towns across Malta use time-limited street bays, but the signs can be easy to miss — even for locals. These zones are common in places like Floriana (near Valletta), Mellieħa, and Naxxar. Always double-check the small roadside signs for restrictions. If you expect to stay longer than the posted limit, it’s safer to choose a private car park or a pay-and-display bay. Fines for overstaying are common, and enforcement is strict in busy areas.
✅ Parking Quick Tips
- Arrive early at beaches in summer (before 9:30am).
- Use Park & Ride for Valletta and St Julian’s.
- In Sliema, St Julian’s, and Valletta at night → go straight to a private car park.
- Avoid resident-only zones and always check street signs.
- Blue bays = pay-and-display; don’t forget your ticket.
- EV drivers: plan routes around charging stations in advance.