Malta is small, so the distances between its beaches, old towns, and ancient sites are short. Each town and village still has its own atmosphere. Travelers often say that a car gives easy access to all of them and saves a lot of time compared with the bus.
The most popular place to pick up a car is Malta Luqa Airport, near the center of the main island. Many rental desks are in a multi-storey car park called Park East, a short walk from the terminal. Some suppliers have offices near the airport and send a free shuttle.
In Malta, you drive on the left side of the road. The speed limit is 35 to 50 km/h in towns and 80 km/h outside them. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Some roads are narrow, and travelers recommend a sat nav or map app. Traffic in Sliema and Valletta can be heavy, and travelers say parking is free in many other places, in marked white-line spaces.
Check the license rules before you book. A license written in the Latin alphabet is valid for visits shorter than 12 months. If your license uses another alphabet, such as Cyrillic or Arabic, bring an International Driving Permit together with your original license. Carry the original license itself at all times. You must have held it for at least two years. Some suppliers add a fee for drivers aged 22 to 25 and for drivers over 65.
Prices depend on the season. A small car starts at a few euros per day, and the average price is about 15 euros per day. February is the cheapest month, and August is the most expensive. Comparing providers and booking early can help you save money.
The islands of Gozo and Comino are a short ferry ride away. A car ferry takes you to Gozo, where you can drive to Xlendi Bay and follow the coastal trail to the Sanap Cliffs viewpoint. Some ferries from Sicily also carry vehicles, so ask your rental provider before you cross a border with the car. You can also take a ferry without a car and rent one in Malta.