Road trips in Malta

Road trips in Malta

Amazing coastal road and historic spots in easy island driving

Explore Malta Your Way: The Ultimate Road Trip Experience

Road trips in Malta have short distances, beautiful coastal scenery and easy access to historic areas. Exploring Malta by car allows travelers to move between Valletta, Mdina, and popular coastal zones in just 30–45 minutes, making it possible to cover most distances of the island in a single day.

Hit the Road in Malta: Driving Tips and Car Rental Deals with Abbycar

Malta’s road network connects all major towns efficiently, but driving conditions vary. Main roads between Valletta, Sliema and the airport are well paved, while older village streets and coastal access roads can be narrow, uneven or busy. Heavy traffic is common during peak hours, especially around touristic areas. Overall, driving around Malta is manageable, but patience is required, while you should expect sometimes aggressive driving behavior from locals.

Malta’s mild climate allows road trips all year-round. Spring and autumn are ideal for comfortable driving, while summer brings heat and heavier traffic. Distances are short, fuel stations are frequent and scenic coastal drives are the best part of a road trip in Malta.

Renting a car in Malta is practical to reach remote beaches, viewpoints and historic towns that are time-consuming to access by bus. A small compact car is strongly recommended due to narrow streets and limited parking. 

Rent a car in Malta with Abbycar and plan your road trip on a budget!

FAQs about driving in Malta

Frequently Asked Questions

You will need a valid driver’s license, your passport or ID, and a credit card for the deposit. Non-EU travelers need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Malta drives on the left side of the road, similar to the UK. Seat belts are mandatory, and speed limits are strictly enforced. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless hands-free.

Malta does not have toll roads or a vignette system. Most roads are free to use. Parking fees apply in busy areas such as Valletta.

Driving in Malta is generally safe, but traffic density and narrow streets can be challenging for inexperienced drivers. Coastal and rural roads are scenic but don’t have clear markings, so a GPS is very useful.

Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant temperatures and lighter traffic. Summer is ideal for coastal drives but it is hot and overcrowded. Winter remains mild and suitable for driving, with fewer tourists.