Tourists have plenty of options to choose from when it comes to getting around Malta. Public transportation is very affordable and highly accessible. There is also an assortment of tours that offer their own modes of transportation. But if you’re looking to spend a more personalized trip in Malta, your best bet at carrier may be driving a privately rented car.
Now driving around Malta is quite a challenge for most people and may be overwhelming for less experienced drivers. But don’t get discouraged; by knowing a few things about driving in Malta, you’ll undoubtedly gain enough confidence to travel around Malta’s roads.
What to Expect from Driving in Malta
Traffic
When dealing with Malta traffic, you should avoid busy times. The busiest road times are usually 7 am to 9 am and 5 pm to 6:30 pm during weekdays. As for weekends, the best time to avoid traffic is early afternoon.To avoid traffic, you should take more minor roads leading to your destinations.
Parking
Though there are numerous parking spaces around Malta, finding a parking spot in busy spots may be a pickle. To ensure a parking spot for your car, try to get to your destination at least half an hour early.Roads
The roads in Malta tend to be narrow, especially in old city centres. There are also a lot of semi-blind corners around the villages. Malta also doesn’t have any actual motorways. Instead, Malta’s roads are carriageways made up of two lanes for opposite directions.As for the road condition in Malta, most roads are made with smooth tarmac. However, some parts are still in need of development. So do expect to encounter bumpy rides from time to time.
Driving Style
Malta has the same driving style as the UK, left-hand driving. This means cars in Malta have steering wheels on the right side of the vehicle, and drivers should stay on the left side when driving.Speed Limits
Malta’s speed limits differ per location. Generally, the speed limit in Malta is 80 km/hr or 50mph. When it comes to busy areas, the speed limit may get down to 50 km/hr or 31mph. As for village centres, drivers must adhere to 35 km/hr or 22 mph speed limits.You should also be wary about speed cameras placed around the main island of Malta.
Drivers
Though many drivers in Malta are well experienced, you can’t expect all of them to be courteous and considerate to one another. This simply means that you should be extra cautious when driving around Malta. One thing that could give you a confidence boost is that most rental cars are recognizable because of company stickers. This can help by showing people around you that you are new to driving in Malta.The Perks of Driving in Malta
Now that you know more about driving in Malta, let us quickly dive into the various perks of renting a private car in Malta.Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the best things about travelling around Malta in a private car. Since you will be behind the wheel, you won’t have to adjust your schedule just to meet transport terminal or tour schedules.Comfort
Though most types of public transport in Malta come worry-free, nothing beats the comfort of travelling in your own car. Especially during summer when air conditioning problems sometimes occur in public transport vehicles. Make sure the car you use has proper lights.Accessibility
One of the best things about renting a private car in Malta is that you can drive yourself to more secluded tourist spots.If you want to see and experience Malta more personally, we recommend you check out their reliable car rental and great pricing. They are a local family-owned business, and we urge local companies instead of global brands or franchises.
