Top 5 Places To Visit in Malta if You Hire a Car

If you’re staying in Valletta or Sliema, the chances are that you might spend your days exploring these two cities. However, hiring a car opens a world of new possibilities.

We’re running down the top five places you can best explore if you hire a car during your stay in Malta:

Marsaxlokk

The picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk is situated in the south-eastern part of the island of Malta. It’s hugely popular for its open market, restaurants, coast and harbour as well as its lively restaurants during the summer months.

Rabat & Mdina

These two neighbouring towns are extremely popular with tourists. Mdina is Malta’s ancient capital city. Also known as the Silent City, fortifications and bastions surround this small town. It’s a treasure trove of winding streets, palazzos and museums, and is worth a visit if you’re a history aficionado. Of course, you will need to park outside Mdina and explore the narrow streets on foot!

On the other hand, Rabat is known for its rural character, rustic houses and natural beauty. Furthermore, Malta’s very own mini-forest – Buskett – guards this town like a wise sentinel. Additionally, Rabat is home to many Roman ruins, Christian catacombs, cave churches and medieval monasteries.

Gozo

Malta’s sister island is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With a total of just 37,000 people living on this secluded island, Gozo is an undiscovered Mediterranean paradise.

The island is home to several quaint villages that are waiting to be explored. Visit the village squares and chat with the locals at the band clubs; dip into the crystal clear waters of Ramla Bay; wander off and discover the

natural trekking trails; discover diving and snorkelling; visit Ggantija, the oldest Megalithic temple on the islands and participate in the revelrous festas that take place in the capital city of Victoria in summer.

Three Cities

Also referred to ‘il-Cottonera’ by the Maltese, the name refers to three medieval cities that were fortified by the Knights of St John, back in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The collective includes Birgu (Vittoriosa), Senglea (Isla) and Bormla (Cosipicua). These three are particularly popular due to their history, their exquisite selection of restaurants, their winding streets, hidden alleys and intriguing museums, to name but a few. The Birgu Waterfront is an honourable mention since it features the restored fort, a state-of-the-art yacht marina and top-quality restaurants that are enjoyed by locals and tourists alike.

Dingli

The village of Dingli is mostly known for its majestic cliffs. The views are nothing short of breathtaking and the cliffs are home to countless rare species of flora and fauna. There’s no better way to discover a place than to observe the surrounding areas at 253 metres above sea level.

Where to stay?

Valletta (Malta’s capital city) is undoubtedly the ideal base for your stay. There’s always something to discover and something exciting happening in this Baroque city.

In the heart of Valletta lies Casa Ellul – one of the islands’ top boutique hotels. It’s a renovated Victorian-period Palazzo that fuses modernity and tradition to create a home away from home. With nine exclusive suites, Casa Ellul oozes warmth, hospitality and luxury, making your stay truly memorable and extraordinary.