Car hire Malta

Most visitors prefer to use car rental in Malta when touring the tiny country. The capital alone is so compact and dense, packed full with a variety of edifices and historical landmarks. Tourists can also plan a leisurely trip through the country's low hills, beautiful bays, hidden coves, medieval ruins and imposing citadels.

Malta (Valletta) International Airport is the sole air hub for visitors coming to the island. From this former RAF station, the capital of Valletta is easily accessible with car hire in Malta. The capital also accommodates a large ferry port, the Valletta Waterfront Pier, where travellers can visit Catania and Palermo in Sicily and Civitavecchia, Livorno and Genoa in Italy, as well as any of Malta's three islands.

The country's peculiar bus system uses 1950s-era vehicles painted white and yellow and decked out with religious decor. Two types of taxi services are available. White taxis can be found everywhere, but tourists often have to remind drivers to use their meters, while black taxis are privately owned, have fixed rates and distances and require a phone call for pick up. By far the easiest way to get around is a hire car, so holidaymakers should compare cheap car hire in Malta with CompareCarHire.co.uk before travelling.

As a former British stronghold, Malta accepts UK driving licences and motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road, but only people 18 years old and above are allowed to operate vehicles. Don't sound car horns in city centres between 22:00 and 06:00 or use mobile phones when driving. Beware radar traps and follow speed limits. Car hire in this country usually comes with third party liability insurance.

Locals will point tourists in the direction of the legendary and historic Grand Master's Palace in the capital as a starting point of any journey. Malta is a melting pot of European, Arab and African influences, and this is clearly evident in the local cuisine. Motor over to The Avenue in Paceville for a taste of the country's culinary history.