Now, imagine trying to get

there by bus. You would be walking for over an hour from the nearest stop in the scorching

heat, only to realize the last bus back has already left. This is the reality of exploring Malta's

true soul. While the public transport system is extensive, it is designed for commuters, not

for those seeking the island's hidden treasures. To truly experience the magic of a Malta

road trip, you need the freedom of four wheels.

In this guide, we provide a high-converting 7 day Malta itinerary that takes you from the

baroque streets of Valletta to the wild, rugged coastlines of Gozo. We will show you exactly

how to navigate the islands, where to find the spots the tour buses skip, and why choosing

a car hire in Malta is the single best decision you can make for your holiday.

Why You Need a Car in Malta: The Freedom Factor

Malta is small, but its geography is deceptively complex. Many of the most beautiful bays,

prehistoric temples, and cliffside viewpoints are tucked away at the end of narrow country

lanes where buses simply cannot go. If you rely solely on public transport, you will spend a

significant portion of your 7-day trip waiting at bus stops or stuck in traffic on circular

routes that turn a 20-minute drive into a 90-minute ordeal.

Feature Public Transport (Bus) Rent a Car in Malta

Accessibility Limited to main roads and

towns.

Reaches hidden gems, remote

beaches, and cliffs.

Flexibility Fixed schedules; buses often

full in summer.

Leave when you want; stay for

sunset.

Time Efficiency High (frequent stops and

transfers).

Low (direct routes and scenic

shortcuts).

Comfort Crowded, standing room only

in peak season.

Private, air-conditioned, and

space for gear.

Hidden Gems Almost impossible to reach

(e.g., Fomm ir-Rih).

Easy access to off-the-beaten-

path spots.

By choosing to rent a car in Malta, you aren't just paying for transport; you are buying back

your time and gaining access to the "real" Malta that most tourists never see.

The Ultimate 7-Day Malta & Gozo Itinerary

Day 1: Valletta & The Three Cities (The Grand Arrival)

Your journey begins at Malta International Airport (MLA). After picking up your vehicle from

EasyDriveCarHire.com, head straight to the capital, Valletta. While Valletta itself is

pedestrianized, having a car allows you to stay in more affordable, scenic areas nearby or

easily visit the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua) across the harbor.

• Morning: Explore the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the noon gun salute and marvel at

the gold-dripping interior of St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

• Afternoon: Take the traditional

dghajsa boat across to the Three Cities. Wander the

quiet, narrow streets of Birgu (Vittoriosa).

• Driving Tip: Park at the MCP Car Park just outside Valletta’s main gate. It is the most

convenient spot to leave your car while you explore the city on foot.

Day 2: Mdina, Rabat & The Wild West (Hidden Gem Focus)

This is where your Malta road trip truly starts. Today, you leave the urban areas behind for

the silent city of Mdina and the rugged western cliffs.

• Morning: Walk the medieval alleys of Mdina before the crowds arrive. Grab a slice of

famous chocolate cake at Fontanella Tea Garden for views across the entire island.

• Afternoon (The Hidden Gem): Drive out to Mtahleb Cliffs. This spot is completely

inaccessible by bus. It offers some of the most dramatic coastal views in the

Mediterranean. Nearby, you can find Fomm ir-Rih, a wild and pebble-strewn beach that

remains untouched because of its remote location.

• Why a Car is Essential: To reach Mtahleb or Fomm ir-Rih by bus, you would need to

take a bus to Rabat and then hike for several miles. With a car, these breathtaking spots

are just a 15-minute scenic drive away.

Day 3: The South Coast & Blue Grotto

The south of Malta is home to ancient history and crystalline waters.

• Morning: Visit the Blue Grotto early (before 11:00 AM) to see the sunlight turn the water

a brilliant neon blue. Take a 20-minute boat trip through the caves.

• Afternoon: Head to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk. If it’s Sunday, enjoy the famous

fish market. Afterwards, drive 10 minutes to St. Peter’s Pool, a natural limestone

swimming pool perfect for cliff jumping.

• Insider Advice: Most tourists take a bus to Marsaxlokk and then have to pay for

expensive private shuttles to reach St. Peter’s Pool. With your own car, you can drive

right to the cliffside parking lot.

Day 4: Crossing to Gozo & Northern Wonders

Pack your bags and head north toward the Gozo ferry terminal at Cirkewwa. On the way,

stop at some of Malta's best northern sights.

• Morning: Visit the Red Tower (St. Agatha's Tower) for views over Comino and Gozo.

Stop at Popeye Village, the original 1980 film set, for a quick photo op from the cliffs

across Anchor Bay.

• Afternoon: Board the ferry to Gozo. The crossing takes about 25 minutes, and you pay

the fare (around €15 for car and driver) only on the return trip.

• Evening: Settle into your accommodation in Gozo. We recommend staying in a

traditional farmhouse in a village like Xaghra or Gharb.

Day 5: Wild Gozo & Coastal Arches

Gozo is even more car-dependent than Malta. The buses here are less frequent, making a

car vital for a Malta Gozo itinerary.

• Morning: Visit Dwejra Bay, home to the Inland Sea and the Blue Hole. Even though the

Azure Window has collapsed, the area remains geologically stunning.

• Afternoon (Hidden Gem): Drive to Wied il-Mielah. This is Gozo’s "new" Azure Window

—a massive natural limestone arch that is far more impressive and much less crowded.

• Sunset: Head to the Sanap Cliffs in Munxar. This is another spot the tour buses skip. It

offers a peaceful, paved walk along 120-meter-high precipices.

Day 6: Red Sands, Salt Pans & Giant Temples

Today is about the unique textures of Gozo, from the orange sands of the north to the

ancient salt pans of the coast.

• Morning: Relax at Ramla Bay, famous for its bright orange-red sand. Hike up to Tal-

Mixta Cave for the iconic "window" view overlooking the beach.

• Afternoon: Drive along the coast to the Xwejni Salt Pans, where locals still harvest sea

salt in pans carved into the rock since Roman times. Finish at Wied il-Ghasri, a tiny,

fjord-like bay hidden between high cliffs.

• Why a Car is Essential: Wied il-Ghasri is a long walk from any bus stop. Having a car

allows you to bring your snorkeling gear and spend as much time as you like in this

secluded paradise.

Day 7: The Rotunda & Golden Bay Sunset

On your final day, take the ferry back to Malta and enjoy a relaxed end to your trip.

• Morning: Visit the Mosta Rotunda, which boasts one of the largest unsupported domes

in the world. See the replica of the WWII bomb that pierced the ceiling but failed to

explode.

• Afternoon: Spend your final hours at Golden Bay or the adjacent Riviera (Ghajn

Tuffieha). These are the best spots on the island for a final sunset swim.

• Evening: It’s a short 25-minute drive from the northern beaches back to the airport to

return your car and catch your flight.

Driving in Malta: Tips and Insider Advice

• Drive on the Left: Like the UK, Malta drives on the left-hand side of the road.

• Z-Signs: In narrow village streets, you may see a "Z" sign. This indicates a priority

system where cars coming from one direction must wait.

• Parking Colors: White boxes are for public parking (usually free). Yellow lines mean no

parking. Green or Blue boxes are often reserved for residents or have time limits—check

the signs!

• Avoid Rush Hour: Traffic around the central areas (Marsa, Msida, Sliema) can be heavy

between 7:30‒9:00 AM and 4:30‒6:30 PM. Plan your "hidden gem" escapes during these

times!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it hard to drive in Malta?

Driving in Malta is generally safe and easy. The roads are well-maintained, though some

country lanes can be narrow. Drivers can be assertive, so stay alert and use a GPS app like

Google Maps or Waze.

2. How do I take the car on the ferry to Gozo?

It’s very simple! Just drive to the Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal and follow the signs for "Gozo."

You join a queue of cars and drive onto the ship. You don't pay anything on the way to Gozo;

you pay the fare at the ticket booth in Mgarr (Gozo) when returning to Malta.

3. Where can I find free parking?

Most parking in Malta is free if you find a white-lined box. In busy areas like Valletta or

Sliema, look for "Park and Ride" schemes or dedicated parking garages like MCP.

4. Is one week enough for both Malta and Gozo?

Yes, a 7 day Malta itinerary is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of both

islands. Spending 4 days on Malta and 3 days on Gozo allows for a balanced mix of

sightseeing and relaxation.

Conclusion: Unlock the Islands with

EasyDriveCarHire.com

Malta is an island of contrasts—where 5,000-year-old temples sit just minutes away from

modern beach clubs. To see the best of it, you need to step off the beaten path and away

from the crowded bus routes. Whether it’s reaching the silent heights of the Dingli Cliffs

or finding a secret swimming hole in Gozo, a car gives you the keys to the kingdom.

Ready to start your adventure? Don't leave your freedom to chance.

Compare car rental deals now at EasyDriveCarHire.com and turn your 7-day trip into the

ultimate Mediterranean road trip.