Thank you for posting this very helpful video, we're visiting this April and cannot wait. Luckily, we are from the UK so driving there doesn't seem too bad!
Well explained Stefano. One tip for UK drivers; maybe other nations.....the driving in Malta is far less stressful, almost good natured. Divers don't mind if, like all humans, you make the odd mistake.Horn peeping is friendly already!...they're just reminding you to behave yourself!.....and I repeat Stefano's important tip;.........examine your hired car with a fine tooth comb, BEFORE you get in it; take a video of the entire car, inside and out.If everything's ok, drive off and enjoy the best of Malta and it's lovely people. A must to visit?.........Barraca Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour; look down and imagine the terror and horror of the Nazi bombing in WW2. For that desperate time, Malta was warded the George Cross from Queen Elizabeth's father, King George 6th.
Are we talking about the same Malta? People honk at you if break before an intersection, when they're behind you waiting for cars to pass in a roundabout and even if you're going 70 in a 60 zone on the right lane because they want pass you. Besides, the driving style of a good potion of Maltese drivers is very similar to people who drive under the influence of alcohol. During a week I've seen so many potentially life threatening situations. Worst parts have to be roundabouts because there doesn't seem to be any clear indication which lane to use. They generally have two lanes on the roundabout itself, so you'd think that first and second exit can be excited from both lanes and the third exit only from the third. Apart from most people simply not following this rule, you have a bunch of exists consisting only of one lane to begin with, which pretty much makes this rule impossible to follow. People just drive way too fast, reckless even which is even more odd, because it's a 25km long island. It's tiny, and 99% of people certainly don't have an appointment that important that you have to risk other people's lives. In short, don't listen to this guy. People there drive like drunk toddlers.
AutoUnion, addCar, OTO, Sixt are all good. Check the contract and make sure all the damages are included in the picture. Remember to take photos and videos at the pickup. I would stay away from Malta First Car Hire and Surprice Car Rentals although their prices are awesome (in fact, too low to be true). These days, I generally book my cars from DiscoverCars (mel365.com/CarRental), a sort of Airbnb for cars, I go only for rental companies rated 8 or above. Enjoy Malta
Do you have any recommendations for visitors who are planning to rent a car but have no experience driving on the left? Is it manageable or should they avoid renting altogether to be stress-free?
@alexkar7511 If you are not used to the left side, I usually suggest taking it easy and trying to follow other cars. Sometimes, it is better to stop on the side and wait for other cars. Following the flow is so much easier than leading the flow. Also, if suddenly you don't know if you are on the correct side, stop immediately. There is a good probability you are driving on the wrong side. After a couple of days, you will master it, and I would not worry too much. If it's your really first time, I would also suggest renting an automatic car. No gears means one less problem to think about. Keep in mind you will use the other hand to change gears. Renting or non renting is a personal thing. There are places in Malta that you can't reach by bus, and if you can, it may take 2 or 3 times more than with a car. Of course, a bus is less stressful. Enjoy Malta and let me know how it goes, if you decide to rent a car.
I have rented from mel365.com/CarRental . I am not sure of the precise company thought. I have rented so many cars during my trip that I lost count of it. So sorry. On that link, you will find my favourite booking site. Each rental is ranked based on customers' feedback, similar to Airbnb. I usually rent from providers that are 8+. Enjoy Malta
