Malta is a stunning island measuring just 316 square KM. It sits in the blue Mediterranean waters between Sicily and the North African coast. It is an island steeped in history dating back to circa 4000BC. With a modest population of just under 500,000 people, the island is cultured, unique and full to the brim of places and sights to explore. We wanted to explore the very best that Malta has to offer that you can see and get to from your hire car. Being such a small island with a small population, public transport options aren’t huge so your own private hire car is the perfect way to explore this Mediterranean gem.
Valletta – Malta’s Capital
The seaport city of Valletta is Malta’s capital and is a stunning city. A 16th Century city built on a gorgeous Peninsula that is steeped in history. The city was originally built by the Knights of St John and was decreed to be a “city built by gentlemen for gentlemen”.
Wherever you go in Valletta you’re sure to come across a ton of history and a ton of beauty. Top of the list is St John’s Co-Cathedral. Built between 1573 and 1578, this stunning piece of architecture was a replacement for the church of St Lawrence in Vittoriosa as the place where knights would gather. The interior was revamped in the 17th century and it shows, every wall, pillar and rib is decorated gorgeous and with an incredible eye of detail.
Once you’re done taking in the stunning architecture, be sure to take a slow relaxed drive to Upper Barrakka gardens. These beautiful gardens sit high above the 16th Century Grand Harbour which not only brings stunning views but also a refreshing cool breeze.
Comino’s Blue Lagoon
Whilst we highly discourage driving your hire car into the blue lagoon, using your hire car to get there is a fantastic idea. The Blue Lagoon is easily the biggest attraction in Comino and it’s so easy to see why.
The deep, powerful blues of the water make it look like you’re staring at the water through a filter and makes it the perfect place to sit and just relax. In the summer though the Blue Lagoon can get extremely busy and at it’s hottest it’s a bit too much as there’s not a ton of shade. Deckchairs and umbrellas are always on hand though if you are after a relaxing time but don’t want to burn.
Mdina – the old capital.
Mdina was the old capital of Malta before Valletta became the capital in 1571. This gorgeous medieval town is walled and sits on the top of a hill in the centre of the island. It’s only home to around 300 people within the walls but is attached to the village of Rabat which is home to around 11,000 people.
The old capital is also filled with gorgeous buildings, from St Paul’s Cathedral to Vilhenna Palace and Mdina Dungeons and Benedictine Monastery, you will not be left wanting for places to explore.
Malta’s stunning beaches.
Malta is known for its beaches. It just is. The island itself being so small lends it’s to a high density of stunning beaches being close together, here’s a mini rundown of these beaches, for our full rundown check out the best beaches in Malta.
The Golden bay
Perfect for swimming, chilling in in the sun or even a beach BBQ. Like the blue lagoon we talked about above, the Golden Bay is prone to getting super busy during peak seasons and the during the hottest days.
Ghajn Teffieha
This gorgeous little spot isn’t too far from the Golden Bay, but it does get less busy that the Golden Bay. Located at the bottom of a steep set of stairs from the car park, the little cove of a beach is truly stunning, the water is blue, and the beach is sandy. It’s a testament to the beauty of nature as the Gaia foundation are constantly ensuring its natural beauty is not ruined.
St Peter’s Pool
Ok this one isn’t a beach but it’s an absolute must see in Malta. This is a flat, rocky outcrop you can find at Delimara point in south west Malta. It has a unique appeal due to the stunning visuals of the blue water gently wrapping against the cool white rock. You can snorkel and swim in the water but be sure to bring your own supplies as this is a remote little gem with no public transport links. Hire car essential 😉.
