If you’re considering a trip to the Maltese archipelago, you might wonder if it’s possible to visit Malta without a car.
In this post, I will help you decide if you should rent a car in Malta – and how you can get around the island if you choose not to. This 7-10 Days Malta itinerary will show you around Malta, Comino, and Gozo, by relying solely on Malta’s public transport system.
You will have a mix of culture and relaxation – exploring the archipelago’s historic heritage, as well as its picturesque fishing villages and beautiful beaches with crystal clear blue waters.
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Visiting Malta without a car – yay or nay?
If you’re visiting for the first time, you may be wondering if it’s possible to see the best of Malta without a rental car. I wondered the same thing before I visited, as I had previously visited Mallorca and regretted not hiring a car during my visit.
I can happily assure you that you should not regret this in Malta. It’s completely possible to enjoy a fulfilling visit to the islands by relying only on Malta’s public transport system.
There are a few reasons why you may choose not to rent a car when visiting Malta:
- Age restrictions: While the legal driving age in Malta is 18 years old, the minimum age to hire a rental car varies. Most car rentals require you to be at least 21 years old, and that you’ve held your driver’s license for 1-2 years. Agencies will also charge an extra fee if you’re under 25. The maximum age for car rental is 70 years old.
- Documentation requirements: To rent a car in Malta, you must present a valid driver’s license, a passport (or EU citizen card) as identification, and a credit card to make the payment. If you’re a non-EU citizen driving in Malta, you are also required to hold an International Driver’s Permit.
- Costs: Renting a car will inevitably add extra costs to your trip budget. Aside from the cost of renting the car, you should also consider costs for insurance, fuel, and parking, where applicable. There is also a Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) congestion tax applicable for entering the capital city of Valletta.
- Driving confidence: Driving rules in Malta may be different from those where you live. Here, people drive on the left hand-side of the road, and roundabouts are common. While driving in Malta is overall quite safe, you should consider if you feel confident enough to drive with different rules.
With the above in mind, you may still decide to rent a car. This should be the case, if:
- You’re short on time: Although the public transport in Malta is good enough to get around, it will take longer than driving on your own. If time is an important factor on your trip, renting a car may be a good option.
- You want to go off the beaten path: If you are looking to explore hidden and remote gems, you may not be able to reach every spot by relying on public transport alone.
If you choose to drive, I recommend to rent a car in Malta through Booking. Book your rental car here.
Is it easy to get around Malta without a car?
After researching the options for getting around the island, I decided not to rent a car during my first visit to Malta. For first-timers, most of the main sites to visit in Malta are accessible by public transport.
Some frequent questions for using the public transport system in Malta:
Where to stay in Malta without a car
When considering where to stay in Malta, most people look at areas like St. Julian’s, Sliema, and Valletta. These are the liveliest areas to stay in because there are plenty of bars, clubs, restaurants, and attractions nearby.
However, if you plan to rely on public transportation alone, there are a couple factors that need considering: distance and traffic.
Staying in and around Valletta means that visiting some of the most popular sights in the north of the island can take at least 1 hour to reach by bus. And that’s before factoring in traffic. As you’ll likely catch the morning buses and return in the evenings, this coincides with peak commute times in the busiest part of the island – the capital.
Weekends in the summertime are particularly busy, with the Maltese driving up to the same spots early and returning in the evening (as the majority of the Maltese population live in the south and central areas of the island, near Valletta).
This section is a summarised version of my fully-detailed guide on where to stay in Malta without a car. Check it out if you want the ultimate guide on where to stay!
During my trip, I decided to base myself for half of the week in Qawra, St. Paul’s Bay – and the last few days in St. Julian’s, near Valletta.
This decision ended up being very advantageous for getting around Malta without a car because St. Paul’s Bay is a well-connected area in the north of the island. Aside from being closer to the popular beaches and sights, St. Paul’s Bay is also one of the departure ports for boat tours to Gozo and Comino.
St. Paul’s Bay is, however, much smaller and quieter than Valletta. The evenings are still lively, with buzzing bars and restaurants open until late. It is also a cheaper area to stay in, with modern hotels slowly opening and increasing the offering in recent years.
If you decide the stay in Qawra, St Paul’s Bay, these are my recommendations:
Mid-Range ($$)
Mayflower Hotel Malta
This is the hotel I stayed at for the first half of my trip. It’s a modest, clean hotel, with a nice rooftop infinity pool area with sea views!
Premium ($$$)
DoubleTree by Hilton Malta
Previously named Dolmen Hotel Malta, this hotel was under refurbishment and reopened in April 2024 as a DoubleTree by Hilton property. The hotel has sea views and a private beach.
Premium ($$$)
AX ODYCY Hotel
This hotel is a step-up in terms of comfort and modern design. If you’re traveling with children, there are both outdoor and indoor family pools with slides.
If you decide to stay around St Julian’s or Sliema, I recommend the following stays:
Budget ($)
Hostel On
For those on a budget, this hostel is a beach-front option with lots of character. The mix of old and new will make you feel right at home in Malta.
Premium ($$$)
1926 Le Soleil Hotel & Spa
This hotel is a solid choice for modern design and comfort. They have one of the most incredible pools of all of Malta.
Luxury ($$$$)
Hilton Malta
This was where I stayed for the second half of my trip. I love that the room has a private jacuzzi and balcony, with views to the marina. I also had the best hotel breakfast of my life here!
If you decide to stay in Valletta, I recommend the following stays:
Mid-Range ($$)
The House in Old Mint Street
A modest, clean, very colourful, and centrally located stay.
Premium ($$$)
Casa Rocca Piccola B&B
This has to be one of the most unique boutique stays in Valletta, with its incredible interior design. Hard not to feel immersed here!
Luxury ($$$$)
The Embassy Valletta Hotel
With an unbeatable rooftop view, this hotel provides an iconic sight over the Roman Basilica of Our Lady of Mt Carmel.
How many days are enough in Malta?
How long is a piece of string? 🙂
The Maltese islands are small, but if you look close enough, you’ll find enough gems to warrant a lot of exploring. The Maltese archipelago has a long history with plenty of foreign influences throughout centuries, due to its strategic importance. Especially without renting a car, traveling in Malta can be approached as slowly as you like.
For most travelers, though, time is limited. My 7-Day Malta itinerary will give you a good taste of the islands with all the must-sees, in a mix of culture and relaxation. The 10-Day Malta itinerary can either slow down the pace, or expand the itinerary a little further.
The Best Malta Itinerary for 7-10 Days Without a Car
This itinerary will guide you with what to see in Malta in 7 days, and how to spend 10 days here if you have the extra time to enjoy the islands.
I will also help you get around Malta without a car, by describing how to reach each spot using public transport from different points in the island.Â
Day 1 – Arriving in Malta and Exploring
The day you arrive in Malta will most likely be spent settling in and exploring the area where you’re staying.
When visiting Malta without a car, one of the things you should consider is your flight arrival time. Although you may get good deals on late night flights, please note that buses don’t operate all night.
The last bus operating from the airport to St Paul’s Bay departs at 10:30 PM (Bus route 214 to Buggibba). The latest one to St Julian’s and Sliema departs at 12:45 AM (Route TD3 to San Giljan). And the last bus to Valletta departs from the airport at 12:45 AM (Route TD4 to Valletta).*
*As of January 2026. Please check updated routes and times here.
If you’re arriving after these times, you can use the taxi service from the airport, which operates at fixed rates to anywhere on the island. For reference (as of January 2026), a ride to St Paul’s Bay costs 28 Euros, while going to St Julian’s/Sliema costs 20 Euros, and just 17 Euros to Valletta. Check the full updated list of fixed prices here.
An alternative to the traditional taxi service (which may end up more affordable) is to use a ride-hailing service. The leading apps in Malta are eCabs, Bolt, Uber, and Bonju.
Once checked-in at your hotel, take this first day to settle in and get to know the area where you’re staying.
Day 2 – Għajn Tuffieħa Bay/Golden Bay and Popeye Village
Now you can enter full holiday mode and start enjoying the deliciously warm and clear waters of Malta!
The first stop will be either Għajn Tuffieħa Bay Beach or Golden Bay Beach. These are some of the best sandy beaches in the island, and they are only a 14-minute walk apart from each other. You can easily fit both of them in one day, if you’d like.
Għajn Tuffieħa Bay Beach is less developed than Golden Bay, but it is beautiful and getting very popular recently. Please note there are steps that you need to climb down to get to the beach. Both beaches will get crowded in the summer for a good reason!
How to get there:
→ To reach Għajn Tuffieħa Bay:
From St Paul’s Bay (Imhasel stop), take the 223 or 225 Buses to Riviera stop (15-20 minutes). Then, walk 8 minutes down to the bay.
From Sliema (Chalet stop) or St Julian’s (Ross stop), use Bus 225 to Riviera stop (45-55 minutes). Then, walk 8 minutes down to the bay.
From Valletta (Valletta B7 stop), catch the 44 Bus and hop off at Mixquqa (45 minutes). Then, walk 15 minutes to the beach.
→ If, instead, you prefer to reach Golden Bay Beach first:
From St Paul’s Bay (Imhasel stop): take the 223 or 225 Buses to Ghajn Tuffieha Bus Terminus (18-23 minutes).
From Sliema (Chalet stop) or St Julian’s (Ross stop): use the 225 Bus to Ghajn Tuffieha Bus Terminus (45-50 minutes).
From Valletta (Valletta B7 stop: catch the 44 Bus and hop off at Ghajn Tuffieha Bus Terminus (55 minutes).
The beach is only a 2-minute walk down the road.
After exploring one or both beaches, you should visit Popeye Village.
How to get there:
Take the 101 Bus from either Ghajn Tuffieha Bus Terminus or Riviera stops to Popeye Village (Popeye Stop).
*Please note that this bus may only run once per hour, even in the summer. Plan ahead to catch it on time!
The Village was built as a film set for the production of the “Popeye” musical film from 1980. Now, it’s open to the public with various activities inside, such as shows, rides, museums, and play houses for children.
As it sits on a bay, there are also sun beds, umbrellas, and water inflatables for use. Entrance is ticketed for adults and children, with prices varying depending on the season of the year (full information here). But the view from the cliff over the bay is free!
To return back to your hotel, you can catch Bus 101 to Tunnara stop, where you can change buses.
If you miss this bus (it only runs once every hour), it’s a 19-minute walk to Skrajda stop on the main road. From here, there are direct buses to St Paul’s Bay (Bus 221, 222, 250, 41, or 42), St Julian’s or Sliema (Bus 222), and toValletta (Buses 41, 42, or X300).
Day 3 – Għadira Bay, The Red Tower, and Paradise Bay
Today, you will visit another popular sand beach in the north of the island – Għadira Bay. This is a very extensive beach with light sand and clear, shallow blue waters.
How to get there:
From St Paul’s Bay, there are several bus options from the main roads (Buses 221, 222, 41, 42, or 49). Hop off at Ghadira stop (30 minutes).
From Sliema or St Julian’s, take Bus 222 direct to stop Ghadira stop (40-50 minutes).
From Valletta (Valletta B6 stop), take Buses 41 or 42 direct to Ghadira stop (1h 10m ride).
After enjoying the beach for a while (and maybe some Ftira sandwiches later), I suggest paying a visit to The Red Tower (officially St Agatha’s Tower).
This fortified watchtower from the 17th century is a unique landmark in the area, and the last to have been built in Malta. Aside from its picturesque castle-like shape and red colour, the tower sits atop a hill with magnificent views. It’s even possible to spot the islands of Gozo and Comino from here.
The view from outside is free, but to learn about its history and significance there’s an entry cost of 2.50 Euros for adults. Children under 12 can enter for free (as of January 2026). The Tower is closed on Sundays.
How to get there:
Catch Buses 221, 222, 41, 42, or 101 from stop Ghadira to stop Qammieh (3 minutes). From here, it’s a 10-minute walk up to the Tower.
Optionally, if you still have time, you can visit a second beach on this day. Paradise Bay is a smaller sandy beach further up north on the island, with blue waters and gorgeous sunset views from the cliff that leads to it.
Because of its small area, it can get crowded in summer months. It will be better in shoulder season due to its less central location. There is a restaurant/bar there, where you can sit down for a meal, a snack, or drinks.
How to get there:
Walk back down from the Tower to Qammieh bus stop and catch Bus 101 to Paradise stop (3 minutes).* From there, walk about 4 minutes to access the beach.
*Bear in mind that this bus only runs once every hour. Make sure to plan ahead to catch it on time!
To return to your hotel, take Bus 101 for 1 stop to Marfa stop, where you can change buses.
If you miss this bus (it only runs once very hour), it’s a 19-minute walk to Marfa stop on the main road. From here, there are direct buses to St Paul’s Bay (Bus 221, 222, 41, 42, or X300), St Julian’s or Sliema (Bus 222), and to Valletta (Buses 41, 42, or X300).
Day 4 – Boat Tour to Comino and Gozo
Today, you will leave the main island and explore the other two islands in the Maltese archipelago: Comino and Gozo.
Note: Please note that the tours are busier in the summer months, on weekends, and especially on Sundays. If you’d like to try and have a less busy experience, I recommend reserving this day’s plan for a weekday.
For first-timers visiting Malta for a week, I consider that the boat tours to Comino and Gozo are the best way to see the sister islands. Gozo itself has much to explore, but it would require 2-3 days in the island alone, leaving you with less time to explore the main island (we got this covered in the 10-Day itinerary, though!).
With a full-day boat tour, you usually stop at both Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon for a swim. You get to see the caves and the coastline only visible from the sea, learn some history, and explore Gozo. In my opinion (especially considering that these full-day tours are fairly affordable), this is one of the best ways to spend a day out when visiting Malta without a car.
Some tours change itineraries throughout the year, and the part that usually varies is where you stop to visit in Gozo. The most common stops are Victoria (or Rabat – the capital city) and the fishing village of Xlendi (which you may be able to select when booking the tours). Some tours may include smaller stops in either or both places that you may not be able to opt out of.
If your tour doesn’t include transport in Gozo, you can get a taxi or hire a TukTuk or quadbike from the port. But make note of the time available – you don’t want to miss the boat to return!
I went on this boat tour and the highlights were the Blue Lagoon (it really is very blue and clear, perfect for snorkeling!) and the fishing village of Xlendi.
One of the most relaxed lunches of my life was at Churchill Restaurant, by the water. I didn’t have a reservation but I asked the waiter for a table by the water when we arrived. If you’re planning to visit in peak summer season, it might be wise to call the restaurant beforehand.
Best Boat Tours departing from St. Paul’s Bay or Sliema:
Day 5 – Valletta, Mdina and Rabat
Now that you have explored the north of the island, as well as Comino and Gozo, it’s time to trade some relaxation for culture.
This is the point where I decided to move hotels from St Paul’s Bay to St Julian’s, so that I would be closer to Valletta and the south of the island. If you decide to replicate what I did, consider staying in St Julian’s, Sliema, or Valletta. Check “Where to stay in Malta without a car” above in this post.
Whether you change stays or not, the first half of your day will be spent in Valletta. Built in the 16th century, the Maltese capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the smallest EU capital. This makes it perfect for exploring on foot.
How to get there:
From St Paul’s Bay, take either Bus X300, TD13 or Bus 48 to Valletta (50-60 minutes).
From St Julian’s (Stop Ross), use Buses TD13, 13, 13A, 14, or 16 to Valletta.
From Sliema (Stop Chalet), you can use Buses 13, 13A, 14, or 16Â to Valletta.
What to do in Valletta
You may choose to spend your morning in Valletta by going on a walking tour like this one, or on a Maltese food and drink guided walking tour, like this one.
Alternatively, you may choose to follow the below walking itinerary to get a feel for the city:
1. Start at the City Gate, the “Door to the City”.
2. Take a peek at South Street. It’s often decorated with fairy lights, and many times has art installations on display.
3. Walk up by Palazzo Parisio towards the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Here, you have a good opportunity to unwind and relax among statues of important historical figures. There’s also panoramic views over the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities. From the garden area, you can also watch the historic Saluting Battery gun firing daily at 12pm and 4pm.
4. Turn back to stroll through Republic Street, the “Kingsway”. This pedestrian street runs through the city centre and crosses with several other streets.
5. Stop for a drink or ice cream at Republic Square.
6. Turn back slightly to cross St Lucia’s Street towards the San Paolo Naufrago pizza restaurant. This is probably the most famous Instagrammable street in Valletta, decorated with fairy lights and flags.
7. Head towards the Lower Barrakka Gardens. Here, you have another picturesque green space with arched views over the Grand Harbour.
8. Stroll along Merchants Street – this street has plenty of restaurants and shops, with a market taking place here on Sundays.
Where to eat:
I had lunch in Valletta at Nenu The Artisan Baker and can definitely recommend it! They serve traditional Maltese dishes and the restaurant has a lovely rustic interior that almost looks like a small museum.
If you’d like recommendations for traditional foods to try during your stay, check out my Traditional Maltese Foods To Try in Malta and Where to Eat Them!
After getting a feel for Valletta in the morning, you can spend an afternoon in Mdina.
Also known as The Silent City, Mdina is a fortified town and former capital of Malta. Game Of Thrones‘ fans will particularly recognise the Mdina Gate, Mesquita Square, and the city’s medieval winding streets.
How to get there:
From Valletta (Stop Valletta C2), ride Buses 51, 52, or 53 directly to Telgha stop (30 minutes).
What to do in Mdina:
After entering the Mdina via the Main Gate, you can wander around and get lost in its small streets and corners. Pay attention to the design of the house doors and their handles!
Depending on your interests and time available, here’s a few extra ideas of what to do in Mdina:
- Visit The Mdina Dungeons Museum. This museum recreates underground passageways, chambers and cells, to illustrate the dark past of Malta’s medieval history.
- For those interested in the Natural World, visit The Natural History Museum, housed in 18th-century baroque Palazzo Vilhena.
- For fans of religious artworks, visit St Paul’s Cathedral and Cathedral Museum.
- 13th-century Palazzo Falson is the second-oldest building in Mdina. It used to be a family home for Maltese nobility in the Middle Ages. Now, it displays a collection of artworks and original antiques.
- Enjoy the views over a drink at Fontanella Tea Garden or Coogi’s Restaurant & Tea Garden.
Now you can cross Howard Gardens and walk over to the adjacent town of Rabat.
If you’re feeling peckish, I recommend making a quick stop by Is-Serkin – Crystal Palace Bar. The locals rave about the pastries here. Having been there myself, I can tell you that this is the place to find the best, crunchiest, most affordable pastizzi in Malta – straight from the oven!
Rabat has plenty of other cafes and restaurants, so this could be a good place to stay for dinner.
What to do in Rabat
If you have time to spare, there’s a couple of attractions you may choose to visit:
- Under the city of Rabat there is an extensive complex of centuries-old Roman and Christian underground galleries and tombs. If you choose to visit only one thing here, St Paul’s and St Agatha’s Catacombs are the biggest attraction.
- Casa Bernard is a 16th-century family-owned palace still in use and open for visitors. Guided tours of the house can be requested through the website, or by ringing a bell at the entrance during opening hours.
- You can visit the remnants of a 1st-century BC Roman Villa (Domus Romana).
To return to your hotel depending on stay location:
St Paul’s Bay: Catch Bus 186 from stop Telgha (25 minutes).
St Julian’s or Sliema: Hop on Bus 202 from stop Telgha (40 minutes).
Valletta: Take Buses 51, 52, or 53 back from stop Telgha (30 minutes).
Day 6 – Marsaxlokk and St Peter’s Pool
Today you will head south to the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk (pronounced “marsa-schlock” – meaning southeastern port).
This village boasts some of the best fish restaurants in Malta, and a fish market on Sunday mornings. The area is also dotted with secluded swimming spots and coves.
How to get there:
From St Paul’s Bay: take Bus TD13 to Valletta, walk to stop Valletta A6 and change to Bus 81 to Cippi (1h 40m total). This is a long journey and why I recommend splitting your stay between the north of the island and the area around Valletta.
From St Julian’s (Stop Ross): the quickest route is by taking Bus TD13 to Valletta, walk to stop Valletta A6 and change to Bus 81 or 85 to Cippi or Xerriex (1h 15m total). There are other routes that take a bit longer – you can use Google Maps to plan alternative journeys.
From Sliema (Stop Chalet): you can use Bus 13A to stop Bombi 1, change to stop Bombi 3A across the road, and catch Bus 81 to Cippi (1h 10m minutes total).
From Valletta (Stop Valletta A6), you can use Buses 81 or 85 direct to Cippi or Xerriex stops (40 minutes).
What to do in Marsaxlokk:
1. Visit the Marsaxlokk open market. From Monday through Saturday, you’ll find stalls along the quay selling a variety of foods, clothing, souvenirs, and traditional objects. On Sundays, the market extends further with a big focus on selling fish caught by the local fishermen, making it the busiest day for visiting.
2. Take a walk along the Marsaxlokk harbour. This is a good opportunity to explore the restaurants, bars, and cafes by the waterfront.
3. Admire the Marsaxlokk parish church, dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary – the Madonna of Pompeii. Although its opening hours are limited around mass times, you can admire its beauty from outside, too. Try to spot the statue of the Madonna and Child placed in a boat atop the church facade.
4. Take a 30-minute walk to St Peter’s Pool (or, alternatively, hire a boat ride from Marsaxlokk harbour). This natural pool is considered one of the best swimming spots in Malta due to its crystal-clear waters. The adventurous ones can dive straight in, but there are also ladders put in during the summer period for those fonder of snorkelling. Make sure to bring food and water, as there are no facilities here (including no public toilets). Watch out for jellyfish and rough waters depending on the weather.
5. (Optional) Take a peek at Il Kalanka beach. For those looking for a hidden gem, this beach is another great swimming spot with clear waters and beautiful scenery. There are swimming ladders, as well as opportunities for cliff-jumping. I recommend bringing aqua shoes for comfort.
To return to your hotel, you’ll need to walk back to Marsaxlokk and catch the same bus/buses you used to reach here, in the opposite direction.
Day 7 – Valletta
Today is the last day of our Malta 7-day itinerary, and you’ll be spending it in Valletta. Depending on the time of your flight, you may have more or less time to explore the city.
Tip: If you’re checking out early, ask to leave your bags at your accommodation for the day. Most hotels nowadays are very flexible with this and will agree to keeping your bags after check-out.
Depending on the time you have available, here’s a few ideas of what to do in and around Valletta:
- Go on a scenic Grand Harbour and Three Cities cruise and learn about the history of Malta (departs from Sliema).
- Visit St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
- Visit Casa Rocca Piccola, a privately-owned 16th-century family palace that’s open to the public.
- Tour The Lascaris War Rooms: a secret network of underground tunnels and chambers that housed the British War Headquarters in Malta during WWII.
- Walk around The Three Cities. Named Birgu (or Vittoriosa), Senglea (or Isla), and Bormla (or Cospicua), The Three Cities are a wealth of Maltese history and culture.
Birgu is the most popular, with attractions such as the Maritime Museum, the Malta at War Museum, the Inquisitor’s Palace, and Fort St. Angelo.
Senglea houses St Philip’s Church and the Basilica of Our Lady of Victories, as well as a lovely garden overlooking the Grand Harbour.
Bormla has a parish church with an oratory stocked with works of art. You can reach The Three Cities within 20 minutes from Valletta by taking Bus routes 1, 2, 3, or 4.
How to get to Malta’s Airport without a car:
From St Paul’s Bay: Take the Airport Direct 1 Bus to stop Airport (55 minutes).
From St Julian’s (Spinola stop): Take Buses Airport Direct 2 or Airport Direct 3 directly to stop Airport (25-45 minutes).
From Sliema (stop Ferries 3): Take the Airport Direct 3 Bus directly to stop Airport (30 minutes).
From Valletta: catch Bus 72 or 73 directly to stop Cintra (30 minutes) or the Airport Direct 4 Bus to stop Airport (20 minutes).
Days 8 – 10: Options for visiting Malta without a car
If you have a few extra days to visit Malta without a car, you can plan your time in two ways:
Option 1: Relax your itinerary
If the 7-Day itinerary was too busy for your traveling style (ie. you enjoy spending full days in one place, without moving around too much), you may choose to break up the 7-Day Malta itinerary and extend it to 10 days.
For example, you can skip visiting Paradise Bay Beach on day 3, and add it onto an extra day instead. Or, you may choose to reserve a full day to just exploring Mdina and Rabat. You may also choose to keep a full day free to relax at your hotel if you’re staying at a resort with nice amenities, pool and spa.
Option 2: Spend 2-3 Days in Gozo without a car
If you want to keep exploring, a 2-3 day stay in Gozo will allow you to see the best of it.
You can also swap the boat tour from Malta (from Day 4), for a boat tour departing from Gozo while you visit the island.
How to get there:
Without a car, you’ll want to reach either the ferry port of ÄŠirkewwa or the Grand Harbour in Valletta.
From St Paul’s Bay, this will take about 35 minutes using Buses 41, 42, 221, 222, or Airport Direct 1 to ÄŠirkewwa.
Once at ÄŠirkewwa port, the passenger ferry tickets are pretty inexpensive – less than 5 Euros.
From St Julian’s and Sliema, use Buses 13, 13A, TD13, 14, 16, or 21 to Valletta’s Grand Harbour – the journey takes about 40 minutes.
From Valletta, walk to the Grand Harbour.
Check the information for the Valletta – Gozo ferry here (adult passenger tickets cost 7.5 Euros one-way)
What to do in Gozo:
When in Gozo, you can use the bus system to get around. Here’s some places to visit, and how to reach them:
- Victoria (Rabat): Reach the capital city of Gozo from Mgaar Harbour (stop Vapur) using Buses 301 or 323 (15-30 minutes).
This is a good base for when visiting Gozo, as it will be easy to access the rest of the island from here.
What to do: Explore the Medieval streets and the Cittadella. The Visitor’s Center at Cittadella ticket includes admission within 30 days to the Gozo Archaeology Museum, the Nature Museum, the Old Prisons and the Gran Castello Historic House.
Where to stay in Victoria:
Budget ($)
Traditional Gozitan house less than 5 minutes away from Victoria’s main bus stops and merely 10 minutes away by foot from the Citadel.
Mid-Range ($$)
With privileged views over the Cittadella and the sea, this townhouse also counts with a sun terrace and a pool!
Premium ($$$)
Only a step outside of the Cittadella, this sustainable bed and breakfast provides comfort in a charming traditional building.
- Xlendi Bay: I’ve already talked about how much I love this fishing village. Reach it from Victoria Bay 5 stop by taking Buses 306 or 330 (25-30 minutes).
What to do: Have lunch by the water (I recommend Churchill Restaurant for traditional Gozitan food). Hike up the hill for a view over Kantra Valley and Xlendi Tower. You may choose to spend longer here if you like hiking.
- Marsalforn Salt Pans: These salt pans are a must-visit in Gozo. The most direct way to reach them is from Victoria Bay 2 stop. Take Bus 310 to stop Xwejni (20 minutes), and then walk 10 minutes to the salt pans.
- Ä gantija Temples: For archeology lovers, this megalithic temple complex from the Neolithic era is believed to predate the Pyramids and Stonehenge. Reach it from Victoria Bay 3 stop via Bus 307 to Ggantija stop (15 minutes).
- Dwejra Bay: This place is a great swimming spot. It’s located near the now-collapsed famous Azure Window and the Blue Hole, which is known as a great diving spot. To get here, take Bus 311 from stop Victoria Bay 1 to Dwejra stop (25 minutes).
- Wied il-Għasri: This sea canyon is a hidden gem with breathtaking scenery, and great for snorkelling and sunbathing. Reach it from Victoria Bay 2 stop by riding Bus 309 to stop Onici (12 minutes) and then walk north for one mile.
- Day trip to Crystal Lagoon, Blue Lagoon and Comino: You may decide to replace the Boat Tour Day from the 7-Day Malta itinerary with a boat tour departing from Gozo instead.
Final thoughts
If you’re considering visiting Malta without a car, this is my recommended 7-10 day itinerary!
As you can see, there’s no shortage of beautiful spots that can be reached by using Malta’s public transport system. Even with as little as a week on the islands, you can experience many of its sights.
Hopefully, this will inspire you to visit! If you have any questions about the itinerary, or about getting around Malta without a car, let me know in the comments!
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