Cheap Van Rental in Malta

The Fascinating Islands of Malta

Visit the small country of Malta, an island located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily. Formed of an archipelago, three of which are populated, Malta includes Malta Island, Comino and Gozo. Malta Island is the main island, and you can collect your van hire on arrival at Malta International Airport (MLA), located close to the village of Luqa in south-eastern Malta. Whether you choose to stay in Valletta, Malta’s capital city, or in one of Malta’s coastal resorts, having access to your own vehicle will prove to be the most convenient way to travel.

Valletta, an attractive harbour city set on the central-eastern coast, is always popular with tourists and has a range of architecture dating back to the 16th century, with wonderful churches, museums and palaces, as well as quaint little streets and piazzas. You will find that Valletta is easier explored on foot, but the city has road access to all other parts of the island, and you will find it a convenient base for your travels. Just a short drive from Valletta with your van rental, on the other side of the harbour lies Cottonera, or ‘Three Cities’. Joined together by the 16th century ‘Cottonera Lines’ fortifications, it consists of the three cities of Cospicua, Vittoriosa and Senglea, or Bormla, Birgu and Isla to give them their Maltese names. From here you can continue driving to the south eastern coast until you reach the traditional fishing village of Marsaxlokk, about forty minutes drive from Valletta. Aside from the stalls selling tourist souvenirs, you will find great fish in the local restaurants and plenty of places to relax and enjoy the colourful traditional Maltese boats in the harbour. On Sundays you can visit the huge market, or if it gets too hot for you, go for a swim in the beautifully clear waters of the nearby Saint Peters Pool, a natural inlet carved into the rocks. For a traditional beach vacation, travel west the coastal towns of Bugibba and Qawra, in the St. Paul’s Bay region, both popular holiday resorts.

To the west of Valletta is the old capital city, Mdina and neighbouring Rabat. Inhabited for 3000 years, the Romans separated the two towns, and it was the capital until the mid-1500’s. This is a wonderful town to walk through, with shaded alleyways and the beautiful St Paul’s cathedral. You can take a walking tour of Mdina if you want to discover the ins and outs of this special city, or take a ride around town on a horse-drawn carriage. Travel north from Mdina to the city of Mgarr or head south-west to the two stunning stone-age temples built onto the Cliffside, known as Hagar Qim and Mnajdra.

On Malta Island’s north-eastern coast, just north of Valletta are the busy resort towns of Sliema and St Julian’s. Many visitors to the island stay in these resorts, and they are just under an hours drive from Malta Airport. Over on Gozo Island, the city of Victoria (Rabat) is the islands capital and is well worth a visit. Enjoy panoramic views from the old town walls, marvel at the spectacular Gozo Cathedral and the Baroque Basilica of Saint George. Close by are the Ggantija Temples, in the town of Xaghra, said to be the world’s oldest free-standing buildings, as well as caves and beautiful bays. As you drive your van rental through the towns and villages of Malta, you will discover a charming country with a fascinating culture and history, as well as many areas of outstanding natural beauty.