how to get around malta without a car

Bikes are transported for free. Read more. Car rental rates in Malta are amongst the lowest in Europe, especially if you use locally owned companies such as Billy's Car Hire on Malta and Mayjo Car Rentals on Gozo. Journeys take 45 minutes and you can take bicycles on board; just book ahead for one of the limited number of bicycle spaces, either on Gozo Fast Ferry's website or via their app. In fact, as traffic congestion got worse over the years in Malta, sometimes ferries are a far better alternative. . Thank you for the feedback and have a great trip! 1. Here are a few tips to make your trip to Malta even better. Kiosks are located at Valletta and Bugibba bus stations, Malta International Airport, Sliema Ferries, Mater Dei Hospital, and the the Victoria bus station in Gozo. Tip #2: Dont miss the Blue Grottos viewpoint where you can feast on the iconic picture-perfect views of the main (and tallest) arch. The easiest is planning what type of ticket/card suits you best and buying one at the airport if your flight arrives within opening hours of course. 2. How To Get Around Malta? Buses vs Cars A 2 hour ticket costs 1.30, 1 day ticket 1.50, 7 day ticket 6.50, 30 day ticket 26 and the 90 day ticket 72. If in doubt, make your way to the bus terminus in the capital city Valletta, which services (almost) all routes to any locality in Malta and is a good landmark to continue your journey. Book now >>. The Maltese Islands are not large so nothing is ever far away, especially by car. Plenty hot. The public bus service on Malta and Gozo is a good way to get around as buses serve the major tourist areas, go practically everywhere and areinexpensive and efficient. Tip #1:Choose a sunny day to visit the Blue Grotto and take your tour before noon to enjoy the best blue colors. Right next to it, you can marvel at the oldest church in the city, the Church of Our Lady of Victory, and the Church of Saint Catherine of Italy which was built by the Italian knights of St. John. Getting from the Blue Grotto to Marsaxlokk:Again, to save time, I decided to take a taxi. Nonetheless, I feel like I used my healthy(ish) time properly and I want to share my itinerary with you, so if you only have three days in Malta, heres how to make the most of them. Enjoy the sun and the water at Sliemas Roman Baths and rocky beaches. Book your flights to Malta and let us know which of these suited you best. International and national driving licenses are acceptable. Looking for a girls trip destination in Europe? Google Maps was useful to know the routes and even the bus schedule, but you can use the official journey planner. When purchasing your bus ticket its important to keep in mind that it may be used in Malta, as well as the sister island, Gozo. The double decker busses offer multilingual tours informing you on Maltas history, culture and heritage. The ferry between Gozo and Malta has a stop there?Best regards,Andi. Maltas Public Transport Association (ATP) has been running the buses until 3rd July 2011 when the bus system was take over by Arriva Malta. Avoid summer weekends when locals travel to holiday in Gozo and queues to board can be long and slow-moving. Would prefer not to share a shuttle.Many thanksColeen. Car ride: most comfortable. The Malta national speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas and between 70 and 80 km/h in extra-urban areas. Find below details of the main bus connections between the main sights in Malta. 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View the new improved bus time table and a map of all routes on Arriva's webiste.Public transport is not always convenient and smooth however the new improved regular services takes you to all parts of Malta at a low cost. Malta & Gozo guide bookValletta: An Insiders Guide to Maltas Capital. You can also get day trips by boat from popular tourist places like Sliema, St. Julians and Buibba/St. Water taxis are also a fun way of getting around especially when travelling with children.The water taxi running between Sliema and Valletta is very popular with the locals and the foreigners as it is quick and cheap. If the weathers decent (which it isnt right now) you could take a boat trip from Sliema that combines both Gozo and the Blue Lagoon at Comino. Today. Book now >>. How to Get Around Malta Without a Car - Pinterest You will be going offroad though, so its not going to be super comfortable. Malta is a wonderful destination to explore under your own steam, especially the heritage streets of Valletta, Mdina's hilltop walled city, and the astounding Il-Kastell citadel in the Gozitan capital of Victoria. I was only in Malta for part of one day, so I did hire a private car to be able to see what was most important to me. There are plenty of options for getting around Malta without hiring a car, whether that's by using a bus, a boat or your own pedal power. Walking in Malta can be a very satisfying experience since the Maltese countryside offers many stunning countryside walks that are highly reccomended. For more information about the cathedral including tips for visiting, While the Lower Barrakka Gardens offer views of the Grand Harbour, the Upper Barrakka Gardens has a special treat for you the Saluting Battery. You could expect to pay about $541 a month to park in Manhattan. (Other credit card brands are currently not accepted for this method). In addition, being only a10-minute ferry trip away from Valetta, Sliemaalso gives you access to the largest bus terminal in the island. You dont need (and cant) book the tour in advance. From the USA we couldn't find a direct flight to Malta, so we had to have a layover in Germany. Wedid both quite enthusiastically. Thanks for all the very important information. This was a great option as it allowed to completeour list of placeswe wanted to see much more efficiently. Getting Around - Visit Malta Malta retains first spot in ILGA Europe Ranking in 2022. Higher-rated places to stay in Sliema include Marea Boutique Hotels and Amery House. Getting Around in Malta | Use Public Transport, Boat Taxi or Just Walk Passing under the golden, honey-colored walls of Fort St. Angelo, it's a brilliant way to cross Grand Harbour. For more information on taxi rates click here. Single tickets including a two-hour transfer window cost 2 (US$2.10) and can be bought on board buses. Its an amazing destination! Getting Around Malta Without a Car loyalty Travel stop_circle 4 min read Unlike most countries, the Islands of Malta do not require a car to get around because of their small size. The facilities and services in this bay include a restaurant, toilets, and. In the first part of our trip, we stayed in Mellieha. Regular boat services also operate between each island and Comino, which make a day trip to this picturesque islet possible. A whole day will cost you around 50 per person (40 per child). Hello,We are staying at Comino Island mid May which cab company is the best/most economical to book from Malta airport to the ferry and back a week later? Seeing such a large and impressive collection of original knight armor is simply amazing. You must activate Javascript support in your browser settings. Hotel Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa, Mellieha, top-rated places to stay in Malta, with WiFi included, Ive pre-selected the best hotels in Malta, views from the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barakka Gardens, Azores: 20 Travel Tips To Know Before You Go, What & Where To Eat In So Miguel, Azores, The Ultimate Itinerary of So Miguel Island (Made By An Azorean), Make sure you know the routes and bus schedules of the places youre going. Definitely not, because I could easily spend a full week there. Thank you, Or! A post shared by Nextbike Malta (@nextbikemalta) on Apr 2, 2018 at 3:44am PDT. There are also many harbour cruises available around the areas ofSliemaandValletta, from which you can admire the impressive skyline of the capital city and the splendour of the famous Grand Harbour. Getting from Sliema to Valletta:Take the ferry or buses 13,14,15 or 16 from Sliema to Valletta. It should cost about 20 Euros (again, I know its not cheap), but it only takes about 15 minutes instead of an hour and a half. If you live in Europe, you should be able to find a direct flight to Malta without an issue! There is a registration fee, but it offers the best discounts on buses and Valletta Ferry Services, and also integrates with the Tallinja App. Copyright 2011 - 2019 All rights reserved in all formats known and unknown. For longer walks, many trails follow the dramatic coastlines of both Malta and Gozo. Also, do you remember the name of the cave? Many remote beaches and smaller towns and villages on both Malta and Gozo are not serviced by bus, so having your own vehicle is recommended. The bus routes, operated by Malta Public Transport can get you anywhere you want to go in Malta and Gozo between 5:30 am and 11 pm. The night rate is3.00all year round. I have much respect for royal palaces, but visiting the residences of actual knights has always seemed slightly cooler to me. If you do not wish to use a car, you can use the public transport system to get around. Important tip:Dont do any of these climbs with flip-flops. I also highly recommend climbing up to the Ghajn Tuffieha viewpoint on the other side of the beach to see yet another gorgeous little bay. Valid in both Malta and Gozo. It also has immense religious importance, so expect this place to be busy. Hi Jo, Im not huge fans of either, although the Jeep safari tour can be enjoyable if youre not necessarily after seeing all the tourist sites. Theres also a bike sharing option: Nextbike. Boats always come and go, and you wont be waiting for too long even if its a bit busy. However, in summer when the temperature rises to 30 degrees and little shade is provided this can be a strenuous task for many. You can purchase the 2 Hour, 1 Day and 7 Day tickets on the bus using cash. Although it does get a bit crowded in summer, you can always find quiet corners away from the popular streets. White taxis which operate the official Malta taxi service charge fares calculated according to the destination using a faremeter. 7. On the 25-minute tour, you get to see some impressive arches, rock formations, and the most mesmerizing hues of blue water courtesy of the sunlight. This has made Malta a hub for tourism and an ideal platform for international business. how to get around malta Coming To Malta? Learn how your comment data is processed. Birgu would be difficult for parking. Plus, they drive on the left side of the road in Malta, which, if youre not used to it, can be confusing or even intimidating. For short hops on an electric scooter, download Whizascoots app and get riding. Strolling through them truly felt like stepping back in time, and I loved their tranquility. Hike Up to Tal-Mixta Cave for an Unforgettable View 2. For those of you who love mazes of charming alleys, Mdina has got you covered. Hike Down to Ramla Beach and Go for a Quick Dip 3. In other words: There are good (and inexpensive) ways of getting around Malta and Gozo on your holiday. There is no public transport within the walls of Valletta due to the steep and narrow roads. If you are booking a taxi from the airport, our driver will wait for you in the arrival hall, with a sign with your name on it. Be Strategic About Your Pick Up Day So you've decided to rent a car in Malta. The Gozo Channel runs a regular ferry service between Malta and Gozo, with the journey between the two islands taking around 20-25 minutes. book this night tour of Valletta, Rabat, and Mdina. Book ahead on both islands during the busy months of July and August, and select a compact car to negotiate roads that will definitely be more narrow than you're used to. Malta sits south of Sicilia, right in the heart of the Mediterranean. Considering all the pros and cons of traveling by car along with what I had read about Malta, I decided to use both buses and taxis to get around the island. A one-way boat ride to/from St. Peters Pool will cost you about 5 euros. Prices have changed significantly since then though. Note, however, that road traffic in Malta is very busy,especially in the built-up area around Valletta, Sliema and St Julians, and parking can be difficult to find. If you know you will be frequently using the buses during your visit, you may instead choose to buy an Explore Tallinja Card (21 for adults and 15 for children aged up to 10 years), which gives you the flexibility to jump aboard any route at any time on either of the islands for seven whole days. Shuttling between the northern Maltese port of irkewwa and Marr Harbour on Gozo, Gozo Channel's vehicle and passenger ferry takes around 30 minutes to cross between the two islands. Dirty little secret. Hire Car. (Unsubscribe at any time!). Just specify your point of departure and the destination you have in mind and you get all route options available to you. Strolling through them truly felt like stepping back in time, and I loved their tranquility. There are also regular boat services between each island and Comino. Itis verylaid-back pace,the ideal place to rest without thehype of tourist crowds. Enjoy the Sunset from the Ferry back to Malta Read our Malta related blog posts: In this article, Ill show you all the different types of transport and a little info on hiring a car and driving in Malta. 80+ Malta bus routes connect the most important destinations on the island including theMalta International Airport, the Valletta cruise liner terminal and theGozo ferry terminals at irkewwa and Valletta (from where you can catch a ferry to Maltas sister island of Gozo). For those of you who love mazes of charming alleys, Mdina has got you covered. If you dont want to visit the entire complex, you can also buy a ticket to see the Palace Armoury alone. Will the tourist attractions still be operating or do they start closing at that time (boat trips, beach bars etc). Aug 26, 2021 - Getting around Malta by public transport is a great way to travel. 25 mins). Convenient, right? How to Travel Around Malta and Gozo Without a Car Frequency is generally pretty good on major routes. A similar service is offered by nextbike, which offers both pedal cycles and e-bikes. Read more. To save time, I took a taxi. Like in the entire island, the sea at St. Peters natural pools has an amazing mix of azure and green colors, offering both a swimming bliss and a perfect snorkel opportunity. Day 3 - Day Trip to Gozo Island. A water taxi service is a fast and fun way of getting around, as it uses the traditional Maltese dghajsa boats in the Grand Harbour to provide transport between Sliema and Valletta, and between Valletta and each of the Three Cities. The same considerations mentioned apply when hiring a car when youre using your vehicle in Malta, however, you might want to take a note of the following companies that offer roadside assistance and breakdown services: A few tips for driving your own car in Malta: Check out another article with moretips, facts and FAQs on driving in Malta. I didnt get to visit beautiful places like the Three Cities and Comino Island, and missing out was definitely not fun. Going by bus or car requires driving along the whole coast; however the boat gets you to the other side in less than 10 min. And the views from the Grand Harbour from the Upper Barakka Gardens. Read reviews and browse its latest prices here. Catch the Bus to Xaghra to Visit Something Very Old 4. Each tour lets you take as much time as you wish at each stop, after which you simply hop on the next bus arriving on the route. Want to explore other Mediterranean islands without renting a car? There are regular buses to Valletta bus station where there are regular services covering the island (for the south and south east you can change in Paola, less than 10 minutes). How To Spend a Week in Malta 27 Travels Also known as The Silent City, it is a thing of beauty and an ideal spot to start your second day. Malta by Public Transport: How to Get Around Malta By Bus These palm-size layers of crispy pastry filled with either ricotta cheese (the best ones) or pea (funny taste) arecheap street food and a very tasty snack! If you prefer to base yourself in the capital Valletta (which is also suitable for this itinerary), check out highly-rated hotels like Ursulino Valletta and Palazzo Jean Parisot Boutique Suites. Malta in 3 Days: An Awesome Itinerary Without a Car Public Transport Malta has now also made available e-bikes which can be used to get around inside the city, called Tallinja Bike. Youll find a few of these buses providing tourist tours in places like Sliema and a few of them were exported to the UK as well. IMPORTANT UPDATE - FLIGHTS TO ITALY 15TH JULY 2023, FLIGHT CANCELLATION MALTA/CATANIA/MALTA 15TH JULY 2023, Change of Terminal Paris- Orly as of 1st June. Great! Get the best travel tips from Malta Uncovered delivered to you in bite-sized chunks by email. The beach itself is quieter, there are free boat rides to the coast nearby and I was delighted with the views around the bay. There are plenty of reasons to visit Malta, and Mdina is one of them. Choose a sunny day to visit the Blue Grotto and take your tour before noon to enjoy the best blue colors. Malta Luqa airportis well connected to several european countries, specially Italy, Spain and the U.K. Valletta or Mellieha are some interesting places to stay in the island. Image courtesy of Malta Weather Site Blog. Things to KNOW before you VISIT MALTA - YouTube With all the things to do and see in Valletta, its hard to believe that it is the EUs smallest capital city yet clear why its a UNESCO World Heritage Site. See How To Get Here And Roam The Islands Malta, a small archipelago nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, offers various modes of transportation on how to get around Malta. The alternative is to take bus 186 to the town of Bugibba and switch to bus 223. Being surrounded by the sea, you dont need to depend on just land-based transportation options. Itis now nicknamedSilent City and you immediately know why. Note that steep and often stepped streets of Valletta can be difficult to negotiate for travelers with restricted mobility, but key galleries and attractions such as the National War Museum at Fort St Elmo, and the National Museum of Archaeology offer ramps and wheelchair access. The crossing only takes around 10 min to anywhere in the Three Cities. A boat leaves every 15 minutes between 08:00-17:45 in winter and 07:30-18:15 in summer. Good to know #2:You can also swim in this area, so be sure to have your swimsuit with you. Besides, Im not going to say no to chocolate. Watch. Its hard not to have a marvelous time in this Mediterranean island nation. Connections to most European countries is a direct flight of a few hours from where you can also get direct connections to other continents. Travel these amazing routes of Europe for storied architecture, stunning coasts and some of the best eats in the world. There are higher tariffs for tourists. I really enjoyed reading this about Malta! Explore Plus Meep card at 39 7 days of unlimited bus travel + 2 ferry trips on the Valletta ferry + 1-day hop-on/hop-off bus tour OR a boat trip to Comino. A standard bus ticket costs 1.5 euros, 2 euros in summer and 3 euros for the night bus. Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Malta such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements. You can also take the Gozo Fast Ferry. Malta Public Transport has recently released an app for Smart Phones with features like Journey Planner, which maps out the most ideal route for you! There you have it, the most popular alternative modes of getting around the Islands! Here are three of the best ways to explore Malta without a car. The Maltese bus system has recently been improved and routes have been made more efficient to accommodate both locals and tourists alike. I actually had more time on this Mediterranean. Ignore the roundabout way Google Maps directs you and follow the signs instead. We provide information about Malta, Gozo and Comino - Malta guide, Attraction, Event, Museum, Beaches, Hotels, Apartments and Farmhouses. Find out how to get around by buses, ferries and other options. Have a look at EcoBikes Malta Buibba. The below are the ticket prices from 2016. Pin this post for later. All rights reserved. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). 3. All you need is to be 21+ years old and in possession of a valid driving licence and you can be on a bike in no time. I didnt get to visit beautiful places like the, (unfortunately, its rating dropped recently), If you have an extra full day or you want to make some changes to this itinerary, take a, If you have an extra half a day or you prefer doing something more relaxed, stay in. Probably one of the most visited landmarks in Valletta (and one of the top historical sites in Malta), the St. Johns Co-Cathedral is a Roman Catholic cathedral that was built in the 16th century by the Order of St. John. Your email address will not be published. This is what makes this island unique, I think. It became such a beloved landmark right from the start (about 60 years ago), so who am I to argue with three mermen holding up a giant plate? I know a taxi is a lot less budget-friendly, but its cheaper than car hire, and it can save you time and energy, especially when it comes to Maltas bus routes (read my travel tip post for more info on that). Seeing Malta in 3 days sounds like an impossible mission, I know. The city ofSliema is a great base for day trips in Malta, and I stayed at Slimiza Suites (unfortunately, its rating dropped recently). 1. Buy your ticket at the ticket office and wait in line. Getting Around The small size of the Maltese Islands makes getting around easy and hassle-free. Escape the worst of the cold this winter by heading to Europes southern reaches, where the wam sun shines year round. From the southern edge of Valletta's fortified peninsula, ferry services cross Grand Harbour to the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua). A second service runs from Marsamxett Harbour on the northern edge of Valletta to the commercial district of Sliema. Buy a Guidebook About Menu Buy a Guidebook About $0.00Cart Accommodation Accommodation in Malta Malta Airbnb Holiday Lets Where to Stay & Resorts Guide 25 Best Malta Hotels 10 Luxury 5-Star Hotels If youre only in Malta for 5 days Id spend one day in Gozo. Use Public Buses. Getting from Ghajn Tuffieha back to Sliema: Climbing back up, right next to the parking lot theres a bus stop called Riviera. From there you'll catch the ferry to Gozo (crossing time: approx. A regular ferry service links Malta to Gozo, taking about 20 minutes each way. Explore Cards cost 21 (US$22.30) and offer unlimited bus travel for seven days, while ExploreFlex is a rechargeable stored-value card offering discounted travel on buses and also harbor journeys with Valletta Ferry Services. Also known as Riviera Beach, I knew I wanted to visit this bay ever since I had laid my eyes on it on. During winter bookings are required as the boats do not cross regularly. March 29, 2020 Wondering about the best ways to get around Malta? They may be short, but you must wear decent shoes or sandals. One can also book a minicab by calling 77414177. Its schedule changes according to the season (this can be viewed on www.gozochannel.com), and the ferry sets off irkewwa in Malta and Marr in Gozo, and permits both foot passengers and those with cars. You can purchase your ticket in advance here. The price is only 0.93c and no booking is required.The water taxis in the Grand harbour offer a service between the capital Valletta and the historical and pittoresk towns of Senglea and Vittoriaosa (Birgu) using the traditional and colourful Maltese boats called dghajsa. Those routes will get you to/from the airport and the most popular locations around Malta at a modest fee. Day 6 - Explore the Three Cities: Vittoriosa (Birgu), Senglea, and Cospicua. The main bus terminus is located just outside ofMaltas capital city Valletta. 4 days in Malta without a car: itinerary & travel tips All Rights Reserved. Getting around in Malta is not a difficult task. Get more info on this topic here: How to catch the Gozo Ferry to get to Maltas sister island. Day 2: Visit Sliema City Apart from devouring the delicious gelato, you can enjoy a fantastic lookout point right next to it. The only type of public transport in Malta nowadays is a system of route buses. If youre here for a short holiday, or looking for a more relaxing means of sightseeing, the hop on hop off bus is probably the top choice for you! Yeaaaahh, how about no? Make sure you go toGhajn Tuffieha as well. Youll have to take a separate (smaller) ferry to get there. I know its the last thing youd expect from this post, but to me, hidden gems come in all shapes and forms. Located one next to another, these three beautiful buildings are worthy of at least a few minutes of your time. You can also read my full guide to the best areas to stay in Malta. Bus 81 goes from Marsaxlokk to Vallettas bus terminal. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a8ac217ff62c55e71797a9e455e32db3" );document.getElementById("c8ddf558ad").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. One Week Malta Itinerary. Ah and this stunning pool view! Its usually safe and hassle-free and the island is very well connected. These are well-located, with WiFi and with good-to-excellent reviews, cant go wrong! To know what to expect from this beautiful country, here are a few Malta travel tips you have to read before your trip. Cycling isnt the safest mode of transport, particularly on the busier main island of Malta, because there are no proper bicycle lanes on the roads. How to Explore Malta Without A Car - Imagination Waffle With a mix of European and Middle Eastern vibes and the abundance of colors of the traditional Maltese balconies, Valletta is one big maze of uniqueness. Strolling through the streets of a city is the best way to see it and discover its hidden treasures, especially when it comes to a city as enchanting as Valletta. Theres also the option of a 12-journey card for 15 (US$16), which can be used concurrently by couples or families. How to Get Around Malta - Dossier Blog You can enjoy little big things like seeing the stars at night or watching the sunsetswhile still swimming atthe beach. Day 1: Valletta Valletta must-sees Where to stay in Valletta Where to eat in Valletta Bonus: Detailed Valletta Guide Day 2: The Three Cities and Marsaxlokk Bonus: Marsaxlokk travel guide Day 3: Gozo Tours to Gozo from Valletta Bonus: Gozo travel guide Day 4: Mdina, Rabat & a bit more of Valletta Bonus: Mdina guide 4 days in Malta FAQ Malta has for years been famous for its colourful busses, many dating back to the 1950s and are sold as miniature statues in many souvenir shops. Go early to avoid the crowds though (as itll still be a highly popular destination). The pickup points are:Valletta - WaterfrontValetta - The FisheriesSenglea - Alice spring kioskVittoriosa (Birgu) - Marina EntrancePrice for two people is 10 and children travel for half price. Located on the islands southern coast, this complex of seven caves is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Malta, and taking a cave boat tour is a must-have experience. As a result, there werent nearly as many people as in other beaches in Malta. A few key points to consider when hiring a car in Malta: Motorcycle enthusiasts can share their two-wheeled love on the Maltese roads quite easily as a number of companies offer motorbike rentals. One of the advantages of the islands, is that most places are within walking distance. If youre feeling hungry, you can find countless restaurants along the promenade. While you can appreciate the modern architecture of the parliament building, you can only see the remains of the opera house.

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