Malta Travel Forum

Myself, my wife and two year old toddler are travelling to Malta for the first time for 5 days in early August. We are independant travellers who do not like the "resort" scene. We are interested in seeing the historical sights and absorbing some village culture. Some of the things we are considering are
1. hiring a car
2. staying in a smaller village outside the City
3. staying in the city for one or two nights
4. not prebooking any accommodation.

Any advice is appreciated. Thankyou in advance.

There aren't cities in Malta. Valletta the capital is a small town.

You can find lots of hotels in Sliema or St. Julian area.

About renting a car I don't know. I don't think it necessary. The bus service on the island is efficent. In fact you can go almost everywhere by bus; moreover tickets are cheap.

The bus service in Malta is indeed brilliant. And there are no cities.

I don't think you need a car, personally, but you could always decide that once you are there. Malta is a fairly small island.

What you really do need to do, imo, as you are travelling not only in the high season but with a child, is book your accommodation beforehand. Malta is an extremely popular holiday destination, and August is school holidays in many European countries.

Just thought I should mention that they drive on the left side of the road in Malta (like the UK, Australia, Japan...) Also, for some reason, it is impossible to get GPS maps for Malta, yet. I don't know why.

As an American, I find driving on the left a little stressful at first, but doable, but add a manual shift and yikes!

Yes, buses go everywhere...so that is definitely an option. But in August, waiting in the heat for a bus with a two year old is not my idea of a good time. During the day it is really hot here! 32-34 C (or high 90's in Fahrenheit.) And humid. (Am in Malta at present.)

Finally, two towns on the coast you might investigate as places to stay, as an alternative to Valetta, St. Julian's, Sliema, etc. are Marsascala and Marsaxlokk (pronounced Marsashlock). I've stayed in both and enjoyed them, though neither has a beach, there are beaches not too far away. A very inexpensive place to stay in Marsaxlokk is the Duncan Guest House. They have a very nice triple room (room 8, I think) with one double and one single bed, a small mini-kitchen, refrigerator, air-conditioning, etc. I stayed in that room and thought it was very nice. And a great bargain.

http://www.duncanmalta.com/

When you come, ask about any local village festas. And, be sure to book now for a visit to the Hypogeum...it is absolutely fascinating, but you need to book weeks in advance.

Cristina

As a local we consider Valletta as a city besides the other 3 cities of historical importance being Vittoriosa,Senglea and cospicua.

As already mentioned bus transport is cheap & reliable but can be stuffy in the bus and also busy especially on routes to beaches to the north of the island or to sliema/St Julians area and have to stand up most of the journey of about 20mins. All Buses depart from Valletta terminus so if you are considering 2 Day accomodation Valletta will be a good choice to stay as it is a gem of historical places to visit and also have the bus terminus available to visit any part of the island with the advantage to have a seat on the bus!

If you like to stay in a town besides the options already mentioned why not rent a farmhouse in a village in gozo (sister island of Malta 10mins by ferry)which is a more traditional and laid back place.
Car hire is ok but parking in sliema or valletta can be a problem if you do not park in parking garages (we maltese try to avoid these!)

Its better to book beforehand as August is one of the busiest months for tourists and also maltese who also take their holidays in this month.
Enjoy...

I agree with the previuos reply. Driving the other side was no problem for a shy lady like myself and the freedom a car gives is unvaluable. A 2 years old needs a lot of bags, I know.
Staying in Gozo is really better. It is easy to go to Malta for a day and be back in the evening, fery does not cost that much. You can do Valetta and 3 cities with everything in one day and Mdina and Blue grotto another. Beaches are nicer in Gozo.
Have a good holiday!

Thankyou for all the advice. Is there any further advice about accommodation in Valletta? We are not on a budget, but prefer to stay away from the bigger hotels - ideally we like to stay self-contained style accommodation with a local flair.