Car hire in Malta and Gozo

The contrasting Mediterranean islands of Malta and Gozo each have unique charms making them year-round holiday destinations. From the Maltese capital of Valletta to the quiet villages of Gozo, these compact islands provide the perfect excuse to hire a car and start exploring.

Discover magical Malta

With its strategic importance throughout history lying between between southern Europe and North Africa, the island of Malta has played host to civilisations ancient and modern over 7000 years. From the Romans, Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Greeks to the Arab world, the Normans, Aragonese and in modern times, the French and British, all have left their mark on Malta’s architecture, culture and food. The result is a feast for history lovers or anyone wanting to just step back in time. With your hire car, you'll discover the past at every corner on a drive around its walled cities and historic ports. Combine this rich living history with the fast pace of  bustling cities like Valetta and Mdina with their vibrant culinary scene and it’s no wonder Malta bewitches all who visit. The interior is easily explored by car - in springtime drive over green hills carpeted with wildflowers and in summer, park cliffside and walk down to spend the day relaxing in one of the island's beautiful bays where idyllic sandy beaches are lapped by sparkling clear blue waters.

Take back time in Gozo

Just 22km northwest, and a third of the size of Malta, Gozo is quieter and more laid back. For many, it's the place to go to escape the buzz of its larger neighbour. With a population of just 34,000 and an economy still based around agriculture, Gozo offers a different vibe and is perfect for those seeking to travel at a slower pace. A drive around Gozo offers the joy of empty roads and breathing space at some of the island’s most significant attractions, from the Megalithic Temples of Malta, amongst the world’s oldest free-standing structures, to the Salt plains of Qbajjar. With its lush countryside and enchanting fishing villages, Gozo boasts an elusive authenticity and is the perfect place for a retreat from everyday life.

You’ll find our friendly Avis team on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip at several locations on Malta and its sister island of Gozo. As well as picking up your rental car from Avis at Malta airport, you can hire from resorts and hotels on Malta’s north east coast as well as the ferry port at Gozo.

Hiring a car is a popular and easy way to explore the islands of Malta and Gozo. If you have not driven in this part of the world before, we’d advise familiarising yourself with the road rules for driving in Malta before you travel.

Be aware that unlike on mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the left-hand side of the road on the islands. Some rural roads and streets in the capital can be narrow and while the rush hour may not be like it is back home, as with any popular holiday destination, parking can be in demand at peak times.

Spending time in Malta’s capital city of Valletta tops the list of things to do in Malta. The city is a UNESCO world heritage site. Marvel at its remarkable history as well as explore its narrow streets, shops and cafes and take in its breathtaking harbour.

If you can tear yourself away from one of its stunning blue flag beaches, you can get a glimpse of marine life at Malta’s National Aquarium.

Fans of Game of Thrones need no introduction to the island’s film locations so why not plan a driving tour from Valletta to Mdina and the Majjistral National Park.

Things run at a relaxed pace on Gozo but if you want more than just spending time surfing and sunbathing, there is plenty to do from exploring the wine region, to caving, scuba diving and sight-seeing.

Among the most iconic destinations on this beautiful island is the citadel at Victoria while the ancient salt pans on the north of Gozo where the ‘white gold’ is harvested, are not to be missed.