Driving map
The Princess Garage driving map of Malta
How long the drive takes from our desk in St Julian’s, and where to leave the car when you get there, from a family firm that has hired cars in Malta since 1945.
Swipe to move around the map. Every time and car park is also listed below.
From our desk in St Julian’s
| To | By car |
|---|---|
| Valletta | about 15 min |
| St Paul’s Bay | about 20 min |
| Mdina | 25 to 30 min |
| Marsaxlokk | 30 to 35 min |
| Ċirkewwa ferry | 35 to 40 min |
Real driving time on Maltese roads, not motorway speed. The morning school run and July and August beach traffic add to it. From Malta Airport it is roughly half an hour to most of the main resort areas.
Before you drive
- Malta drives on the left. At a roundabout, look right and give way to traffic already on it.
- Limits are 50 km/h in towns and up to 80 km/h on open roads, lower where signed.
- Keep your licence, ID or passport and the rental papers in the car.
- For Gozo, drive straight onto the ferry at Ċirkewwa; you pay only on the way back.
- Summer beach car parks fill by mid-morning: start early.
More in driving on the left in Malta.
Three days out, stop by stop
The north and the beaches
- St Julian’s to St Paul’s Bayabout 20 min
- St Paul’s Bay to Golden Bayabout 15 min
- Golden Bay to Mellieħaabout 15 min
- Mellieħa to Popeye Villageabout 10 min
A day on Gozo
- St Julian’s to Ċirkewwa35 to 40 min
- Ċirkewwa to Mġarr (ferry)about 25 min
- Mġarr to Victoriaabout 15 min
- Victoria to Ġgantija, Xagħraabout 10 min
- Ġgantija, Xagħra to Dwejraabout 20 min
- Victoria to Ramla Bay15 to 20 min
Mdina and the south
- St Julian’s to Mdina25 to 30 min
- Mdina to Blue Grotto or Dingli15 to 20 min
- Blue Grotto or Dingli to Marsaxlokk20 to 25 min
- Marsaxlokk to St Julian’s30 to 35 min
The full route, with what to see at each stop: a 3-day Malta road trip. Taking the car across: Gozo car hire.
Where to park
- Valletta
- The CVA charge applies Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 14:00; outside those hours entry is free. Or park outside the walls: Floriana Park & Ride, or the MCP car park in Floriana, about three minutes’ walk to City Gate. The CVA guide.
- St Julian’s and Sliema
- The yellow lines, kerb signs and the car parks at either end of the front. Parking in St Julian’s and Sliema.
- Mdina
- No cars inside the walls. Park at Howard Gardens, just outside the main gate, and walk in.
- St Paul’s Bay
- Along the promenade or the side streets off Church Street. Bring coins for the metered spots on the Buġibba promenade.
- Golden Bay
- The car park at the top of the bay is tight by 10am in July and August; in peak season it is run for a few euro.
- Mellieħa, Għadira Bay
- A council car park right behind the beach.
- Popeye Village
- A paid car park at the entrance.
- Blue Grotto and Dingli
- A car park at the Blue Grotto viewpoint; roadside parking along the Dingli cliff road.
- Marsaxlokk
- The Sunday market fills the seafront; a street or two back usually has space.
- Victoria, Gozo
- Savina Square car park below the old town, then walk up to the Citadel.
- Ġgantija, Gozo
- A car park at the visitor centre.
- Ramla Bay, Gozo
- The car park behind the beach fills early in summer: go there first.
Start from the desk
Collect your car at 70 Sharay, Fraxxnu Street, St Julian's, or meet it at the airport. A person replies to every request within the hour between 09:00 and 17:00.