Considering whether to hire (rent) a car, or just get around Malta by taxi. Traveling with two children I can see the benefits of both. Suggestions, personal experiences appreciated.

hi there, <BR> <BR>both, taxi and car hire are real expensive on Malta. Driving by yourself is shure more individual, for You may get to places where You cant call a taxi too easy get You back (beaches in the west). But the streets are worst and they drive a very italic style, but on the left side – if You never done this it would be a rough experience. <BR>We made it nearly all the way by bus, for this is very cheap and relaxing. And buses go everywhere. Or take the little ferry to Valetta for ex, shure is fun for the kids. <BR>have fun <BR>Gar

I don't know what your situation is but we were there from noon until 6:00 on a cruise ship into Valleta. We hired a taxi for five hours for the four of us for $80 incl tip. He took us to Golden Beach for a couple of hours then on to the glass blowing factory and finally to the craft mart. He would have taken us to the old city if we would have had time (or the interest). The ships excursions were much more expensive. Its true that the buses are inexpensive, but they are very old, not air-conditioned and take much longer to get to the good beaches.

We used the buses exclusively for our two week stay in Malta, and pretty much got to see what we wanted. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't rent a car, even under threat of death. Road signs are suggestions, not fact, and the drivers graduated from the WillyNilly Driving School. <BR> <BR>If you are there for just a day or two, the taxi hire is the best idea; if longer, plan on the buses for most of your transportation, and an occasional taxi to get you someplace not on the bus routes.

We used the buses for 10 days. They go everywhere and cost about 30 cents. However, we didn't have children with us and if your children are very young, maybe that's not practical. SOME of the buses are old, not all, and they were perfectly acceptable when the weather was in the 70s -- maybe they're too hot if you're there in the summer. But they were very interesting, each one personalized by the driver with religious and sports (?soccer?) memorabilia, and very much part of the average Maltese experience. <BR>I agree totally with Elvira about the drivers: you have to be very careful crossing streets (my husband was hit by a low-flying car while crossing the street in a crosswalk in Sliema)because we look in the wrong direction by habit. Even the taxi ride to the hospital was quite an experience. Nevertheless, we loved Malta and would go again. My best advice is don't drive.

If you do chose to hire, be very careful - the Maltese tend to ignore every rule of the road, making for some hairy situations. Their best trick is always driving in the shade! <BR> <BR>Taxis are more expensive than in the USA, but cheaper than London, and are often a really good way of getting some local knowledge. Do also try the buses - they are cheap and reliable, and very picturesque. Have a great trip - I'll be there myself in September for some scuba diving, which is also worth trying - great visibility, English-speaking instructors and lots to see.

I would like to start by thanking all you people taking some time to tell us Maltese people what you think about our very tiny island. Thanks once again ...... much appreciated. <BR><BR>I do like to comment about some points, especially regarding the transport in Malta. It’s really a small island, but really with lot to see. Some tourists tend to stick to Sliema, Valletta, Mdina and St. Julians. How about the other villages: the typical fishing village of Marsaxlokk, the beautiful 3 cities who really have an important role in the Maltese history. What about Qormi, the village with 2 bakeries in every street? <BR><BR>Maltese restaurants?????....Yes we do have Maltese restaurants serving the famous traditional dishes, such as lampuki(fish found mostly in the Maltese seas) gozo cheese (made of goat milk and covered with black pepper) and the rabbit (fried or in sauce) Yes the food is still here, its just that tourists expect to find it in tourist areas. Sorry my friends, but its the locals that have to show you where these places are. <BR><BR>I had a lot of customers who been to Malta and always hired a car. They never managed to find these places (even for us locals sometimes is a problem to find.... such as Bahrija, a small village with about 300 residents and 5/6 restaurants serving only local food and wine) so they never could tell what Malta had to offer. When we chauffeured them around, they kept coming back again and again. <BR><BR>I hope that these few comments help you make a better holiday the next time you visit us........ And if you want to be chauffeured around but are afraid of Maltese driving, please let us know. We'd love to help make your holiday an unforgettable one. Email us should you require more info on [email protected].<BR>