All-inclusive car rental in Malta
You can rent a car in Malta on a fully all-inclusive basis - full insurance, zero excess, unlimited mileage and no booking fees in one price. Mild in winter and compact, Malta is easy to explore by car - but remember it drives on the left.
Malta is a sun-warmed, history-packed archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean, mild even in winter and small enough to criss-cross in a few days by car: the honey-stone capital Valletta, the silent city of Mdina, the Blue Grotto and the quieter island of Gozo across a short ferry.
An all-inclusive Cardamar rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation. One key point: Malta drives on the left, a legacy of British rule, so give yourself a junction or two to adjust - especially on the roundabouts.
Good to know before you drive in Malta
| Drives on | The LEFT (legacy of British rule) |
|---|---|
| Toll roads | None |
| Best season | Year-round - mild, sunny winters |
| Known for | Valletta, Mdina, the coast and Gozo |
| Roads | Compact and busy; some narrow and uneven |
Popular places to rent a car in Malta
Driving tips for Malta
- Malta drives on the left; take it gently at first, especially on roundabouts and when turning.
- Distances are short but traffic around Valletta and the harbour towns is busy - park in a garage and walk the historic centres.
- For Gozo, take the car ferry from Ċirkewwa; the island is quieter and a joy to drive.
Driving on the left
Malta’s left-hand driving is the main thing to get used to; the roundabouts in particular catch visitors out. Start on quieter roads, keep left, and you will settle in quickly. Roads are generally fine but some are narrow, uneven or busy around the harbour towns.
An all-inclusive Cardamar booking with zero excess is especially reassuring here - a kerbed wheel or a mirror scrape while you adjust to the left simply is not your problem.
A compact island to explore
Nowhere on Malta is far: Valletta, the Three Cities, the clifftop silent city of Mdina, the Blue Grotto and the sandy bays of the north are all within a short drive. With a car you can see a great deal in a single day and still be back for dinner by the harbour.
Park in a garage in Valletta and Mdina and explore on foot - the historic centres are tight and largely pedestrian.
Over to Gozo
A short car ferry from Ċirkewwa reaches Gozo, Malta’s greener, quieter sister island. With your own car you can tour the Citadel of Victoria, the salt pans and the rugged coast at your own pace - confirm with your supplier that taking the car across is permitted.
The all-inclusive price already includes full insurance and unlimited mileage, so a day on Gozo adds nothing to the cost beyond the ferry.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Malta can advertise very different prices. The gap is almost always insurance: an all-inclusive rate settles it up front, while a "basic" rate leaves you to buy excess cover at the desk. Here is what each really means.
| All-inclusive (Cardamar) | Basic rate + counter insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Damage & theft excess | €0 – fully covered | High excess (often €800–2,000) blocked on your card |
| When you insure | Before you travel, at a fixed price | At the desk, under time pressure, price varies |
| Tyres, glass & undercarriage | Included | Usually excluded or charged extra |
| Deposit / card hold | None or low at most stations | Large hold blocked for the whole trip |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation | Often non-refundable |
| What you pay in total | Known the moment you book | Can climb sharply at the counter |
A basic rate can look cheaper online, but once you add proper excess cover at the desk it usually costs more than an all-inclusive booking - with none of the certainty.
Malta car rental - FAQ
Does Malta drive on the left?
Yes - Malta drives on the left, a legacy of British rule, so roundabout and give-way priorities are mirrored from mainland Europe. It takes a junction or two to adjust; start on the quieter roads.
Is Malta a good winter destination?
Yes - it stays mild and sunny through the European winter, and being compact it is easy to tour by car in a few days, from Valletta and Mdina to the coast and Gozo.
Can I take the rental car to Gozo?
Usually yes, via the car ferry from Ċirkewwa - check your rental terms. Gozo is quieter and smaller, and a car makes exploring its villages and bays easy.