All-inclusive car rental in Valletta
Valletta, Malta’s fortified capital, is largely pedestrian, so you park outside and explore on foot - then use the car for the rest of the island: Mdina, the Three Cities and the coast. An all-inclusive rental gives full insurance with zero excess. Remember, Malta drives on the left.
Valletta is a jewel of a capital - a honey-stone fortress city of baroque palaces and harbour views, compact and largely pedestrian. A car is best kept for the rest of Malta: the silent city of Mdina, the Three Cities across the harbour, the Blue Grotto and the northern bays.
A Cardamar all-inclusive rental includes comprehensive zero-excess cover, unlimited mileage and free cancellation, with pick-up near the city and at Malta Airport (MLA). One key point: Malta drives on the left.
Good to know before you drive in Valletta
| Pick-up | Valletta area or Malta Airport (MLA) |
|---|---|
| Drives on | The LEFT (legacy of British rule) |
| Best day trips | Mdina, the Three Cities, Blue Grotto, Gozo |
| Good to know | Park outside the pedestrian centre; busy roads |
Exploring Malta from Valletta
Valletta itself is walkable, so park in a garage at the entrance (Floriana) and explore on foot. For the island, drive to the clifftop old capital of Mdina, around the Grand Harbour to the Three Cities, south to the Blue Grotto, or north to the sandy bays and the Gozo ferry.
Roads near the harbour are busy and some are narrow; the included zero-excess cover is reassuring while you adjust to driving on the left.
Driving on the left
Malta drives on the left, a legacy of British rule, so give-way and roundabout priorities are mirrored - take it gently at first. Distances are short, so you can see a great deal in a day and be back for dinner by the harbour.
Bring your driving licence, passport or ID and the lead driver’s card; an all-inclusive Cardamar booking avoids a deposit at most pick-up points.
All-inclusive vs. a cheap basic rate plus counter insurance
Two cars on the same lot in Valletta 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.
Valletta car rental - FAQ
Can I drive into Valletta?
The centre is largely pedestrian, so park at the entrance (Floriana) or in a harbour garage and walk in. Use the car for the rest of the island.
Does Malta drive on the left?
Yes - a legacy of British rule, so roundabouts and give-way are mirrored from mainland Europe. Start on quieter roads and you will adjust quickly.
Is the insurance excess really zero?
Yes. An all-inclusive Cardamar booking includes comprehensive cover with no excess - reassuring while you get used to driving on the left.