Discover the sun-kissed charm of Malta, one step (and one swim) at a time.
I didn't expect Malta to get under my skin. It was supposed to be a simple getaway — warm weather, good seafood, maybe a few cathedrals. But by day two, I was already thinking about when I'd come back.
If you’ve got seven days and an open mind, Malta will give you golden cliffs, turquoise water, centuries of history, and food that makes you want to eat lunch twice. And with a little help from car rental Malta services like addCar, getting around is surprisingly simple — no group tours, no rigid itineraries, just freedom to follow the coast or pull over for pastizzi.
Let’s dive in.
After landing, head straight to your hotel in Valletta or St. Julian’s — two areas with completely different personalities. St. Julian’s has energy and nightlife, while Valletta offers quiet charm, cobbled streets, and that “am I in a movie?” kind of atmosphere.
Start with a walk. Valletta is tiny, walkable, and packed with views. Sip a coffee under the sun, peek into St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and don’t miss the Upper Barrakka Gardens at golden hour — the view over the Grand Harbour is worth the flight alone.
Pro tip: Save the car rental for tomorrow. Today’s about exploring on foot, not squeezing through 17th-century alleyways in a rental.
Time to pick up your car — we booked ours through addCar, and the whole process was painless. Within minutes, we were out of the city and heading west toward Mdina, Malta’s old capital.
Nicknamed the Silent City, Mdina is pure magic: narrow stone alleys, soft golden walls, and the occasional horse-drawn carriage echoing off the ancient facades. Stop at Fontanella Tea Garden for cake and a panoramic view of the island.
Right outside Mdina is Rabat, where locals grab pastizzi from Crystal Palace and visit the catacombs of St. Paul. It’s less polished than Mdina — but that’s what makes it feel real.
By afternoon, you’ll understand why renting a car in Malta is a game-changer. No bus timetables, no limits. Just drive, explore, and park where your curiosity pulls you.
Pack your towel and sunscreen — Comino’s Blue Lagoon is waiting.
Most tours leave from Cirkewwa or Sliema and take you out to the island of Comino, home to water so clear it feels photoshopped. It’s a bit touristy, sure, but floating in that neon-blue water with a pineapple cocktail in hand? Worth every cliché.
Don’t just stay in the crowded parts. We wandered over rocks and found quiet coves with no one else around. A little scratchy on the butt, but hey — peace comes at a price.
After all the swimming, it’s time to slow down.
Sliema’s rocky coastline might not look like your usual beach, but locals love its natural pools and flat sunbathing slabs. We spent the day hopping in and out of the water, snacking on fruit, and reading under the sun.
Want a bit more comfort? Head to a beach club for lunch and a sunbed. Or grab an Aperol spritz and sit on the promenade. No rush. No schedule. Just vibes.
Take the Valletta ferry to Birgu (Vittoriosa) and explore Malta’s lesser-known side. These ancient harbor towns are steeped in stories and stunning architecture, but without the tourist traffic.
Birgu is my favorite — marina views, old forts, and lunch at Terrone overlooking the water. It’s the kind of place where you can spend an hour on one street and still feel like you haven’t seen enough.
Your car rental will shine again today. Drive north to Ghajn Tuffieha Bay — a wilder, quieter beach nestled between cliffs. It’s a bit of a walk down, but the views and calm water are worth it.
Hike the coastal trail over to Golden Bay, then settle in with a cold drink and watch the sky go full technicolor as the sun dips below the horizon.
If you had any stress left by now, this sunset will take care of it.
Last day. Don’t overdo it.
Sleep in, have breakfast at Lot Sixty One or Mint Café, then treat yourself to a few hours at Carisma Spa in St. Julian’s. If you’re feeling brave, take one last dip at Exiles Beach or the Tigné Point pools — both within reach before your flight.
Then return your car rental in Malta, head to the airport, and promise yourself you’ll come back.
Malta doesn’t try to overwhelm you. It invites you in — slowly, warmly, effortlessly. You won’t need a packed itinerary or a rigid schedule here. Just good walking shoes, a car from addCar, and a curious spirit.
And when someone asks, “How was Malta?”, you’ll smile because it’s the kind of place that lingers — like sun on your skin long after you’ve landed home.
