Malta - Car Hire

[lankeela]

Any suggestions - go with one of the big hire companies, or get one locally? Also do I need any special paperwork?

[lankeela]

Any contact details? I tried googling but there are so many Spiteris in Malta! I have found Budget cheap, pick up from airport, £114 for a week all in. Does this sound reasonable? Also, any tips for driving in Malta, i.e. speed limits, parking etc.

[BenDToy]

Price sounds reasonable - if it includes full CDW. Watch for out of hours charges and airport surcharge. You will pay for about half a tank of fuel and return it empty. This is pretty standard there now.
I have used two this year - Atlas and cartrawler. Both were fine although the Atlas car was a bit rubbish and very cheap. Best to avoid the big companies - the cars are too nice. Roads are terrible, and the Maltese are lousy drivers. Stay out of their way and don't get involved. Just let them carry on!. Speeds - clearly marked but you won't be able to exceed them by much anyway. One or two cameras (especially at the tunnel exits) but you will see them - the locals all brake dramatically as they approach them.
Parking - in towns only park in white marked bays. Stay away from junctions - I got a ticket for parking within 5m of one. Car parks are pretty cheap and fairly plentiful. They drive on the left and it's not that different from here. Easy to get lost and then just drive around 'til you see a sign. Worked fine for me!! You will end up on some narrow tracks, but that is part of the fun.
Other tips - visit Mdina, late afternnon or early evening. We have been to Malta many times over the years, and only recently took the trouble to visit Mdina. Wish we had gone years ago. Also Marascala and Marsaxlok on the south coast are worth a trip. And go to Gozo on the ferry - just turn up, no ned to book. Enjoy.

[lankeela]

We went last year but went everywhere by bus. We have booked with Budget, collecting from the airport (but not when we arrive, we are getting it for a few days mid holiday). Before last eyar, I went there back in 1981 and stayed at Mistra Village, and we went to Mdina, in a hire car, it was all rubble roads and we had a job driving anywhere. We did do Gozo last year on foot, and might take the car over, but depends on the weather. We are staying right down at the bottom of the island at Pretty Bay, so looking forward to exploring further north. Be on our way this time tomorrow! Yeeeaaaahh