Malta may be small in size, but it packs a punch when it comes to natural beauty, historic sites, and rugged charm. While the public transport system is decent for getting between major towns, the island’s true magic often lies beyond the bus routes. Renting a car in Malta unlocks the full potential of your trip, especially if you’re curious to explore its quieter corners.

Here are five solid reasons to rent a car in Malta, complete with real places that make it 100% worth it.

1. Discover Remote Beaches and Secret Swimming Spots

Public buses rarely go near Malta’s lesser-known bays, but a car gives you easy access to these secluded coastal escapes:

• Għajn Tuffieħa Bay – Quieter and more scenic than Golden Bay, this peaceful beach is surrounded by cliffs and walking trails.

• Fomm ir-Riħ – A rugged pebble beach tucked between cliffs on the west coast. It’s a steep 15-minute walk down, but few tourists make the trip.

• Imgiebaħ Bay – Located in the north near Selmun Palace, this small, hidden cove feels like your own private slice of the Mediterranean.

2. Explore the Countryside and Authentic Villages

Malta's charm isn’t just in the coastlines, its inland villages are filled with character, traditional architecture, and local life. Driving lets you visit places like:

• Dingli – Perched on the highest point of the island, this peaceful village is perfect for countryside walks and views over the sea.

• Bidnija – One of Malta’s smallest villages, surrounded by olive groves and farmland. You’ll get a glimpse of rural life here.

• Żebbuġ (Gozo) – In Gozo, this hilltop village has beautiful churches, narrow streets, and panoramic views—without the tourist crowds.

3. Access Cliffside Views and Natural Landmarks

Some of Malta’s most breathtaking landscapes can’t be reached without a car. Highlights include:

• Wied iż-Żurrieq & the Blue Grotto Viewpoint – Tourists often take boats to the grotto, but few venture to the upper cliff viewpoint with sweeping views across the sea.

• Dingli Cliffs at Sunset – Dramatic, wild, and surprisingly empty. A car allows you to time your visit perfectly for golden hour.

• Wied il-Għasri (Gozo) – A narrow inlet flanked by towering cliffs, ideal for a quiet swim or photoshoot.

. Freedom to Explore Gozo on Your Own Time

Gozo, Malta’s greener and more laid-back sister island, is full of beautiful countryside, beaches, and temples. Having a car here is especially useful. With it, you can explore:

• Ta’ Ċenċ Cliffs – A wild, wind-swept plateau with views over the sea and no one around.

• San Blas Bay – A stunning red-sand beach down a steep hill. It’s a tough walk, but you can drive most of the way there.

• Tal-Mixta Cave – A hidden cave above Ramla Bay with one of the best views in Malta. Accessing it requires a bit of a drive down rural roads—definitely easier with a car.

5. Maximize Your Time and Comfort

Public buses in Malta can be slow, especially in summer. Renting a car not only gives you air-conditioned comfort but saves valuable hours. You’ll spend less time waiting and more time discovering places most visitors miss. Plus, you can build your own schedule, lingering where you love, skipping what you don’t, and even pulling over for spontaneous photo ops or a roadside snack.

While tours and buses cover the basics, renting a car in Malta takes your trip to the next level. From remote beaches and cliffside views to sleepy villages and secret caves, having your own car transforms the island into a personal playground of exploration.