Looking for a challenging driving holiday destination this summer? The Mediterranean island-state of Malta could be it. Malta is famous for its sandy beaches and very warm summer weather. It boasts nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among which are a number of truly impressive Megalithic temples. For the holiday maker the country offers a great deal.
But how to get there? The most direct route is to take the ferry to France, then drive south east through Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, then by ferry to Sicily, and once more by ferry to Malta.
Driving skills in Malta may compare unfavourably to those in the UK, with a lack of indicating being a commonly-cited gripe. In Malta, like the UK, you must drive on the left. But don’t be fooled, cars could appear all over the road, dodging potholes or generally driving out of lane.
Roundabouts can be a little hairy too. On approach, give way to the right, but expect Maltese drivers to shoot in front of you when you’re on the roundabout.
Road quality has improved a great deal in recent years, thanks in part to EU funding. That said, there are still some patchy stretches, notably the Birkirkara by-pass, along with the road north to the Gozo ferry.
The speed limit on open roads is 80kmh, and 50kmh in urban areas. This may seem low, but you won’t be able to get much faster anyway, given the congestions and the quality of some roads.
All in all, while challenging, Malta offers an exceptional driving holiday destination. Make sure you organise your short term European cover from startrescue.co.uk before you set off.