Staying in the north? Compare cars for Mellieħa — the beaches and the Gozo ferry are a short drive away.
Local tips
Practical pointers from the CarsMT team in Malta, so there are no surprises at the rental desk.
There are only a few rental offices in Mellieħa itself, so most visitors pick up at Malta Airport and drive north — 45 minutes to an hour, longer in rush-hour traffic. Some companies deliver to hotels in the area; the delivery terms are shown when you compare.
The beaches in the north get very busy on summer weekends and public holidays, and parking close to the sand fills up by late morning. Arrive early, and don't leave valuables on show in the car.
Mellieħa is the best base for Malta's north. Paradise Bay, Armier, Golden Bay and Popeye Village at Anchor Bay are all a short drive away, and the Gozo ferry at Ċirkewwa is about ten minutes up the road.
In pictures
Questions
Yes. A few rental companies are based in or deliver to Mellieħa — search with Mellieħa as your pick-up point to compare them. If you're landing at the airport and staying in the north, picking up at Malta Airport usually gives you the widest choice.
About 45 minutes to an hour by car, depending on traffic — the route runs the length of the island, through the busy central towns. Allow extra time if you're returning the car before a flight.
Buses run to Mellieħa and Ċirkewwa, but the north's beaches and viewpoints are spread out and a car lets you combine several in a day. It's also the easiest way to catch an early Gozo ferry.
There's parking along the bay road and nearby, but it fills up quickly on summer weekends. Arrive in the morning, check the signs and bay colours before you leave the car, and never park on yellow lines.
Yes — the ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa is at Malta's northern tip, about ten minutes' drive from Mellieħa Bay. Check whether your rental company allows the car on Gozo before you go; if it doesn't, cross as a foot passenger and rent a car on Gozo.
Updated October 2026 by the CarsMT team in Malta. About us
Other pick-up points
Read our full guide to renting a car in Malta — documents, insurance, parking and taking the car to Gozo.
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