Malta: Self-Drive Electric Car Tour of Three Cities & Birgu

Summary

Drive Malta’s Three Cities in a talking car past forts & film sets

You’ll wind through Malta’s Three Cities in your own self-drive electric car, guided by an audio system in your language of choice. Expect fortress views in Birgu, local faces along quiet streets, and even some unexpected movie history as you go. It’s relaxed, funny at times, and gives you space to just be there — windows down, sun on your face.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sunlight bounced off those old limestone walls as we rolled into Birgu — honestly, it felt like driving through a movie set. Our little electric car (which actually talks, I swear) hummed quietly while the GPS voice started telling us stories about the Knights of St. John. I tried switching it to French for a minute just to see if my partner could follow along — she couldn’t, but we both cracked up at the accent.

We zipped around narrow corners where locals sat outside their doors, just watching us go by with that Maltese half-smile. At one point, we stopped near the Malta at War Museum — you could almost smell the sea mixed with engine oil from an old fishing boat nearby. The guide in our car pointed out where “The Gladiator” was filmed, which I didn’t expect at all. There’s something weirdly fun about being told movie trivia by your own dashboard.

Driving through Kalkara and Smart City felt different — more modern glass against all that history, but still somehow cozy. Bottled water was waiting in the cupholder (thankfully; it gets warm fast). We saw this massive cannon that looked like it belonged on a pirate ship. I tried to pronounce some street names; my attempt at “Vittoriosa” got a laugh from a guy selling pastizzi on the corner.

I still think about that feeling of freedom — windows down, salty air, not worrying about keeping up with a group or missing something because our “guide” was literally inside the car with us. It’s not every day you get to explore Malta’s Three Cities with your own pace and playlist (well, sort of). The whole thing felt easy and oddly personal… can’t really explain why.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Self-drive electric car tour in Malta

• Visit Malta at War Museum
• Drive talking car tour
• Explore Birgu (Vittoriosa) fort
• See the biggest canon
• Visit largest fort and film studios
• Discover medieval village

Top questions

Is this Malta self-drive electric car tour suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome; infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller and specialized infant seats are available.

How long is the self-drive electric car tour in Malta?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and covers around 18km.

Do I need a driver’s license for this tour?

Yes, drivers must have a valid license and be between 21 and 75 years old.

Is the route wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

What languages does the talking car guide support?

The audio guide is available in English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, Russian or Mandarin.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with back problems.

Does the tour include bottled water?

Yes, bottled water is included during your drive.

Can groups of friends book together?

You can book for up to four adults per car; minimum two people per booking required.

What’s included

Your day includes a 2.5 hour self-drive electric car tour covering Malta’s Three Cities plus Kalkara and Smart City, bottled water waiting for you in the vehicle, an audio guide available in multiple languages right from your dashboard so you never miss a story or direction — all while enjoying full accessibility options for strollers and wheelchairs if needed.