Guidebook
Getting around Malta from Floriana
A short guide from Audrey and Melvin. Opening times, routes and timetables change, so please check before you go.
On foot
Most of what you need is close
Valletta’s City Gate is about five minutes from the front door, and Floriana has its own gardens, cafés and shops.
Walk through the Mall Gardens in front of the house and you reach the gate, then Republic Street runs the length of the capital. The streets are hilly in places, with plenty of steps, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Valletta’s City Gate5 min walk
- Main bus terminusAbout 5 min
- Ferries to Sliema and the Three CitiesAbout 15 min
Buses, ferries and taxis
Going further
Buses
Malta’s public buses run from the main terminus by Valletta’s City Gate, a few minutes from the house. Routes, timetables and live bus tracking are on the Malta Public Transport website (opens in a new tab) and in the tallinja app, which also has a journey planner. A tallinja card is the easy way to pay.
Ferries
Ferries cross the Grand Harbour between Valletta and the Three Cities, and Marsamxett Harbour between Valletta and Sliema. The Valletta Ferry Services site (opens in a new tab) has the current timetable. The ferry to Gozo is a separate service, and you can also cross from the Ċirkewwa terminal in the north.
From the airport
The public bus X4 runs from the airport arrivals area to the Valletta bus terminus, and the journey takes roughly half an hour. A taxi takes about twenty minutes at fixed rates, and booking in advance online is a good idea. Since check-in is by keypad, you can come straight to the house.
By car
You will not need a car for Valletta and Floriana. If you do hire one for the island, there is free street parking in front of the house, though some nearby zones are time-limited during office hours, so check the signs.
Day trips
Easy days out from Floriana
Malta is small, and most of these are an hour or less away by bus or boat.
The Three Cities
Birgu, Senglea and Cospicua sit across the Grand Harbour, with narrow streets and fortifications. Take the ferry from Valletta.
Mdina
The old walled capital in the centre of the island, quiet and atmospheric, especially in the evening.
Marsaxlokk
A fishing village of colourful boats, with seafood restaurants on the front. The Sunday market is the busiest day.
Gozo and Comino
A longer day out by ferry or boat, with the Blue Lagoon at Comino and Gozo’s citadel, cliffs and countryside.
The south coast
The Blue Grotto and the Ħaġar Qim temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site, make a good half-day with a car or tour.
Sliema and St Julian’s
Promenades, shops and swimming spots on the rocks, reached by ferry or bus.
Local tips
Small things that help
Ask us anything during your stay. We are happy to suggest a restaurant, a quieter beach or a route for the day.
- Sun and water: summers are hot, so carry water, a hat and sun cream, and plan sightseeing for the morning or late afternoon.
- Churches: cover your shoulders and knees when visiting churches.
- Plugs: Malta uses 3-pin sockets, so bring an adapter.
- Water: we leave welcome water for you, and it is worth carrying a bottle when sightseeing.
- Opening times: small shops and some restaurants close on Sundays or Mondays, so check ahead.
- Walking: Valletta has many steps and hills. Take your time.
Where next?
- Places to eatFloriana favourites, Valletta restaurants and Maltese dishes.
- Places to visitGardens, churches, museums and views.
Sources used for this guide include Malta Public Transport (opens in a new tab), Visit Malta (opens in a new tab) and PlanetWare (opens in a new tab).