Cycling in Malta.. Good or too risky?

[BeirutTaxi]

Hi everyone,

Would be super greatful for any advice on cycling in Malta, more specifically whether it's too dangerous/risky?

I'm thinking of heading out there for a week next spring. I can fly out my mountain bike or road bike.

Does anyone have an experience of Malta?

[Wacky Racer]

Used to own a villa in Mellieha and have been holidaying there for over thirty and know Malta extremely well. (obviously).

There won't be any problem, cars drive on the same side as the UK, the quality of roads have improved 500% in the last ten years, just stay out of Valletta, it is VERY busy.

Off road, it is a cyclist's dream.

Only a small island, 20 miles from end to end, and about ten across, you will be able to cover most of it in a week.

If you need any recommendations (To visit) just ask.

Four quick recomendations (off the top of my head)

Fort Rinella....(Armstrong gun)

Mdina (Pronounced Imdina)

War museums in Valletta and Grand Harbour....(Magnificent)

Take the ferry (30 mins) and have a day in Gozo

[Nik Attard]

BeirutTaxi said:

Hi everyone,

Would be super greatful for any advice on cycling in Malta, more specifically whether it's too dangerous/risky?

I'm thinking of heading out there for a week next spring. I can fly out my mountain bike or road bike.

Does anyone have an experience of Malta?

Having lived in Malta for 19 years the roads have improved drastically but those roads have also increased in traffic.

Cycling in the countryside is perfect, with quite a few different routes keeping you away from arterial roads.
Gozo - the sister island is less populated and has plenty of hills and off-road routes to let you explore.

I would highly recommend staying away from main roads as drivers don't take due care to leave enough space for cyclists.

Nik

[Wacky Racer]

Nik Attard said:

I would highly recommend staying away from main roads as drivers don't take due care to leave enough space for cyclists.

Nik

Yes, I would fully agree with Nik there, keep off the busier roads, Maltese drivers (generally) are not the most patient in the world.., but if you get off the beaten track, especially off season you will be OK.

Gozo has a much more relaxed feel to it.

After mid September (well even in Summer) you can sometimes get caught out by some very intense thunderstorms, even on a nice day, and when it rains, it rains HARD, sometimes overwhelming the drainage systems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppKhm82INE4

[BeirutTaxi]

Thanks for the replies guys Looks like I'll be mainly on Gozo as my other half is Scuba Diving there. Sounds like I should take the mountain bike (although it needs £££ spent on it first )