Located just south of Italy, east of Tunisia and to the north of Libya, Malta boasts a cross-continental cultural location that is appreciated by holidaymakers from around the world. In fact, Malta boasts over 7000 years of ancient history - a factor that attracts tourists to Malta in their droves. And there's no better way to appreciate the spectacular beauty of the Maltese Islands than by hiring a car and driving through its lush vegetation and sparkling coastal landscapes.

Start your holiday by travelling to Malta's capital of Valletta and you'll be able to appreciate the city's architecturally stunning environs - formally declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 - to explore its ancient catacombs and temples, and take pleasure in its historic art museums. While it's difficult to drive a car in Valletta (a park and ride system was implemented in 2006), you'll be able to hire a car in the city and drive out to some of Malta's most breathtaking locations.

For instance, if you want to enjoy some time by the beach during your Maltese holiday, take a drive in your rental car down to the southern fishing village of Marsaxlokk and traverse the country's second largest natural harbour. If you like fish, you'll love Marsaxlokk's fish market on a Sunday morning, as well as the village's selection of exquisite seafood restaurants.

And while you're in the south of Malta, why not drive along the coast towards Birzebbuga, a quiet fishing port and small beach resort to the west of Marsaxlokk Bay. In Birzebbuga, you'll find one of the island's most important archaeological sites: the Ghar Dalam Caves, a site which provides evidence of the earliest human activity dating back to around 5000 BC.

What's more, drive your hired car towards the west and you'll encounter the exciting cultural cities of Rabat and Mdina. Mdina is one of Malta's oldest towns, and boasts a range of religious treasures for travellers in Malta to visit. As one of Europe's most ancient walled cities, Mdina offers a unique blend of medieval and Baroque architecture, while the neighbouring town of Rabat offers a similar extraordinary mixture of historical significance and religious opulence.

Whether you choose to spend your holiday in Malta amid its beautiful beach settings, or in its ancient historical cities, you'll find that car hire in Malta is the most convenient - and most enjoyable - way to get around the island. You'll be able to avoid the crowds of tourists on Malta's public transport networks, and appreciate the comfort of following your own schedule, rather than having to abide by the rules set down by a package holiday. Moreover, it's estimated that Malta has very low rates for car rental when compared to most other countries in the Mediterranean, and many travellers find it more cost-effective to book car hire online before arriving in the country. So you can be sure that, by choosing to hire a car in Malta, you're making the most of your travel budget while enjoying a large degree of luxury!