Reviewed · FULL-DAY

FULL Day Eco Twizy 2 seater self drive Malta tour

★ 4.5 · 60 reviews 1 to 8 hours (approx.) Operated by Smarter Car Rentals · Bookable on Viator
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The clever part of this Malta outing is that you drive yourself. From Valletta Waterfront, you can set off toward Mdina, Marsaxlokk, the Blue Grotto, or the Dingli Cliffs without waiting for a bus or following a guide waving a flag. The little Renault Twizy is electric, easy to park, and wonderfully odd-looking.

I like the freedom to stop when you want, and I like the practical help built in: GPS, Wi-Fi, live tracking, and a walkie-talkie. The main catch is that this is an open-sided two-seat vehicle, not a small conventional car. You need to drive on the left, accept wind and sun, and plan your distance around the battery.

Key points to know before booking

  • A self-drive day from Valletta Waterfront: Pick up and return the Twizy between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
  • Preloaded routes to major sights: Follow suggested trips to Mdina, the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, Dingli Cliffs, Golden Bay, Mosta Dome, and Ħaġar Qim.
  • Electric and easy to park: The compact car avoids fuel costs and fits into small parking spaces.
  • Navigation help is included: You receive a 3D navigation system, Wi-Fi, live tracking, and a walkie-talkie.
  • A snug rear seat: Two people fit, but the back seat may feel tight for taller or less agile passengers.
  • Best for confident left-side drivers: A valid driving license, credit card, and driver age of 21 to 70 are required.

Why a Twizy works so well for seeing Malta

A normal sightseeing tour gives you a fixed route and fixed stops. The Twizy gives you the opposite. You can spend twenty minutes at a viewpoint, stay longer in Mdina, stop for lunch in Marsaxlokk, or change plans when the heat becomes too much.

That freedom matters in Malta, where the best parts of a day often come from short pauses between major sights. The island is compact, but roads can be busy and some attractions sit well apart. Having your own vehicle lets you connect places that are awkward to combine by public transport.

The Twizy is also a conversation starter. Its narrow body and open sides make it feel closer to a covered scooter than a normal car. It is not discreet, but that is part of the fun. You will get amused looks, and you will find parking far less stressful than with a regular rental car.

The price is listed at $120.68 per group of up to two people. That is not a cheap transport rental if you only want to drive for an hour or two. It becomes better value when you use the vehicle for most of the day and visit several parts of Malta. Split between two people, the cost also compares reasonably with two paid seats on a full-day excursion, especially if you value private time and do not want a large group.

A few more Malta half days worth comparing

Starting at Valletta Waterfront

The meeting point is Valletta Waterfront in Floriana, close to the cruise arrival area and public transport. The activity begins and ends at the same place, with pickup and return available during the stated 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. operating window.

Allow time at the start to complete the rental form and show your license. The driver must be between 21 and 70, and a valid driving license and credit card are required. You are also asked to provide license details for identity validation after booking.

Staff explain the controls and route options before you leave. This matters because driving in Malta has two learning curves: the Twizy itself and the left side of the road. If you normally drive on the right, take a few quiet minutes to settle into the new road position before heading toward busier routes.

You receive route suggestions and navigation equipment rather than a traditional human-led tour. The supplied system helps you get from place to place, but it does not replace an audio guide at Mdina or the other historic sites. If you want detailed commentary, arrange your own audio guide separately.

The Twizy itself: tiny, open, and surprisingly lively

FULL Day Eco Twizy 2 seater self drive Malta tour - The Twizy itself: tiny, open, and surprisingly lively

The electric Twizy has two seats arranged one behind the other. The driver gets the better position, while the rear passenger sits behind and slightly higher. That rear seat is usable, but it is not generous. Taller passengers may fit, yet getting in and out can feel awkward, especially after a full day of sightseeing.

The vehicle has no conventional windows. This gives you fresh air and a clear view, but it also means wind, dust, heat, and occasional damp weather come straight into the cabin. If you sit in back, bring a hair tie or hat. Long hair can become a problem quickly.

There is no air conditioning, so summer driving can be hot. At the same time, the open design gives the rear passenger more airflow. In cooler weather, carry a light jacket. The car can feel chilly once the sun drops.

The payoff is easy handling. The Twizy accelerates well enough for normal roads, is simple to park, and can fit into spaces that would be too small for a regular car. It feels lively at town speeds. Some drivers find the brakes less sharp than those of a normal car, so leave a little extra stopping room until you know how they respond.

Navigation, Wi-Fi, and staying in touch

Each vehicle comes with a 3D navigation system and preprogrammed routes. Wi-Fi is provided so you can use navigation without relying entirely on your own mobile data. A walkie-talkie is also included, which becomes especially useful if you rent more than one Twizy as a family or group.

The navigation is a real benefit because Malta’s roads can be confusing, and roadworks have affected routes. Live tracking lets the company see the vehicle’s position, and staff can assist if you have trouble or run low on charge. Some drivers have been helped within roughly 10 to 15 minutes after a vehicle problem, though response time can depend on your location.

Do not assume the Wi-Fi will always work perfectly. One booking had no Wi-Fi available, so download anything essential before leaving. The phone holder has also been criticized for its position. Direct sunlight can overheat a phone, and the angle may make navigation less clear.

Use the supplied route as a guide, not a command. If the system sends you onto a faster road and you feel uncomfortable, slow down safely and let traffic pass when needed. The Twizy can reach road speed, but it is still a very small vehicle surrounded by larger traffic.

Same islands, a completely different kind of day:

Route one: the Three Cities and Marsaxlokk

The Three Cities, made up of Vittoriosa, Senglea, and Cospicua, make a good first stop from Valletta. The area gives you waterfront views, old lanes, and a quieter counterpoint to the capital. The Twizy’s small size is useful here, where streets and parking areas can feel tight.

Continue toward Marsaxlokk, a fishing village known for its harbor and colorful boats. It is a natural place to pause for a meal or a short walk. The route is particularly good for people who prefer local streets and waterfront time over a packed list of indoor attractions.

The practical issue is time. If you linger in the Three Cities, eat in Marsaxlokk, and then continue to the Blue Grotto, the day can disappear quickly. Keep an eye on both the clock and the battery rather than trying to cover every suggested stop.

Route two: the Blue Grotto and Ħaġar Qim

The Blue Grotto area provides one of Malta’s classic coastal views. The viewpoint is the main draw, with the sea and cliffs opening out below you. The Twizy makes it easy to stop briefly and continue, though the open cabin offers little protection from strong sun.

Nearby Ħaġar Qim gives the day a different feel. The prehistoric temple site adds cultural weight to a route that might otherwise become a string of viewpoints. You should allow enough time for the visit rather than treating it as a quick photo stop.

This southern route is a strong choice if you want scenery and archaeology in one outing. It may be less suitable on a very hot day if you are sensitive to sun or want air conditioning. Bring water, protect your head, and remember that the car itself offers limited shelter.

Route three: Mdina and Rabat

Mdina is one of the most rewarding stops on the suggested routes. Its old streets, high walls, and quiet atmosphere feel very different from the coastal roads. Rabat adds more room to wander and makes the pair a sensible half-day destination.

Parking is one of the Twizy’s great advantages here. The compact body is far less troublesome than a standard rental car, although you still need to follow local parking rules and signs.

The limitation is information. The navigation system will get you to Mdina, but it does not provide a full audio tour. You may know where to drive without knowing what you are looking at. If Mdina is a main reason for booking, prepare a guide or audio commentary before the day.

The ride to Mdina may also put you on faster roads. Drivers unfamiliar with left-side traffic can find this unnerving at first. The vehicle has enough acceleration for normal use, but keep a steady pace, watch your mirrors, and do not let impatient traffic rush you into unsafe decisions.

Route four: Dingli Cliffs, Golden Bay, and Mosta

Dingli Cliffs offer Malta’s most dramatic high coastal views. This is the kind of stop where the Twizy’s open sides help you feel the air and see more around you. It is also a good place to take a break from driving.

Golden Bay brings a more relaxed beach setting. Depending on your timing and the weather, you can stop for a walk or simply enjoy the change from cliff edges and historic towns.

Mosta Dome gives the route an architectural focus. Combining it with Mdina or the coast creates a fuller picture of Malta, but you should resist trying to force every destination into one day. The official description lists many possible stops, but the battery and the 5 p.m. return deadline make selection important.

Battery range and the real meaning of 60 kilometers

The booking information states that a ticket covers one Twizy with up to 60 kilometers of autonomy. The company also describes a possible range of 80 to 100 kilometers depending on driving style, while practical use can be closer to about 35 miles. These figures do not line up perfectly, so plan conservatively.

Speed, hills, traffic, stops, and driving habits all affect the charge. One driver completed a broad route with more than half the battery remaining, while another completed only part of the suggested route and returned with three of ten battery bars. The sensible lesson is simple: do not build your day around the maximum range.

A good plan is to choose either the southern sights or the Mdina and western coast route, then add stops if the battery looks healthy. Ask staff about the best order before leaving. Free charging is available at the base, and the company says it can provide a replacement vehicle if one is available, but a charge may take one to two hours.

The cars are tracked, and roadside assistance is available. That reduces the worry of getting stranded, but it does not make range planning optional. Check the battery during the day and leave enough reserve to return to Valletta.

Driving on Malta’s left-hand roads

If you drive in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or another left-driving country, the road system will feel more natural. If you normally drive on the right, give yourself time to adjust.

The Twizy can feel exposed on faster roads. Some routes have speed limits above the pace you may want to maintain in a small electric vehicle, and larger cars may pass you. Stay calm, keep left, use clear signals, and pull over only where it is safe.

The experience suits a confident driver more than a nervous beginner. You need to handle roundabouts, narrow streets, changing road conditions, and navigation at the same time. A second person who can read directions and manage the route is a real help.

Who should book this Malta self-drive experience?

I would choose this for an independent couple, friends who enjoy unusual vehicles, or a family group willing to rent several Twizys. The walkie-talkies make it practical for groups traveling in separate cars, and the freedom is much better than being tied to a large coach timetable.

It is also a good fit if parking worries you or if you want to combine sights that do not sit on one straightforward bus route. The electric motor keeps fuel costs down, and the small body makes urban stops easier.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet, enclosed, air-conditioned ride. I would also think twice if either passenger is very tall, has limited agility, or dislikes wind and sun. The back seat can be especially tiring over a full day.

Book at least 24 hours ahead if your plans are firm. Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather can also lead to a changed date or full refund, which is useful for an open-sided vehicle.

Should you book the Twizy tour?

Book it if you want freedom, small-town stops, and a memorable way to move around Malta. The strongest reasons are the easy parking, personal schedule, useful navigation equipment, and staff support if the vehicle has trouble.

Do not book it expecting a guided tour in the usual sense. You receive routes and navigation, not a guide riding with you or a full audio explanation at every sight. You also need to manage the battery, tolerate an exposed cabin, and feel comfortable driving on the left.

For the right person, this is less about covering every kilometer and more about enjoying the act of getting around. Pick a manageable route, start early, pack water and sun protection, and treat the Twizy as an entertaining electric runabout rather than a full-size rental car.

FAQ

Where does the Twizy tour start and finish?

It starts and ends at Valletta Waterfront, Il-Vittimi Furjanizi, Il-Furjana, Malta.

How long does the experience last?

The experience is listed as lasting from one to eight hours, approximately. Pickup and drop-off operate between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

How many people can ride in one Twizy?

Each ticket covers one two-seat Twizy for up to two people. The seats are arranged with the driver in front and the second passenger behind.

What attractions can I visit?

Suggested routes include the Three Cities, Marsaxlokk, Blue Grotto, Mdina, Dingli Cliffs, Golden Bay, Mosta Dome, and Ħaġar Qim.

Is a driving license required?

Yes. A valid driving license is required at the time of rental, along with a credit card.

What is the driver age requirement?

Drivers must be between 21 and 70 years old.

Is navigation included?

Yes. The vehicles have a 3D navigation system, preprogrammed routes, live data tracking, and Wi-Fi. A walkie-talkie is also provided.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the company to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

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