Baron Car Hire Sliema and Gżira

Baron Car Hire has several rental points across the north and east of Malta, and this branch serves the Sliema and Gżira waterfront from 112 Triq Sir Frederick C. Ponsonby. It is a useful base if you are staying in the busy resort strip along Marsamxett Harbour and want wheels for a day, a week or longer, without going to the airport. The group, which also trades as Baron Rentals, has been renting vehicles in Malta for over ten years, and the team is led by a manager, Kiran Thomas.

On VisitMalta.co.uk you can compare it with other firms in our directory of car hire in Malta. The group's original page, for its Buġibba and Valletta offices, is Baron Car Hire.

What you can hire

The group rents cars in several sizes, from small manual hatchbacks to a hybrid automatic, plus larger models such as a Kia Stonic and a Peugeot 308. Daily rates run from €32 for the smallest car, with most small and medium cars at €35 to €45, the Kia Stonic at €50 and the Peugeot 308 at €65. Automatics cost a little more than manuals.

For bigger parties there are seven-seater vans between €75 and €85 a day, which is useful when luggage and children are involved. Scooters are €25 a day, in 125cc and 50cc versions. Quad bikes are listed at €80, €100 and €105 a day depending on engine size.

Listings show free cancellation up to 48 hours before pick-up. Which vehicles are on hand at this particular branch is something to confirm when you enquire. The group also lists a 20 minute jet ski rental, and a free Sailing Route Planner for anyone chartering a yacht, though neither is part of the car, scooter and quad range.

Scooters, quads and the rules that go with them

Two helmets are supplied with every scooter or quad bike. A 50cc scooter carries one rider only, so couples should choose a 125cc model. Whatever you hire, you must be 21 or older under Maltese rules. Having a scooter makes short hops between Gżira, Sliema and St Julian's quick, while a car suits longer days out with luggage or children.

Fuel is on a like-for-like basis: bring the vehicle back with the level you started with, and the first quarter of a tank is free. Expect to pay any fines yourself, plus an administration fee. Parking lines follow a simple code: white means free, yellow and double yellow mean no parking, and blue is reserved for disabled drivers.

Deposits, insurance and payment

A deposit is held on your card as a pre-authorisation. It is not taken as a charge but stays pending for 18 to 20 working days, in case a speeding or parking fine arrives by post after your trip. Standard cover carries a €500 excess, and paying €15 a day for extra insurance cuts the amount held to €150.

Only debit and credit cards are accepted, and cash deposits are refused. Make sure the card has enough available balance for the hold before you collect. If you return the vehicle when the office is closed, you can leave the key in the mailbox and send photos of the vehicle and key to the team.

Finding the branch and planning your trip

Gżira sits next to Sliema, which makes the branch handy for guests of the hotels in Sliema and Gżira. Drop-off points include St Julian's, St Paul's Bay and the airport, and a helpline answers around the clock if you break down or need help on the road. The team can also arrange chauffeur hire, car sharing, corporate rentals and long-term rentals.

Once you have a vehicle, our guides to things to do in Malta, the capital in our Valletta guide and the Golden Bay guide suggest where to point it, and the Malta weather guide helps you decide between a car and a scooter.

To ask about availability, dates or a pick-up, use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to the branch.