Malta: City Sightseeing HOHO Bus Tour & Optional Boat Tour

Exploring Malta’s captivating heritage and natural beauty on a hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a flexible way to see much of the island without the hassle of car rentals. For $32 per person, you get access to two routes over 1 to 2 days, with stops near major sights such as Mdina, the Blue Grotto, and the Three Cities. If you add in the optional harbor cruise, your experience is even more enriching, providing stunning views of the Mediterranean and a chance to relax after the bus adventure.

What we love about this experience is how it covers both inland and coastal highlights, giving you a broad perspective of Malta’s diverse scenery and ancient sites. The routes are frequent enough to allow for spontaneous stops, and the audio guide in multiple languages makes it accessible for international travelers. One thing to consider is that some reviews mention that finding the pickup points can be a little tricky, and the audio guides could be more detailed, especially compared to other international hop-on hop-off services.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a rundown of Malta without the stress of planning individual transportation. It’s also perfect if you prefer to customize your time at each stop—whether that’s exploring Mdina’s narrow streets or relaxing in Marsaxlokk’s colorful fishing village. Travelers who appreciate stunning coastal views and historic sites will find this a worthwhile, value-packed option.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary with hop-on hop-off stops near major Maltese sights
• Includes an audio guide in 13 languages for easy understanding and context
• Two routes (North and South) allow a broad exploration of the island
• Optional harbor cruise adds scenic Mediterranean views
• Longer tour duration (up to 210 minutes for the north route) offers a leisurely experience
• Reviews praise the guides, views, and value but note some logistical challenges

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Experience

This Malta hop-on hop-off tour is a popular way to cover a significant chunk of the island in a day or two. Starting from locations like Bugibba, it travels past the island’s most cherished heritage sites, natural attractions, and charming villages. The price of $32 is quite reasonable considering what’s included—access to two routes, an audio guide, headphones, and the chance to hop on and off at over 30 stops.

The duration varies depending on your route—roughly 3.5 hours for the North route and 3 hours for the South—making it manageable for a full day’s sightseeing. Plus, the option to add a harbor cruise allows you to see Malta from the water, a must-do for many travelers craving those classic Mediterranean vistas.

What We Love About This Tour

One of the biggest draws is the ability to explore at your own pace. You can hop off at Mdina, stroll through its medieval streets, then reboard the bus to head to the Blue Grotto, or spend extra time in Valletta’s historic core. The stunning coastal views at Blue Grotto are truly postcard-worthy, and the fishing village of Marsaxlokk offers a colorful glimpse into traditional Maltese life.

Another highlight is the knowledgeable guides and frequent buses. Reviews note that the buses run every hour and that the guides are helpful. We also appreciate the audio commentary, which provides background on sites like the Three Cities and Ta’ Qali Craft Village. While some say the commentary could be more detailed, the multilingual options mean you’ll likely find one that suits your language preference.

Potential Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

Some travelers mention that finding the meeting points can be confusing, especially in Valletta, where the provided info might not be crystal-clear. Plus, the audio guides have been called limited in discussion, with some wishing for more depth about each site. The buses’ schedules can sometimes be delayed or end earlier than expected, which might cut into your sightseeing plans—particularly if you’re eager to see both routes in one day.

Lastly, note that entry to attractions like the Blue Grotto caves is not included, so you’ll need to budget for those extras if you want to go inside or explore more thoroughly.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll See and Experience

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North Route Highlights

Starting typically from Bugibba or Sliema, the North route is perfect for seeing Malta’s northern coast. Highlights include:

• Bugibba and Qawra: Seaside towns with lively waterfronts, perfect for a quick coffee or snack.
• Malta National Aquarium: For families or those interested in marine life.
• St. Julian’s and Spinola Bay: Known for their vibrant nightlife and scenic waterfront.
• Valletta: The capital city with a dense concentration of historic sites, including the Knights Hospitaller history, Fort St. Elmo, and the Malta Experience.

Traveling along this route, you can hop off near key landmarks, learn about the city’s history, or simply enjoy the views. The audio guide offers snippets of Maltese history and cultural insights, which helps bring the sites to life.

South Route Highlights

The South route takes you toward the temples and traditional villages. Starting from Hagar Qim or Vittoriosa, you might visit:

• Tarxien Temples: UNESCO-listed megalithic structures dating back around 3000 BC.
• Marsaxlokk: The picturesque fishing village with colorful boats and fresh seafood.
• Blue Grotto: Famous for its stunning sea caves, best viewed from the water, although entry inside is an additional cost.
• Vittoriosa (Birgu): The historic fortified city, full of narrow streets and maritime history.

This route is particularly appealing if you’re interested in Malta’s ancient past and its traditional coastal life. You’ll love the views of the sea and the chance to explore Malta’s Roman and medieval sites.

The Boat Tour Option

Adding the harbor cruise significantly enhances the experience. Many reviews suggest that it’s a perfect way to relax after a long bus day and see Malta’s coast from a different perspective. The cruise typically operates within three to five days of activation (depending on your ticket), providing flexibility.

You’ll enjoy excellent views of the coast, forts, and the Blue Grotto from the water, which many travelers find a highlight. Just keep in mind that entry to Blue Grotto caves is not included, so if you want to go inside, plan extra time and budget accordingly.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

The price of $32 is quite reasonable when you consider the scope and flexibility of the tour. However, it’s important to note that food and entrance fees are not included. If you plan to visit sites like Mdina or the Blue Grotto, you’ll need to budget for entry tickets or meals separately.

The schedules are designed to maximize coverage, with North Route departures every hour from 8 am to 2:30 pm and South Route from 9:05 am to 2:05 pm. Although the buses are frequent, some reviews mention delays and early finishes, so it’s wise to start early and keep track of your timetable.

The audio guide system features 13 languages, making it accessible to most travelers, but some find it somewhat limited in depth. Plus, finding the stop locations can be confusing in Valletta, so having a map or the provided flyer can make your day smoother.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour suits first-time visitors to Malta who want a broad overview without the stress of full-day independent explorations. It’s especially good if you’re interested in historic sites, scenic coastal views, and charming villages. If you enjoy flexibility and don’t mind some logistical planning, you’ll appreciate how this tour lets you choose your stops.

It’s also a good fit for families, older travelers, or those on a tight schedule who want to see the highlights efficiently. However, if you’re looking for a deep dive into specific sites or prefer guided, less flexible tours, you might find this a bit too hurried or superficial.

For travelers eager to cover a lot of ground in a short time, this hop-on hop-off bus tour offers great value and convenience. You’ll love the stunning views from the boat, the variety of stops, and the ease of traveling between historic sites, villages, and scenic spots. The audio commentary adds educational value, and the flexibility to hop on and off is a big plus.

On the flip side, if you’re after more detailed guided tours or want to explore attractions like Blue Grotto interiors**, you’ll need to plan additional visits. The occasional logistical hiccups and limited commentary depth are worth noting but shouldn’t deter anyone keen to see Malta’s highlights comfortably.

All in all, this Malta bus and boat combo is a solid choice for those wanting a balanced, affordable, and memorable introduction to the island. Whether it’s your first visit or a quick refresher, you’ll come away with plenty of photos, stories, and a good sense of Malta’s diverse charm.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the hop-on hop-off bus is generally family-friendly. Kids enjoy the open-top buses and scenic views, though they should be supervised especially on the upper deck in sunny weather.

Can I visit Blue Grotto caves on this tour?
No, entry to the Blue Grotto caves is not included in the ticket. You can admire them from outside or consider a boat tour for a closer look.

How many stops does the tour include?
There are over 30 stops along the routes, near major sights like Mdina, the Three Cities, and Marsaxlokk.

Is the audio guide available in my language?
The audio guide is available in 13 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more.

Are the buses wheelchair accessible?
The provided information does not specify accessibility features, so it’s best to check with the operator if you require special assistance.

How long do the routes take?
The North route lasts about 210 minutes, and the South about 180 minutes, depending on traffic and stops.

Can I buy tickets on the day of travel?
Yes, tickets can be purchased at designated stops or online, with options for 1 or 2-day passes.

What should I bring with me?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, a camera, and a sense of adventure. If you plan to hop off at sites with outdoor areas (like Mdina or Marsaxlokk), a hat and water are advisable.

This detailed review aims to give you all the insight you need to decide if Malta’s City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off tour matches your travel style. It’s a practical, flexible, and scenic way to get a broad taste of Malta’s highlights, especially if you’re short on time or prefer to explore independently with guidance.

You can check availability for your dates here: