Malta is harder work than it should be for anyone with limited mobility. The old centres are built on hills, largely out of steps, and pavements outside the main towns are narrow or missing. None of that makes a trip impossible, but it does mean your base matters more than usual.
What to look for
Stay somewhere flat
Sliema and Buġibba are level and have long, continuous promenades you can follow for kilometres. They are much the easiest bases.
Valletta, the Three Cities, Mdina and Mellieħa all involve serious gradients and steps. They are beautiful and they are hard going.
Accessible Malta
Modern blocks are easier than conversions
Historic conversions rarely have lifts, and where they do the lift often doesn’t reach every floor. Ask directly rather than trusting the listing.
Ask about the bathroom specifically, too. Accessible is used very loosely. Ask for measurements, whether the shower is step-free, and for a photograph.
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Buses are largely low-floor
The public fleet is broadly accessible, with ramps and priority space. Staying near a good bus route is worth more than staying near a sight.
Accessible taxis exist but there aren’t many, so book the airport transfer in advance and say what you need when you book.
Airport transfers
The full checklist
Questions worth asking
- Stay somewhere flat
- Sliema and Buġibba are level and have long, continuous promenades. Valletta, the Three Cities, Mdina and Mellieħa all involve serious gradients and steps.
- Modern buildings are easier
- Historic conversions rarely have lifts, and where they do the lift often does not reach every floor. Ask directly rather than trusting a listing.
- Ask about the bathroom specifically
- Accessible is used loosely. Ask for measurements, whether the shower is step-free, and for a photograph.
- Buses are largely low-floor
- The public fleet is broadly accessible, which makes staying near a good route worth more than staying near a sight.
- Beaches vary enormously
- A few of the sandy bays have boardwalks and assisted access in season. Rock swimming spots generally have none.
More detail on getting around, beaches and sites is on Accessible Malta.
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