Getting around Valletta

Malta's buses are run by the ATP (tel: 2125 0007; www.atp.com.mt), Malta's Public Transport Association. The island is famous for its much photographed antiquated fleet (many dating back to the 1950s) but it includes many modern vehicles too. You can pick up a map and timetable of all routes from the ATP kiosk at the main terminus outside City Gate Valletta. A list of all routes and timings (though not a full timetable) is available on the ATP's website.

Regular services connect all parts of Malta, though the majority use Valletta as the island hub. There are a few 'direct route buses' linking the resorts with attractions and areas of tourist interest without having to route via the capital. Fares are cheap so have small change to hand.

You can buy one-, three-, five- and seven-day saver tickets at the termini at Valletta, Buggiba and Sliema Ferries, or from any branch of the Bank of Valletta. The only late buses are those which operate out of the nightlife enclave of St Julian's/Paceville.

Within the walls of Valletta, roads and streets are steep and narrow and there is very little parking space. There is no bus service. A way of getting about is the CT Cabs fleet of battery powered, chauffeur-driven golf-buggy-style cars (tel: 2133 3321).

Conventional taxis (see below) and horse-drawn karrozin (carriages) are expensive, so always haggle on the price.