Family holidays in Malta are easier than ever. With flights from the UK taking as little as three hours you could even go for a short break. But we highly recommend you plan to stay longer and here’s why.
Children playing in shallow waters of Golden Bay Beach, Malta
Now you know Malta is only a three hour flight from the UK. So let’s move on to the fact that this gorgeous island country is surrounded by the Mediterranean. It enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually. And if that doesn’t convince you, family holidays in Malta also come with over 7,000 years of history.
Senglea, overlooking Valletta Grand Harbour, Malta
Look forward to World Heritage sites and wonderful adventures
The Maltese archipelago is a neat enough size to explore easily. Yet it also contains three UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of which is the fascinating and very lovely city of Valletta. Here you can brush up against the Knights of St. John, enthralling medieval drama and even paintings by Caravaggio. The artist once lived in the city and left behind a masterpiece in its magnificent St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
In between the art and history, Malta is always up for adventure. Year after year it’s named the world’s second best diving destination and kids as young as 10 can start learning scuba basics on holiday. There are endless exciting ways to go exploring from Segway or quad bike tours to self-drive electric cars and jeep safaris. So don’t worry about your teens having the time of their lives, that’s guaranteed in Malta.
View over Ramla Bay Beach, Malta
The stunning coast is a big part of family holidays in Malta
Variety is woven into Malta’s coastline, so you’ll find family beaches like Mellieha Bay in striking contrast to pretty little coves. There are also beaches with natural swimming like St. Peter’s Pool, as well as shores known for spectacular views of Comino and Gozo.
Ready to explore Malta in a bit more depth? Good, because we love talking about this dream of a family holiday destination.
Kayaking at the Blue Lagoon on family holidays in Malta
Where to go on family holidays in Malta
Wherever you are in Malta, you’re never far from the coast, which makes it a perfect destination for mixing up city adventures with days by the sea. The three very different islands invite you to go hopping or stay awhile. And both Gozo and Comino are only short ferry journeys from Malta, although Comino can also be easily reached from Gozo.
Gozo: for authentic family holidays in Malta
The second largest of the Maltese islands, Gozo is incredibly welcoming to families while still remaining authentic and charming. It’s here you’ll find one of Malta’s most spectacular sites, the Megalithic Temples which predate the Pyramids at Giza and are in fact the world’s oldest freestanding structures.
That monumental piece of history aside, Gozo offers some sandy beaches, pretty villages, sensational walking trails and colourful summer festas. If you’re keen on staying in a traditional farmhouse, Gozo also has a wide variety of sustainable, self-catering properties and many come with swimming pools.
Comino: the island escape you dream about
The island of Comino will almost certainly be one of your family holiday highlights. Only a short ferry crossing from Malta or Gozo, it’s home to the legendary Blue Lagoon. And although it only has a few modest stretches of sand, such as San Niklaw and Santa Marija Bay, there are secret coves around the Lagoon which offer plenty of opportunity to swim and snorkel.
Families who like to walk will also love the hiking trails around Comino for their incredible views, easy terrain and wildlife. Keen eyed kids should keep a look out for Moorish Gecko and Maltese Wall Lizards, mostly spotted basking in the sun.
Family on a Luzzi Boat in Grand Harbour, Valletta
Fun for kids on family holidays in Malta
As we said, Malta is packed with family activities and promises to highly entertain kids of all ages – even tricky to please teens. The downloadable Malta Family Trail is an excellent guide to everything you can see and do on holiday. Here are a few of its highlights:
- Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara makes an exciting and educational day out for the whole family.
- Older kids will like Valletta’s Knights of St John history. However, younger ones are likely to enjoy these Maltese legends even more at the Playmobile Funpark in beachy Birżebbuġa.
- Dreams of Horses on Gozo offers families wonderful experiences like walking ponies in the countryside or horse-drawn carriage rides around the island’s lovely villages.
- If you’re not a guided tour type of family you want Rolling Geeks. Their self-drive electric cars with programmed GPS travel around Malta’s Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua). It’s a perfect mix of freedom and all the learning of a conventional tour.
- Snorkelling and kid-friendly water sports are available on many of Malta’s beaches. Or if kids aged 10 and over want to try scuba, there are also several excellent PADI accredited dive centres here too.
- Visit Ta’Qali crafts village in central Malta and watch the master glassblowers of Mdina Glass in action.
- Teenagers will enjoy exciting Segway tours of Valletta, Mdina and various other areas of Malta.
- Adventurous families can try everything from sea kayaking and rock climbing to abseiling and jet skiing on both Malta and Gozo.
Ta’ Betta winery and vineyards, Girgenti, Malta
Grown up fun for older kids and parents
Families with older kids can also look forward to plenty of more grown-up fun too.
The islands are world famous for fabulous food which you can try on the hoof in the form of flaky and delicious Pastizzi or Maltese kannoli. However, don’t miss out on great restaurants serving up fresh fish and rich, hearty Maltese specialities like Bragioli and Stuffat Tal-Qarnit.
Alternatively explore the country’s agriculture heritage with older kids on curated tours of olive oil estates and island wineries. If you’re more hands-on you can even learn how to make Malta’s famous bread and cheese or discover secret recipes which celebrate the country’s farm to fork traditions.
A tour of Valletta is another fun experience to share with older kids. The incredible capital of Malta sits on a peninsula only one kilometre long by 600m wide, yet it has over 320 historical sites. Described as ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’, it’s amazingly easy to explore on foot. And you can go it alone or take advantage of one of the very good local tours.
How to plan family holidays with Visit Malta
Where is Malta
Malta is a Mediterranean archipelago made up of three main islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino. English is the second language here and widely spoken. Valletta is the smallest capital city in the EU but has the highest concentration of historical sites in the world. Malta’s three UNESCO World Heritage sites include the world’s oldest freestanding structures and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum.
How to get here
Daily direct flights to Malta from several UK airports take from three hours.
Where to stay
Malta has a wide choice of family accommodation ranging from boutique hotels in Valletta to resort hotels on the coast. Gozo is famous for self-catering family holidays in traditional island farmhouses. Visit Malta can help you find the perfect place to stay on family holidays in Malta.
Family holidays in Malta from £499pp including return UK flights
Enjoy a 7-night stay at 4-star Paradise Bay Resort in Malta from just £499pp, including return British Airways flights from London Gatwick.
Book by 21st July 2022 for travel on selected dates between 1 August – 31 August 2022.
Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation.
Start planning your family holiday in Malta with Visit Malta. Not only will you find detailed information about each of the islands, as well as holiday inspiration, you can also browse and book the best family accommodation for summer 2022.
