300 days of sunshine a year makes Malta irresistible for family holidays

Make this the year you take a family holiday in Malta. If the 300 days of annual sunshine and easy UK flights don’t convince you, wait until you find out how much there is to see and do.

Enjoy 300 days of sunshine a year in Malta

Malta is the perfect country for family holidays with over 300 days of sunshine a year, and so much to see and do with kids. It’s also remarkably easy to explore whether you want to get to know its historic towns and cities, island hop to Gozo and Comino or discover the astonishing coastline.

Some of the world’s oldest monuments and grandest buildings are in Malta, where the country’s entire capital city, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The country’s also famous for golden Mediterranean beaches with calm, shallow waters – 13 of which are Blue Flag – and it’s one of the world’s top diving destinations, where children as young as 10 can learn to dive and earn PADI certification on holiday.

Of course, you don’t have to restrict yourself to a family holiday in Malta during summer. Come any time, family attractions are open year-round and you’ll always be warmly welcomed: Maltese people are known for their friendly, easy-going charm, and both English and Maltese are the official languages.

So now you know the basics, here are a few more reasons why Malta should be your go-to this year, or next.

UNESCO World Heritage Valletta, Malta

Why everyone finds Valletta irresistible

A compact and striking city, Malta’s capital, Valletta, is designed on a grid system and covers approximately 1km². With over 300 monuments, the city offers countless opportunities to admire its architecture, enjoy a leisurely stroll, or stop for a coffee while soaking up the atmosphere with your family.

Valletta’s crown jewel is undoubtedly St. John’s Co-Cathedral, home to the only painting signed by Caravaggio. The nearby Grandmaster’s Palace, which houses one of the few historic armouries still displayed in its original location, is another must-do. Although the entire city offers a rich and engaging experience, where the history and culture are so accessible it couldn’t be more perfect for exploring with kids.

Cittadella, Gozo, Malta

Island hop to Gozo on a family holiday in Malta

Gozo is Malta’s sister island and home to some of the world’s oldest Megalithic Temples, which pre-date the Pyramids at Giza and Stonehenge. If you’re getting the sense that a visit might be fascinating, you’re not wrong.

You can see the distinctive skyline of Gozo’s ancient Cittadella from practically anywhere on the island. But to really immerse in its history, spend time wandering its winding streets, admiring the imposing architecture and dipping into one of its many small museums. Another must-see is the dramatic Rotunda of St. John the Baptist in Xewkija, which has one of the largest, unsupported domes in the world. Then, on the coast, don’t miss the Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, built by the Knights of Malta in the 17^th century.

As well as having an impressive history, Gozo is simply lovely. Sandy beaches bask in sunshine for much of the year, there are pretty towns like Għajnsielem to explore, and families up for a walk will be in heaven, as the island is networked with scenic trails. It’s also a bit of a find if you like the idea of staying in a traditional farmhouse property, mostly impeccably restored and often with their own private pools.

Blue Lagoon, Comino, Malta

Sail away to Comino to play in the Blue Lagoon

Comino is the island for the legendary Blue Lagoon and tops almost everyone’s must-do Malta list. It’s a paradise for kids who’re keen on snorkelling and other water- based activities, and naturally, the views are spectacular. Plus, it’s only a short ferry crossing from Malta or Gozo, so you might want to drop by more than once.

Golden Bay, Malta

What to do in Malta with your adventurous kids

With 300 days of sunshine a year and a stunning Mediterranean coastline, Malta just can’t help but be an adventure.

Amazing outdoor activities to add to your family holiday in Malta

• Snorkelling is incredibly rewarding in Malta’s clear, warm waters, and a great excuse for a family boat tour.
• Go it alone and kayak just off shore or take to the open sea on one of the many kayaking tours that are perfect for families.
• Paddleboarding is as easy as hiring a board, but also another activity that’s even more exciting on a guided tour.
• Malta is the ideal place to discover that flyboarding isn’t as tricky as it looks, and the knack of practically walking on water can be picked up in no time.
• Take to the air and give parasailing a go, there’s no shortage of opportunities for this adventure in Malta either.
• From short walks to day hikes, Malta, Comino and Gozo are crisscrossed with trails that take you everywhere from historical sites to charming villages, coastal cliffs to secret beaches.
• Alternatively join a Segway tour. Great for kids aged 12 and over, there are tours round Valletta, along the coast, around major landmarks in Malta, Gozo and Comino, so take your pick, and take it easy for a little.
• Horse riding is another wonderful way to explore Malta’s coast and countryside with your kids, and no experience is necessary for most guided rides.

See more outdoor adventures for families in Malta

Popeye Village, Malta

Where to go in Malta for extra family holiday excitement

Close to the northwest of Malta island, you’ll find the famous Popeye Village. It’s the set of the original 1980 movie which was filmed in Malta, but also so much more. Amazingly well preserved, the quaint little houses and stores are all just as they were in the film – adorable – but today the entire village is a family theme park with boat rides and mini-golf, as well as restaurants and even character meet ‘n’ greets with Popeye and Olive Oyl.

You can catch a screening of the Popeye film here, as well as a documentary about its making. Plus, it’s in a lovely location so the sea views are worth a visit all by themselves.

Plan to spend an entire day, there’s plenty to see and do, and we predict it might be somewhere kids want to visit more than once. Fortunately, unlike most of the world’s theme parks, Popeye Village is also very affordable.

Rolling Geeks, Three Cities Tour, Malta

What else to see and do in Malta

• Younger kids love Playmobil Fun Park where they have all the creative fun of indoor and outdoor play with their favourite toys.
• You don’t need an excuse to visit the charming town of Kalkara, but if you did, Esplora Science Centre’s 200-plus exhibits, interactive workshops and amazing planetarium would be perfect.
• Malta National Aquarium sits on the Qawra coast, so the views are second only to the incredible collection of aquatic creatures gliding around in tanks designed to exactly replicate their natural habitats. A walk through the shark tunnel is worth a visit alone.
• The Blue Grotto is another of Malta’s remarkable natural phenomena that’s surprisingly accessible. The network of six caves where the combination of minerals, sun and clear seas create a unique display of light and colour which has to be seen to be believed. Happily, regular boat tours make the seeing very easy.
• There are guided tours and there are self-guided tours and then, there are Rolling Geeks. GPS guided electric vehicles you drive yourself around places of interest in Birgu and Vittoriosa. Explore everything from the Grand Harbour to Rinella Bay at your own pace, taking breaks any time and learning as you go. This is another ‘only-in-Malta’ experience your kids will love.

Now start planning your next family holiday in Malta with VisitMalta