Travelling with children to Malta is a fantastic idea for parents who fancy a trip abroad and want to spend their holiday in a peaceful location where the weather is fine and there are plenty of activities for kids.
Castles and bastions steeped in history, beaches, coves, and caves surrounded by transparent, turquoise waters, boat trips to other islands, days at theme parks and water parks ‒ these are just some of the activities you can enjoy in the Maltese archipelago (the main islands are Malta, Gozo and Comino).
Summer is the typical season for this type of trip. It’s the hottest time of year, and the busiest time for tourists, but it’s also the best moment to do trips to other islands, go swimming and enjoy the sun and beach.
Below is a list of activities to do with children in Malta.
- Explore historic cities, forts and museums
- Beaches, coves, caves, and snorkelling
- Boat trip to Comino and Gozo
- Water parks and theme parks
- Tips and recommendations
Explore historic cities, forts and museums
Tourists that travel to Malta with children are normally based in Valletta, the capital of the Republic of Malta. The city has a long, fascinating history, with 320 monuments in just 55 hectares: its old town was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.
The historic cities of Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa ‒ also known as “the Three Cities of Malta” ‒ are near Valletta and can be reached by bus or ferry.
Children will love strolling along cobbled streets that wind past limestone façades, forged iron balconies, and Baroque buildings. They’ll also enjoy the forts of St Elmo (Valletta) and Rinella (Vittoriosa), defensive constructions from times past that transport you back to the glory days of the Order of St John, today known as the Knights of Malta.
There are also a couple of museums in this historic area where children are sure to learn something new. The Maritime Museum in Vittoriosa is a fascinating space that exhibits objects from Malta’s 7,000-year-old maritime history.
And the Malta Aviation Museum is just a 20-minute drive from Valletta; it’s housed in the former RAF aerodrome at Ta’Qali. Children will be intrigued to see aeroplanes, helicopters and aviation equipment up close, and the collection runs from man’s first flight to the present day.
Beaches, coves, caves, and snorkelling
The Maltese archipelago’s 253-km coastline has plenty to offer visitors. The steep cliffs of Malta, Gozo and Comino have idyllic spots that parents and children will love, with transparent, turquoise waters that lap the shores of rocky coves, golden sand beaches, and natural pools that are rich in sea life.
In Malta, Ghadira Bay in Mellieħa is famous for its large, sandy beach. It’s a great option if you’re after a beach day and is perfect for families because the sand slopes gently into the sea and there are no currents. It has all the classic facilities, you can hire sunbeds, hammocks, and windsurf, and other water sports equipment, and there are also kiosks to buy snacks and picnic areas. The beach at Golden Bay, in the north-west of Malta, is also popular with tourists thanks to its generous size and golden sand.
Finally, you can reach the Blue Grotto in under half an hour by car from Valletta, travelling south. These caves were sculpted into the cliffs by the sea and wind and can only be reached by boat. They’re named after the way sunlight reflects on the rocks, turning them a deep blue colour. Children will love the adventure of travelling inside the caves by boat.
Comino Island is home to the Blue Lagoon, the most idyllic and popular cove in the Maltese archipelago. It gets its name from the intense blue of its crystal-clear waters and visitors are always thrilled to take a dip here. What’s more, if your children like snorkelling, it’s a great spot for a long session because they’ll spot plenty of fish and other marine species. The only downside is that it gets very busy, especially in summer. An alternative option is to book a boat trip that lasts a few hours and takes you to this stunning natural lagoon for a swim before showing you other places of interest in Comino.
Boat trip to Comino and Gozo
Together with Malta, Gozo and Comino are the three most famous and visited islands in the Maltese archipelago and are both well worth visiting for a day or two. You can travel to the islands by ferry, and boats depart from Ċirkewwa port in north-west Malta.
Gozo Island can be reached in just over 20 minutes by boat from Malta. It’s a peaceful place with a stunning coastline, villages with stone houses and churches, and historical remains that date from thousands of years ago. These ancient constructions were built by cultures and civilizations that lived here or passed through the island, including the Byzantines, Romans, Ottomans, Aragonese, Spanish, French, etc.
Tourist attractions that are well worth visiting include Ġgantija, a 5,000-year-old temple complex; Victoria, the capital, and its 13th century citadel; and the 2,000-year-old salt mines at Marsalforn fishing village. If you have time to go on a short boat trip and go for a swim, Ramla Beach (in the north, near Xaghra) is famous for its golden sand. And once there, walk for 30 minutes along a trail and you’ll reach Calypso’s Cave. According to local legend, Ulysses, the main character in Homer’s Odyssey, lived here for seven years as he travelled back to Ithaca. He was trapped here by the nymph Calypso who promised him eternal youth.
Just like Gozo, Comino is also a great place for a day trip with children. Several films have been filmed in its beautiful landscapes, including Troy, The Count of Montecristo, Popeye, etc. Activities to do with children include visiting the Blue Lagoon; climbing to Saint Mary’s Tower in the south-west, at the highest point on the island; and taking a boat trip to St Mary’s Bay.
Water parks and theme parks
Malta has several theme parks and water parks that children will adore. It’s always a great way to spend a fun and interesting day out as a family.
Popeye Village Fun Park. This small village near Mellieħa was originally built as a set for the 1980 film Popeye, starring Robin Williams as the famous spinach-loving cartoon character. Children will be thrilled to visit this town based on the cartoon where you can meet characters strolling around the streets ‒ and there’s a free popcorn bar!
Playmobil Fun Park. Playmobil Fun Park is at the southern-most point of Malta and is total heaven for children who like Playmobil toys. You can visit the factory where the toys are made and there’s an outdoor space and large indoor area filled with toys for children of all ages.
Mediterraneo Marine Park. Dolphins, sea lions, and crocodiles are just some of the many animals you can see at this theme park that has the Mediterranean and marine conservation at its heart. It’s near Naxxar in north-east Malta.
Splash and Fun Water Park. Naxxar is also home to the largest water park in Malta. Splash and Fun Water Park has countless activities for visitors of all ages and has excellent services if you’d like to eat or take a break. Get ready for a fun-packed, wet day out!
Tips and recommendations
Many low-cost airlines such as Vueling, Easyjet and Ryanair fly regularly to Malta and it’s also served by companies including British Airways, Iberia and Lufthansa.
If you’re travelling to Malta in summer, be prepared for high temperatures and humid heat. Summer is high season on the island so your accommodation may be pricier and harder to find. However, it’s also the best season for nightlife. Everything usually closes between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., making it a great moment for a siesta.
If you’re visiting Malta in winter, temperatures are normally mild, with averages of 15 ⁰C, but it can be windy and rain is more common. It’s a great time to find reasonably priced accommodation and to visit the islands when they are less crowded.
If you’re travelling from the EU, you just need to take your ID card, and the currency is euros. Local people speak English and Italian.
You can easily find items for babies and smaller children: formula, nappies, bottles, changing mats, etc. It’s a good idea to take mosquito repellent with you, although it’s easy to find on the island too.
