Malta with Kids

Best Time to Visit

Malta enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. For families, shoulder seasons offer the best balance of weather and crowds.

• April to June - Ideal for families. Warm (22-28C), sea warming up for swimming from May, quieter than summer, wildflowers in bloom
• July to August - Peak season. Hot (32C+), sea at warmest (25-27C), crowded beaches and attractions. Book accommodation months ahead
• September to October - Excellent choice. Warm sea, pleasant temperatures, harvest festivals, better prices than summer
• Easter - Malta does Easter spectacularly. Processions, fireworks, and festivities that children enjoy. Book well ahead

The sea temperature reaches 26-27C in August and September. Even in October, it remains around 23C - warmer than UK seas ever manage.

Where to Stay

Malta is tiny (just 27km long) so you can base yourself almost anywhere and explore the whole island easily. However, some areas suit families better than others.

• St Julian's/Sliema - Most popular tourist area with hotels, restaurants, and rocky bathing spots. Good base for exploring but beaches require transport
• Mellieha - Northern Malta with the island's best sandy beach. Quieter, more family-focused atmosphere. Excellent for young children
• St Paul's Bay/Bugibba - Good value accommodation, rocky coastline with swimming spots, central location. More budget-friendly than St Julian's
• Gozo (sister island) - Quieter, more rural atmosphere. Excellent for families wanting to escape crowds. Ferry crossing required
• Valletta - UNESCO capital with stunning architecture. Better for short stays or older children who appreciate history

Getting Around

Malta is compact but traffic can be challenging. Consider whether a car is necessary or whether buses and taxis might actually be easier.

• Buses - Comprehensive network covering the whole island. Air-conditioned and cheap. Tallinja card offers unlimited travel. Children enjoy top deck views
• Car hire - Provides flexibility but traffic is congested, parking difficult, and driving standards variable. Malta drives on the left like UK
• Ferries - Regular service to Gozo (30 minutes). Children love the crossing. Also small ferry between Sliema and Valletta
• Taxis and Uber - Bolt operates in Malta. Useful for airport transfers and evening travel. Fixed prices to main destinations
• Hop-on hop-off buses - Tourist buses covering main attractions. Audio guides keep children engaged. Good for initial orientation

Best Family Beaches and Swimming Spots

Malta is not primarily a beach destination - the coastline is predominantly rocky. However, there are excellent swimming spots once you know where to look.

• Mellieha Bay - Malta's largest and best sandy beach. Shallow water extending far out, perfect for young children. Sun loungers and facilities available
• Golden Bay - Sandy beach on west coast. Beautiful sunset spot. Can have waves so better for confident swimmers
• Paradise Bay - Small sandy cove in the north. Less crowded than Mellieha. Reached by steps which can challenge pushchairs
• St Peter's Pool - Natural swimming pool formed by rocks. Crystal-clear water, cliff jumping for brave older children. No facilities
• Blue Lagoon, Comino - Stunning turquoise water between Malta and Gozo. Day trip destination. Very crowded in summer but unmissable

Many Maltese swimming spots involve climbing down rocks or ladders into the sea. These are exciting for older children but challenging for toddlers. Mellieha remains the best option for young families.

Top Family Activities

Malta offers far more than beaches. From 5,000-year-old temples to modern attractions, families will find plenty to fill their days.

1. Popeye Village - Film set from 1980 Popeye movie, now a family attraction. Shows, boat rides, and character meet-and-greets. Full morning activity
2. Malta National Aquarium - Modern aquarium in Qawra. Touch pools, Mediterranean and tropical fish, air-conditioned respite from heat
3. Splash and Fun Water Park - Malta's water park in Bahar ic-Caghaq. Slides for all ages, wave pool, lazy river. Full day attraction
4. Boat trips - Harbour cruises, Blue Lagoon trips, fishing boats. Children love being on the water. Multiple operators from various harbours
5. Playmobil FunPark - Factory outlet with play areas. Budget-friendly activity for younger children. Near airport
6. Valletta exploration - Walking the historic streets, Upper Barrakka Gardens (cannon firing daily at noon), Malta Experience show

History Made Fun

Malta has an extraordinarily rich history spanning 7,000 years, including temples older than the pyramids. With the right approach, this history captivates children rather than boring them.

• Hypogeum - Underground temple complex over 5,000 years old. Genuinely awe-inspiring but strict visitor limits (book months ahead). Age 6+ recommended due to enclosed spaces
• Hagar Qim and Mnajdra - Megalithic temples with visitor centre explaining ancient life. Children enjoy the scale and mystery. Bring imagination
• Fort Rinella - Victorian fortress with live demonstrations, cannon firing, and soldier re-enactments. Interactive history children love
• Malta at War Museum - World War II shelters and wartime Malta. Brings recent history alive. Good for children 8+
• Mdina - Silent city with narrow medieval streets. Game of Thrones filming location (King's Landing gates). Great for imaginative exploration
• Knights of Malta story - The island's history of knight defenders captures imagination. Armour, battles, and adventure

The English-Speaking Advantage

Malta's status as a former British colony means English is an official language alongside Maltese. This creates genuine practical advantages for UK families.

• No language barrier - Everyone speaks English fluently. No stress about ordering food, asking directions, or medical emergencies
• Familiar products - British brands in supermarkets, familiar food options alongside Maltese specialities
• UK-style plugs - Three-pin British plugs work without adaptors in most accommodation
• British driving - Left-hand traffic means no adjustment needed for UK drivers
• Medical confidence - English-speaking doctors and pharmacists. Clear communication about children's health concerns

For families with young children or those anxious about language barriers abroad, Malta's English-speaking environment removes a significant source of travel stress.

Eating Out with Kids

Maltese cuisine blends Italian, North African, and British influences. Familiar Mediterranean dishes combine with unique local specialities, and the restaurant scene happily accommodates children.

• Kid-friendly dishes - Pizza, pasta, grilled fish, rabbit (traditional Maltese dish), ftira (Maltese bread with toppings), chips
• Pastizzi - Flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas. Cheap, delicious, and children love them. Found in every bakery
• Maltese bread - Distinctive crusty bread used for ftira sandwiches. Makes excellent picnic fare
• Ice cream - Excellent gelato widely available. Also try imqaret (date-filled pastries)
• British options - Full English breakfasts, fish and chips, and familiar foods available in tourist areas

Malta has a strong cafe culture. Stopping for coffee while children have ice cream or pastries is a pleasant way to break up sightseeing.

Practical Tips

• Flight time - Approximately 3-3.5 hours from UK. Malta International Airport serves the whole archipelago
• Currency - Euro. Cards accepted almost everywhere. ATMs widely available
• Language - Maltese and English both official. English spoken everywhere in tourist areas
• Plugs - UK-style three-pin plugs in most places, though some older buildings use European. Bring an adaptor just in case
• Sun protection - Mediterranean sun is strong, especially reflected off water and limestone. Factor 50 and hats essential
• Pushchairs - Many areas have uneven limestone pavements and steps. A sturdy pushchair or carrier is advisable
• Healthcare - High standards. GHIC card accepted. English-speaking medical staff
• Tap water - Safe but tastes strongly of minerals. Bottled water is cheap and preferred
• Driving - Left-hand side like UK. International driving permit not required for UK licence holders

Budget Guide

Malta offers moderate pricing for the Mediterranean. It is cheaper than Cyprus or Croatia but slightly more expensive than Turkey. The short flight keeps transport costs down.

• Flights - 80-200 GBP per person return. Budget airlines serve Malta well. Book early for school holidays
• Accommodation - 60-120 GBP per night for good family apartments, 100-200 GBP for hotel family rooms
• Meals out - 45-70 GBP per day for family of four. Harbour restaurants charge premium; inland offers better value
• Car hire - 25-40 GBP per day including insurance. Not essential given bus network
• Water park - 22-28 EUR per adult, 18-22 EUR per child. Online booking saves money
• Blue Lagoon trip - 25-35 EUR per person for boat trip. Children often half price