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Families

The Maltese Islands offer an unforgettable family experience with a myriad of family-oriented activities and entertainment. From thrilling water sports and boat trips to captivating land experiences and cultural explorations. Throughout this course, we will delve into some of the most captivating attractions and experiences that make Malta and Gozo a family-friendly destination.

Family Adventure

Whether you're a seasoned diver or a complete beginner, Malta's diverse marine life and underwater landscapes cater to every member of the family. Here you will find an underwater wonder to be discovered by all. The calmness and clarity of the sea make for excellent visibility, creating the ultimate conditions for first-time divers and beginners.

There are several types of diving courses and activities offered by locally licensed diving schools. The minimum age to obtain your PADI license is 10 years of age. Divers need to complete a medical statement form indicating fitness to dive.

For a fantastic alternative underwater experience, snorkeling in the shallow turquoise waters is the perfect way to spot colorful fish, sea urchins, octopus, and fauna.

The Islands' coastline is a paradise for beach lovers and adventure seekers alike. Dip your toes into the clear waters, build sandcastles on the shores, or go snorkeling to discover marine life.

The clear blue Mediterranean sea is ideal for scuba diving. All three Islands offer unique diving experiences with an abundance of caves and wrecks that make diving here one of the most interesting in the Mediterranean.

Families

The Maltese archipelago boasts an abundance of activities for all ages, ranging from interactive science centres to more nature-based activities where you can discover the rural countryside on horseback. Children and adults alike will be whisked away to far lands, delve back in time to Malta's prehistoric past, or uncover a world of handcrafted gems. Given the size of the island, no attraction is ever too far away, making this a great short-haul holiday.

Family Activities

Cycling

What better way to experience the tranquil and serene feeling of the narrow village streets! Cycling through the Maltese countryside lanes makes one really and truly feel in sync with nature. Combine this with stops at historical and cultural places of interest along the route, and you have the best combination of a healthy, sporty, and relaxed holiday.

Rolling Geeks

Enjoy the sights of Vittoriosa, Senglea, Cospicua, and their surrounding villages in an electric buggy with a pre-programmed GPS. This is a fun way to explore the three medieval fortified localities whilst learning about the 3 cities' history through an audio commentary. The children will love sharing their Rolling Geek experience immediately with the “selfies” feature.

Malta 5D

Malta 5D offers a unique experience in the heart of Valletta. People of all ages can relive the Islands' vibrant past through 3D film and immersive interactions including moving seats, water spray, air blasts, and leg ticklers.

Esplora

Visitors of all ages can experience science in a fun, exciting, and enjoyable way through hands-on interactions and activities. Esplora's Interactive Science Centre includes a planetarium, an outdoor adventure experience, and interactive exhibition halls tailored to all ages and interests.

Segway Tours

What better way than from the comfort of a Segway? Offering a unique, low-impact way of transport to various attractions, Segway Tours cater to all travellers with countless great tours to choose from. Sustainable travel has never been so much fun!

Horse Riding

With its brilliant sunshine, mild winters, and lush countryside, horse riding is one of the many activities that can be enjoyed in Malta & Gozo. Whether you’re an experienced rider craving a change of scenery, or a beginner wishing to start from square one, Malta’s got something for every level.

Dream of Horses Farm

Dream of Horses Farm in Gozo is a self-funded family business that operates as a multi-purpose farm offering therapeutic experiences to people of all ages through hands-on interactive learning programs with horses and other farm animals.

Ta' Qali Artisan Village

In this glorious village, different kinds of crafts and beautiful artefacts are created and sold by local expert artisans. The Ta' Qali Artisan Village provides you with the opportunity to watch craftsmen blowing glass, visit filigree goldsmiths, as well as purchasing beautiful jewellery, ceramic ware, stone miniature houses, wooden sculptures, candles, and lace.

Gozo Tuk Tuk Tours

Explore the rural parts of Gozo on a Tuk-Tuk ride to discover hidden landmarks, raw natural beauty, and significant historical places. This is guaranteed to be a fun and educational day to learn about the vibrant Gozitan culture. Taking a guide with a treasure trove of information and fascinating facts will only add to the excitement of the day.

Ta’ Dbieġi Crafts Village

Ta’ Dbieġi crafts village in Gozo boasts high-quality craftsmanship and is a must for those seeking quality products manufactured on-site by highly qualified artisans. It offers a unique opportunity to observe the artisan at work in the tranquil village of Għarb.

Popeye Village

The set served as a film location for the 1980 musical production of Popeye and is now an attraction located near Mellieħa. Visitors can explore where the late, great actor Robin Williams starred as Popeye the Sailor Man.

Malta National Aquarium

The Malta National Aquarium located in Qawra has 41 tanks showcasing reptiles, insects, amphibians, Mediterranean fish together with replicas of historical artifacts found in the seas around the Maltese Islands.

Families

The Islands have a number of Blue Flag Beaches, an award for exceptional water quality, accessible facilities, services, and sustainable operations. Get ready to jump into the crystal-clear blue seas. Most beaches offer watersports from windsurfing to sea-kayaking and jet ski hire. The more adventurous can try water-skiing, wakeboarding, or paragliding. Other watersports include water polo, canoeing, and fishing.

Watersports

****Suggestion for image: People participating in different watersports such as windsurfing, jet skiing, and paragliding.****

Families

While often overlooked as an active or adventurous destination, Malta boasts pristine waters perfect for a number of sports, dramatic cliffs ideal for scaling, and low-rise hills which offer smooth rides for those willing to explore the sleepy Maltese villages that can be discovered along the way. While some activities may not be recommended for younger children, teens and beyond will have ample choice in undertaking some of these more adrenaline-inducing activities.

Adventure Activities

Rock Climbing

Book yourself a short break and enjoy rock climbing with the warm sun on your back! Malta is an almost undiscovered climbing paradise, with amazing limestone crags inland and breathtaking seacliff adventures.

Trail Running & Hiking

Malta has many established hiking trails across rugged and exposed scenery. With all-year-round sun and easy-to-get-to trails, Malta is an ideal location for walking and rambling.

Cycling

The islands of Malta and Gozo can be easily enjoyed by bicycle. The landscape offers spectacular views from spots that are more easily reached by bike than by car. Due to recent EU funding, Malta and Gozo have benefited from three new cycle routes, two in Malta and one in Gozo.

Stand-up Paddleboards - SUP

Whatever way you love to SUP, it is one of the newest and most rewarding ways to explore the water and Malta’s rugged coastline.

Jeeps & Tuk Tuks

Explore the islands' hidden gems, rugged coastline, and villages on Jeeps, Tuk Tuks, ATVs, or Mountain Bikes.

Kayaking

Enjoy exploring the coastline by kayak, paddling through caves, bays, coves, and islands.

Families

Yachting, sailing, and dolphin watching are popular pastimes in the Maltese archipelago. National regattas, Rolex-sponsored races, day boat excursions, and even the gentle "Luzzu" crossings of the Grand Harbour are just some of the experiences your customers can have whilst in Malta. Wildlife is plentiful, with the summer months often seeing dolphins join these boats on the waves, playing and showing off their spectacular acrobatic skills.

On the Water

Discover the Maltese Islands by hopping on a boat cruise. Various tours take you along the coastline, revealing breathtaking cliffs, hidden coves, and landmarks that are best admired from the water. Witness the magnificent natural beauty of the Blue Grotto, the caves in Comino, and marvel at the Grand Harbour in Valletta. Many cruise excursions can be picked up from Marsamxett Harbour between Sliema and Valletta, or for those visiting the Emerald Isle of Gozo, Mġarr Harbour has a plethora of local vendors to choose from.

For those seeking a luxurious sea excursion, chartering a yacht or a sailing boat is the best way to go. Sail along the Maltese archipelago, stopping at secluded bays and enjoying the serenity of the open sea. Yachting in Malta provides a unique and exclusive experience to see the many wondrous sights the archipelago has to offer, including the famous Blue Lagoon of Comino, Ramla Bay of Gozo, or maybe a twilight sailing into the Grand Harbour of Valletta, all the while sipping sumptuous champagne.

Special tours operate to take visitors to known dolphin and whale hotspots, where you can witness these intelligent creatures in their undisturbed environment. The experience of seeing these majestic creatures up close and personal is awe-inspiring and educational, providing an enhanced appreciation for marine conservation. Start by exploring the uninhabited Filfla Island, which is home to protected species including the European Storm-petrel. While not possible to set foot on the island, you can snorkel and dive in the surrounding waters.

On Malta's southern coast, near Delimara, sail the seas near the local fish farms to potentially see resident dolphins including bottlenose, striped, and common varieties. Whilst rare, there is also the opportunity to see the only known whale species found in the Mediterranean, the long-finned Pilot Whale.

Families

Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Malta has one of the best climates in the world. In the summer months, the country offers its pristine beaches and bright sun; in winter, an exploration of its rich history and admiration of the architectural monuments and temples. This training course will take you through the best things to do in Malta with kids so you can plan the perfect trip!

Cultural Activities

One of the highlights of the Maltese Calendar is Carnival. The streets come alive with an array of flamboyant floats, colorful masks, extravagant dresses, and imaginative attire. Numerous activities are tailored specifically for children, ensuring they have an enchanting time during the celebrations. Winter Carnival is celebrated in February each year, while Summer Carnival is held in August, offering a different experience depending on which one is attended. The heart of the action takes place in Valletta, though various towns and villages across the Island have their own version of festivities. The carnival week is a time to let your hair down and go with the flow – perfect for those who enjoy a good party!

Traditional Village Feasts take place between the months of May and September and are deeply rooted in the island's cultural and religious history. Each feast is dedicated to a patron saint, and celebrations date back centuries. Banners, papier-mâché statues raised on wooden columns, and festoons decorate the main streets of the locality where the feast is taking place. The inhabitants of the town or village then add to this festive mood by decorating their own balconies and rooftops with lit-up colored festoons – blue, red, green – according to the feast they are supporting. Flags are also hoisted on public places and private residences as a sign of participation. For families, attending these events offers an opportunity to connect with Malta's heritage and witness age-old customs passed down through generations. From the resounding church bells to the grand processions and ornate statues, the feasts are a living testament to the island's identity and values. A typical Maltese ‘festa’ lasts three days or longer. On any one of these evenings, you are bound to see hundreds of people in a festive mood. Traditional and fast food stands vie with each other to sell their wares to the crowds of merry-makers. Typical products are Maltese type nougat and other sweet delicacies. Homes are looking their absolute best, often benefiting from a fresh coat of paint a few weeks before, in preparation for the feast. The evenings often end with spectacular ground and aerial fireworks displays.

The temples on the Maltese Islands provide an incredible opportunity for a fun and educational family adventure. Parents can take advantage of this historical treasure trove to teach their children about ancient cultures, architecture, and religious practices. Kids can engage with the past in a hands-on way, making history come alive through interactive tours and engaging activities offered by some sites including:

 
• The National Museum of Natural History in Mdina where exhibits include a flying squid washed ashore in the 1980s and a 4000-year-old mummified Nile crocodile
 
• Explore Mediterranean art through the ages at MUZA in Valletta
 
• Malta’s oldest prehistoric site of Għar Dalam where bones of Ice Age animals can be seen among others

Visit Heritage Malta for more ideas on what to visit

Families

Malta is a small island, yet it’s full to the brim with things to do, including plenty of options for families with young children. The islands enjoy a wonderful climate throughout the year, and their bays and beaches have won numerous awards for water quality over the years. The kids will love playing with sand at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay in Malta or Ramla Bay in Gozo! There are plenty of cultural and historical attractions to enjoy, too, including world-renowned UNESCO heritage sites, such as the city of Valletta and the Ggantija Temples in Gozo!

Where to Stay

Mellieħa, Malta

Many hotels are located close to the Mellieħa Parish church or overlooking the bay, both offering scenic views. A large number of the hotels in this area offer kids clubs and multi-themed restaurants, making it a popular family choice.

Mellieħa beach is always a popular spot for young families looking for a sandy beach with shallow, calm waters to play in.

Qawra & Bugibba

A popular area for families who wish to do a lot of sightseeing while enjoying time to relax at the pool and beach. Qawra and Bugibba are well-connected areas in terms of transport links, with one of the main bus terminals based in Qawra to enable easy access to the rest of the island.

Hotels in this area are of good quality and range from self-catering options to all-inclusive. Bugibba and Qawra are among the only areas in Malta offering all-inclusive hotel options, with most other areas (aside from Mellieħa) offering bed and breakfast or half board.

Sliema, Malta

This area is perfect for slightly older families, with a wide array of shopping malls, a coastal promenade filled with bars and restaurants, an abundance of churches, as well as the Valletta ferry service. Guests will find a selection of 4 and 5-star hotels in this area covering all price points.

Gozo

Malta's sister island offers many styles of accommodation, from all-inclusive options and small luxury boutique hotels to large villas perfect for multi-generational family getaways seeking total rest and relaxation in the Mediterranean sun.

There is a range of hotel options from 3 or 4-star guest lodges to high-end 5-star sprawling resorts that have a host of activities for all ages.

St. Julian's, Malta

St. Julian's is home to many of the larger 5-star resorts and international brands in Malta. Many hotels in the area have multiple dining options, offer various swimming pools, spas, and gyms, and have amazing seafront views. There is also a plethora of restaurants and shopping outlets for all the family to enjoy.

Valletta, Malta

Valletta has seen an abundance of boutique "palazzos" being renovated into luxurious boutique hotels located right in the heart of the city over the past few years. For families, especially those with teenagers or older children, a stay in the bustling streets of Valletta is not to be missed.

Explore over 320 attractions, including Knight's residences and palaces, incredible baroque cathedrals, modern history stories, and a vibrant cafe culture. B&B is the board basis of choice here to allow for the plethora of dining options available within the city walls and beyond.