Malta with kids: attractions, beaches and practical tips

Malta is a great choice for a family trip. Distances are short, the sea is warm, and history served up as forts, cannons and caves can capture even the youngest imaginations. Here are attractions that work well with kids.

Beaches with shallow water

The best beach for families with small children is Mellieħa Bay (Għadira), Malta's largest sandy beach. The water stays shallow for a long way, and in season there are facilities and lifeguards. Golden Bay on Malta and Ramla Bay on Gozo are also good choices.

Popeye Village

Popeye Village is a colourful wooden village built as the set for the 1980 film "Popeye". Today it's a theme park with shows, a small swimming area and a beautiful view over the bay. It's one of the most popular family attractions in Malta.

Malta National Aquarium

At the National Aquarium in Qawra you'll see fish and other creatures from the Mediterranean and seas around the world. A good option for a hot afternoon or a rainy day.

Esplora

Esplora in Kalkara is an interactive science centre where kids run experiments themselves. It also has a planetarium. A great place for curious children and teenagers.

Cannons and forts

Kids love the noon gun salute at Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta, fired every day at midday. At Fort Rinella in Kalkara stands a huge 100-ton Armstrong gun, and the fort runs historical re-enactments with soldiers in period uniforms.

Għar Dalam cave

In Għar Dalam cave, bones of animals hundreds of thousands of years old were discovered, including dwarf elephants and hippos. A short visit combined with the small museum makes a good holiday-style nature lesson.

Boat trip to the Blue Grotto

A short boat ride into the Blue Grotto delights kids and adults alike. Boats only run when the sea is calm.

Practical tips

• Heat: in summer, sightsee in the morning and late afternoon, and spend midday by the water or in the shade.
• Strollers: Valletta and Mdina have lots of steps and steep lanes, so a baby carrier works better.
• Short stretches: plan one or two attractions a day; Malta is small, but traffic can make journeys longer.
• Sun protection: sunscreen, a hat and water are essential for most of the year.

Family sightseeing with See It

In the See It app you can listen to attraction descriptions like an audio guide, which is handy when you're holding a child's hand. Each attraction shows opening hours and ticket prices, and the planner helps you build a family-friendly route.

Looking for more ideas? See our Malta in 3 days itinerary.