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. Keep reading on to also find out about the best places to stay at when in Malta with kids.
Because of its small size, all attractions are easily reachable, which means less whining and no ‘are we there yets’ coming from the backseat! The main attractions are all accessible via public transport, although this can get busy during the summer months. Getting around with buses can be quite time consuming, so many families with children choose to rent a car in Malta. Another option is to discover Malta by taxi. There is a reliable network of taxi companies which are relatively inexpensive for shorter distances and you can easily book ones with a car seat or a booster seat. If you choose to rent a car during your stay in Malta, remember that the Maltese drive on the left (or, as many choose to say, in the middle of the road!). Let’s just say that driving is an experience in itself.As for family accommodation in Malta, there’s plenty to choose from. You can opt to stay in a hotel or a self-catering option, many of which feature private or shared pools. The majority of hotels on the islands are family-friendly and have child-friendly play spaces and pools. Hotel staff would be more than happy to add a crib/cot to your room, so do ask if you need one.
Stay in Malta with kids
Together, the islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino cover an area of just 316 km2. Malta is the world’s tenth smallest country but what it lacks in size it makes up for in the number of archaeological, historical, natural and cultural sites. Whether you’re visiting for a short break or a longer holiday, rest assured that there’s plenty to fill your days with.
You will want to decide where to stay in Malta when booking your trip. The centre is the island’s core and can get quite busy but it’s certainly lively. The south is more laid back, as is the north and Gozo, but the views and opportunities for exploring are exceptional. If you’re more after a busy city trip, consider staying in Valletta. If you want to enjoy a calmer pace, check out accommodation in the south or north of Malta. To completely unwind, close to nature, consider a stay in Gozo.
Malta is a top destination with kids. Regardless of where you stay, you will find plenty of things that are fun for the kids, especially if you’re visiting during the warmer months. Let’s go over some places to look into as you research where to stay in Malta.
Valletta
Valletta is a beautiful city, full to the brim with sites to see and experience – a microcosm of the history of Europe and the Mediterranean that surrounds it. Your kids will love exploring Valletta: from the Upper Barrakka Gardens and the canons that line it, kids’ activities at St. James Cavalier, and the many stories about brave (and often disobedient) knights – there’s so much to see and do when visiting Malta’s capital. While great for a visit, Valletta may not be the best place to stay with kids and is better suited for couples (the boutique hotels within the city are gorgeous). There’s stairs everywhere (so pushing strollers can be a nightmare) and most areas are pedestrian only which means getting to and from your hotel can be tricky. On the upside, the main bus terminus is right at the city’s entrance and this gives you easy access to the rest of the island (although getting to it might involve a long walk, especially if you stay in downtown Valletta). There’s plenty of places to eat which cover the entire culinary spectrum: Michelin star restaurants to McDonalds and other fast food joints for the picky ones in your group.
Bugibba/Qawra
These two seaside towns are in the north of Malta. Bugibba, Qawra and St. Paul’s Bay are ideal if you want that summer resort feel, great nightlife and a touristy vibe. There’s plenty of restaurants to suit all budgets, gelaterias with amazing ice cream and many lively bars to choose from. The promenade, stretching from Qawra to St Paul’s Bay, is lovely for an evening stroll with the kids. During the day, you have your choice of sandy beaches and bays to explore. You can also dedicate a morning or afternoon to the Malta National Aquarium – it’s great fun for kids and adults alike! One downside is that these towns can get quite crowded, especially in the summer months.
Mellieha
Compared to the centre of Malta, Mellieha is more quaint, yet it’s still served well by buses and there’s a lot to do. The town’s historical centre is gorgeous and there are plenty of shops and restaurants, and a number of great family-friendly hotels to choose from. It’s the best place for a relaxing holiday with kids (yes, it’s possible). Pack a few beach toys, rent a sunbed and explore the sandy beaches that Mellieha is surrounded by. Take your pick from Golden Bay, Armier Bay, and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay for a lazy day in the sun. Mellieha is also really close to where the Gozo ferry and Comino boats berth, so you can easily explore the other islands when based in Mellieha.
St Julians/Sliema
Both super lively, St Julians is Malta’s nightlife hub while Sliema is the best place for shopping and eating. Both towns are central and very close to Valletta. They’re well served by buses as well as a ferry service that runs regularly between Valletta and Sliema. The towns are more pricey when compared to the rest of Malta and, St Julians in particular, might not be the best destination for kids. Both towns are often very crowded, and St. Julians isn’t child friendly later in the evening. That said, there are plenty of hotels in these areas that are also great for kids, so you can use these towns as a base from which to explore the rest of Malta.
Best family-friendly hotels in Malta
There are plenty of family-friendly hotels in Malta – here’s our list of the best ones:
db Seabank Resort in Mellieha: Build lovely memories with your family in one of Seabank’s spacious family rooms, with beds for up to 6 persons. Sliding doors divide the two sleeping areas so you can still have privacy as a couple while still being close to the kids. The hotel is a short stroll away from the sandy beach of Mellieha, and if you prefer pools, there are five to choose from. The resort also offers fun kids activities and animation throughout the day and entertainment for adults by night.
Pergola Hotel and Spa in Mellieha: The hotel features two outdoor pools and an indoor one. They organise fun, weekly BBQs with live entertainment. Apart from their standard rooms, you can also choose from one or two bedroom apartments fitted with everything, including a fully furnished kitchen. This is ideal if you prefer cooking your own family meals from time to time rather than eating out every day of your trip. It’s also very convenient for preparing baby or toddler meals and washing up all the baby feeding gear after a day out exploring.
Radisson Blu Resort in Golden Sands: Malta Golden Sands is set right on the shore of Golden Bay Beach – an expanse of (literally) golden sand and shallow beach ready to be explored by your toddler or kids. The ideal base for a laid back holiday in the sun, Radisson Golden Sands has 4 on site restaurants, and 3 on site bars (for the adults, of course). Concierge can also help set up childcare for some couple time during your stay.
The Westin Dragonara Resort in St. Julians: When staying at the Westin Dragonara in Malta, you can choose to either swim in the pool or in the Mediterranean Sea, which you have access to right from the hotel. There’s also a small sandy cove especially for children which you can access through the Reef Club area. The kids also get plenty to explore and discover at the Westin Family Kids’ Club.
Intercontinental Malta in St Julians: Set right in the heart of all the hustle and bustle, the Intercontinental is ideal if you want to savour the eclectic energy of the St Julians and Sliema area. The hotel features a lagoon-style outdoor swimming pool, a heated indoor pool, a fitness centre, two squash courts and a kids club. With a cinema, bowling and shopping mall only a few steps away, there’s plenty of things for older kids too.
Corinthia St George’s Bay: You can pack much less baby gear when staying at the Corinthia in St Julians. The hotel provides a large range of complimentary children’s gear for children aged 0 to 6, including bottle warmer, steriliser, baby bath, activity play mat, socket covers to child proof your room, kids’ dressing gown and slippers, pushchair…and even a potty if you’re at that stage of parenting! If you’re after some quality time as a couple, they also have a babysitting service at a really affordable price.
db San Antonio Hotel & Spa: From a pirate ship ready to set sail in one of its pools, to a toddler’s splash pool and a mushroom waterfall feature, the kids will have a blast exploring San Antonio’s pool area. The in house animation team is there on the daily, with a dedicated and varied programme for kids that’s displayed every morning in the lobby. For older kids, the db Teens Club is fully equipped with gaming consoles and is the ideal space for them to make some new friends.
Family Friendly Malta Travel Guide
Looking to explore Malta with kids? Be sure to download your free family friendly Malta travel guide and have it handy on your phone to be able to visit the recommended places!
For a tantrum free holiday, head to our booking with kids for more tips, support and family friendly city guides. Check out our most loved travel gear, from brands we trust.
FAQs
Does Malta have family-friendly hotels?
Most hotels in Malta are family-friendly and feature dedicated kids’ pools, kids clubs, spacious rooms, and family-friendly restaurants. Generally, a cot is added to your room for free upon request. You can also book babysitting services directly through your hotel. The db San Antonio Hotel & Spa, Corinthia St George’s Bay, and the Pergola Hotel in Mellieha are all great for a fun, family-friendly trip to Malta.
Where should I book my hotel when I travel with the kids to Malta?
This depends on your preference. If you want to be close to the main sites and the hustle and bustle of city life, book a hotel in the centre of Malta (Valletta, St Julians or Sliema). If you prefer to explore multiple beaches during your stay and have a more relaxed holiday, then the north of Malta, such as Mellieha, is the ideal location. For archeological sites, picturesque bays and the best fish restaurants in Marsaxlokk, the south of Malta is the place to go.
When researching hotels in Malta, it’s good to remember that the island is small and all areas are easily reachable by car. Even if you stay in the north, the south is just a 40 minute to 50 minute drive away (longer if taking public transport). It is much easier to explore Malta with a rented car, especially when travelling with kids. Always ask the hotel what their parking policy is, and if there are any additional fees.
