10 Best Family Things to Do in Malta
What to Do for Fun in Malta with Your Kids?
The Mediterranean archipelago of Malta is a beautiful beach destination with a whole host of family things to do. As well as kid-friendly beach days, you can expect to find plenty of cultural sights, natural wonders and local restaurants serving delicious, fresh Mediterranean cuisine.
Malta is also a hot spot for historical landmarks and little ones are sure to have an island adventure here. From exploring the Mdina old city or UNESCO-listed temples to family days out at the Malta National Aquarium or Popeye Village; you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep the kids entertained. Plus, the archipelago enjoys buckets of sunshine, making Malta a great choice for a sun-drenched family holiday.
1. Mdina Old City
Have an adventure in this ancient walled city
Ideal para: Famílias, História
One of the most popular sights to visit in Malta, Mdina Old City is an ancient walled city steeped in history with an impressive cathedral in the main square. The kids will love this fascinating old town with endless narrow streets and alleyways to explore on foot – as it’s mainly pedestrianised within the city walls.
As well as the many medieval and baroque historical buildings here, there are numerous cafes and family-friendly restaurants to take a break and refuel as you wander through the city. Be sure to bring your camera as there are some spectacular views of the island – plus, the kids can pick up a souvenir from one of the many quaint shops.
2. St. John’s Co-Cathedral
Visit one of Malta’s most captivating cathedrals
Ideal para: Famílias, História
Found in the heart of Valletta, the Roman Catholic St. John’s Co-Cathedral was designed by architect Gerolamo Cassar in the 16th century and dedicated to St John the Baptist. It was later updated in the Baroque style and it’s this architecture, along with more ornate additions over the years, that makes the cathedral so spectacular.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is home to two huge Caravaggio masterpieces and is an impressive sight for visitors of all ages. Older kids might enjoy taking an audio tour to help make the most of their visit – and the whole family can head up to the balcony for incredible birds-eye views of the cathedral.
Localização: Triq San Gwann, Il-Belt Valletta, Malta
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 9 am to 4.15 pm (closed on Sundays)
St. John's Co-Cathedral
3. Blue Grotto
Stunning sea caves dotted along the south coast
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto
Situated on Malta’s south coast, the Blue Grotto is a series of nine extraordinary sea caves with rocky walls set against azure water. The way the sunlight filters into the caves illuminates the water and makes it appear to glow even brighter due to the dark, rugged surroundings.
The Blue Grotto cave complex can be seen up close by taking a boat tour – the excursion takes around 20 minutes and is suitable for all ages. Boat tours depart from the harbour of Wied iż-Żurrieq, where little ones can have a dip in the water too. If you don’t want to take the boat, you can also view the cave formation and take a family selfie from the road above.
Localização: Blue Grotto, Malta
Abre: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm (3.30 pm in the winter)
Blue Grotto
4. Popeye Village
A fun-packed day out for big and little kids
Ideal para: Famílias, Viagens alternativas
A former film set, Popeye Village is now an entertainment park with plenty of kid-friendly fun. As well as exploring the set of the Popeye (1980) musical, the park features a cinema, rides, soft play, mini golf and even a floating inflatable obstacle course with water trampolines.
A great day out for all the family, there’s something for everyone to see and do at Popeye Village. Plus, there are several cafes and restaurants so you can take a break and refuel as needed. In warmer weather, you can kick back on the beach, paddle in the sea or take a boat tour around Anchor Bay.
Localização: Triq Tal-Prajjet, Il-Mellieħa, Malta
Abre: Daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm
Telefone: +356 (0)2152 4782
Popeye Village
5. The Malta National Aquarium
Meet an array of Mediterranean marine life
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto
Kids of all ages can meet a wide range of marine life at the Malta National Aquarium, situated in Qawra in northern Malta. Discover over 250 species of sea animals – from freshwater fish, sharks and rays to amphibians and reptiles.
The largest aquarium in Malta, the Malta National Aquarium is housed in a starfish-shaped building and covers around 20,000 square metres. Little ones will love walking through the glass-walled underwater tunnel and letting off steam at the nautical-themed play area. Plus, the whole family can visit the restaurant for fresh Mediterranean cuisine with panoramic views of St Paul’s Islands.
Localização: Triq it-Trunciera, San Pawl il-Baħar SPB 1500, Malta
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Telefone: +356 (0)2258 8100
The Malta National Aquarium
6. Ħaġar Qim
Visit one of the oldest, UNESCO-listed, temples in the world
Ideal para: Famílias, História
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Ħaġar Qim – situated close to Qrendi in southern Malta – is one of the oldest temples in the world. The Temple boasts a dramatic cliff-edge location and some of the best-preserved prehistoric architecture in Malta.
Visiting Ħaġar Qim with the kids in tow? Make sure you stop in at the visitor centre to learn more about the background of this ancient wonder – plus, there’s a children’s room with activity worksheets to help younger kids get the most out of their visit.
Localização: Triq Hagar Qim, Il-Qrendi QRD 2501, Malta
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Ħaġar Qim
7. Marsaxlokk Bay
A picture-postcard fishing village steeped in history
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Foto
Discover the largest fishing village in Malta at Marsaxlokk Bay, located on the south-east coastline. The whole family can enjoy wandering along the harbour filled with colourful fishing boats bobbing in the sparkling blue Mediterranean in this picturesque town.
Marsaxlokk Bay has a compelling history to uncover – and is now also a wonderful place to dine, drink and shop – be sure to head to an open-air market to pick the kids up some souvenirs. There are plenty of places to eat out too – with some of the best fish restaurants in Malta here. Find an outside table so you can sample the freshest seafood while you watch the world go buy.
8. The Malta Experience
An audio-visual experience about Malta’s fascinating history
Ideal para: Famílias, Viagens alternativas
A great way for the whole family to learn about Malta’s culture and background, the Malta Experience is both entertaining and educating. This audio-visual show uses incredible imagery and audio – available in 15 different languages – to tell the dramatic story of Malta’s history, spanning back 7000 years.
Located in Valletta, the Malta Experience is well worth a visit for the building it’s housed in as well as the show itself. The Mediterranean Conference Centre was formerly La Sacra Infermeria – or the Knight’s Hospitaller – a 16th Century infirmary.
Localização: St Elmo Bastions, Mediterranean Street, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1253, Malta
Abre: Daily from 11 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +356 (0)2552 4000
The Malta Experience
9. Saluting Battery
See this restored canon fired live over Valletta harbour
Ideal para: Famílias, História
An artillery battery overlooking Valletta harbour, the fully restored Saluting Battery is now a top tourist attraction in Malta. Constructed in the 16th century, for hundreds of years the guns protected the harbour from any naval attacks as well as providing gun salutes for state occasions or important visitors to the island.
The Malta Heritage Trust acquired the Saluting Battery in 2004 and began its restoration – it now has a working cannon, artillery store and gunpowder magazine. Children will love to see it fired over the bay – which now happens twice daily at 12 pm and 4 pm from Monday to Saturday. There is also a small museum to visit and wonderful views of Valletta’s grand harbour.
Localização: VGV7+R2J, Lascaris, Valletta, Malta
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)
Saluting Battery
10. Splash & Fun Water Park
Cool off at this family-friendly water park
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto
A fun family day out, the Splash & Fun Water Park is a great way to cool off and keep the kids happy on your Malta summer holiday. Situated next to the Mediterraneo Marine Park on the east coast, there are numerous water slides, a wave pool, sun beds, a lazy river and much more.
If you’re travelling with younger kids, the Splash & Fun Water Park has a dedicated children’s pool that’s perfect for little ones. Plus, there’s an on-site restaurant so you can order from a wide selection of meals and have them delivered directly to your sun bed for a hassle-free lunch option.
Localização: Tul Il-Kosta, Naxxar, Malta
Abre: Daily from 9.30 am to 8 pm
Telefone: +356 (0)2137 4283
Splash & Fun Water Park
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