Family Holidays: Malta family holidays and breaks

Take the Family holiday rating 3½ stars out of 5

Why

Malta consists of three islands Malta, Gozo and Comino, situated between Sicily and the North African coast. Although small, there is a great deal to do and see and each island has it's own beauty. Gozo is the place for a real rest – only nine miles by four it takes you back to the pace of life in the 1950's, whilst Malta has some lovely beaches, both sand and rock, hidden away from the beaten track.

The locals love the English and are very family orientated. Children are welcomed at the vast majority of restaurants on the islands. You will either love or hate Malta but that depends on where you stay. Buggiba is more like Blackpool whilst some parts of St. Julian's, namely Paceville, is club land. Sandy beaches are to be found in Melleiha, Paradise Bay and Golden Sands.

On the days when it gets too hot just get in a car and visit buildings and monuments that date back to the Knights of St. John. Everywhere you go you will find a restaurant to suit your taste. The fish, in particular, is really good and fresh.

If you have very young children and are planning to visit during the summer holidays take precautions with the heat.

Top left: Walled Village
Top middle: Kids enjoying themselves
Top right: Swimming in the sea

Bottom left: Windmill in Gozo Xaghra
Bottom right: Decorative rowing boat

When

It's very hot in the summer months, with temperatures reaching 100°F on the hottest days. April, May and June are normally warm and sunny. There is a rainy season that begins about the middle of September. Although not always the best of weather, the winters are warm compared with the UK.

How

take the plane

There are many flights from many local airports. Air Malta, the national airline, offers a good and frequent service. Recently they have started a no frills subsidiary ‘Flights4U’ from Stansted. BA flies from Gatwick and numerous charter airlines fly to Malta. It takes three hours from the London airports.

from the airport

You can take a taxi or have a rental car waiting for you. To see the islands at their best a car is the best form of transport and they drive on the left like us. There are many car hire companies, but make sure you choose a reputable company as some of the cars can be on the older side. We offer car rental on this site through our partners at Auto Europe and another worthwhile option is Malta based Super Car Hire. The bus service is cheap but gets very overcrowded.

Stay

Malta has accommodation to suit all budgets. Many hotels have recently been built or refurbished. One such area is St Julian's, far enough away to be secluded but close enough for a walk into town to eat in the evenings. There are many holiday areas, all offering hotel and self-catering accommodation. The busy resort of Qawra, which merges with Bugibba, is a real tourist area and can be an acquired taste.

The further North you travel the more tranquility you will find. Xemxia Bay is at the narrowest point of the island. From here you can cross to the sandy beach area of Golden Sands where the hotel of the same name overlooks the sea from the cliffs. Or continue along the main coast road to Mellieha where there is good accommodation and Malta's largest sandy beach. The Mellieha Bay Hotel has been a family favourite for many years. At the tip of the island you'll find the ferry to Gozo and the Paradise Bay Hotel's small sandy beach.

Do

Enjoy the clear blue Mediterranean Sea and the sun.

There’s also much more to this island. Take a trip to Valletta, the capital city, and explore the narrow alleyways and fine architecture. Steeped in history from the days of the Knights of St. John up to the part Malta played in the Second World War. There are many fantastic views from Valletta across to the Three Cities that surround this international port.

Take a drive around the island and discover the churches, one cannot but admire the splendour of the domes and steeples. Many of the top church domes are on Malta and Gozo. Mosta dome had a bomb drop on it during the war. It never exploded and is still in the church.

The silent city of Mdina has spectacular views of the island and is a warren of small passages and streets.

A visit to Gozo is a must if you're taking a family holiday in the spring, for spectacular flowers alone. You can get there in just 10 minutes by helicopter or 30 minutes by ferry.

The Blue Grotto offers breathtaking views under the sea. There are many day trips around the seas of Malta that take the whole day, including lunch and stops for swimming.

For that special away-day, try a day in Sicily, where an organised trip will take you to Mount Etna. There is so much to do that a week is hardly long enough.

Every weekend during the summer months there are feasts at all the villages where villagers celebrate their own particular Village Saints’ Day. There are processions, bands playing and firework displays, with each village attempting to better the other’s efforts. A really good night out.

Eat

There are rest

Cost

A week in Malta can cost upwards of £300 per person depending on where you stay, however the cost of living is cheaper than in the UK. Car hire £17 to £20 per day. A meal for a family of four ranges from about £25 for a pizza night and around £60 for an average meal in a family restaurant.