The Best Area to Stay in Malta with Kids
Where families are happiest on the island, and what to look for in a place to stay
The best area to stay in Malta with children is the north of the island, in St. Paul's Bay (Bugibba and Qawra) or Mellieħa. You are close to Malta's shallow sandy beaches, Popeye Village and the National Aquarium, the promenades are flat for pushchairs, and family-sized apartments are better value than in Sliema or St. Julian's. Bugibba is easiest without a car; Mellieħa is best with one.
Malta is a wonderful family destination: English is spoken everywhere, distances are short and the sea is warm from June to October. But not every base works equally well with children. Hilly streets, busy roads and rocky shores can make some areas hard work with toddlers, while others have everything a family needs within a short walk. Here is what we have learned from hosting families for years.
What families need from a base in Malta
- Sandy, shallow beaches nearby. Most of Malta's coast is rocky; the gentle sandy beaches are mainly in the north (Mellieħa Bay, Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa).
- Flat streets and a promenade. Easy walks with a pushchair, ice cream and playgrounds on the seafront.
- Supermarket and pharmacy on foot. Nappies, snacks and sun cream without needing the car.
- Space. Separate bedrooms so children can nap and sleep early, a kitchen for simple meals, somewhere outdoors to play.
- Easy day trips. Good buses or roads to Popeye Village, the Aquarium, Valletta and the Gozo ferry.
The best family areas compared
| Area | Why families like it | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Bugibba & Qawra (St. Paul's Bay) | Flat promenade, Aquarium, shops and bus terminus on foot, good value apartments | Only one small sandy beach in the bay (Bugibba Perched Beach); the long sandy beaches are a short ride away |
| Mellieħa | Malta's largest sandy beach with very shallow water; Popeye Village nearby | Steep town; a car is almost essential |
| Golden Bay | Beautiful sandy beach and sunsets | Few shops and restaurants; mainly hotels |
| Sliema & St. Julian's | Restaurants, shopping, ferry to Valletta | Busy roads, little sand, higher prices |
| Gozo | Quiet, safe and green; farmhouses with pools | Further from Malta's attractions; ferry for every day trip |
Why we recommend St. Paul's Bay for families
St. Paul's Bay combines the two things families need most: everyday convenience and easy access to the best family beaches. In Bugibba you can walk to the promenade, the playgrounds, the supermarket and the bus terminus. The National Aquarium is at Qawra Point, Mellieħa Bay and Popeye Village are about 15 minutes away by car, and Golden Bay is a short bus ride. On rainy or very hot afternoons you are never far from home for a rest. For more ideas, see our full Malta with kids guide.
Apartment or hotel with children?
Family hotels with pools and kids' clubs exist, mainly in Qawra, Mellieħa and St. Julian's. For stays of four nights or more, though, many families find a self-catering apartment more relaxed: parents are not confined to one room once the children are asleep, meals can follow the children's timetable, and a washing machine changes everything on a beach holiday. If you are travelling with a baby, check that the property provides a cot and high chair, and look for a ground-floor home without stairs.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to stay in Malta with a toddler?
Bugibba and Qawra in St. Paul's Bay are the easiest areas with a toddler: flat seafront promenades for pushchairs, supermarkets and pharmacies on foot, and Mellieħa Bay's very shallow sandy beach a short drive or bus ride away. A ground-floor apartment with a cot and high chair avoids stairs and lifts.
Which Malta beaches are best for young children?
Mellieħa Bay (Għadira) is the best: very shallow water for a long way out, sand, sunbeds and snack bars. Golden Bay is also sandy with lifeguards in summer. Pretty Bay in Birżebbuġa and St George's Bay in St. Julian's are smaller sandy options.
Is Malta good for a family holiday?
Yes. Malta is safe, English is an official language, distances are short and there are many family attractions, including Popeye Village, the National Aquarium, the Playmobil Fun Park and the Esplora science centre. May, June, September and October offer warm sea and fewer crowds.
Do families need a car in Malta?
Not if you stay in Bugibba, Sliema or Valletta, which have good bus connections. A car is useful in Mellieħa and Gozo, and makes beach-hopping with small children easier. Car seats can be booked with most rental companies.
What is the best accommodation in Malta for a family of 5 or 6?
A two-bedroom apartment or maisonette with a sofa bed is usually better value than two hotel rooms, and gives the family a kitchen, washing machine and living space. In St. Paul's Bay, St. Paul Apartment sleeps up to six with two ensuite bedrooms and a private courtyard.
