Malta with Kids: The Ultimate Family Guide

Malta is one of the Mediterranean's best-kept secrets for a family holiday. With year-round sunshine, short travel distances, English widely spoken, and an incredible variety of child-friendly activities, this small archipelago delivers big when it comes to keeping the whole family happy. Whether you are travelling with toddlers or teenagers, here is your complete guide to enjoying Malta with kids.

1. Why Malta Is Perfect for Families

There are many reasons why Malta with kids works so well. The island is compact, meaning nothing is ever more than a 30 to 40 minute drive away, which is ideal when little ones get restless in the car. English is an official language alongside Maltese, so communication is never an issue. The Maltese are famously warm and welcoming towards children, and you will notice that restaurants, shops, and public spaces are genuinely accommodating of young families.

Malta enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year, making it a reliable destination from spring right through to late autumn. The cost of living is lower than many Western European countries, so eating out and visiting attractions will not break the bank. Healthcare facilities are modern and well-equipped, giving parents peace of mind. Add in a rich tapestry of history, culture, and outdoor adventure, and you have a destination that genuinely appeals to every member of the family.

2. Family-Friendly Beaches with Shallow Waters

When planning a family holiday in Malta, the beaches are often the main draw. The good news is that several of Malta's best beaches feature gentle, shallow waters that are perfect for paddling toddlers and confident young swimmers alike.

Mellieha Bay (Ghadira) is the number one choice for families. As Malta's largest sandy beach, it has an incredibly gradual slope into the sea, meaning you can walk out for dozens of metres and the water will barely reach your waist. The beach has sunbed hire, public toilets, and several snack bars, making a full day here easy and comfortable.

Golden Bay is another excellent option. This wide, sandy beach has gentle waves and lifeguard supervision during the summer months. There is a large car park nearby and a handful of restaurants within walking distance. The sunsets here are legendary, making it a wonderful spot for an evening visit too.

Pretty Bay (Birzebbuga) is a lesser-known gem in the south of the island. Its calm, shallow waters and soft sand make it ideal for very young children. The bay is sheltered, so even on slightly breezy days the water stays calm.

St George's Bay (St. Julian's) offers a small but well-maintained sandy beach with calm water. It is close to shops and restaurants, making it a convenient choice if you prefer an urban beach setting. The Bugibba and Qawra area, where St. Paul Apartment is located, also provides easy access to several rocky swimming spots with calm, clear water perfect for snorkelling with older children.

3. Popeye Village: A Magical Day Out

No guide to child-friendly activities in Malta would be complete without Popeye Village. Originally built as the film set for the 1980 musical Popeye starring Robin Williams, this colourful cluster of wooden buildings in Anchor Bay has been transformed into one of Malta's most beloved family attractions.

Children can meet Popeye, Olive Oyl, and other characters who wander the village, posing for photos and performing short shows throughout the day. There is a small beach area within the village where kids can splash about, boat rides across the bay, a mini water polo pool, trampolines, and a splash park during the summer months. A cinema inside the village shows the original Popeye film on a loop.

The entrance fee includes all activities, so once you are in there are no extra costs to worry about. It is best to arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and to take full advantage of everything on offer. Popeye Village is located in Mellieha, about a 15-minute drive from St. Paul's Bay, making it an easy half-day or full-day trip.

4. Malta National Aquarium and Playmobil Fun Park

The Malta National Aquarium is located right in Qawra, making it one of the most convenient child-friendly activities in Malta if you are staying at St. Paul Apartment. The aquarium houses a wide variety of Mediterranean and tropical marine life across beautifully designed tanks. The highlight is the walk-through tunnel where sharks, rays, and large fish swim overhead. There is also a reptile house and a small outdoor play area. The whole visit takes around one to two hours, making it a perfect morning or afternoon activity, especially on a rainy day.

The Playmobil Fun Park in Hal Far is a unique attraction you will not find anywhere else in the world. Located next to the actual Playmobil factory, this indoor and outdoor park lets children explore giant Playmobil sets, from pirate ships and castles to farms and construction sites. There is also an outdoor playground, picnic areas, and a shop selling Playmobil sets at factory prices. It is best suited for children aged 3 to 10 and offers excellent value for money. The park is in the south of Malta, about a 35-minute drive from St. Paul's Bay.

5. Esplora Interactive Science Centre

For curious young minds, the Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Kalkara is an absolute must. Housed within the historic Villa Bighi overlooking the Grand Harbour, Esplora features hundreds of hands-on exhibits spread across multiple floors. Children can experiment with physics, biology, and technology through interactive displays that make learning genuinely fun.

Highlights include the planetarium, which shows immersive films about space and the universe, and the outdoor science garden where kids can play with water features, pulleys, and sound installations. There are regular workshops and science shows aimed at different age groups throughout the day.

Esplora is easily a full-day attraction. There is a cafeteria on site, and the views of the harbour from the terrace are stunning. It is particularly recommended for children aged 5 and above, though younger children will still enjoy the sensory and water play areas. The centre is about a 30-minute drive from St. Paul's Bay and is well signposted.

6. Best Family Restaurants in Malta

Eating out with children in Malta is a relaxed, enjoyable experience. The Maltese love children, and most restaurants welcome families warmly. Many places offer children's menus or will happily adjust portions and dishes to suit younger diners.

In the Bugibba and Qawra area, you will find a wide selection of family-friendly restaurants along the promenade. Look out for places with outdoor terraces where children can move around freely while you enjoy your meal. Maltese cuisine is naturally child-friendly, with dishes like pastizzi (flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas), hobz biz-zejt (Maltese bread with tomatoes and olive oil), and simple pasta dishes that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy.

For a special family meal, consider visiting a restaurant in Marsaxlokk, the charming fishing village in the south. Sunday mornings feature a famous fish market, and the waterfront restaurants serve the freshest seafood on the island. Children are fascinated by the colourful luzzu boats bobbing in the harbour.

In Valletta, many restaurants have adapted to welcome families, with high chairs readily available and staff who go out of their way to entertain little ones. The street food scene in Valletta is also brilliant for kids. Grab some freshly baked pastizzi from a street vendor and enjoy them while walking through the Upper Barrakka Gardens, where the noon cannon firing is a huge hit with children of all ages.

7. Practical Tips for Travelling with Kids in Malta

Getting around: Hiring a car is the most convenient way to explore Malta with kids. Car seats can be arranged through most rental companies. Public buses are affordable and cover the entire island, but they can get crowded during peak hours, which may be stressful with young children and pushchairs. The Gozo ferry is free for children under 6 and a wonderful experience in itself.

Sun protection: The Maltese sun is strong, especially between June and September. Always carry high-factor sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water. Plan outdoor activities for the morning or late afternoon and use the middle of the day for indoor attractions, rest time, or a leisurely lunch.

Supplies: You will find supermarkets everywhere in Malta stocking all the baby essentials you need, including international brands of nappies, formula, and baby food. Pharmacies are well stocked and pharmacists are knowledgeable and helpful. There is no need to pack your suitcase full of supplies.

Best time to visit: For a family holiday in Malta, the ideal months are May, June, September, and October. The weather is warm and sunny but not oppressively hot, the sea is comfortable for swimming, and the crowds are thinner than in the peak summer months of July and August.

Safety: Malta is one of the safest countries in Europe, with very low crime rates. The locals are friendly and helpful, and you will feel comfortable letting older children have a little more independence than you might in larger cities. Hospitals and clinics provide excellent care, and the emergency number is 112.

8. Baby-Friendly Accommodation in St. Paul's Bay

Where you stay makes all the difference when travelling with young children. Hotels can feel restrictive with babies and toddlers, which is why many families prefer the space and flexibility of a self-catering apartment. Having your own kitchen means you can prepare meals and bottles on your own schedule, and a separate living area gives you somewhere to relax once the little ones are in bed.

St. Paul Apartment in Bugibba is specifically set up for families. We provide a baby cot, a travel crib, and a high chair at no extra charge, so you do not need to bring bulky baby equipment on the plane. The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen for preparing meals and snacks, a washing machine for dealing with the inevitable holiday laundry, and a comfortable living space where the whole family can unwind.

The location in Bugibba is ideal for families. You are within walking distance of the seafront promenade, the Malta National Aquarium, restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies. The area is flat and pushchair-friendly, which is not always the case in Malta's hillier towns. From here you can easily reach all the family attractions mentioned in this guide, making St. Paul's Bay the perfect base for your family holiday in Malta.