Best Family Holiday Destinations in Malta – A Family Guide 2025

Tucked in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta is a small island nation that packs a punch when it comes to history, culture, beaches and family-friendly fun. With its compact size, rich heritage, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a brilliant destination for families looking for sun, sea and a touch of adventure all within a short flight from the UK. Here’s our handy guide to the best family holiday destinations in Malta.

You can also read our guide to the best family hotels in Malta here.

Quick & Easy Flights from the UK

Malta is exceptionally accessible from the UK, with direct flights available from most major airports including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol and Leeds.

• Flight time: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours
• Airlines flying direct: Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, British Airways, Air Malta
• Prices: Return fares often start at £50–£150, especially if booked early

The island’s only airport – Malta International Airport (MLA) is just 20–30 minutes’ drive from most major resorts, including Sliema, Valletta, St. Julian’s and Bugibba.

Best Family Holiday Destinations in Malta: Valletta

Malta’s capital city, Valletta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and feels like walking through an open-air museum.

Why Visit Valletta?

• History on every corner: Built by the Knights of St. John, Valletta is full of baroque architecture, narrow stone streets and historic churches.
• Top attractions:
  • St John’s Co-Cathedral – home to Caravaggio’s masterpiece The Beheading of Saint John.
  • Upper Barrakka Gardens – offering stunning harbour views and daily cannon fire from the Saluting Battery.
  • The Grandmaster’s Palace – ideal for older kids interested in knights and armour.
• Kid-friendly perks:
  • Easy walking distances and flat areas with pushchair access
  • Cafés with outdoor seating and space to roam – it was extremely hot when we visited so we welcomed being able to have regular drink stops. There were also many ice-cream parlours across Malta all reasonable and delicious.
  • We loved the land train for 5 euros we had a 20 minute tour round the beautiful streets of Valletta. The kids loved this.
  • We also took a Gondola ride around the bay which was stunning. Beware though the land train told us it was 2 Euros per person it is 10 Euros per person for a round trip we really enjoyed this and I would say it is worth it. The Gondola pickup area is below the something gardens. Cash only on the Gondolas.

Valletta also has a lovely ferry connection to Sliema and Three Cities, making day trips easy and scenic.

Why Malta is Great for Families

Malta is incredibly family-friendly, and here’s why:

• English is an official language, making it easy to get around, read menus and ask for help.
• Short travel times: Nowhere on the island is more than an hour away, meaning less time in cars and more time having fun.
• Safe and welcoming: Malta has a low crime rate, and locals are known for their hospitality especially towards children. We felt really safe the whole time we were in Malta.
• We found Malta to be very reasonable food and taxis were slightly cheaper than at home.
• Tons of kid-friendly attractions:
  • Splash & Fun Water Park
  • Malta National Aquarium
  • Playmobil FunPark
  • Bugibba Water Park (free entry in summer)

Restaurants across the island generally offer children’s menus and are relaxed about young guests high chairs are widely available, and no one bats an eye at a bit of noise.

Best Family Holiday Destinations | Malta: Final Thoughts…

Whether you’re chasing the sun, keen to explore centuries-old cities, or looking for splash parks and seaside play, Malta delivers in spades for families. With easy flights from the UK, short travel distances, warm Mediterranean weather and a blend of culture, beach life and entertainment, Malta is a stress-free choice for a brilliant family holiday.

Ready to look for your next Malta holiday hit the buttons below to start your search.

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