Less than 3.5 hours from UK airports in the heart of the shimmering Med, Malta and its sister islands Gozo and Comino are blessed with gorgeous beaches and bays to discover, some with an array of different water sports to suit all tastes, ages, and moods, from tots to thrill seekers.
The size of these islands and regular ferry connections make them easy and fun to explore or you can hop aboard a private boat trip to discover hidden caves, try your hand at snorkelling, and watch the sunset from the deck. Other coastal adventures on these islands’ rugged shorelines include sea kayaking, paddle boarding, and diving – this is a destination famous for its marine life and its shipwrecks.
All these islands’ beaches are family-friendly. Malta’s largest sandy beach is Mellieha Bay in a peaceful spot in the northwest of the island, while remote Ghajn Tuffieha Bay with its reddish-golden sand is also lovely and quiet. St Peter’s natural rock pool in Delimara is superb for secluded swimming and sunbathing, and don't miss Serene Dingli Cliffs, the highest point in Malta, which is the perfect spot for a picnic.
Malta also has some brilliant water parks that will appeal to everyone, especially Popeye Village Bay (the set where the 1979 musical was filmed). It includes enormous water trampolines, boat rides, and restaurants galore. In the south of the island, the fishing village of Marsaxlokk is known for its colourful boats, Sunday fish market, and seafood lunches.
Meanwhile, let the whole family learn more about the aquatic life of the islands in the fantastic Malta National Aquarium, and the excellent Esplora interactive science centre has more than 200 indoor and outdoor exhibits and hands-on workshops, including water displacement experiments and outdoor water play, perfect for curious children who love hands-on experiences.
Elsewhere, there are amazing views of Malta’s spectacular Grand Harbour and the daily firing of a cannon from Valletta’s Upper Barrakka Gardens – plus the delight of riding a traditional water taxi across the glorious harbour to the Three Cities with their palaces, forts, and bastions, and glamorous marina filled with super-yachts. Why not take the Malta Fun Trains? These are an exciting way to see much of Valletta and the harbour without tiring out the kids with long walks.
On Gozo, the best beach is Ramla il-Ħamra (‘Red Sandy Beach’). It has fabulous swimming and snorkelling, as well as protected dunes thought to conceal Roman ruins. Meanwhile, Dwejra Bay has boat trips to the Blue Hole and Fungus Rock. It is also home to unique boathouses converted from natural caves and ledges at the bottom of the cliffs at Daħlet Qorrot, a small bay in the north, with soft limestone studded with fascinating fossils, perfect for young historical explorers.Â
Lastly, Gozo has some fantastic places to hike and climb by the water, especially Ramla Bay, Ta’Cenc Cliffs, and the Tal-Mixta Cave, along with its famous salt pans and the Inland Sea.
Don't miss the beautifully peaceful, car-free Comino. Head to the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered inlet with white sands that is perfect for cave-swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, and windsurfing, plus wildlife spotting – yelkouan shearwaters, dolphins, and seals inhabit this nature reserve and bird sanctuary.
To book your family trip to Malta, call your Travel Counsellor today.
Europe is filled with places we return to time and time again, from the sun-soaked Greek Islands to the colourful towns of the Amalfi Coast. But sometimes, discovering somewhere new can make a summer holiday feel even more special. Whether you’re looking for turquoise bays, incredible food, atmospheric old towns, or simply a slower pace, these European destination swaps offer a fresh take on some much-loved holiday favourites.
A winter escape doesn’t have to mean returning to the same familiar resort or travelling for long hours in search of some sunshine. A short flight can bring you to Atlantic islands, Moroccan coastlines, and Mediterranean towns where mild days are made for exploring at an unhurried pace. These places each have their own character, from volcanic trails and harbourfront cafés to ancient landmarks and long, breezy beaches.
Touring holidays come in all kinds of shapes: you might travel solo, follow a planned route by rail, sail between ports, or combine several stops into one trip. The right style depends on how much structure you enjoy, how far you want to roam, and whether you’d rather plan the details yourself or leave them to someone else. Here are five approaches to consider, with destinations that suit each one.
Finding your match...
