A family adventure filled with sun, sand, and sea

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.

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.

Travel Counsellors explore the best of New Zealand

22 June 2026

New Zealand packs an extraordinary amount into a relatively small corner of the world. From island vineyards and geothermal landscapes to glacier-fed lakes and dramatic alpine scenery, every region feels different from the last. On a recent trip, some of our Travel Counsellors travelled from Auckland in the North Island to Lake Tekapo in the South Island, experiencing some of the country's most iconic sights and gaining first-hand insight into what makes a journey through Aotearoa so special.

4 of Europe's best high-altitude ski destinations

19 June 2026

When you're planning a ski holiday, good snow conditions can make all the difference. High-altitude resorts offer some of the most reliable skiing in Europe, making them a great choice whether you're travelling at the start of the season in December or squeezing in a final trip before spring arrives. From vast linked ski areas to traditional mountain villages and spectacular Alpine views, these destinations combine excellent snow records with memorable experiences on and off the slopes.

Why Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel is one of Paphos' most versatile hotels

12 June 2026

Choosing the right hotel in Cyprus often comes down to finding the right balance. You want a beachfront location, plenty of facilities, comfortable accommodation, and enough choice to keep everyone happy throughout the holiday. That's exactly where Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel stands out. Located on the seafront in Paphos and surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens, the hotel combines a relaxed atmosphere with an impressive range of facilities for couples, families, and multi-generational groups. With Paphos town centre just a short distance away, guests can enjoy both the convenience of the resort and easy access to one of Cyprus' most popular destinations. Following a recent renovation programme, Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel now offers refreshed rooms and upgraded facilities, creating a contemporary base from which to enjoy everything the region has to offer.