A Magical Family Getaway – Discovering Malta in October
The island is located in the heart of the Med and is a treasure trove of rich history, culture and beautiful landscapes blended perfectly with relaxation and adventure. There is something for everyone on this petite island which measures just 17 miles long making it the world’s tenth smallest country.
During our visit the sea was still warm enough for swimming (in fact warmer than the hotel pool!), we spent relaxing afternoons at Golden Bay beach, located a stone’s throw from the Radisson Blu – our home for the week. Crystal-clear waters, gentle waves and less crowded shores made for perfect swimming and snorkelling. There was a cute beach bar, sun loungers for hire and a huge selection of water sports available. The sunsets were just stunning – either from the beach or from the veranda of the hotel bar.
The hotel itself offered a diverse range of accommodation, many of the rooms had self-catering facilities and were able to be interconnecting making it a great option for larger or multi-generational families. There are a variety of restaurant to choose from, however we ventured out most evenings to the local town of Mellieha which was about a 10 minute drive away. We used Bolt cars as our chosen taxi service in the evenings, they always arrived quickly and offered a great, safe service.
For our day time adventures, we hired a car which we picked up from the airport on our arrival into Malta. Driving is a dream – it’s on the left for a start, the road signs are in English and are familiar in design to us Brits. Now this isn’t the be all and end all of course, but it did make getting around easier and required far less planning.
Valletta - A UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture and narrow, historic streets. This is a compact city making walking enjoyable and stress-free.
Wander through the cobbled streets and discover hidden gems like St. John’s Cathedral, or the impressive Grand Master's Palace, once the home of the Knights of St. John. Valletta is also home to some of the island's most stunning views, with panoramic vistas of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding Mediterranean.
Mdina - Perched on a hilltop in the heart of the island, Mdina, often called the Silent City, offers a step back in time. With its narrow, winding streets, fortified walls, and medieval architecture, Mdina feels like a place frozen in history. Once the capital of Malta, this ancient city was home to nobility and knights, and today, it remains peaceful, largely free from the bustle of modern life.
St Julians - Nestled along Malta’s stunning northeastern coastline, St. Julian's is a lively and eclectic destination that perfectly blends modern energy with Mediterranean charm. Once a sleepy fishing village, today it’s one of the island’s most popular spots for both locals and visitors.
Silema - Located along Malta’s northeastern coast, Sliema is a vibrant mix of cosmopolitan flair and coastal beauty. Known for its lively atmosphere, stunning waterfront, and chic shopping, Sliema has become one of Malta’s most popular destinations. The seafront promenade offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and the historic capital, Valletta, just across the water.
These are just some of the places we visited during our trip and of course the mooching around the streets was pleasantly interspersed with delicious food at family-friendly restaurants and outstanding local wine.
Would I recommend Malta? Absolutely! It really does have something for everyone and with its extended season, you can pick and choose exactly when to go.
