A loyal reader of “Travel 4 Kids,” Ineta, shares her thoughts: “Malta – a name I’ve heard countless times. Every time, I picture the dome of a cathedral rising in the evening mist. To be honest, my image of Valletta comes from the movie ‘Twilight,’ where the heroine dashes through carnival crowds and rushes along narrow streets…”
Malta with kids: what to see in 4 days on the island. Ineta shares her experiences and tips from her family trip.
Malta with kids: what to see in 4 days on the island
If you’re searching for inspiration for your next family holiday, “Malta with Kids: What to See in 4 Days on the Island” is the perfect way to start planning your itinerary.
The Start of the Journey
We hadn’t planned on visiting Malta. However, I received this family trip as a birthday gift, and it quickly turned into an adventure of firsts. Traveling with two kids – one a teenager and the other just a year and a half old – meant patience and creativity were always necessary.
We began planning about six months in advance, mainly because we longed for a break from the harsh Lithuanian winter. At the end of February, the temperature at home dropped below -20°C, and endless snowdrifts wore us down. Therefore, flying to Malta during the school holidays felt like the perfect escape. The journey from Klaipėda to Riga, both to and from the airport, was long, yet it was manageable.
Our flight arrived late at night. By the time we gathered our luggage and strollers, it was almost three in the morning. Over the years, we’ve realized that booking an apartment with a spacious kitchen and dining area makes family travel much easier. This allows us to enjoy peaceful breakfasts, prepare simple dinners, and try lunches at new restaurants every day. The apartment we chose this time was just right – only 15 meters from the waterfront, in a quiet area, with early-opening cafés nearby and a night shop that saved us on our first morning when we needed eggs and yogurt. The kids were thrilled by the space: three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a roomy living area, and plenty of space for everyone to have their own corner.
The Famous Valletta Winter Carnival
Our first day began with little sleep – it was Sunday. Nevertheless, my husband and I started the morning with a run and a bit of sightseeing. We were in Malta during the penultimate week of February, a time when carnivals take place all over Europe (in Lithuania, it’s Užgavėnės). The driver who picked us up from the airport mentioned that the famous carnival would take place in Valletta that Sunday, so we decided to join in.
Malta is known for its many towns, which you can easily walk between or reach by local ferries and boats. For our first adventure, we chose a city ferry and arrived in Valletta within minutes. The carnival was truly spectacular. Valletta overwhelmed us with noise, wind, and crowds of people moving along hilly streets. Since we had a stroller, navigating the stepped or crumbling sidewalks took extra effort. I felt disoriented in Valletta; I couldn’t see any of the sights up close or from a distance, as the crowds blocked everything. Because we had spent the previous day mostly sitting, we decided to walk home and find somewhere for lunch. From Valletta, we made our way to Gzira, passing through interesting neighborhoods. Malta has large Indian and Turkish communities, evident in certain areas thanks to the abundance of restaurants and shops.
The First Day’s Discovery
Without a doubt, the highlight of our first day was the food. We wanted to try local Maltese cuisine and stumbled upon a Maltese-Albanian restaurant called Tavolina Tal Familia. The owner, Armando, greeted us warmly, explained the menu, and soon we were eagerly awaiting a storm of flavors. We tried rabbit, local fried cheese, and ribs. The portions were generous, the presentation was beautiful, and the flavors were natural and fresh.
Armando was very friendly, sharing stories about Malta, local quirks, tourism, and the rapidly growing population. When we mentioned our upcoming trip to Albania, he even gave us a list of recommended places and restaurants to visit. We left with takeaway dinners, since the portions were just too big to finish in one sitting.
Later that evening, we set out to find a grocery store. There aren’t many supermarkets in Malta. However, here’s a useful tip: the cheapest place to shop is LIDL. Prices are similar to those in Lithuania. Some items cost less, others more, but fuel is noticeably cheaper.
Gzira, Simla, and Saint Julian’s
On the second day, we set out to explore Gzira, Simla, and Saint Julian’s. We strolled along the waterfront, admired the city, and visited several shops. Gzira and Simla felt cozy and well-kept, with a variety of stores, winding streets, and neighborhoods that seemed made for families. In contrast, Saint Julian’s struck us as a modern resort town, filled with large office buildings, shopping centers, and hotels. Here, the sunlight was often blocked by tall glass towers and the hustle and bustle of city life.
Moreover, public transport in Malta is free for residents and widely used. Not everyone chooses to drive, as traffic follows the British style – on the left. We decided against renting a car, preferring to simply relax and enjoy our surroundings.
Along the promenade in Saint Julian’s, we saw small boats waiting for the season, rows of restaurants by the shore, and a beautifully landscaped path perfect for walking or jogging. Large playgrounds invited both young children and teenagers to play, while benches offered parents a chance to rest.
For lunch, we picked a Turkish restaurant. The meat dishes and local Turkish pizzas were delicious, and the service was genuinely pleasant. What caught our eye, especially in Malta, was the beautiful tableware used in many restaurants.
A Day of Setbacks
On the third day, we hoped to visit Mdina and Rabat by public transport. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned. When we reached the bus stop, we found it crowded, and most buses passed by displaying “Out of Service.” If a bus did stop, we were told there was no room for our stroller, even though seats were available. Apparently, rides need to be spacious in Malta.
After waiting a couple of hours, we finally gave up and returned to Valletta. That day, strong winds gusted up to 85 km/h, making it uncomfortable to be outside. Even my windproof jacket couldn’t shield me from the swirling litter, especially in Valletta. We realized that Valletta is always crowded and noisy. Music echoed throughout the streets, making conversation nearly impossible. After a few hours, we felt emotionally drained – it was the most intense day of our trip.
Later, as we wandered through the noisy streets, we stumbled upon a local bakery. For just one euro, we bought homemade bread that was fragrant, fresh from the oven, and had a crispy crust that brought back childhood memories. Leaving Valletta, we searched for a late lunch and discovered a local grill café, where we enjoyed snacks and drinks. That evening, we chose to walk along the shore, sip a drink at a nearby café, and enjoy quiet conversation. If you crave excitement, Malta’s waterfront comes alive at night with countless bars and restaurants, perfect for those who want to party until dawn.
Mdina and Rabat
On the fourth morning, we began again with renewed energy. After breakfast, we called a Bolt and headed calmly to Mdina and Rabat – our second attempt. Rabat is an enchanting town where cars are not allowed. Its narrow streets are tidy and decorated with flowerpots by doors and windows. You’ll find tiny shops and galleries everywhere, so it’s easy to simply enjoy the historical peace.
After exploring Rabat for about an hour, we crossed the street and arrived at Mdina’s protective fortress. Entering through the grand gates, we stepped into the city – a true stronghold. Mdina is a maze of narrow streets, where you can wander, get lost, and discover stories of knights. Souvenir shops offer anything your heart desires at very low prices. There is also a museum dedicated to knights and a themed restaurant. We enjoyed the views from the panoramic walls, and the cozy church impressed us – even though the entrance required a fee.
Boat Tour
After an hour wandering Mdina, we got back into our Bolt and returned to Gzira. There, we had planned a boat tour around five Maltese harbors. The boat was comfortable and roomy, with nice chairs on both decks. A roof protected us from the sun and rain. Snacks and drinks were available. The trip is free for children up to 6 years old, and less expensive for those under 12. The tour lasts about 90 minutes. The guide shares interesting stories – not only historical facts, but also about industry, port activities, and local buildings. We enjoyed the boat tour, although we wished for more stops at old quays and additional sights. Most of the time, we cruised within the harbor. The gentle rocking quickly lulled our children to sleep, while the wind soothed our thoughts. That might have been the most peaceful moment of the whole trip.
After the boat tour, we strolled to our favorite Albanian-Maltese restaurant for another round of tasty dishes and conversation. We were treated to a local meat appetizer, enjoyed rabbit dishes, and sipped local wine. With full stomachs, we walked slowly along the waterfront and promised ourselves we’d return to Malta – there was still so much to see: the Blue Coast, Popeye Village, Marsaskala, and Marsaxlokk.
We felt a deeper connection with Malta, although not with Valletta. Perhaps traveling with children made it hard to focus, or maybe we chose the wrong time to visit. Still, we’re determined to come back.
If you’re searching for inspiration for your next family holiday, “Malta with Kids: What to See in 4 Days on the Island” is the perfect way to start planning your itinerary.
Travel 4 Kids also recommends activities for the whole family
- Popeye Village – This is the original film set where the 1980 movie “Popeye” was filmed. Today, it’s a themed amusement park where you can watch live shows, visit the colorful houses, and enjoy beautiful views of the sea. Be sure to buy tickets in advance.
- Malta National Aquarium – This modern aquarium features a wide variety of aquatic animals. There are children’s play areas and educational programs held regularly.
- Playmobil FunPark – A theme park for children, where they can play with Playmobil figures and take part in creative activities.
- Birdpark Malta – The only bird park in Malta, where you can see many different species of birds, reptiles, and other animals.
- Mediterraneo Marine Park – A marine animal park offering dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as many other sea creatures.
- Boat trips – You can rent a boat or yacht and sail the Mediterranean, visiting Gozo Island or the Blue Lagoon.
- Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour – Explore Malta with a panoramic bus tour, hopping on and off at the main sights.
This article Malta with Kids: What to See in 4 Days on the Island is an original work by “Travel 4 kids®”. Reproduction and use without permission is strictly prohibited.
