Dear PALS Magazine readers,
I’m delighted to bring to you this month MALTA – for those looking to travel to this adventurous island of discovery from the UK or from Cyprus.
Only 3.5 hours from the UK and just under 3 hours from Cyprus, Malta and its sister islands Gozo and Comino lie within easy reach and have so much to delight both kids and adults. Imagine stepping into a world where tales of the valiant Knights of St John come to life, wandering through ancient Roman ruins, exploring temples that eclipse the age of the Egyptian pyramids, and getting lost in the spellbinding history of medieval palaces and atmospheric forts.
These islands, with their compact size and effortless ferry connections, promise an easily navigable and utterly fascinating adventure. Ready to make unforgettable memories with your family? Here’s carefully curated list of must-see highlights in this captivating corner of the Mediterranean, perfect for those travelling with the young and the young at heart.
Malta and her sister islands are so much more than a beach destination, but the beaches are great and you’re going to want to spend time on some of them. All are family friendly, but among the best are Mellieha Bay, Malta’s largest sandy beach, in a tranquil, off-the-beaten-track spot in the north of the island. With an impressive record of 12 Blue Flag beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice for pristine stretches of coastline perfect for relaxation and water activities.
Over on quieter Gozo – ‘Malta’s countryside’ – the best is Ramla il-Ħamra (‘Red Sandy Beach’), with protected dunes believed to cover Roman ruins, and fabulous swimming and snorkelling, all backdropped by a lush green valley.
On Gozo, I recommend heading to Dwejra Bay for boat trips to the Blue Hole and Fungus Rock, learning about island life and culture at the Ta’Kola Windmill and Folklore Museum, and marvelling at the Ġgantija Temples built between 3600 and 3200 BC, making them the oldest freestanding structures in the world – Maltese legend has it that they were created by a race of giants.
You could also head to car-free Comino, where the Blue Lagoon is a sheltered inlet with white sands, perfect for cave swimming, snorkelling, diving, kayaking, windsurfing, and hiking. With a nature reserve and bird sanctuary, it’s full of wildlife to spot, including yelkouan shearwaters, dolphins, and seals. Comino isn’t too hilly, and you can walk around the whole island in 60 minutes or less, pausing at sights, including the tower that you might recognise from the escape scene in The Count of Monte Cristo.
Popeye Village in Anchor Bay is a charming attraction known for its colourful history as the set where the 1979 musical was filmed. Here, you can explore the whimsical stilt huts and enjoy a range of activities including a massive lido, water trampolines, boat rides, and even the chance to see yourselves on the big screen.
The aquatic fun continues in Malta’s water parks, the best of which is Splash & Fun in the coastal town of Naxxar, with thrilling water slides, refreshing pools, a lazy river, and a dedicated kids’ area.
Another much-loved spot is the Playmobil Fun Park, with indoor and outdoor themed areas filled with the famous figurines and animals. Meanwhile, the National Aquarium introduces you to the underwater life of the islands, many of which you may have seen if you go snorkelling, and Esplora is an interactive science centre with more than 200 indoor and outdoor exhibits and hands-on workshops, plus a planetarium with full dome shows about the universe.
Other recommendations for Malta with kids are hopping aboard a traditional djhajsa (water taxi) from Valletta to explore the Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Cospicua, and Senglea) by small electric car, and visiting the ‘Silent City’ of Mdina, one of the finest examples of an ancient walled city in Europe – we recommend visiting in the evening, when it’s lamplit. Once Malta’s capital, it now has a population of just 250.
There are some great choices of price varied accommodation throughout the island, but mostly in the areas of Sliema, St Julians, St Georges or Valetta for convenience and close proximity to all the diverse eateries, bars and places of entertainment for those wishing to wonder.
For more information on this adventurous destination or to plan a fun-packed trip to the Malta, get in touch:
Maria Demosthenous – Your UK Travel Counsellor
Tel: 0207 125 0237
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: travelperfect_bymaria
Facebook: mariademosthenous.travelcounsellor
Website: www.travelcounsellors.com/maria.demosthenous
