Curator’s statement
Malta was one of the biggest surprises of our travels. It is a destination that blends history, coastal beauty, and island culture in a way that feels both approachable and unique for families. We used St. Julian as our home base and spent our days exploring Valletta, Mdina, Gozo, and several other highlights across the island. What makes Malta so special is how much variety you can pack into a short stay: ancient cities, scenic ferry rides, seaside views, and charming streets that feel like they belong in a movie. It’s a fantastic option for families who want Europe with a relaxed island feel and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
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Things to do in Malta
Explore Valletta early in the morning (and wander the city at your own pace)
Valletta is absolutely stunning, but it gets crowded quickly, especially once cruise ship groups arrive. Our favorite “wow” moment in Malta was walking through Valletta around 7:30 a.m., when the streets felt quiet and almost magical. By 9 a.m. it was congested, so early mornings are the key to enjoying Valletta at its best. The architecture, balconies, and narrow streets are gorgeous at every turn, and there are plenty of scenic overlooks to stop and take it all in. It’s a great city for families because you can explore in small bursts and stop frequently for snacks or coffee breaks.
Take the ferry to Gozo
Do not skip Gozo! Even though it takes a little extra effort to get there, the ferry ride itself is part of the adventure and makes for a fun day trip with kids. Gozo felt more relaxed and “untouched” than Malta. It was definitely one of our favorite parts of the entire trip.
Explore Mdina (The Silent City)
Mdina feels like stepping into a medieval storybook. The quiet streets and old stone architecture make it one of the most unique places to explore and it’s an easy stop to pair with other sightseeing days. It’s also a great spot for families because it feels calm and walkable compared to busier areas.
Visit the Three Cities
The Three Cities are absolutely worth seeing and offer a different feel than Valletta. They feel more local and less polished, with waterfront views and historic charm. It’s a great way to experience Malta beyond the “main” tourist areas.
Visit the fishing village of Marsaxlokk
Marsaxlokk is a charming fishing village that offers a more local glimpse into Malta beyond the major cities. It’s a fun stop for families because it feels slower-paced, scenic, and easy to explore without needing a strict itinerary. It’s also a great place to take photos, browse, and enjoy a change of scenery from Valletta.
Spend time in St. Julian’s as a home base
St. Julian’s is a convenient base with plenty of walkable restaurants, shops, and coastal paths. While there are nightlife areas that aren’t ideal for families in the evenings, it’s easy to avoid them and still enjoy the location. For families, it’s a great mix of convenience, comfort, and access to the rest of the island.
Enjoy a rooftop pool afternoon
One of the best parts of Malta is balancing sightseeing with downtime, and a rooftop pool break is the perfect reset. Even in the cooler April weather (around the 60s), our kids loved swimming and it gave everyone a chance to relax after busy mornings. It’s a simple way to keep the trip enjoyable for kids who need breaks between historic stops.
Places to eat & drink in Malta
Zitti
Zitti was the perfect place to relax and refuel after exploring Valletta in the morning. Once the crowds started building, we were happy to take a break, grab a meal, and enjoy some people-watching. It’s an ideal stop when you want to stay in the heart of Valletta without pushing through the busiest streets.
Salumeria Gardens
A great laid-back pizza stop located in St. Julian's with a relaxed vibe that works really well for families. The local beer selection makes it a fun choice for adults, while the casual atmosphere keeps things easy with kids. This is a perfect option for a quick dinner night when you don’t want anything too formal.
Gozitan
A great option for a traditional Maltese meal in St. Julian’s. We appreciated that it felt authentic but still approachable, especially for kids who may not be as adventurous. They also offer a kids menu, which is always a win when traveling with a large family group.
J’Oli Sandwich Salad Bar
This is a great quick-service option that reminded us of a Panera-style lunch stop. They offer soup, salads, and sandwiches, which is perfect when you want something healthy and quick at a decent price. It’s a great alternative when you don’t want a sit-down restaurant but also don’t want to default to McDonald’s or KFC.
Easter brunch at Hyatt Centric Malta
The Easter brunch at the Hyatt Centric was phenomenal and genuinely one of the best meals of our Malta stay. The buffet had an incredible variety and the dessert display was beautiful. It felt festive, elevated, and special without being stuffy. If you’re traveling during Easter or a holiday weekend, it’s absolutely worth planning around.
Need to know
Malta is a fantastic family destination, but timing is everything, especially in Valletta. My biggest recommendation is to explore early in the morning before the cruise ship crowds arrive. We were out walking by 7:30 am and had the streets nearly to ourselves, but by 9 a.m. it felt congested and far less enjoyable.
If you stay at Hyatt Centric Malta, the club lounge is absolutely worth the upgrade. It made mornings easier with an extensive and fresh breakfast buffet, and it gave us a comfortable place to grab snacks and recharge throughout the day.
Finally, don’t skip Gozo. The ferry ride adds a little extra planning, but the reward is worth it. It feels more relaxed and less developed, and it was one of our favorite days.
Malta is best enjoyed with a balance of sightseeing and downtime, and a hotel with a rooftop pool (especially for kids) makes the trip even better.
Travel Advisor
Ashley Whipple
Ashley Whipple
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