Family Adventure to Malta

Malta has been on my family travel wish‑list for a while, and this summer we finally made it happen,12 nights in July, a short 3.5‑hour flight from Dublin, and a wonderful mix of luxury, history, and easy family exploring.

If you are considering Malta with the family, this will give you a feel for how we split our stay and why choosing the right base on the island is absolutely crucial.

Getting there

With a flight time of around 3.5 hours from Dublin, Malta feels wonderfully accessible for families. Long enough to feel like you have travelled, short enough that it is very manageable with children in tow.

Nights 1–5, Saint George’s Bay & St Julian’s

We started our trip in Saint George’s Bay, right on the edge of St Julian’s, staying in the 5‑star Corinthia. It was the perfect way to ease into holiday mode.

A luxury base on the water

The hotel itself is a destination:

• 6 outdoor pools plus an indoor pool
• Full spa and tennis courts
• 10 dining options so there was always something to suit everyone
• A private sea access area with a chic beach‑club vibe for hotel guests and access to a choice of water sports including para sailing, small boats, jet skis and banana boat rides

The air conditioning was excellent (which really matters in July) and the staff were genuinely unbelievable: warm, efficient, and so helpful with anything we needed.

From the hotel you can stroll along the coast all the way towards St Julian’s and beyond: perfect for an evening walk, a coffee stop, or a pre‑dinner drink as the sun goes down.

This part of the stay felt very “holiday resort” and gave us time to swim, unwind, and find our rhythm as a family before moving on to explore more of Malta’s history and culture.

Nights 6–8: Valetta – Malta’s Storybook Capital

For our next stop we moved into the heart of Malta’s capital, Valetta, staying in an apartment on Merchant Street.

Honestly, I would have loved more time here. Valetta is one of those places that rewards slow wandering and I am already planning to go back at a cooler time of year just to walk its streets, sit in the squares, and soak it all up.

History brought to life

While in Valetta we:

• Visited the Lascaris War Rooms
  We walked through the underground command rooms and tunnels from where key operations in World War II were coordinated. It is a fascinating way to spend a couple of hours and really brings Malta’s wartime story to life.
• Strolled the waterfront
  From the Upper Barrakka Gardens you have beautiful views over the Grand Harbour, and you can easily wander down towards the waterfront afterwards.
• Watched the saluting cannons
  The cannons fire at 12.00 and 16.00 daily, which is such a fun moment, especially for children or anyone interested in history.
• Visited St John’s Co‑Cathedral
  A highlight for me. The interior is breathtaking, and you can see two original Caravaggio paintings: St Jerome Writing and The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. Seeing them in person is incredibly powerful.
• Admired the Triton Fountain
  You must stroll up to the magnificent Triton Fountain at the entrance to the city. It is one of those “you are really here” sights and very photogenic.

Valetta is truly picture‑postcard perfect: golden stone buildings, balconies, narrow streets, and sweeping harbour views. I cannot wait to return in cooler temperatures to wander even more and enjoy it at a slower pace.

A hop across the Grand Harbour: The Three Cities

From Valetta you can take a small boat across the Grand Harbour for  3 euro. You must have cash. This is where all the cruise ships dock and from here you can explore the Three Cities.

We chose Birgu (Vittoriosa) and it did not disappoint. Think winding streets, beautiful historic architecture, and an array of restaurants to choose from, from relaxed to a little more polished. It felt atmospheric but not overly touristy, and it was a lovely contrast to the busier areas.

Nights 7–12: Sliema – Perfect Base for Exploring

We spent our final five nights in Sliema, which turned out to be an incredible base for excursions. We stayed in the Waterfont Hotel

From Sliema’s seafront:

• Most of the island’s ferries and boat trips depart from the port
• You can take a traditional boat across to Valetta for about 3 euro
• There is a great choice of cafes, restaurants, and seaside promenades for evening walks

If you want to do a lot of exploring but still have easy access to the water and good transport connections, Sliema works brilliantly.

Blue Lagoon & Gozo – A Bucket List Day

From Sliema we did a Blue Lagoon via Gozo excursion, and it really is a bucket list experience: crystal‑clear turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and that “I can’t believe how blue this is” feeling.

However, it is so important to choose the right trip for you. Group size, timings, shade on board, and how long you actually spend at each stop can make or break the day, especially with children or in peak summer heat. That is exactly the kind of detail I can help clients with so they book the version that suits them best.

Mdina – Stepping Back in Time

Another highlight was visiting Mdina, Malta’s ancient walled city. It feels like stepping back in time and it is no surprise that many films and series were shot here, including Gladiator and Game of Thrones.

We wandered the narrow streets, enjoyed the views from the bastion walls, and had a memorable stop at Fontanella. This café is a must for:

• Stunning panoramic views
• A huge selection of cakes
• A relaxed, old‑world charm

Mdina has a very different atmosphere to Valetta and the coastal towns: quieter, more enclosed, and quite magical in the evenings.

Odyssey Experience & Sky Views in Paceville

For something a bit different, we did the Odyssey experience in Paceville, located in the Mercury Tower.

It is a 5D, theme‑park‑style experience that takes you through 9,000 years of Maltese history in a really engaging way. At the end, you head up to the top of the Mercury Tower, Malta’s tallest building, and are rewarded with some of the best views over the island. It was a big hit and a great way to combine learning and fun, especially with older kids or teens.

Why where you stay in Malta really matters

Malta is quite a small island, which can make it tempting to think “we can stay anywhere and just get around”. From our experience, I cannot stress enough that where you base yourself will make or break the trip.

Each area has a distinct personality:

• Resort‑style, pool‑focused stays on the coast
• Historic, atmospheric city living in Valetta or Mdina
• Lively, convenient bases like Sliema that are perfect for exploring

Getting the right mix of locations, property type, and excursions for your family’s style is key.

Ready to plan your own Malta adventure?

If Malta is on your radar, I would love to help you shape a trip that feels just right: from choosing the best bases and hotels or apartments, to picking the right Blue Lagoon and Gozo excursions, and timing your stay so you can enjoy the island rather than battle the heat.

Get in touch and I can talk you through the options, share more tips from our own experience, and design a Malta itinerary tailored to you.