Planning a family trip to Malta? You’re going to love it. Malta is a small island but wow, it is packed with history, beaches, cute villages and kid friendly adventures.
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This 7 day Malta itinerary is perfect for families who want to see a lot without rushing. We keep days flexible and try to mix sightseeing with beach time. And always leave room for ice cream, swims, and sunset walks!
If you’re travelling to Malta with kids, this one week guide will help you plan the perfect trip your whole family will love.
Arriving in Malta
You will arrive at Malta International Airport, the only airport in the country.
Once you land, you’ll need to decide how to get around.
Getting Around Malta
There are several options:
- Rental car (my top pick)
- Taxi
- Shared shuttle
- Private shuttle
- Public bus
I recommend renting a car, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Having a car gives you freedom and you can explore all the different villages, stop at beaches and change plans easily if kids are tired.
Check out the best deals in car rentals here at Discover Cars.
Some roads are narrow and have lots of twists and turns. Because of this, I always suggest getting full insurance. It’s worth the peace of mind. If you’re not renting a car, you’ll want to plan your base carefully.
I break down all transportation options in detail here:
👉 Best Places to Stay in Malta Without a Car
Where to Stay in Malta With Kids
There are many great areas to stay in Malta. But for families, location really matters.
My Top Pick: Mellieha
Here’s why:
- Beautiful beaches
- A relaxed village feel
- Not too loud or busy
- Easy access to northern Malta and the ferry terminal
It’s the perfect balance of beach and town. Some great hotels in Mellieha include Solana Hotel and db Seabank Hotel and Resort.
Other Popular Areas
- St. Julian’s
Upscale hotels and waterfront dining.
Lively and modern. Stay in vocco Malta by IHG or Intercontinental Malta - St. Paul’s Bay
Family-friendly hotels and restaurants.
Easy walking paths. Stay at AX ODYCY Hotel or DoubleTree by Hilton Malta
- Valletta
Malta’s capital city.
Full of history and attractions.
Great bus connections.
But no beach. Stay in Palais Le Brun or Avalon Boutique Hotel
7 Day Malta Itinerary With Kids
Seven days is the perfect amount of time in Malta. You’ll see the highlights, learn the history and still enjoy beach time.
I was amazed by how much history this tiny country holds. This itinerary includes family-friendly activities that mix culture, fun, and relaxation.
You will notice in many of the pictures we all are wearing cooling towels around us, I highly recommend them for summer touring to keep cool! They are a breathable mesh that you wet and wring out. You can make it cool again by giving the towel a snap. They come in a pack of 4. You can get them here on Amazon.
Day 1: Explore Mellieha + Beach Time
Start slow. This is your arrival and settling in day.
Mellieha Village
Head to the main square in Mellieha and walk around the village. Visit the beautiful church at the top of the hill where the views are incredible. You can see the winding road all the way down to the sea.
WWII Shelters
Just around the corner from the church are the WWII air raid shelters.
These tunnels were dug by hand in the 1940s and were used to protect locals during bombings.
There are about 500 metres of tunnels to explore. It’s fascinating and very eye-opening for kids.📍 Located on a stairway between Misraħ Il-Parroċċa and Triq Il-Marfa
🅿️ Parking available along Misraħ Il-Parroċċa
Ghadira Bay
End the day at Ghadira Bay. This is the best beach in Malta. It has soft sand, shallow water. Perfect for relaxing. So enjoy your first Maltese sunset.
Don’t forget to pack beach towels! We have these Quick Dry Microfiber Towels that pack nice and small, perfect for travel.
Day 2: Valletta – Malta’s Capital City
Today you’ll visit Valletta, one of the most historic cities in Europe.
Getting There
Park just outside the walled city. There’s a paid lot on Triq-il Mall. From there, it’s less than a 10-minute walk through the city gates.
What to Do in Valletta
- Explore shops and side streets
- Visit the open-air market (open 7am–2pm)
Grab lunch in Republic Square
Try Pastizzi
You must try pastizzi. It’s a famous Maltese pastry. It’s the perfect snack or lunch! We enjoyed pastizzi at Eddie’s Cafe Regina in Republic Square.
Fillings include:
- Cheese (my kids’ favorite)
- Peas
- Meat
Fort St. Elmo & National War Museum
This is a must-visit. It’s really fascinating and educational. There are lots of interactive displays, plus, the views over the harbor are stunning.
More Fun Options
- Malta Fun Train – a trolley ride around the city
- Malta 5D Show – an immersive movie about Malta that is entertaining and fun.
- Upper Barrakka Gardens – gardens, fountains, views, an elevator ride to the waterfront and a cannon salute every day at noon
Day 3: Villages, Domes, and Walled Cities
Today is all about exploring Malta’s villages.
Stop 1: Mosta
Visit the Rotunda of Mosta.
It has one of the largest unsupported domes in the world. During WWII, a bomb fell through the roof during church service and it never exploded.
The story is incredible.
Stop 2: Ta’ Qali Artisan Village
This is a fun stop for kids and parents.
You can watch glass blowing, browse handmade crafts and pick up unique souvenirs.
My daughter bought a dolphin necklace made by bending delicate threads of silver, called filigree jewelry.
Stop 3: Mdina
Mdina is such a cool spot! This ancient walled city sits high on a hill and used to be Malta’s capital.
Walk the narrow cobblestone streets surrounded by stone walls, browse small shops and take photos everywhere.Have lunch at Fontanella Tea Garden. They have great food and you’ll see amazing countryside views.
Day 4: Beach Day + Playgrounds
Spend another day swimming in the Mediterranean Sea!
Beach Options
- Ghadira Bay (again, because it’s that good)
- Armier Bay – smaller and quieter
Armier Bay is popular with locals. You can rent chairs and umbrellas. There’s also a restaurant for lunch.
Evening Fun in Mellieha
Spend time at your hotel pool. Then check out local parks.
- Playground behind the church. Go there for sunset, you won’t regret it. They also have a cafe there for a snack, open till 8pm every day
- Ġnien il-Qigħan – Another fun spot for kids to run around and maybe meet some local children. It’s a newer build and designed like a pirate ship
Day 5: Gozo Day Trip
Time to visit Malta’s second largest island: Gozo.
Taking the Ferry
The car ferry is so cool if you’ve never been on one, you literally drive onto the boat, park your car then head upstairs to enjoy the ride. It’s only about a 25 minute ride and ferries leave every 30 minutes.
Coffee Stop
Once you arrive in Gozo, drive off the ferry again and make a stop at Vicky Coffee for coffee and pastizzi. Yes, we went because it’s my name! But it’s actually really good and I recommend the stop!
Victoria (Gozo’s Capital)
Park outside the city gates and explore the fortified city on foot. The narrow stone streets are fun to wander, it’s easy to get lost, but all in good fun!
Marsalforn
Next, drive to the seaside village of Marsalforn. Make sure to pack your swimsuit and towels for a swim in the clear calm water. These quick dry towels are awesome for trips like this. They roll up small to easily fit in your backpack.
Marsalforn is a relaxed beach town with change rooms and a boardwalk lined with restaurants. We ate at Pierre Restaurant. It has yummy Italian food. You can sit outside on the patio where the kids loved watching little fish swim nearby.
Day 6: Comino & The Blue Lagoon
Today you’ll visit Malta’s third and smallest inhabited island: Comino.
This is home to the famous Blue Lagoon. The water is unreal. It’s bright blue and crystal clear.
What to Do
- Swim
- Snorkel
- Climb rocks
- Explore caves
How to Get There
Options include:
- Ferry – large group of people in one boat. Least expensive option. Comino Ferries.
- Private charter (our choice) – The private speedboat was amazing. You get personal attention and flexible stops. Plus a fast boat is so much fun. Comino Private Charter
- Snorkel cave tours – for those looking for a bit more adventure, book a tour that takes you snorkelling through the caves at Comino. Who knows what marine life you will see! Viator has many tours, this is a fun one that includes a slide: Comino Tour
Day 7: Southern Villages + Playmobil Park
Your final day is all about villages.
Siggiewi
Visit The Limestone Park and Gardens. Tickets here.
Do the audio tour where you follow a trail and learn about Malta’s stone history. See gardens, waterfalls, and donkeys. It’s a small place but really interesting. A great mix of learning and fun.
Grab lunch at Ferdinand’s. Have a seat on the patio in front of the church and listen to the church bells. A great spot to people watch.
Marsaxlokk
One of my favorite spots. This fishing village is filled with traditional Maltese boats which are so colourful. They are called Luzzu’s.
It’s so picturesque along the water.
There’s a market every day until 2pm where you can grab:
- Food
- Gifts
- Souvenirs
Playmobil Fun Park
This is where Playmobil toys are made. There’s a store, paid play area, plus life-size characters outside for some awesome photos. A fun way to end your trip! Visit their website: Playmobil Fun Park.
Final Thoughts on This 7 Day Malta Itinerary
I hope this 7 day Malta itinerary with kids helps you plan an unforgettable trip.
We never overpack our days. We leave time for:
- Evening beach walks
- Morning swims
- Slow meals
That’s what makes travel enjoyable with kids.
Malta surprised us in the best way and I think it will surprise you too. It’s easy to spend a week in Malta!
Happy travels!
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