Malta was always high on my list as a family destination because my partner has Maltese heritage, and now it’s one I recommend without hesitation. I first visited with my 10 month old daughter, and somewhere between the ferries, the fishing boats and a surprise engagement on a hotel balcony overlooking Valletta, it became one of my favourite places in Europe.
This is the hub for everything I know about Malta with kids: when to go, where to base yourself, how to get around with a pram, and what’s actually worth your time. If you want the full day by day breakdown, I’ve written a complete itinerary you can follow, linked below.
Why Malta Works So Well for Family Travel
Malta is small enough that you don’t lose half your trip to travel time between stops, which matters a lot when you’re working around nap schedules. One day I was wandering Valletta’s old streets, the next I was watching fishing boats bob around Marsaxlokk, and a ferry ride later I was on an entirely different island in Gozo.
The Maltese are also some of the most genuinely welcoming people I’ve travelled with a baby around. Cafes, restaurants, random strangers on the street, people stopped to smile and chat with my daughter everywhere we went. If you’ve ever felt like your kids are tolerated rather than welcomed somewhere, Malta is the opposite of that.
When to Visit Malta with Kids
I travelled in autumn, from September through November, and it kept the heat manageable without losing any of the sunshine. Summer in Malta gets properly hot, which is a tough combination with a baby or toddler in a pram, so shoulder season is where I’d point most families.
Where to Stay in Malta with Kids
Sliema is the base I’d pick every time. It’s close to the ferry terminal, which ended up being the main way I got around the whole trip, and it’s got no shortage of restaurants, cafes and grocery stores for the inevitable mid-afternoon snack run.
I stayed at the Lands End Hotel in a one bedroom suite, specifically so my daughter could sleep in her portacot in a separate room while we still had the bedroom or balcony to ourselves in the evening. It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference when you’re travelling with a baby, and it’s also where I got engaged, so it holds a pretty permanent spot in my family’s story.
Getting Around Malta with a Pram
Ferries are genuinely one of the best parts of getting around Malta with kids. They’re quick, cheap, and the views alone are worth it.
Valletta itself is a different story. It’s basically a grid of hills and steps, so go in expecting to fold the pram up and carry both it and the baby at some point. Gozo, on the other hand, is far more pram friendly and makes for an easier day.
One thing I’d actively avoid is the hop on hop off bus. The hourly frequency combined with Malta’s heat turned into a full meltdown for my daughter, and there’s nowhere to go when that happens mid-route. Stick to ferries and taxis where you can.
What to Do in Malta with Kids
- Valletta: historic streets, St John’s Co-Cathedral, and the Upper Barrakka Gardens for the gun salute and harbour views
- The Three Cities and war tunnels: quieter than Valletta, with a sobering look at wartime Malta
- Gozo: a full day trip by ferry, with the Cittadella and the It-Tokk market in Victoria
- Marsaxlokk: a relaxed half day among the fishing boats, best paired with a seafood lunch
- The Blue Grotto: a half day boat trip through sea caves, worth it if you’re comfortable with a baby on the water
Read the Full Malta with Kids Itinerary
If you’re ready to plan day by day, I’ve mapped out exactly how I spent six days in Malta with my 10 month old, down to the pram tips, ferry timings and where we ate. Read the full Malta with kids itinerary here.
Malta with Kids FAQs
Is Malta a good destination for family travel?
Yes. It’s compact, easy to get around by ferry, and welcoming towards kids in a way I noticed everywhere I went.
Which part of Malta is best for families?
Sliema. It puts you near the ferry terminal and has plenty of family-friendly dining within walking distance.
Is Malta safe for families travelling with young kids?
I felt comfortable throughout, including on public transport and ferries, though I’d always keep a pram or carrier secured on buses rather than holding a baby loose.
What should I pack for Malta with a baby or toddler?
A carrier as backup for Valletta’s steps, sun protection, and snacks for ferry trips and the Gozo crossing, which can get bumpy.
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