They say a picture tells a thousand words – but let me take you back again… this time to Malta. 

As I sit planning trips for this year, I’ve been reflecting on some of our favourite adventures, and Malta keeps popping up like “remember when you said this would be relaxing?” Yeah. That one. 

Getting There: Gatwick, Kids & My Need for Control 😅

We flew with Malta Airways from Gatwick, and as always, we got there ridiculously early. Not because I love airports – but because rushing with kids is my personal version of hell. I don’t need to add “missed flight meltdown” to the itinerary. 

Credit where it’s due: Gatwick gets it.

Kids? No problem.

Once checked in and through security, it was straight to the family play area. The kids burning off energy like caffeinated squirrels while I enjoyed a coffee and daydreamed about an stress-free flight – very Eat, Pray, Love, but with backpacks and snack crumbs.

I half expected Morgan Freeman to narrate: “And here we see a parent, briefly at peace.”

Where We Stayed: The Wright Angle, Bormla (Three Cities) 

Once in Malta, we stayed at The Wright Angle (Airbnb) in Bormla, part of the historic Three Cities. About a 20-minute drive from the airport… and then chaos. 

Roadworks meant the taxi dropped us at the top of the street. From there, we had to manoeuvre down the narrowest sidewalk known to mankind – buggy, suitcase, one kid clinging on like a koala.

Truly a Cirque du Soleil audition. 

To add to the drama, Google Maps betrayed us.

Sent us past the accommodation… up a hill. So there I am, sweating like I’m competing in Strong Woman: Mediterranean Edition, wondering why I always seem to book places with steep hills.

A pattern? Maybe. A lesson learned? Absolutely not. 

Fast forward – we arrive, and wow. 
An amazing space. Proper home-away-from-home vibes. Lovely neighbours, instantly felt part of the community. A takeaway and café two minutes away, mini-markets on the main street… perfect location, I told myself smugly. 

The Three Cities: History, Charm & Too Many New Grandparents 

The Three Cities (Birgu, Senglea, Bormla) are beautiful – packed with history, narrow streets, forts, waterfront views, and that old-world Maltese charm. Think less polished than Valletta, but more soul. 

The people? Too lovely.
Honestly, everyone wanted to adopt my kids.

I’d turn around and they’d be happily sat with some local grandma, living their best lives.

Zero concern. Full trust. Before long I was calling everyone nanna, nannu, auntie, uncle – fully immersed.

At this point, I think my kids have relatives in Malta. 

Day 1: Valletta Wandering & Cannon Fire 🔥

Valletta is just across the water from the Three Cities – around a 15–20 minute ferry ride. Didn’t clock-watch though; I was too busy enjoying the breeze on the top deck while my eldest played pirates.

Missed opportunity not bringing an eyepatch. 

Info:

€2 per adult 

Kids go free 

Ferries run every 30 minutes 

Once off the ferry, we walked pretty much everywhere.

Valletta is vibrant, colourful, buzzing – grand buildings, balconies, hidden alleys, history on every corner. The kind of place where you’re constantly stopping for photos while your kids ask for snacks. 

Lower Barrakka “Not-So-Secret” Beach 

There’s a little spot near Lower Barrakka Gardens overlooking the Grand Harbour. Worth a wander, but keep an eye on the kids – steep stone steps, rocks, and it can get busy depending on the time of day. Scenic but not “relax with a book” energy. 

Saluting Battery Cannons 💥

The Saluting Battery fires cannons every day at 12pm and 4pm – a tradition dating back centuries, originally used to salute visiting ships. 

Mini tip: Get there early. It gets packed. At one point it felt like a mosh pit… don’t ask. 

The kids LOVED it. 
Z shouting “MORE! MORE!” like we were ordering fireworks on Amazon. 

After the show, stroll through the gardens – let the kids stretch their legs, grab ice cream, and pretend to enjoy your coffee while keeping your head on a swivel in case they wander off to their Maltese grandparents again. 

Mini tip:
Use the Barrakka Lift – links the Grand Harbour to the gardens. About €1 per adult, and honestly? Money well spent. The panoramic views going up are unreal. 

We ventured down the east side near the quarry – quieter, less crowded, wide pavements. Bliss. I let the kids loose for their usual run-around while enjoying not bumping into people or saying “excuse me” every five seconds. 

Oh – and along the way there was this metal bridge leading to absolutely nowhere. 

Naturally, I thought: “That’s a nice photo spot.” Early signs of content creation… without knowing the risks. 

Halfway across, the bridge started shaking. 
Cue me shouting: “TAKE THE DAMN PICTURE!” while questioning all my life choices. 

Day 2: Popeye Village & Windy Drama 🌬️

We didn’t pre-book Popeye Village – just hopped on a bus from Valletta to Għadira. About 1.5 hours, with a bus change.

Worth it though – scenic views, city to countryside, endless rounds of I Spy and the classic “Are we there yet?” (If you know, you know.) 

Għadira is a seaside town… and the weather had other plans. Enter: super winds. The kind that has you moon-walking and your buggy saying “Bye Felicia.”

At Popeye Village, tickets were around €25 per adult, kids free – #winning (kind of… but all for the kids). 

If you’ve never seen Popeye… where have you been? 

The village is a colourful film set turned attraction – quirky houses, activities, character meet-and-greets. Despite our new enemy Super Winds (forgive the corny name), the kids were resilient. Some activities were a no-go, but they were living their best lives regardless. 

Afterwards, we attempted to explore Għadira… pointless. Wind said no. So we found food and landed at Burger Inc – yes, it’s in the name. 

Food was decent, reasonably priced. But the dessert menu?

Dangerous.

Rookie mistake letting the kids order. Moments later, massive pancakes arrive – chocolate, sprinkles, chaos. I scanned the room to see if anyone was judging. They probably were. I was judging myself. But YOLO – kids are only kids once, right? 

Enter: The Sugar Rush. 
Pray for me. 

Day 3: Sliema Strolls & Budget Wins 🍦

Sliema isn’t far from Valletta. We skipped walking and hopped on a ferry – minutes later, boom. Bustling, lively, caters to everyone. Shops, cafés, promenade vibes. 

First mission: food. Plenty of fancy spots… but I’m on a budget. Burger King it is. Kids happy, milkshaked out – time to explore. 

We headed along the promenade – sun beating down, sea views, one must do what one must: ice cream. A beautiful walk with stunning views. 

Mini tip:
Best spot for Insta-worthy pics of Valletta? Outside Manta Beach Club. 

Not far from here is Tigné Point – shops, restaurants, and those pop-jet fountains. I’ve never seen my kids so gassed. This alone bought me enough time to enjoy two coffees and a snack without rushing. Luxury. 

Final Thoughts: Is Malta Worth It with Kids? 

Overall, Malta is a beautiful mix of fun and relaxation – with a side of mild chaos (mostly self-inflicted). Rich history, friendly locals, compact enough to explore, and genuinely family-friendly. 

Would I go back? 
Absolutely. 
Would I check the wind forecast more aggressively? Also yes. 

Handy Malta Travel Tips (Family Edition) 

Malta Airport: Slow down and enjoy the large indoor aquarium – a lovely calm moment before flying. 

Stay central if you can: Valletta is ideal and saves ferry/bus time. 

Check the weather: We had to cancel Gozo & Comino due to ferry cancellations. 

Three Cities vs Valletta:

Three Cities = local, historic, community vibes 

Valletta = lively, central, walkable 

Beach lovers: Look at staying near Mellieħa Bay (Għadira) for sun-soaked relaxation.

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