Malta holidays

Just like nearby Italy, Maltese food is full of fresh, seasonal ingredients. For an authentic holiday dish, look no further than Lampuki pie. This delectable fish pie made with capers, black olives, and garlic is moreish and filling – find it at any harbourside seafood restaurant. Another must-try is street food favourite pastizzi. These savoury pastries come with a variety of delicious fillings, including ricotta and curried peas. They’re great as a snack on the go, and you can find them in most bars, bakeries and supermarkets. For a sweet treat at lunch or dinner, be sure to try kannoli, the popular ricotta-stuffed pastry. Make a beeline for your nearest bakery, where you’ll discover an endless choice of fillings, including pistachios, chocolate, and candied fruits.

In a secluded part of Malta’s northwest, the beautiful Golden Bay Beach comes with soft, golden sand, and perfectly clear water. You’ll discover gently crashing waves, and plenty of space to lay down your towel. Around the corner, you’ll find Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, a rugged curve of shoreline backed by steep hills. Less busy than its neighbour, it’s a great place to get away from it all and enjoy an uninterrupted beach day, with minimal facilities. Mellieha Bay in the northeast is the island’s most family-friendly beach, with calm, shallow water. In fact, Mellieha Bay doesn’t start to get deep until around 50m out, so it’s perfect for little ones who love the water. Fun water sports include water skiing and kayaking.

Visit Valetta: The capital, Valetta, is a must-see on any holiday to Malta. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the smallest cities in Europe, and boasts an endless array of fascinating historical sights. Highlights include St. John’s Cathedral, Barrakka Gardens, and St. Elmos’ Fort.

Mdina: With 4000 years of history, the ancient town of Mdina is one of Malta’s top attractions. Wander through the town’s cobbled streets, as you discover the catacombs and Roman Villa. Lit up at night, there’s a fairly-tale feel to Mdina all ages will love.

Island of Gozo: Being an archipelago, there’s more than one island to discover on your Malta Holiday. A short ferry ride will take you to Gozo, an unhurried haven away from the crowds. You’ll find idyllic beaches, rural monasteries, and a wonderful citadel built in the 15th century. It’s also a top spot for snorkelling, so grab your mask, and explore!

Famous film location: For a fun-filled family day out, put Sweethaven Village at the top of your list. Filming location for the 1980 movie Popeye, the village is now a top visitor attraction featuring an obstacle course and kids’ play pool. You’ll get to walk around the original filmset – a fun experience for the whole family.

Water park: If you have little ones to keep entertained, Bugibba Water Park in St Paul’s Bay is a safe bet. This exciting (and free!) splash park features cannons, bucket splashers, and water loops. Bigger kids will love Quattro Water Park, a play zone on the ocean with giant slides.

Aquarium: For an afternoon out guaranteed to keep the whole crew happy, pay a visit to Malta National Aquarium in St. Paul’s. This thrilling underwater world is home to the ocean’s most fascinating and fearsome creatures. Now’s your chance to get up close and personal with a reef shark!