Five must-visit spots for your family holiday to Malta

Once the film set of Robert Altman’s 1980’s comedy Popeye, today this quirky collection of wooden buildings is ripe for family fun. Nestled in the sheltered cove of Anchor Bay near Malta’s northern tip, Popeye’s Village has all the ingredients for a fantastic day out: inflatable water sports, hilarious shows and playhouses designed to deliver endless hours of clambering. Young ones will meet Popeye, Olive Oyl, Bluto and Wimpy, teenagers will wear themselves out on the water courses and parents can enjoy lying stretching out on a lounger soaking up the cliff-fringed view of Malta’s azure ocean.

Time Out tip: Hop in a car to head over to Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, a Blue Flag beach just ten-minutes away where sunshine is always the order of the day. It’s one of three stunning sandy-stretches along Malta’s north coast.

Malta’s photogenic landscapes are one of its highlights; soaring limestone cliffs and sparkling seas range from a deep cobalt blue to unbelievable aquamarine. Luckily, there are plenty of ways for your family to soak up these stunning vistas, beginning with the Blue Grotto. Take a boat tour around this unique cave system, whose moniker comes to life when the sunlight bounces off the shallows, creating some of the most vibrant waters in the region. Kids will delight at the shoals of bream swimming close to the surface and be wowed by the dramatic geological patterns on the cave roofs.

Time Out tip:  For more thrills and spills, head to the sister island of Gozo, where a boat ride through the 80-metre-long tunnel through the cliffs of Dwejra costs just five euros per person.

Learn all about Malta’s magical underwater ecosystem at the Malta National Aquarium, which houses over 175 species of fish, plus reptiles and insects too. Follow it up with a spot of snorkelling – or better yet – scuba diving (for children 10 years and older). Kayaks and paddleboards can also be rented from most beachside kiosks, so consider a family adventure exploring some of Malta’s celebrated headlands.

Time Out tip: Consider the Esplora Science Centre Center, an interactive space where visitors can manipulate tornadoes, make volcanoes erupt and marvel at mesmerising planetarium presentations. Learning, but make it cool.

Encompassing Malta’s rugged agricultural terrain, quiet villages and festa-fuelled towns is a craggy coastline which dips and soars between sapphire-blue bays and cloud-grazing heights. Take a bus from the ‘Silent City’ of Mdina (well worth a visit for its narrow streets, cinematic history and Medieval feel), to the highest point in the country, Dingli Cliffs. These weather-hewn behemoths tower to a mighty 253-metres above the sea and are the perfect place to appreciate both horizon-spanning ocean views and some of Malta’s most untouched countryside. Wander the coastal trail as long as you fancy – we suggest a 9km walk from Dingli to Wied Iż-Żurrieq, finishing above the Blue Grotto, if your clan is up for it – and enjoy the sights of prickly pear bushes, nesting shearwaters, and the islet of Filfla in the distance.

Time Out tip: Kids can let off excess energy at Gravity Malta. A visit to this trampoline, climbing and VR park in Kalkara is made a little more budget friendly with the money saved thanks to Jet2holidays Free Child Places too.

The eclectic stalls of Malta are bright, colourful and loud – and sure to delight your young ones. Begin in Marsaxlokk, the oldest and largest fish market in the country which, in addition to selling an eye-opening range of fresh catches every Sunday, is backed by the colourfully bobbing boats of Malta’s iconic luzzu. Recent years have seen it expand to feature local artisanal products such as paintings and filigree jewellery – but don’t worry, thanks to the 10kg hand luggage and 22kg baggage included in your Jet2holidays booking, you can splurge. Celebrate your shopping spree by sampling some crispy squid or succulent lampuki at any of the seafood restaurants lining the harbourside (honestly, they’re all good).

Time Out Tip: Head to Ta’ Qali Farmers Market, known for its local produce – homegrown honey, salt, olives, cheeselets and cured meats (open Tuesdays and Saturdays 7am - 3pm). A snack-stop is a sure fire way to cheer up moaning kids.

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