Malta Day 6 – Exploring Malta’s Highlights in One Day – With a Toddler in Tow

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The Magic of Blue Lagoon

Practical Tips for Comino

Family Fun at Popeye Village

Sunset at Għajn Tuffieħa Beach

Daily Summary & Travel Tips

A Dreamy Morning at the Blue Lagoon – The Highlight of Our Maltese Adventure

The morning of our last full day brought an unforgettable experience: visiting the breathtaking Blue Lagoon. This magical spot, located on the island of Comino between Malta and Gozo, lies in a narrow strait. Accessible only by boat, it offered us a unique beach day combined with a boat excursion. The Blue Lagoon is undoubtedly one of Malta’s must-see wonders, attracting crowds of visitors, especially from spring to autumn.

An Early Start for Tranquility

We wanted to avoid the crowds, so we made sure to catch the earliest boat. Since our apartment was conveniently located, we reached the Cirkewwa port in no time. Luckily, we succeeded!

Tip: We found that having a car was essential to reach the port early and explore the island at our own pace. If you are planning a similar trip, we recommend checking Booking.com Car Rentals, Qeeq.com, or Economy Bookings to compare and find the best car rental deals in Malta.

We opted for one of the scheduled boats departing from the Cirkewwa port at 8:20 AM. Although the timetable mentioned an 8:30 departure, the boat filled up quickly, and we were on our way early. We had purchased our tickets two days in advance when returning from Gozo, saving time and stress.
The early departure had many perks: we easily found parking near the ferry terminal, avoided crowds when boarding, and enjoyed the pleasant morning sun without the intense heat.

The Magical World of the Blue Lagoon

Upon arriving at Comino, we were greeted by a dreamlike sight: the Blue Lagoon’s crystal-clear, turquoise waters and white sandy seabed captivated us. We quickly laid down our towels and plunged into the shallow, gently sloping bay surrounded by stunning rocky shores. The Blue Lagoon is a perfect destination for beach lovers, offering both sandy and rocky areas to suit all preferences.

Comino’s unspoiled natural beauty immediately drew us in. The island is almost entirely uninhabited, with only a handful of official residents and one historic landmark—the St. Marija Tower. Far from city noise, we spent the morning immersed in nature.

Practical Information

The beach offers free facilities like toilets, showers, and baby-changing areas, along with small kiosks selling food, ice cream, and drinks.
The first hour was pure bliss—we had the picturesque bay almost entirely to ourselves. By 10:30 AM, however, more boats arrived, and the crowd grew, leaving no space for towels. We decided to head back to Malta at 11:00 AM for our next adventure: visiting the famous Popeye Village.

Located just a 15-minute drive from Cirkewwa, this enchanting destination perfectly rounded off our day. Our little daughter, Liny, fell asleep in the car, allowing us a peaceful drive to the next highlight.

Family Fun at Popeye Village

Popeye Village, situated in Anchor Bay near Mellieha in northern Malta, was originally built for the 1980 Popeye movie. Today, it’s a beloved Maltese attraction featuring 20 colorful wooden structures, a sunbathing terrace, and a beach.

First Steps and Lunch

After purchasing our tickets, we headed straight to the restaurant for a delicious lunch. Afterward, Liny enjoyed the restaurant’s playhouse—a spacious area full of exciting activities—before we started exploring the village.

Tip: To avoid waiting at the entrance, especially with a toddler, it’s a great idea to check availability and secure your tickets here to ensure you don’t miss out on this fairytale village:

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Exploring the Village

Walking through the village, we marveled at the colorful wooden houses built for the movie, complete with period-specific details. Each house had a unique function, from a dentist’s office to a bakery, a greengrocer, and a post office. We could step inside and explore their interiors, which added an extra layer of charm.

Fun and Relaxation

The entire village exuded a warm, friendly vibe, with music playing and children’s activities around every corner. Kids could enjoy movie screenings, games, and workshops. Meanwhile, adults could relax on sun loungers or take a dip in the bay. The setting felt like a fairytale, with the sea’s vibrant colors and the sound of waves creating a magical backdrop.

The entrance fee included small perks: free popcorn at the cinema, a postcard from the Popeye Village shop, and free parking.

Tip: If the main parking lot is full, a larger one near the Popeye Viewpoint is available.

Għajn Tuffieħa Beach and a Sunset Goodbye

Although we didn’t swim at Popeye Village beach due to its less child-friendly shoreline, we ended the day at the nearby Għajn Tuffieħa beach.

The Scenic Location

Adjacent to Golden Bay, Għajn Tuffieħa is separated by a cliff-top tower. We parked in the upper lot and descended the stairs to the sandy beach. Arriving around 4:30 PM, finding parking took a little time—many came to enjoy the breathtaking sunset view.

At the top of the stairs, we discovered a charming swing with the phrase “Fall in love with Malta”, perfect for photos against the stunning panorama.

A Family-Friendly Beach

In the late afternoon, the beach’s sand glowed orange, though many say it appears whiter in direct sunlight. The facilities were excellent, including toilets, showers, and eateries. Its sandy shore and shallow bay made it ideal for children, allowing Liny to safely enjoy the water. The warm sun and serene surroundings provided a perfect end to our day.

By 6:30 PM, we reluctantly packed up, bidding farewell to this beautiful Maltese beach. With our flight the next day, there was no more time for swimming. Thankfully, our accommodation was just a 10-minute drive away, and by 7 PM, we were enjoying our last Maltese evening with a relaxing dinner on the terrace.

Tips for This Day:
Useful Apps & Services for a Stress-Free Stay
  • Smart Payments: We used our Wise card for all payments to get the best exchange rates and avoid those sneaky hidden bank fees.
  • Travel Insurance: We believe travel insurance is a must for family trips, and we highly recommend Heymondo or WorldNomads for their reliable coverage and easy-to-use apps that offer peace of mind throughout the journey.
  • Stay Connected: To enjoy seamless navigation and check boat timetables without expensive roaming fees, we used an eSim from Airalo.
  • Family-Friendly Stays: We found our favorite accommodations through Booking.com and Vrbo, which are our go-to platforms for finding the best child-friendly places.
  • Flight Protection: In case your flight home is delayed or cancelled, Airhelp is the best service to help you get the compensation you deserve.
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