Visiting Malta with a Young Child: Our 6-Day Family Adventure on the Mediterranean Island
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In this post:
Blue Grotto – Morning Magic & Boat Tours
The Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint
St. Peter’s Pool – A Scenic Detour for Adventurers
Marsaxlokk – Traditional Fishing Village & Sunday Market
Golden Bay – Relaxing at Malta’s Favorite Sandy Beach
Top Tips for Exploring Southern Malta
On the morning of our fourth day, we took it slow. After a relaxed breakfast, we headed to the southern part of Malta to explore the famous Blue Grotto. This coastal cave system is a breathtaking natural formation consisting of a series of limestone caverns. A 20-30 minute motorboat tour is highly recommended here and offers an unforgettable experience (ticket price: €10 per person).
Tip: While we enjoyed the flexibility of driving ourselves, parking at the Blue Grotto can get extremely crowded after 10 AM. If you’d prefer a stress-free experience without worrying about navigation or parking, a guided excursion is a fantastic alternative. This highly-rated tour from Sliema includes your transport and the boat trip, letting you focus entirely on the magical blue waters:
The best time to visit is between morning and 1 PM, when sunlight illuminates the caves, making the seawater shimmer in vibrant cobalt blue hues. To catch this magical light, we made Wied iż-Żurrieq Harbour our first stop, aiming to avoid the larger crowds.
The 23 km winding drive from our accommodation took about 35 minutes. We arrived around 9:30 AM and parked at the Blue Grotto Fritzi car park. From there, we walked down to the small bay where the motorboats depart. During the summer, boats operate from 9 AM onwards, and tickets can be purchased directly at the kiosk near the harbor. Although there weren’t large crowds yet, a small line had already formed at the ticket counter.
The boats glide gently along the towering cliffs and then enter the nearby caves, where the sea dazzles in almost otherworldly blue shades. The views were extraordinary – a must-see if you’re in the area!
When we returned to the harbor, the line for tickets had grown significantly longer, but the boats were running efficiently, ensuring a smooth boarding process. On our way back to the car park, we stopped for a coffee and lemonade and browsed the souvenir stalls. By the time we got into the car, our parking spot was snapped up by a young couple the moment we left.
Just a short drive from here, we visited the Blue Wall and Grotto Viewpoint. This spot also has a small designated car park, albeit with limited spaces. We were fortunate to find a spot and walked to the viewpoint. From there, we admired the Blue Grotto from above, particularly the largest cave, which stands 30 meters tall and 90 meters wide. The postcard-perfect panorama was mesmerizing, and it was hard to tear ourselves away from the view.
Our next destination was Marsaxlokk, but we made a slight detour to St. Peter’s Pool since our little one, Liny, fell asleep in the car. This natural wonder is located near the idyllic Marsaxlokk and features a stunning natural pool formed by erosion. It’s a popular spot for swimming and a favorite among adventurers in Malta.
Although we didn’t swim in the crystal-clear waters, we took turns walking down to the rocky cliffs to soak in the magic of the place. The turquoise water, dramatic rock formations, and the joyful shouts of youngsters diving into the pool created an unforgettable atmosphere. Standing there, gazing at the endless blue, I felt a wave of nostalgia for the days when my husband and I traveled as a couple. Back then, hidden gems like this were the highlights of our adventures. It felt wonderful to relive those moments, now with the added joy of exploring the world as a family.
If you plan to swim here, bring water shoes – the rocky shores make them essential. St. Peter’s Pool is accessible via dirt roads, making for a slightly bumpy 20-30 minute drive.
Parking is available near the coast, and a small kiosk offers refreshments for those in need of a break.
Tip: Many visitors opt for taxis since there’s no bus service to this area, but having our own wheels was a total game-changer. We found that renting a car is by far the easiest and most cost-effective way to reach hidden gems like this without waiting around. To find the best deals for your trip, we recommend comparing rates on Qeeq.com, Booking.com Car Rentals or Economy Bookings—it truly makes exploring Malta’s rugged coastline a breeze.
After thoroughly enjoying the views and soaking in the experience, we resumed our journey to Marsaxlokk.
Arriving in Marsaxlokk on a Sunday and finding parking is no easy task, but the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it all worthwhile! We had planned to meet some dear friends who live in Malta at 1:30 PM in one of Marsaxlokk’s quaint cafés. But first, we had to do a little parking hunt.
Although our first café choice had no outdoor seating available, we quickly found a cozy spot on Costa Coffee’s terrace. We enjoyed a delightful hour catching up with our friends before they had to leave, and we set off to explore Marsaxlokk’s charm.
Marsaxlokk’s famous harbor instantly enchanted us. The bay is lined with charming restaurants, while the water is filled with brightly colored traditional Maltese fishing boats called luzzu. Each boat is adorned with vibrant patterns and the iconic „Eye of Osiris,” believed to bring luck and protection.
Even just a stroll along the harbor and a delicious meal in one of the inviting restaurants is worth the trip. The prices are reasonable, and the views are spectacular. Marsaxlokk has preserved its authentic charm, with no sprawling hotels or tourist hubs, just a few eateries, a local market, and the village’s timeless atmosphere.
Why Visit on a Sunday?
Sunday mornings feature the renowned weekly fish market, attracting both locals and tourists. Here, you’ll find everything from fresh seafood to souvenirs, local sweets, and handmade crafts. We bought most of our gifts and treats at the market while soaking up the lively ambiance.
At the end of our walk, we sat on a lovely little terrace and enjoyed the unique harbor vibe. A refreshing lemonade and a light snack were just right after indulging in the sweets we bought at the market. Marsaxlokk feels like a place where time slows down, yet every moment is to be cherished. The picturesque scenery, traditional luzzu boats, and friendly atmosphere make it a must-visit destination in Malta.
After an eventful afternoon in Marsaxlokk, we decided to end the day closer to our accommodation at Golden Bay. Arriving around 5 PM, we spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the warm rays of the setting sun, swimming, and relaxing until about 7 PM.
Golden Bay, located in northwest Malta, is one of the island’s most popular sandy beaches. Its wide stretch of fine golden sand and crystal-clear, shallow waters make it an ideal choice for families with young children. Liny had a blast building sandcastles, while we relaxed in the gentle waves.
This beach was among the first to earn the prestigious Blue Flag certification, symbolizing clean water and a well-maintained environment. With excellent facilities, including showers, restrooms, umbrella rentals, and on-site restaurants, it’s perfect for a hassle-free visit.
Whether you’re planning a full-day outing or just a relaxing afternoon, Golden Bay guarantees an unforgettable experience. If you’re searching for Malta’s finest sandy beaches, don’t miss this gem!
Tip: If you fell in love with this area as much as we did and want to stay just steps away from the sand, there are some incredible options nearby. We always check Booking.com or Vrbo to find the best seaside apartments and family-friendly stays—it’s the perfect way to wake up to the sound of the waves at Golden Bay.
Evening at the Accommodation
After a long, eventful day, we enjoyed dinner on the terrace of our apartment, sharing the highlights of our adventures. The treats we bought at the market added a cozy, homemade touch to the meal.
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Visiting Malta with a Young Child: Our 6-Day Family Adventure on the Mediterranean Island
Malta Day 2 – A Perfect Family Day in Mdina and Mellieha – Culture, Beaches, and Sunsets
Malta Day 3 – How to Spend a Day in Gozo: Top Sights, Local Tips & Family Moments
Malta Day 5 – How to Spend One Day in Valletta, Sliema, and Paradise Bay (With Kids)
Malta Day 6 – Exploring Malta’s Highlights in One Day – With a Toddler in Tow
Farewell Malta – A Peaceful Beach Morning and a Historic Afternoon
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