I was thrilled to collaborate with Visit Malta on this trip! While I wasn’t required to write a blog post, I wanted to share our experience with you. I think there’s still something special about reading a detailed guide, especially when it comes to travel planning. So, here it is—a complete guide to our family trip to Malta, covering where we stayed, what we did, and even some kid-friendly activities we didn’t get to do this time but plan to try on our next visit, hopefully next year!
We departed from Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4, which is probably the smallest terminal I’ve come across. We flew with KM Malta Airlines, a new experience for us, but everything went smoothly. Check-in was easy, and the flight, just over three hours, was comfortable. While we flew from Heathrow, you can also catch flights to Malta from Gatwick, Stansted, and other UK airports. If you’re planning a trip, I recommend checking Skyscanner to explore flights from your nearest airport.
For this trip, we had a driver, so I can’t give much insight into public transport. However, from what I observed, getting around Malta seems straightforward, especially by bus. There’s no train or underground system, but they do have Bolt and Uber if you prefer taxis. Malta also drives on the left side, like the UK, which makes renting a car a bit easier if you’re used to UK driving. Personally, I’d struggle with right-hand driving, so that’s definitely a plus when visiting Malta!
Let’s dive into our hotel stay because I thought it was absolutely fantastic. We stayed at the newly renovated AX ODYCY Hotel, which looked sparkling and fresh throughout. Located just 30 minutes from the airport, the hotel is in a prime area with plenty of nearby restaurants, corner shops, and even an aquarium—more on that later!
Here’s a peek at our lovely room, which connected to another. We enjoyed a stunning sea view and all the essentials you’d expect from a hotel: a shower, fridge, TV, towels, shower gel, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and a hairdryer. The beds were incredibly comfortable, and the pillows were even better. I thought the room was perfect. Since we arrived quite late on our first day, we grabbed a quick bite, took a shower, and headed to bed, ready for the adventures ahead.
Our first full day in Malta began in the stunning city of Valletta. Known for its rich history and striking architecture, we explored the iconic St John’s Co-Cathedral, a masterpiece brimming with history and artistic beauty. Every detail of this cathedral was awe-inspiring, making it a must-visit for history buffs and culture lovers alike.
Next, we hopped on a boat crossing to The Three Cities. This scenic ride gave us incredible views of Malta’s harbour and the charming waterfront. It was a relaxing yet visually striking way to soak in the island’s beauty.
Lunch was at Don Berto Restaurant, where we indulged in some of the freshest and most delicious food we’ve ever had. Every bite was bursting with flavour, and the setting—overlooking the water—made the experience even more special.
One of the highlights of our trip was the Rolling Geeks tour. With a knowledgeable guide driving us around, we got to explore Malta’s most beautiful sights in comfort. The tour took us to hidden gems and provided a fantastic way to learn about the island’s history while taking in the stunning scenery.
Our second full day in Malta was packed with incredible experiences! We started bright and early with a ferry crossing from Cirkewwa to Mgarr, Gozo, and from there, the adventures unfolded.
First, we explored the stunning island of Gozo by Tuk Tuk. It was such a fun and unique way to see the island, allowing us to take in its beauty from a whole new perspective. From charming villages to breathtaking landscapes, the Tuk Tuk ride was an absolute highlight and something I 100% recommend if you’re visiting Gozo.
Lunch was at Ta’ Rikardu Restaurant, and it did not disappoint. I tried rabbit for the first time—a local delicacy—and to my surprise, I really enjoyed it. If you’re hesitant, don’t be; it tastes a lot like chicken! The restaurant’s warm atmosphere and fresh, delicious food made it the perfect lunch spot.
The day ended with an incredible immersive pirate adventure along the rocky coastline. This experience had us walking, hopping, skipping, and jumping along the rocks by the sea, solving clues, interacting with a lively pirate, playing games, and having so much fun. The grand finale was a fabulous seaside picnic at sunset—the views were simply magical!
If you’re heading to Gozo, this pirate adventure is a must. For more information, I highly recommend checking out @gozopicnic on Instagram to plan your own unforgettable experience.
Our third full day in Malta was packed with family-friendly fun and unforgettable experiences! We started the day at Popeye Village, the charming film set of the 1980 movie starring Robin Williams. This quirky village is a must-visit for both movie buffs and families. With its colourful wooden buildings, interactive activities, and beautiful seaside views, it’s a fun and nostalgic destination that offers something for everyone.
Next, we headed to the Malta National Aquarium, which is not only a fascinating spot to learn about marine life but also a great place for kids to enjoy. The aquarium is well laid out, with plenty to see and learn, and right outside is the most wonderful playground—perfect for letting the little ones run off some energy. What’s even better is that the aquarium is so close to our hotel, we could walk there with ease!
For lunch, we dined at La Nave, the restaurant inside the aquarium. The food was fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented. Whether you’re visiting the aquarium or just in the area, I highly recommend stopping by La Nave for a meal—it’s the perfect complement to a day of exploring.
On our final day, we spent some time relaxing at the hotel – AX Odycy Malta – and I have to say, it truly impressed us. This might just be one of the best hotels we’ve ever stayed at. It’s incredibly family-friendly, yet it’s clear they’ve designed the experience to cater to everyone, whether you’re visiting with kids or not.
The hotel features a fantastic kids’ pool, ideal for toddlers, complete with slides that kept little miss entertained for hours. There’s also a main outdoor pool, a lovely indoor pool, and a hot tub. While the pool water was a quite cold, I imagine it would be refreshing on a scorching summer day, which Malta is known for.
The kids’ club was another highlight, with welcoming staff who clearly take security seriously. Parents are required to sign children in and out, and the “shoes off at the door” policy keeps the space clean and comfortable.
The dining options were equally impressive. One of the restaurants, an Italian spot called Trattoria Ricardo, features a play area for kids – a brilliant idea! It meant we could relax and enjoy our meal while little miss burned off some energy. We tried the pizza and pasta, and the food was absolutely delicious.
Breakfast at the hotel was another win. It included the usual hotel favourites like eggs, sausages, and continental options, but the standout feature for me was the dedicated kids’ section. It’s such a thoughtful touch to let the little ones feel independent by choosing their own breakfast.
While my daughter enjoyed her time at the kids’ club, I took advantage of the adults-only pool. It was peaceful and quiet – a much-needed escape from the lively energy of family spaces. There’s also another pool area for guests aged 13 and up, providing yet another option for those seeking a more relaxed environment.
One of the best moments was visiting the adults-only bar in the evening. Overlooking the sea, it offered stunning views of Malta at night. The drinks were fantastic, and it was so nice to have some uninterrupted adult time while soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
If you’re considering a stay at AX Odycy Malta, I highly recommend it. From the friendly staff and clean rooms to the incredible amenities, it’s a hotel that truly delivers for families and couples alike. You can find more details on their website – I honestly can’t recommend it enough!
We only had four nights in Malta, and each one was lovely. I’d love to go back and stay even longer because there’s so much more we could have explored. For example, there’s a Playmobil FunPark – some of you might remember our viral Instagram Reel from the one we visited in Germany, so it would’ve been amazing to check out the one in Malta. I also noticed they have a Gootopia, which we’re familiar with from the UK. You could also consider checking out Splash & Fun Waterpark. The pictures look amazing! Malta is packed with family-friendly activities, and it’s such a beautiful destination. It’s definitely a place I want to revisit!
That’s all I have to share about Malta for now, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask!
