Ease into your first Maltese morning with a relaxed stroll through Upper Barrakka Gardens for panoramic Grand Harbour views, then wander down to the lively stalls of Pjazza Tesorerija for a quick coffee and pastizzi from Pastizzeria Caffe delle Stelle (budget, family-friendly). Afterward, pick up a rental-car friendly picnic from The Market Valletta or Giant Supermarket and drive a short coastal loop to the scenic viewpoint at Fort St. Elmo-perfect for photos and a gentle introduction to Maltese history before lunch.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the bustling waterfront of Valletta Waterfront and hop into the nearby Grandmaster's Palace Gardens for a shady break and kids-friendly space to run. Grab budget-friendly family plates at I Vigneri (casual trattoria) or grab falafel wraps at Guzé Bistro to-go before a short drive to the panoramic promontory of Senglea Gardjola Viewpoint for sunset views over the Three Cities-easy with a rental car and perfectly paced after your morning strolls.
As dusk falls, take a short drive to the charming waterfront neighborhood of Fortina Bay (smart for parking with a rental) and enjoy relaxed seaside views while the kids feed pigeons; nearby, grab affordable pizza or pasta to-go from Tal-Furnar for a casual family meal. After dinner, wander the atmospheric, lamp-lit streets to St. Julian's Spinola Bay promenade for an easy post-meal stroll and finish with gelato from Café del Mar Malta before returning to Valletta-simple, scenic, and realistic for tonight's remaining hours.
Start your day with a peaceful walk along the silent streets of Mdina Gate and linger at the dramatic terraces of Bastion Square for sweeping island views-kids will love the sense of stepping into a medieval movie set. Afterwards, drive a few minutes to St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat for an easy, educational underground tour (bring a small torch for the children) and stop by Fontanella Tea Garden for budget-friendly cakes and views before continuing your road-trip through Malta's quieter inland lanes.
After a morning in Mdina's quiet lanes, drive a few minutes to the lively heart of Rabat and picnic in the shady gardens of Saqqajja Square, then explore the family-friendly exhibits at Domus Romana to see mosaics and Roman household finds that fascinate kids. Finish with an easy, hands-on activity at The Mdina Dungeons Museum (short visit for thrill-seeking children) or a relaxed tasting of local sweets and hot chocolate at Caffe Cordina before a gentle sunset stroll along the ramparts near St. Paul's Grotto area.
As the sun softens, head to the peaceful terraces of Villegaignon Battery for sweeping views of the countryside and a calm spot where kids can run while you enjoy golden-hour photos. Then drive a short way to the family-run Ix-Xagħra Gardens Café for budget-friendly sandwiches and hot chocolate on the garden patio, followed by an easy, atmospheric twilight walk through the lantern-lit lanes around Nicolò Isouard Museum-a quiet, authentic end to a day of history and gentle exploration.
Head north after breakfast for a sandy start at Ghadira Bay (Mellieħa Bay) where kids can paddle in shallow water and you can rent an umbrella for a relaxed beach session; follow this with a short drive to the clifftop Red Tower (St. Agatha's Tower) for panoramic sea views and a quick, family-friendly history stop. Finish the morning exploring sea-level rock pools and easy walking paths around Għajn Tuffieħa viewpoint, where picnic benches and a nearby take-away kiosk make a budget-friendly beach lunch simple and scenic.
Drive to the rugged headland of Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs for a short, family-friendly cliff walk with sweeping views toward Gozo, then descend to the sheltered cove of Armier Bay where kids can splash in calmer waters and you can rent inexpensive sunbeds from a local kiosk. Finish with a relaxed, budget-friendly meal at L-Għanja tal-Ponta (seafood plates and pizza to share) or grab hearty sandwiches and gelato from the popular takeaway Manikata Snack Bar before a golden-hour drive back toward Mellieħa.
As the sun dips, drive to the dramatic promontory of Wardija Ridge for a brief sunset viewpoint-kids love the open space and the views back toward Golden Bay. Follow with a relaxed family dinner at the casual, budget-friendly Trattoria Il-Merill in Mellieħa village (pizza and pasta to share), then finish the night with a seaside stroll along Mellieħa Bay Promenade and gelato from Kafe Beland for a sweet, low-key end to the day.
Catch an early ferry or private RIB from Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal and head straight for calm morning swims at the famous turquoise cove of the Blue Lagoon, where shallow waters are perfect for kids and snorkel masks; pack budget-friendly picnic boxes from Cirkewwa Snack Bar to enjoy on the pebbled shore. After a relaxed swim, take a short boat hop to the quieter Crystal Lagoon for tide-pooling and easy rock-platform picnicking, then stroll up to the small, scenic chapel near Santa Marija Tower on Comino for panoramic views back toward Gozo and Malta before the midday crowds arrive.
After a morning swim, explore the quieter southern shore of Comino with a family-friendly walk to Santa Marija Bay where shallow rock pools are great for kids to paddle and look for tiny fish. Rent snorkeling gear from the local kiosk and take a short boat taxi to The Lagoon Caves for safe, easy snorkel spots and dramatic rock formations, then enjoy a budget picnic on the flat rocks near St. Mary's Church ruins while watching small boats pass-an easy, scenic afternoon that bridges your Blue Lagoon swim with a relaxed return to Cirkewwa.
After your island swims, catch a late-afternoon boat back toward the Cirkewwa shore and drive a short way to the family-friendly cliffs around Mistra Bay for a quieter sunset spot where children can explore the tide-pools while you set out a simple picnic from Cirkewwa Snack Bar. Finish the day with a relaxed coastal stroll at Ħondoq ir-Rummien viewpoint-a lovely place for kids to hunt for shells and for the family to watch fishing boats return-then pick up inexpensive take-away pastizzi or pizza for the ride home from Mellieħa Village Bakery before a calm evening drive back to your base.
Begin with a gentle stroll through Marsaxlokk Market to admire colorful luzzu boats and pick up fresh bread, local gbejna cheese and bargain-priced fruit for a seaside picnic; kids will love spotting fishermen mending nets while you sample lampuki pies from a market stall. Afterward, drive a short way to the dramatic limestone pools at St. Peter's Pool for safe paddling and cliff-edge photos, then relax at the family-friendly picnic terraces of Delimara Headland while organizing luggage and checking rental-car return details for an easy, unhurried departure.
Spend a relaxed afternoon exploring the quieter eastern headlands: stroll the shoreline trails around Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park to spot seabirds and dramatic cliff views, then head to the family-friendly shallow inlet of Ras il-Wardija for gentle paddling and rock-pool hunting. Finish with a casual, budget-savvy seafood picnic from Tartarun Fish Stall by the quay or grab takeaway ftira at Marsaxlokk Bakery before a short drive to the rental-car drop-off-easy coastal pace that ties your market morning to departure preparations.
As the light softens, drive to the peaceful headland at Fort Delimara Lighthouse for wide sea views and an easy cliff-top walk where kids can explore safe rock ledges while you photograph the coast. Afterward, stop at the family-run Il-Kartell Takeaway in the nearby village for wallet-friendly ftira or fish sandwiches to enjoy on the grassy terraces of Delimara Public Gardens, then finish the night with a short, stroller-friendly shoreline stroll along Marsaxlokk Bay Promenade watching the luzzu boats bob under lantern light before returning to sort luggage and final car checks.
| Place / Activity | Cost |
|---|---|
| Upper Barrakka Gardens | Free |
| Pjazza Tesorerija (stalls / coffee) | €4 |
| Pastizzeria Caffe delle Stelle (pastizzi) | €1 |
| The Market Valletta (picnic supplies) | €6 |
| Giant Supermarket (picnic supplies) | €6 |
| Fort St. Elmo | €10 |
| Valletta Waterfront | Free |
| Grandmaster's Palace Gardens (Upper Barrakka / public gardens access) | Free |
| I Vigneri (casual trattoria) - budget family plates | €15 |
| Guzé Bistro (falafel / to-go) | €8 |
| Senglea Gardjola Viewpoint | Free |
| Fortina Bay (waterfront stroll) | Free |
| Tal-Furnar (pizza / pasta to-go) | €8 |
| St. Julian's Spinola Bay promenade (gelato) | €3 |
| Mdina Gate | Free |
| Bastion Square (Mdina) | Free |
| St. Paul's Catacombs (Rabat) | €8 |
| Fontanella Tea Garden (cakes) | €6 |
| Saqqajja Square (picnic) | Free |
| Domus Romana | €6 |
| Mdina Dungeons Museum | €5 |
| Caffe Cordina (sweets / hot chocolate) | €5 |
| Villegaignon Battery (terraces/views) | Free |
| Ix-Xagħra Gardens Café (sandwiches) | €7 |
| Nicolò Isouard Museum (exterior/lanes stroll) | Free |
| Ghadira Bay (Mellieħa Bay) - beach access / umbrella rental | €4 |
| Red Tower (St. Agatha's Tower) | €3 |
| Għajn Tuffieħa viewpoint | Free |
| Ta' Ċenċ Cliffs (Gozo viewpoint) | Free |
| Armier Bay (sunbed rental) | €5 |
| L-Għanja tal-Ponta (seafood / pizza to share) | €12 |
| Manikata Snack Bar (sandwiches / gelato) | €6 |
| Wardija Ridge (sunset viewpoint) | Free |
| Trattoria Il-Merill (pizza / pasta) | €12 |
| Mellieħa Bay Promenade (gelato at Kafe Beland) | €3 |
| Cirkewwa Ferry Terminal (ferry to Comino) | €10 |
| Blue Lagoon (swim / beach access) | Free |
| Cirkewwa Snack Bar (picnic boxes) | €6 |
| Crystal Lagoon (Comino) | Free |
| Santa Marija Tower (Comino viewpoint) | Free |
| Santa Marija Bay (Comino) | Free |
| Snorkel gear rental (local kiosk, per person) | €8 |
| The Lagoon Caves (boat taxi/snorkel spot) | €8 |
| Mistra Bay (sunset / tide-pools) | Free |
| Mellieħa Village Bakery (take-away pastizzi/pizza) | €4 |
| Marsaxlokk Market (market browsing, sample lampuki pie) | €5 |
| St. Peter's Pool (paddling / cliff photos) | Free |
| Delimara Headland (picnic terraces) | Free |
| Xrobb l-Għaġin Nature Park (shoreline trails) | Free |
| Ras il-Wardija (shallow inlet) | Free |
| Tartarun Fish Stall (seafood picnic takeaway) | €10 |
| Marsaxlokk Bakery (ftira takeaway) | €4 |
| Fort Delimara Lighthouse (cliff-top walk) | Free |
| Il-Kartell Takeaway (ftira / sandwiches) | €6 |
| Delimara Public Gardens (picnic) | Free |
| Marsaxlokk Bay Promenade (evening stroll) | Free |
| Estimated Total (per person) | €313 |