Few other holiday destinations can compare to the Maltese Islands. Malta, Gozo and Comino offer a sun-drenched paradise where parents and their children can share in the joy of discovering the islands’ history and landscape, experience the thrill of an action-packed vacation together, or just simply lay back on the beach and relax as they spend time together in a safe, tranquil environment.
Summertime in Malta is synonymous with outdoor living. There is no shortage of beaches to choose from: some are fully-developed resorts offering all the requisite facilities and a taste of luxury, while others are more secluded, quieter and unspoiled by crowds. If getting up and going to the seaside seems like too much effort on one’s journey to relaxation and stress relief, then there is always the option to spend the day by the hotel pool instead. Either way, one should never forget to put on plenty of sunscreen, especially the little ones.
Upcoming Family-Friendly Events in Malta
Malta’s calendar is always filled with numerous events for adults and children alike. The entire family can take part in concerts and open-air music events, sports and activities, arts and crafts, exhibitions, shows, feasts and carnivals – and that is just the beginning. Here is a look at just a few of the things you can do with your family in Malta this summer and fall:
Malta International Food Festival 2022 (13 – 17 July) – This five-day event in Valletta celebrates food from all over the world and features a smorgasbord of delicious dishes prepared by over 200 chefs with unique styles and flavor profiles. In addition to the delectable food, attendees can also enjoy art displays, live entertainment and a taste of local culture. There is even a kids-only area for the little ones to explore food and activities catered especially to them. To find out more, visit the event’s page on VisitMalta.com.
Medieval Mdina Festival 2022 (2-3 July) – The 12th incarnation of the Medieval Mdina Festival takes guests back in time to 1200-1500 A.D, where they will be treated to reenactments of great battles, traditions, and scenes from daily life as it was in the Medieval era. You can also take in live Medieval music, magic shows and illusions, falconry exhibitions, a Medieval market, and a special children’s area where kids can learn more about history via games and activities. Entrance is free, but you can learn more on the event page here.
The Malta International Folk Festival (23-25 September) – Throughout its long and rich history, Malta has always been an international crossroads where people from different places and different cultures come together. This is how the island nation got its unique identity, which is celebrated via the Malta International Folk Festival for the third time this year. Parades and performances take place all over the island of Malta and include artists, music, and cultural contributions from Malta and Gozo, as well as Italy, Spain, Austria, Estonia, India, Latvia, and many other countries. Go to VisitMalta.com to find out more.
Mnarja 2022 (28-29 June) – The oldest event celebrating traditions and folklore in Malta, Mnarja, is fun for the whole family. In addition to the parade celebrating the Feast of Mnarja, in which everyone dresses in traditional attire, there will also be an exhibition of sculptures made from fruits and vegetables, livestock competitions, traditional cuisine, folk dancing, and a Kids’ Area where children can take part in traditional Maltese games. Visit the event’s page to learn more.
Popeye Village – Families have been coming to Malta to get the “Popeye Experience” for decades. At Popeye Village in Anchor Bay, you can see Popeye’s Village, the set of the famous Robin Williams film from 1979 in all its colorful, fun-filled glory. Kids and adults can jump on water trampolines, take boat rides, and even film themselves as if they were in the movie with Popeye.
Playmobil FunPark Malta – Playmobil’s FunPark location in Malta is always buzzing with activity, but this summer looks to be even bigger. Open Monday through Thursday from 10am to 4pm and Friday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm, this theme park welcomes families in with its enormous Playmobil castle, and invites them to play with toys and on pirate ships in an environment that is not only fun and stimulating to the imagination, but also safe for even the littlest of guests. To learn more, visit playmobilmalta.com.
Malta National Aquarium – The Malta National Aquarium has something for everyone. In one of its five distinct zones, you can learn about sharks, many of which will one day be released back to the sea thanks to the aquarium’s work with the Sharklab volunteer organization. In others, you can see local and tropical fish, shrimp, and more, as well as some of the remains of St. Paul’s famous shipwreck. There is also a section devoted to the biodiversity of the islands of Gozo and Comino, and another to reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. To purchase tickets and learn more, check out the aquarium’s official website.
Travel to Malta is becoming even more appealing in summer 2022, as the COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted and families are finding it easier than ever to plan their vacation. Read on to find out what to expect upon your arrival.
Travel Updates for Adults and Children
Those with one or more children will find it much less difficult to travel to Malta this summer, as children under 12 will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 test or a vaccination certificate after the 6th of June. Adults will be asked only to present a vaccine certificate, certificate of recovery from COVID-19 in the last six months, or the negative results of a COVID-19 test (a PCR test can be done within 72 hours of departure or a Rapid Test can be done within 24 hours). If none of these documents can be provided, the visitor will be asked to quarantine for 10 days, or for 7 days if they take a COVID-19 test and receive a negative result.
In addition to this, masks are no longer required on flights to Malta, and are not required in either indoor or outdoor locations on the islands. There are no longer any restrictions on capacities of public venues or on seating arrangements, so families can enjoy events with others and sit together during shows even if the family is large. This new freedom promises to make the upcoming months a great time to be in Malta for kids and kids at heart.