It can be tough to choose a family holiday destination that you can guarantee will please the whole brood, particularly if everyone has a varied set of interests. If you’re struggling to decide on a getaway spot, consider Saint Paul’s Bay in Malta. This area has it all, from historic attractions to golden sandy beaches –even the pickiest kids won’t complain.
For Adventure Seekers
Not everyone wants to lie in the sun while they’re away, and thankfully Malta has a solution for all the avid adventurers out there. Find a Segway tour provider and you can enjoy the stunning scenery of this archipelago as you ride around the sunny streets. Some tours may even take you to historic chapels and churches, the famous Dingli Cliffs or the country’s most impressive viewing spots where you’ll be able to enjoy bird’s eye views of Malta’s colourful towns.
Remember: Segway tours are brilliant for parents and older children, but most providers do not accept kids under the age of 14.
The Perfect Beach Day
If you have younger children who won’t be able to ride the Segways, you needn’t worry. Golden Sands Beach in Saint Paul’s Bay is one of the best sandy shorelines in the whole of Malta, so pack up for the perfect beach day and get there early to grab a good spot.
The sea in this area of Malta is perfectly calm, so even the littlest members of your brood can go for a paddle. The beach offers plenty of amenities including a restaurant, snack bar and umbrellas and loungers available for hire. Horseback rides, snorkelling and other activities are also available for kids (or adults) who want to stay active even on a beach day!
For Nature Enthusiasts
If snorkelling didn’t quite do the trick in terms of spotting marine life, you can always head to the National Aquarium to satisfy the nature lovers of your travel group. You can easily spend a whole day at this attraction – various areas display all different types of sea life and even other wildlife, from tropical fishes to reptiles and amphibians.
Brave the shark tunnel and watch the enormous fish as they swim right above your head, or venture to the Grand Harbour section to see a display of old shipwrecks and submerged aeroplanes. Once you’ve had your fill of wildlife and history, make your way to La Nave Bistro and grab a spot of lunch or dinner before heading back to your villa or hotel. This is the ideal day out for the whole family.
A Maltese History Lesson
If you or the kids are big into history, you should definitely check out Wignacourt Tower, the oldest surviving coastal defence post in Malta. Located in Saint Paul’s Bay, you’ll have no trouble finding this impressive tower, and you’ll certainly learn a thing or two while you’re there.
Although the tower has been restored since it was first built in 1610, its rich history and authenticity still shine through. While visiting, you’ll be able to enjoy exhibitions featuring models of fortifications as well as weapons and equipment from the seventeenth century. Not only that, but at the top you’ll find a large cannon from the eighteenth century.
Even if you’re not a history buff, the views from the top of Wignacourt Tower certainly make the visit worthwhile.
Where to Stay
AX Sunny Coast Resort & Spa – This is the ideal resort for families looking to be located in the centre of Saint Paul’s Bay. Guests can stay in apartments featuring modern décor, kitchenettes and various other facilities, and there are squash courts, indoor and outdoor pools and a fitness centre onsite. The resort is also just a short walk from the beach, so the kids will be in their element.
AX Seashells Resort – Seashells Resort is a gorgeous hotel with rooms overlooking the Mediterranean – the perfect spot for families looking for a little class during their stay. Enjoy the resort’s luxury swimming pool for adults (and separate splash pool for kids) before heading to the onsite restaurant, Coral Cove, for a taste of Maltese cuisine. The resort is mere yards from the nearest beach.
How to Get There
It’s a breeze to get to Saint Paul’s Bay if you’re organised enough to book in advance. Flights from the UK into Malta Airport (MLA) take just three hours, so there’s no need to worry about the kids getting impatient – just stick on a film or two and they’ll be happy as Larry.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can avoid further stress completely by getting an airport transfer with Shuttle Direct. If you book beforehand, your driver will be waiting for you outside the terminal along with any extras you’ve pre-booked such as child car seats. Then you’ll be whizzed off to your accommodation in a matter of minutes.
Overview
- UK to MLA Flight Time: 3 hours
- MLA to Saint Paul’s Bay Distance: 17 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 22 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
At Shuttle Direct we provide our customers with top quality transfer services in various destinations across Europe and North Africa. Save yourself the hassle of finding public transportation services and hop into the car waiting for you at the airport. It really is that simple – book in advance today.
