DISCOVER MALTA
Let Jet2holidays lead the way to all the possibilities waiting to be discovered on the shimmering island of Malta – for an adventurous family trip like no other
THE archipelago island of Malta is a wonderfully varied destination, with year-round good weather, hidden coves and fascinating temples, in a prime sunshine spot close to Sicily.
Jet2holidays, as the UK’s second biggest tour operators, provides the ideal package trips – to include flights, hotel, transfers and 22kg baggage allowance, as well as zero credit card fees. For convenience, they also travel to Malta from as many as eight UK airports, to make the whole experience stress free and seamless.
Malta is evolving into a perfect family destination. Game Of Thrones fans will delight in the fact that season One of the series was filmed in many locations across Malta and its sister island of Gozo, due to its endlessly interesting landscapes. Meanwhile, festival goers – particularly older teens keen to discover the music scene – will be happy to learn that there are several festivals of note including Isle of MTV, Creamfields and Annie Mac’s Lost and Found.
PLENTY OF ACTIVITIES
EXCITING activities that will appeal to teenagers range from rock climbing to archery, and horse riding to go-karting. There are also plentiful hiking and cycling routes for a family expedition, or perhaps you would prefer to explore the terrain on a less conventional jeep safari? As the island is small, it’s easy and interesting to explore – but a guide will take you off the tourist beaten track, too, so that you see the unique and untouched side of Malta.
One of the major reasons to visit Malta, though, is for its scuba diving. As the second-best diving location in the world, it is also the ideal destination to learn to dive, or improve your skills if you’ve already earned your sporting colours – maybe you (and your kids, if they are over ten) wish to get your advanced Padi certificate? Its main underwater spectacles, aside from hidden caves and intricate reefs, are its fascinating shipwrecks that will thrill and spook in equal measure – with many dating from the First and Second World Wars.
In fact, water sports are endless, so there will definitely be something that appeals to every family member, particularly teens and their parents: such as sailing, surfing, kayaking, paragliding, jet-ski-ing or just some straightforward snorkelling – when you are likely to stumble upon some stunning, colourful parrotfish or a glistening barracuda.
Here are some of the key hand-picked Jet2holidays resorts, all of which have something unique and individual to offer…
MELLIEHA
ON THE Northwest coast of the island, this town overlooks the largest sandy beach in the whole of Malta: Ghadira Bay, with its beautiful turquoise waters. Its shallow waters are also good for swimming all year round, as they remain relatively warm and ever inviting. If it’s outstanding seafood that you are craving, this is also the place to be – and there are plenty of outdoor terraces or seafront bars to choose from.
SILEMA
ON THE East coast, Silema has a very distinctive promenade (it’s less quaint than it used to be, but very charming
“Three music festivals of note are a draw here
nonetheless) that runs along the waterfront – and don’t forget to look out for the open-air swimming pools. Right next door is St Julian’s. Here, be sure to take a dip in the beautiful Ballutta Bay, with its backdrop of Art Nouveau buildings. There are lots of great boutiques, bars and international restaurants, too. And it’s a close trip to Paceville – the place to party – should that be what you are seeking.
ST PAUL’S BAY
IN MALTA’S Northern region, this has a lovely sandy beach and plenty to see and do. You could even take a family Segway tour to see the views from the island’s highest points – the Dingli Cliffs – or take a mini day cruise, and leisurely take in the sights and sounds of the bay.
QAWRA AND BUGIBBA
THE regions of Qawra and Bugibba are also close, with numerous water sport opportunities (Qawra is particularly good for snorkelling), as well as some excellent restaurants and a fun nightlife. Note that Bugibba beach has the National Aquarium, a water park and a hip beach club.
VALLETTA
MALTA’S capital is very easily accessed from the other resorts. And as the European Capital of Culture 2018, it’s definitely worth the trip, not least for its Baroque palaces and some spectacular gardens.
“There are water activities for all the family