One of the reasons that so many families are holidaying on Gozo is simply because the entire island is a family-friendly environment. While many singles and couples enjoy the busy nightlife in Malta, Gozo is the ideal location for a family holiday. With only 41,000 residents as of the latest census, the island is sparsely populated and there is a warm and welcoming atmosphere no matter where you go on Gozo. Looking for some family-friendly things to do on holiday?
Gozo-Malta
Here are 18 suggestions sure to delight kids of all ages.
1. Visit the Cittadella
High atop a hill in Victoria sits the historic Cittadella where the Knights of St John helped the residents fight off the invading Ottomans in 1565. History and adventure rolled into one at the Cittadella.
2. Go Snorkelling with the Older Kids
This is not something you’d like to do with younger kids and those who can’t swim, but your older teens will love snorkelling along the coast. Older teens will also enjoy learning to dive and there are classes on the island that will rent equipment and teach your teens the basics.
3. Take the Entire Family Swimming at Ramla Bay
While dad takes the older kids snorkelling, mum might enjoy a day at the beach grabbing a little extra sun often lacking back home in the UK. Why not take the toddlers to the beach so they can build sand castles and their very own replica of the Cittadella you visited earlier in the week? Definitely should you spend a day with your little ones at Gozo’s most beautiful beach “Ramla Bay”.
4. A Day Trip to the Ggantija Temples
The little people may not understand the relevance of the Ggantija Temples, but mum, dad, and older kids will delight in ancient ruins which predate even Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Egypt by a thousand years. This is the stuff alien sci-fi flicks are made of! Kids will enjoy romping around as you explore the site.
5. A Boat Ride to Comino and the Blue Lagoon
What kid doesn’t enjoy a boat ride? It is suggested that only seasoned boaters rent a self-drive over to Comino to see just how blue the Blue Lagoon really is. If you’ve not got experience, day tours are available from Gozo.
6. Visit Ta’ Mena Estate Petting Zoo
Ta’ Mena is a favourite amongst those who enjoy a glass of wine or two, but that’s not the only reason to visit the vineyards. Here they have a petting zoo for the little ones, so carry along your ‘taste’ of wine while your children fall in love with the island’s animals – tame ones, that is!
7. Let the Kids Pick Grapes and Strawberries at Ta’ Mena
Looking to extend your stay at Ta’ Mena just a little longer for an extra sip or two? After the petting zoo, have the kids wash their hand thoroughly, then let them pick grapes and strawberries fresh off the vines and bushes.
8. Visit the Historic Saltpans
Back home, we pay tons of money for sea salt. Here on Gozo, it is panned in the traditional manner and kids will love watching as the salt panners go about their business. Many have been doing this for countless generations and it truly is a family business!
9. A Boat Ride at Xlendi Watersports
Again, it is suggested that only experienced drivers hire a boat for a ride along the shore, but even if you aren’t a veteran boater, there are drivers who will give you a grand tour. Sometimes this is even better because along with the boat ride, they point out sights of interest.
10. Enjoy a Festa – Watch the Fireworks
Festi (plural of festa) are all important to the Gozitan culture. There isn’t a week in the year when Malta lacks a festa, many of which honour patron saints of local villages. Being largely a Catholic nation, Gozo and Malta delight in these colourful and joyous festivals. Be sure to enjoy the fireworks of which Malta is famous for.
11. Wander the Streets and Alleys of Victoria
It’s always fun to go exploring and little people will love the narrow alleyways and cobbled streets of Gozo’s capital, Victoria. You might even sneak a bite of street foods whilst roaming. These are the traditional Maltese delights.
12. Watch the Glass Blowers at Ta’ Dbiegi Crafts Village
Everyone from toddler to adult will enjoy watching the glass blowers form amazing shapes from hot, molten glass. The craftsmen at Ta’ Dbiegi have handed down the craft from generation to generation, just like the salt panners.
13. Visit the Rock Formations at Dwejra Point
While the Azure Window is no more, there are still plenty of lovely rock formations to photograph and enjoy. You can show a video on your mobile phone to older kids and talk about how in recent years, Gozo lost a national treasure when the Azure Window collapsed in a storm.
15. Villa Rundle Garden in ir’ Rabat
As you wander around the Rundle Garden in ir’ Rabat, let the little ones smell the flowers. You can enjoy a quick luncheon as well.
16. Play at One of the Islands Playgrounds
If you are looking for some more activity for the kids, the island has a variety of playgrounds that also provide mats, so kids don’t get bumped and bruised. Looking to sit a while as the kids work all that excess energy off? This the way to do it.
17. Play and Dine by Marsalforn
Walk the promenade and enjoy sandy beaches on the North Coast of Gozo. This is a popular tourist destination, but if you would prefer not to stay in a more crowded area, you can always rent a self-catering farmhouse. Make day trips to the village to enjoy the beach and promenade.
18. Hike or Bike Exploration by Day
Not an activity for toddlers, but families with older kids love to rent bikes to get about on while exploring the paths in and outside the villages. If you aren’t an avid cyclist, hiking is great as well.
Things to Do with Kids on Gozo, Malta
Take your time seeing and exploring this amazing Mediterranean island, the second largest in the Maltese archipelago. You can always come back next year to explore the rest!
