5 reasons why your next family holiday should be in Malta

Promotional feature with Jet2holidays

From music festivals to medieval cities, Malta has something for everyone – yes, even those hard-to-please teens...

Located in the central Mediterranean near Sicily, Malta might not be the first destination that springs to mind when you're thinking 'family holiday’. Yet this small archipelago is packed-full of things to do, including jazz festivals, diving coves, pretty palazzos, iconic bars and... Jason Derulo. Intrigued?

Discover the 5 reasons this gorgeous place is topping our 2018 vacation list...

1. The adventure activities

Malta boasts some absolutely stunning stretches of coastline – St Paul's Bay on Malta's northern coast is particularly gorgeous – but as we all know, sometimes it's good to mix up beach-time with activity time. Especially if you've got children with tons of energy to burn.

While watersports such as water-skiing are big — especially in Qawra and Bugibba — we recommend taking a day trip to Malta's sister island Comino to explore natural coves, aquamarine waters (perfect for snorkelling and swimming) and picture-perfect scenery. The world famous Blue Lagoon can also be found on Comino – it can get a bit busy during the summer months, but the breathtaking blue waters are 100% guaranteed to impress any Insta-obsessed teens.

2. The incredible local festival scene

Want to share unforgettable music experiences with your kids? Malta's music scene is buzzing, especially during the summer when the island plays host to a multitude of cool events, catering for even the trickiest music aficionados.

Chances are if you're already down with the likes of Jason Derulo, a trip to Malta is about to score you maximum street cred points with your kids. Why? Because Jason Derulo is one of the Isle of MTV Malta 2018 headliners – a free ticketed pop extravaganza taking place on the island during Music Week from 27 June-1 July.

You could also check out the Malta Jazz festival. Running from 16th-21st July and set against Valletta's jaw-dropping Grand Harbour, this year's impressive line-up features some of the genre's top names, including American jazz pianist Chick Corea.

3. The Café del Mar experience

Synonymous with the world renowned chill-out music genre of '90s Ibiza fame, Café del Mar is a bona fide cultural icon, and it just so happens that Malta has its very own scenic addition.

Café del Mar Malta offers stunning views, opulent cocktails and guest DJs, with everything working in harmony to channel that magic Mediterranean vibe. Guess what? There's even an infinity pool. Ideal if you've got teens in tow... take them for a light supper before watching the sunset together, then let them run wild across their social platforms.

Not everyone can say they gave their kids their first Cafe del Mar experience, right?

4. The impressive architectural and historical sights

And if you're looking for some time exploring Malta's culture, you'll be truly spoilt for choice. Not only is Malta's capital city Valletta is this year's European Capital of Culture (so expect a packed schedule of events), but the city also boasts some awe-inspiring architectural spots including museums, palaces and churches.

Further inland, Malta's walled 'Silent City' of Mdina is an expanse of medieval buildings, winding streets, museums, chapels and temples, peppered with Baroque and Byzantine flourishes. Think some of the vistas look familiar? Mdina was one of the locations used in the filming of blockbuster HBO series Game of Thrones.

5. The surprisingly easy journey

You'll be surprised at how easy it is to get to Malta. Jet2holidays offer a full package to Malta including 22kg baggage allowance, rep service, transfers and choice of hotel. And with a three-hour flight time operating from airports across the UK, this island is begging to be explored.

You heard it here first.