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San Anton Gardens
The Tarxien Temples, believed to date from between 3,600 to 2,500 BC, are amongst the most important evidence of ancient cultures which once inhabited Malta. The temples site, now surrounded by urbanisation, was discovered by a farmer in 1915. In one of the temples a huge statue of a reclining woman was found (the original is now housed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta), which is one of the world’s earliest known representation of a deity. The statue is considered to be that of a fertility goddess. There are four linked temples with massive stone blocks up to 3 metres by 1 metre by 1 metre in size.
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San Anton Gardens
The Tarxien Temples, believed to date from between 3,600 to 2,500 BC, are amongst the most important evidence of ancient cultures which once inhabited Malta. The temples site, now surrounded by urbanisation, was discovered by a farmer in 1915. In one of the temples a huge statue of a reclining woman was found (the original is now housed in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta), which is one of the world’s earliest known representation of a deity. The statue is considered to be that of a fertility goddess. There are four linked temples with massive stone blocks up to 3 metres by 1 metre by 1 metre in size.
.02
Sant'Antnin Family Park, Marsascala
The Sant’Antnin Family park is the largest recreational park in Malta and offers a great deal to entice and occupy a family for a day out. It is located in the south of Malta just outside the quiet resort town of Marsascala. There is abundant space in the park for walking and there are many walking paths. The playgrounds cater for different ages and boast play equipment not found anywhere else on the Maltese Islands such as swinging space capsules. There are two excellent mazes – one for children and one for teens and adults, rock climbing facilities, outdoor gym equipment, walking and cycling routes an olive garden, an equestrian area and a traditional Maltese farm with farm animals. In addition to these there is a superb outdoor amphitheatre seating around 450 people where local theatre and dance performances are sometimes performed. All this activity can make you hungry, so you’ll be well looked after at the parks cafeteria and kiosk.
.02
Sant'Antnin Family Park, Marsascala
The Sant’Antnin Family park is the largest recreational park in Malta and offers a great deal to entice and occupy a family for a day out. It is located in the south of Malta just outside the quiet resort town of Marsascala. There is abundant space in the park for walking and there are many walking paths. The playgrounds cater for different ages and boast play equipment not found anywhere else on the Maltese Islands such as swinging space capsules. There are two excellent mazes – one for children and one for teens and adults, rock climbing facilities, outdoor gym equipment, walking and cycling routes an olive garden, an equestrian area and a traditional Maltese farm with farm animals. In addition to these there is a superb outdoor amphitheatre seating around 450 people where local theatre and dance performances are sometimes performed. All this activity can make you hungry, so you’ll be well looked after at the parks cafeteria and kiosk.
.03
Ta' Qali Adventure Park
As part of one of the largest family recreation areas in Malta, the BOV Adventure Park at Ta’ Qali has become very popular amongst Maltese families. The park has five playgrounds targeted at children of different ages from toddlers to teenagers and indeed even for adults. There are also interactive water features where children can wear their bathing suits and be doused with jets of water sporadically or being sensor operated. A large café/kiosk is central in the park and serves common snacks and refreshments and basic meals. To one side of the Adventure Park is a large open green area where families can picnic using picnic tables provided or indulge in sports or games. Across the road from the Adventure Park there is also the Ta’ Qali National Park. Part of this park is given to planned gardens with paths covered in trellis and flowering plants and creepers. The main gate leads to the formal garden where a large variety of indigenous and non-indigenous ornamental tree species are to be found. Small tracts of Mediterranean woodland have also been created to allow families to roam the extensive gardens and find tranquility.
.03
Ta' Qali Adventure Park
As part of one of the largest family recreation areas in Malta, the BOV Adventure Park at Ta’ Qali has become very popular amongst Maltese families. The park has five playgrounds targeted at children of different ages from toddlers to teenagers and indeed even for adults. There are also interactive water features where children can wear their bathing suits and be doused with jets of water sporadically or being sensor operated. A large café/kiosk is central in the park and serves common snacks and refreshments and basic meals. To one side of the Adventure Park is a large open green area where families can picnic using picnic tables provided or indulge in sports or games. Across the road from the Adventure Park there is also the Ta’ Qali National Park. Part of this park is given to planned gardens with paths covered in trellis and flowering plants and creepers. The main gate leads to the formal garden where a large variety of indigenous and non-indigenous ornamental tree species are to be found. Small tracts of Mediterranean woodland have also been created to allow families to roam the extensive gardens and find tranquility.
.04
Grand Harbour Cruise
The Grand Harbour, Malta is truly one of the most magnificent harbours anywhere in the world and without doubt the most historically important. No other place on earth is endowed with such extensive Medieval fortifications. With Valletta forming the northern shore and the Three cities reaching out like fingers into the deep waters to the south with the forts of St Angelo and St Michael at their heads, Grand Harbour is defensive masterpiece. Even before the awe-inspiring city of Valletta was built on Mount Sciberras, the harbour withstood the supposedly overwhelming force of the Ottoman Empire during what has come to be known as ‘The Great Siege’ in 1565. A few years later after a reconnaissance of the islands with the intention of a follow-up invasion it was reported back to the Sultan that with the newly built city of Valletta, it was impossible for Malta to be taken. Today Grand Harbour isn’t trying to keep foreigners out but is a huge draw for visitors from around the world.
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Grand Harbour Cruise
The Grand Harbour, Malta is truly one of the most magnificent harbours anywhere in the world and without doubt the most historically important. No other place on earth is endowed with such extensive Medieval fortifications. With Valletta forming the northern shore and the Three cities reaching out like fingers into the deep waters to the south with the forts of St Angelo and St Michael at their heads, Grand Harbour is defensive masterpiece. Even before the awe-inspiring city of Valletta was built on Mount Sciberras, the harbour withstood the supposedly overwhelming force of the Ottoman Empire during what has come to be known as ‘The Great Siege’ in 1565. A few years later after a reconnaissance of the islands with the intention of a follow-up invasion it was reported back to the Sultan that with the newly built city of Valletta, it was impossible for Malta to be taken. Today Grand Harbour isn’t trying to keep foreigners out but is a huge draw for visitors from around the world.
.05
Kennedy Grove
Kennedy Grove has long been a favourite of the Maltese for outdoor picnics and family time but in recent years it has been expanded to become a delightful outdoor venue for the family. There are several play areas for children of different ages spread out over 5,000 sqm of park land. There is also a large artificial grassed area where children can play with a water fountain feature at its centre as well as another water feature of a small creek spanned by two bridges. There is a wooded area with picnic tables, a little café/restaurant and parking is available. The venue offers access and facilities for disabled people.
.05
Kennedy Grove
Kennedy Grove has long been a favourite of the Maltese for outdoor picnics and family time but in recent years it has been expanded to become a delightful outdoor venue for the family. There are several play areas for children of different ages spread out over 5,000 sqm of park land. There is also a large artificial grassed area where children can play with a water fountain feature at its centre as well as another water feature of a small creek spanned by two bridges. There is a wooded area with picnic tables, a little café/restaurant and parking is available. The venue offers access and facilities for disabled people.
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Valletta Waterfront
Malta’s old and the new worlds intertwine seamlessly at the newly renovated Baroque Pinto Wharf known more commonly as the Valletta Waterfront. It was built by Manuel Pinto da Fonseca in the 18th century and is now a fashionable area to dine and shop for tourists and locals alike. This stretch of seafront originally housed nineteen stone warehouses intended to provide an easy commercial thoroughfare from the docks to the capital city.
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Valletta Waterfront
Malta’s old and the new worlds intertwine seamlessly at the newly renovated Baroque Pinto Wharf known more commonly as the Valletta Waterfront. It was built by Manuel Pinto da Fonseca in the 18th century and is now a fashionable area to dine and shop for tourists and locals alike. This stretch of seafront originally housed nineteen stone warehouses intended to provide an easy commercial thoroughfare from the docks to the capital city.
.07
Playmobil Fun Park
The Playmobil Funpark located at Hal Far, near the village of Birzebbuga in the south of Malta, is an excellent attraction which is guaranteed to keep children Malta entertained for hours. It also provides their parents time to chill out in the funpark’s café as the kids play safely within the indoor play area which contains vast amounts of playmobil toys which are organised into themed areas including City Life, Rescue, Aquarium, Pirates, Police, Knights, and Fairy Tale areas. The full range of play figurines are available as well as sets such as castles, fortresses and airports, are set out for the kids to play without restriction. There is also a fantastic outdoor play area including a beautifully designed pirate ship.
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Playmobil Fun Park
The Playmobil Funpark located at Hal Far, near the village of Birzebbuga in the south of Malta, is an excellent attraction which is guaranteed to keep children Malta entertained for hours. It also provides their parents time to chill out in the funpark’s café as the kids play safely within the indoor play area which contains vast amounts of playmobil toys which are organised into themed areas including City Life, Rescue, Aquarium, Pirates, Police, Knights, and Fairy Tale areas. The full range of play figurines are available as well as sets such as castles, fortresses and airports, are set out for the kids to play without restriction. There is also a fantastic outdoor play area including a beautifully designed pirate ship.
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Splash & Fun Water Park
Splash and Fun at Bahar Ic-Caghaq is an exhilarating water park experience for young and old. It is located in central Malta right on the seaside with the beautiful Mediterraean glistening during summer giving the park a wonderful holiday feel. The slides available are designed to suit all ages and aptitudes with slides like the sidewinder which offers a near vertical fall before allowing the rider to swing up and down a concave surface like a skate boarder, giving the thrill seeker ample satisfaction. Another slide that will have your heart in your throat is the black hole which has riders shooting down a fast slide before being dumped into a huge funnel where you’ll orbit until finally falling into the pool at the bottom of the funnel. There are intermediate level slides which will appeal to older children and young teens (or the timid adult) as well as a children’s slide area and pool. Splash and Fun has one of Malta’s largest pools as well as an excellent wave pool. A restaurant is on site serving delicious snacks and meals and sumptuous bbq during summer evenings.
.08
Splash & Fun Water Park
Splash and Fun at Bahar Ic-Caghaq is an exhilarating water park experience for young and old. It is located in central Malta right on the seaside with the beautiful Mediterraean glistening during summer giving the park a wonderful holiday feel. The slides available are designed to suit all ages and aptitudes with slides like the sidewinder which offers a near vertical fall before allowing the rider to swing up and down a concave surface like a skate boarder, giving the thrill seeker ample satisfaction. Another slide that will have your heart in your throat is the black hole which has riders shooting down a fast slide before being dumped into a huge funnel where you’ll orbit until finally falling into the pool at the bottom of the funnel. There are intermediate level slides which will appeal to older children and young teens (or the timid adult) as well as a children’s slide area and pool. Splash and Fun has one of Malta’s largest pools as well as an excellent wave pool. A restaurant is on site serving delicious snacks and meals and sumptuous bbq during summer evenings.
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Sweethaven – Popeye Village
The charmingly located movie set of Sweethaven, the village where the 1980 movie ‘Popeye’, starring Robin Williams, was filmed, is an absolute must see for anyone visiting Malta with young children. Following the movie, the set was turned into a themed attraction to great effect. There are many good reasons to visit, not least of which is the stunning vistas that surround Anchor Bay where you will find Sweethaven. The bay is worth the visit alone because of the stunning crystalline water and the towering cliffs that surround it. It is one of the top snorkelling and swimming spots in Malta. The funpark itself was built in a rustic style with colourful wooden buildings, some leaning in an amusing way. While the architecture is certainly not typical to Malta, it offers a surprising symmetry with the surrounding barren cliffs giving the village a fantastical slant. Within the village amongst many others, you’ll find Popeye’s original house, a bakery, a nautical school, a firehouse, the post office from the film and the Mayor’s house.
.09
Sweethaven – Popeye Village
The charmingly located movie set of Sweethaven, the village where the 1980 movie ‘Popeye’, starring Robin Williams, was filmed, is an absolute must see for anyone visiting Malta with young children. Following the movie, the set was turned into a themed attraction to great effect. There are many good reasons to visit, not least of which is the stunning vistas that surround Anchor Bay where you will find Sweethaven. The bay is worth the visit alone because of the stunning crystalline water and the towering cliffs that surround it. It is one of the top snorkelling and swimming spots in Malta. The funpark itself was built in a rustic style with colourful wooden buildings, some leaning in an amusing way. While the architecture is certainly not typical to Malta, it offers a surprising symmetry with the surrounding barren cliffs giving the village a fantastical slant. Within the village amongst many others, you’ll find Popeye’s original house, a bakery, a nautical school, a firehouse, the post office from the film and the Mayor’s house.
.10
Malta National Aquarium
The Maltese have a strong affinity for the sea and it really shows with a visit to the Malta National Aquarium where the intriguing underwater sea life of the Mediterranean and further afield is exhibited in authentic enclosure tanks that brings visitors face to face with the marine life. The aquarium has 26 expertly themed display tanks which replicate authentic marine habitats and contain a myriad of Mediterranean fish, including fish commonly found in Maltese waters together with replicas of historical artefacts that one can find in the seas around the Maltese islands. Additional features of the public aquarium include, touch pools, a temporary exhibition space, veterinary and quarantine facilities. The main tank of the aquarium houses species from the Indian Ocean, including eight black tip sharks, horn sharks, rays, eels and other exotic species.
.10
Malta National Aquarium
The Maltese have a strong affinity for the sea and it really shows with a visit to the Malta National Aquarium where the intriguing underwater sea life of the Mediterranean and further afield is exhibited in authentic enclosure tanks that brings visitors face to face with the marine life. The aquarium has 26 expertly themed display tanks which replicate authentic marine habitats and contain a myriad of Mediterranean fish, including fish commonly found in Maltese waters together with replicas of historical artefacts that one can find in the seas around the Maltese islands. Additional features of the public aquarium include, touch pools, a temporary exhibition space, veterinary and quarantine facilities. The main tank of the aquarium houses species from the Indian Ocean, including eight black tip sharks, horn sharks, rays, eels and other exotic species.