With tons of history, beautiful beaches and landscapes, friendly people and delicious food, Malta is a great getaway for a weekend trip or longer.
Most people do not know that Malta is an incredibly gay-friendly destination, and LGBTQ rights in Malta have come a long way over the last 50 years. In 1973, the island nation legalised same-sex sexual activity, and in 2014 it became the first EU nation to allow individuals to legally change their gender through a simple process of signing a document with a lawyer. Beyond this legal picture, Malta is a very liberal country for LGBTQ communities where mutual respect and acceptance are highly valued, making it easy to be openly queer while visiting the attractions in this gorgeous Mediterranean archipelago.
Getting there
As an island nation, Malta is best reached by plane. Unless you’re taking a cruise that stops off in Malta, it’s unlikely you’ll arrive any other way. Fortunately, Malta’s international airport, situated 9 km south of the capital, has direct connections to cities all over Europe and the Middle East. Alternatively, there are two ferry routes in and out of Malta that connect the main island with Sicily: one to Catania which takes about 4 hours and runs 8 times a week, and another to Pozzallo taking around 2 hours and running 12 times a week.
Best gay hotels in Malta
The best places to stay during your trip to Malta are in the capital, Valletta. Here, you’ll have access to all of the conveniences of a city, as well as the best options for eating and nightlife, while still being well connected to the rest of the island and surroundings.
Here are top two options for LGBTQ-friendly hotels in Valletta.
Rosselli
This luxury hotel in downtown Valletta is the perfect place to stay if you want to splurge. Built inside the shell of a 17th-century mansion, all of the rooms are unique and modern with a historic Maltese twist. There’s a rooftop terrace and pool which offers magnificent views of the capital and out to sea. Some of the rooms even have their own private sauna!
Where: 167 Merchants St, Valletta
Telephone: +356 2124 5245
La Falconeria
Also located in downtown Valletta, this modern hotel is not quite as high-end as Rosselli, but it offers fantastic opportunities for taking in all the sights of the city from a comfortable, convenient location. Standard rooms are on the small side, but they are clean and functional with nice traditional Maltese touches. The hotel also offers several unique services, such as free iPads to use in the lounge that will tell you which of the nearby beaches has the best conditions for each day.
Where: 62 Melita St, Valletta
Telephone: +356 2247 6600
What to see and do
Malta has many spectacular natural wonders, and some of the most impressive are found on Comino, a small, uninhabited island between Malta and Gozo. On the north of the island are the Santa Maria Caves, which offer gorgeous views and adventurous swimming opportunities, while in the west is the famous Blue Lagoon, a popular and accessible swimming spot with crystal blue waters.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk around the whole island in an hour, taking in the views from every side of it.
Hot tip: Try scuba diving. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or a total novice, Malta has something for you. It’s voted the best diving destination in Europe, with great opportunities surrounding all three islands. Comino offers excellent reef and cave dives. If you’re interested in exploring a wrecked ship, the HMS Maori, which lies 14 m below sea level right in the bay by Valletta, is a great option for beginners as it’s not too deep.
If you’re more interested in city life and history than landscapes, consider taking a gay walking tour of Valletta. There are Malta gay guide tours available exploring history, nightlife, culture, and fashion through a queer lens, which will point out some of the city’s best gay-owned businesses and nuggets of queer history found on the streets.
Where to eat
With a long history as a crossroads in the Mediterranean, Maltese cuisine is heavily influenced by the Spanish, French, Sicilians, and North Africans, creating a delicious fusion of tastes.
Impressively, three Maltese restaurants were awarded Michelin stars in 2020: Noni and Under Grain in Valletta and de Mondion in Medina. For a deep dive into Malta’s cuisine and where to find it, check out our guide to Maltese cuisine.
Balance Bowl
This all-vegan restaurant gives you a choice between an à la carte dining experience and a sumptuous buffet of cooked and raw salads and other vegetable dishes. Their vegan burger and vegan baked goods are also worth checking out.
Where: 182 Triq Ix – Xatt, Il-Gżira
Telephone: +356 2732 0556
Two Buoys
“Where Melbourne meets Malta” is the slogan of this waterside restaurant with lovely views out over Spinola Bay. Delicious food is served all day, but it is the breakfast meals that make it worth the trip. Vegan and gluten-free options are clearly marked on the menu and all hot drinks can be served with soy, coconut, or almond milk by friendly staff.
Where: 106 Triq Spinola San Ġiljan
Telephone: +356 2122 2221
LGBTQ scene in Malta: best nightlife and gay bars
Valletta and its surrounding areas have a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of establishments catering specifically to the queer crowd. Listed below are some of the top recommendations. It is important to note that most of Malta’s nightlife is concentrated in the district of Paceville in St Julian’s, 20 minutes north of downtown Valletta.
Michelangelo Club Lounge
With a lively dance floor, bar, and chillout areas, this is one of Malta’s most popular gay bars and dance clubs. The staff are friendly and welcoming, and the vibe is relaxed and communal, making it a good place to meet locals and get the best insider tips.
Where: St Rita Steps, St Julians
Telephone: +356 7944 7408
Birdcage Lounge
This is a friendly gay bar with an extensive range of good quality drinks available, all served with free appetisers (tapas style). They host regular karaoke nights, which can be wildly popular and a lot of fun, as well as live performances from musicians, drag performers, and cabaret artists.
Where: Triq il-Kbira, Ir-Rabat
Telephone: +356 7978 2243
Gay pride
The annual Pride event in September attracts people from across Europe and beyond, making for a lively celebration for LGBTQ people and allies alike with thousands of participants. On the actual Pride day, the parade will cut right through the heart of Valletta, and in the days following the event, there will be afterparties featuring local and international DJs and performers at different venues all over the capital. A date for your diaries: Malta will be hosting Euro Pride in 2023.
Queer Malta
This Facebook group is a good place to connect with the queer communities in Malta. Follow the group before you arrive to see what’s happening and being talked about. Events, news, activism, and announcements relevant to the queer scene in Malta are all shared here, and friendly discussion is encouraged.
