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The Ultimate Gay Malta Travel Guide

Stefan Arestis
The Ultimate Gay Malta Travel Guide

Our gay travel guide to Malta with top tips about the gay scene, places to stay, gay bars, restaurants, activities, Pride events, and more!

“You want to go to a gay bar in Malta? Pick anyone you come across and you'll be just fine!”

So said our Maltese gay friends when we asked them about the gay scene. But we get their point. When it comes to gay friendliness, Malta is killing it! This tiny island nation in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is frequently named one of the most gay friendly countries in the world and we can totally see why!

Gay couple travel book Nomadic Boys Out in the World

What used to be one of the most religious places in Europe (for example, up until 2013, divorce was illegal in Malta!) the country did a 180-degree turn to pass some of the most LGBTQ progressive laws in the world, quickly becoming THE gay haven in the Mediterranean region.

We visited Malta to discover the gay scene and what makes it so appealing to LGBTQ travelers. We left with a strong thirst to return and see more. The people are open-minded, super friendly (Maltese guys – heLLO!), the queer community is very visible and even though it's such a small nation of just 400,000 people, it still has a vibrant gay scene to check out.

We've put together all our findings in this gay guide to Malta as we explored the country from Valletta to Mdina, Gozo to Camino, and Dingli to Xlendi.

Heads up: We just wanted to let you know that this post contains affiliate links. That means if you book something through one of those links, we'll get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep our blog going – so thank you in advance for your support! ♥

You can get to know the gay nightlife of Malta on a tour with a local guide

Explore Valletta's queer history

One of the best ways to learn more about the gay scene of Malta is by doing a queer history walking tour of Valletta. We guarantee you'll quickly become the Pride of the island! Remember this is a very small nation with an even smaller LGBTQ community where everyone knows everyone, so it helps to have a gay local guide who will quickly take you to the heart of it!

Find out more

Gay rights in Malta

They are extremely progressive!

…or to quote the United Nation's Equality and Non-Discrimination team:

“Malta has become the gold standard of LGBTQI reformsa beacon of human rights for LGBTIQ issues!”

This says a lot for a country where up until 2013, divorce was illegal. This gives you an idea of just how Catholic and religious Malta used to be. It all began in 2013 when the progressive center-left Labour Party came to power and prioritized gay-friendly policies led by the proactive Minister for Equality, Helena Dalli. They began by passing a full range of anti-discrimination laws, recognized civil unions, and also passed adoption laws within their first year in power.

The progressive Labour Party then went on to ban conversion therapy in 2016, becoming the first country in Europe to do so. Then in 2017, the Maltese government gave the LGBTQ the ultimate prize: gay marriage!

In relation to transgender rights, Malta is also ahead of the pack. The right to change legal gender was introduced in 2015, and since 2017, a third gender option “X” is permitted/recognized in identification documents. In addition, the government has changed the language used to refer to domestic and family relationships in legal documents, making them gender-neutral.

Is Malta safe for gay travelers?

A big HELL YEAH!

There is a good reason why we rate Malta as one of the most gay friendly countries in the world. This is one of the few places in the world where we felt comfortable with public displays of affection almost everywhere. And that's saying a lot: we rarely do this unless we're in a “known” gay part of town like in Chueca in Madrid or Soho in London. Yet walking through the streets of Valletta, we felt totally comfortable with public displays of affection and frequently saw other gay couples also doing the same.

Of course, as with anywhere in the world, you do need to be cautious, especially when heading to more remote/rural areas outside of the big cities where attitudes are more conservative.

Malta is a very safe destination for gay travellers with lots of fun things to see and do
Malta is definitely safe enough for romantic sunset kisses!

The gay area of Malta

There is no official gay area in Malta. That being said, there are a handful of bars/clubs spread out across the island, though most of them can be found in Valletta, which is itself a tiny city (just 900 by 600 meters!) with a population of fewer than 6,000 people.

We would argue that Malta is generally such a gay friendly place that it doesn't really need a gay area. Though the frank reality is that it's just too tiny to have one. By way of comparison, other gay friendly destinations with official gay neighborhoods are usually large cities: London: 8.9 million, New York: 8.6 million, Barcelona: 5.5 million, Toronto: 3 million, Montreal: 1.8 million, Amsterdam: 850,000…Valletta's population? A mere 5,800!

Yet despite its small size, Malta packs a punch when it comes to its gay scene. Public displays of affection were never an issue for us in any of the bars we visited on the island.

A fun way for gay travellers to explore the city of Valletta in Malta is with a local gay guide

Sample Valletta street food

Valletta is the capital of Malta and a fascinating ancient city, with lots of delicious street food to try! You can join a walking tour with a gay local guide to learn all about the LGBTQI+ history of Valletta, as well as visit queer-owned eateries to support local gay businesses while enjoying the cuisine.

Find out more

Gay hotels in Malta

Depending on where you want to base yourself, there are plenty of gay friendly hotels in Malta to pick from. If you want to be right in the middle of everything, we suggest booking a place in Valletta. Otherwise, Sliema or St Julians just outside of Valletta are also excellent bases with more local life.

Further afield there are also a handful of excellent gay friendly hotel options in Mdina, Rabat, and Gozo, which although further away, are more secluded and less touristy.

Landing in Malta soon?

We hate having to try and navigate public transport with all our luggage in a new city. Luckily, our favorite private airport transfer service, Welcome Pickups, operates in Malta! When you book with them a professional and English-speaking driver will be waiting for you at the airport, ready to whisk you off to your hotel so you can concentrate on having fun.

01

Rosselli

Valletta

The Rosselli Hotel in Malta has beautiful views over Valletta and is very gay friendly

Why we love it


  • Stunning luxury hotel in a historic building
  • Gorgeous views from the rooftop restaurant
  • Outdoor swimming pool with amazing views
  • Bedrooms with big bathtubs or private saunas

Located in a 17th-century building formerly owned by a member of the Knights of Malta, the Rosselli hotel is a five-star gay friendly luxury gem!

The brand new hotel combines Baroque architecture with modern facilities. Not to mention the views! There's a roof garden terrace where you can enjoy food and drink from the restaurant while you admire the panoramic views over Valletta. The outdoor pool also features stunning vistas of the city skyline.

The rooms are spacious and elegant, decorated with marble or floral wallpaper. If you splurge on one of their executive rooms you'll even have your own private sauna and rain shower in the luxury bathroom. Some of the superior rooms also have luxurious round bathtub in the rooms which are oh so romantic! The staff is incredible: offering a glass of prosecco and fresh facecloths when you arrive, as well as giving detailed advice and helping you plan out your holiday in Malta.

The hotel's restaurant, Grain, is rated for its delicious Mediterranean cuisine. As well to the rooftop, there's also a relaxed ‘street' section (where breakfast is served) and the more formal ‘under' Grain which offers a menu inspired by classic French cuisine. Rosselli is conveniently located right in the heart of Valletta, making it an ideal base to explore this super cute city.

02

The Waterfront Hotel

Sliema

The Waterfront Hotel is an affordable and gay friendly choice of accommodation in Malta with beautiful views over the Valletta Harbour

Why we love it


  • Lovely 4-star hotel on the waterfront
  • Most rooms have balconies with sea views
  • Indoor swimming pool and rooftop terrace
  • On-site restaurant with delicious food

Located in Sliema, just outside of Valletta, right by the waterfront (hence the name!), you know that you're going to get some pretty sweet views from a sea-facing room! We loved this the most about the Waterfront Hotel and highly recommend it to couples looking for a medium-budget gay-friendly hotel in Malta.

Sliema is just a short 5-minute ferry ride to Valletta – which is itself a highlight you need to do, particularly in the evening when the city is all lit up.

This is also a great place to go for morning runs, especially to the nearby remote Manoel Island, which has a direct view of Valletta's fort and a few hidden rocky beaches.

The Regatta Restaurant serves up a pretty decent buffet breakfast as well as a very popular buffet lunch that attracts patrons who aren't staying at the hotel. The lobby bar is also a wonderful spot for a cocktail before heading out to party. The staff here are so friendly and helpful that they'll make you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.

All the rooms at the Waterfront Hotel feature balconies to enjoy, but you do need to book specifically for harbor views for a sea view. There's also a big indoor swimming pool to get some laps in, as well as an upstairs outdoor terrace to sunbathe and enjoy the views across the harbor.

STAY WITH A GAY LOCAL

Misterb&b is the Airbnb equivalent for the LGBTQ community. Unlike on Airbnb, you know your host is gay, voiding any nasty surprises when you check-in. It is also a great way to meet gay locals and discover the underground gay scene. Click below to get 10 € (or $10) off our first booking.

03

La Falconeria

Valletta

La Falconeria is a beautiful and affordable hotel in the centre of Valletta that gay travellers to Malta will love

Why we love it


  • Beautiful and affordable hotel in Valletta
  • Balcony or terrace rooms have stunning views
  • Cool plunge pool and fitness center
  • The elegant and delicious in-house restaurant

If you want to stay right in the heart of Valletta without forking out a ton of cash, then La Falconeria is an excellent choice.

Located just 300 meters from the beautiful Upper Barrakka Gardens, La Falconeria also has stunning views over the city, particularly if you get a room with a balcony. The best splurge here is the superior rooms and executive suite, which have a private rooftop terrace.

The rooms are finished with traditional Maltese flooring and all the mod-cons. We love the little extras for luxuriating, like the free slippers, bathrobes, and toiletries. There's a small plunge pool inside an underground cave, which is perfect for cooling off after a day of wandering around the city. Next to the pool area is a small fitness center for getting in a few push-ups.

We loved having a drink in the bright lobby bar before heading out for the night. The in-house restaurant L’Artiglio serves exquisite fresh and seasonal Mediterranean cuisine, plus the restaurant itself is divine! Everything is deep blue with gold accents, elegant and sleek. You can either enjoy your breakfast at L'Artiglio, or in the hotel's cute interior courtyard.

04

Marco Polo Hostel

St. Julian's

Gay travellers on a budget will love the fun atmosphere at the Marco Polo Hostel in Malta

Why we love it


  • Fun hostel with an incredible rooftop terrace
  • Regular fun events and activities
  • Excellent location close to bars and clubs
  • Shared dorm and private rooms available

We know what you're thinking, does everywhere in Malta have incredible views?

Well, the Marco Polo Hostel sure does. And what better way to enjoy it than on the fantastic sun terrace complete with barbecue and bar.

One of the things we love most about the Marco Polo Hostel is that it's a fantastic place to come and meet other like-minded travelers, sweetened by the free drinks on the terrace every night.

The Marco Polo Hostel is one of the best gay-friendly budget hotel options in Malta with a choice of dorm beds or affordable private rooms to choose from. Since it's located in the St. Julian's area, you'll also be close to lots of excellent nightlife as well as one of our favorite resto-bars: the Two Buoys (see more about this below). The Marco Polo helps encourage guests to socialize with some pretty fun and raucous pub crawls.

The staff at the Marco Polo Hostel are so lovely and welcoming, working hard to make the vibe super-chilled. You can keep costs down by using the hostel's kitchen and laundry facilities, plus you can hire bicycles to explore the island.

05

MisterBnB Private Room with Balcony

Mellieha

This clothing-optional private room listing on MisterBnB is perfect for gay travellers to Malta who want to meet some gay locals and relax in a home rather than a hotel

Why we love it


  • Beautiful views from the balcony
  • Private hot tub in summer!
  • Lovely gay hosts
  • Experience a more local side of Malta

We're big fans of MisterBnB, the gay alternative to AirBnB where you can stay with gay locals to really get to know a place and not need to worry about going back in the closet.

This clothing-optional private room listing is located in the charming town of Mellieha, which is in the north of Malta. We found it very convenient for fun things to explore off the beaten path and it's close to the famous Popeye Village as well.

Mellieha is often overlooked as a place to visit in Malta, except as a stop on the way to Gozo Island, but our stay here showed why you shouldn't overlook Malta's most northern town. Melliha Bay is the largest sandy beach on the island so it's perfect for lazy days in the sun. The Ghadira Nature Reserve directly opposite is filled with salt marshes and a lake, providing ample opportunities to spot native wildlife. And all this is not even mentioning the beautiful sandy buildings of the town itself!

Hosts Staydar and his boyfriend are friendly and helpful. Guests can enjoy a private bedroom (with a balcony) and a private bathroom, so there's plenty of privacy. In the summer months, a blow-up hot tub is added to the balcony, and trust us, there's nothing better than sitting there overlooking the beautiful town and bay while having a glass of wine with your love.

Gay bars in Malta

Remember Malta is a teeny tiny nation of just 400,000 people. This is not the place to come expecting tons of gay bars clustered together as you'd find in Barcelona's Gaixample or Fort Lauderdale's Wilton Manors. However, there are a handful of places we loved and think you need to check out. Note that the iconic Birdcage Lounge gay bar in Malta did not survive the Pandemic and has since shut its doors for good.

The Brunch Bunch

This is a Sunday all-day monthly event that takes place at various locations. The one we attended was at the Aussie-inspired Two Buoys restaurant run by cutie Jessie from Melbourne. If you're in Malta during one of these events, then make sure you go. We spend the entire day with the cream of the crop of the island's LGBTQ community, complete with a drag show, live music, cuuuute Maltese guys, and plenty of banter. For the latest info about their next event, check their Facebook page.

Maori

Maori is a cool lesbian-owned bar located right on the waterfront of St Elmo Bay overlooking (and named for) the wreck of the HMS Maori. They host monthly queer dancing nights like LipGloss Chrome, which usually takes place on Saturday. It's a popular hangout for local artists, poets, and musicians who come to drink, dance, and trade inspiration. Seby, in particular, loved lazying in the hammocks they have outside right beside the ocean attracting a few of the resident cats… Located at Maori Triq il-lanca, Maori is open Wednesdays to Sundays and is open….(in the words of owner Simone Falzon): “from around sunset 'til whenever”.

Yard 32 Gin & Tapas Bar

We loved this bar! The staff are super sweet and love having a bunch of gays take over the place! They have one of the largest collections of gins we've ever seen. They're very passionate about their gin and will tell you everything about it. It's definitely worth a visit for this alone. We also love the cute peacock decor, like the Katy Perry song: “wanna see your peacock-cock-cock”! Located at 32 Strait Street in Valletta, Yard 32 is open Wednesday-Sunday from 6.30pm until 1am.

Malta has some truly excellent gay and gay friendly bars serving up delicious drinks
It's always Gin o'clock at the pretty Yard 32 Gin Bar!

Gay Clubs in Malta

Lollipop and S2S lead the way when it comes to gay parties in Malta. Look out for their monthly dos 'cause they are a ball! Otherwise, the other main gay club in Malta is Michelangelo.

Lollipop

We love the Lollipop parties! They always attract a fun crowd of both locals and foreigners. They are definitely our favorite gay parties in Malta but sadly only happen 1-2 times each month. If you're in town during one of them, then just go to it. They're FABULOUS! Think a colorful swirl of pop music, glitter, and loads of sequins, with the odd leather body harness thrown in for good measure. For Lollipop updates check out their Facebook page or Instagram.

S2S Events

Every few months, S2S throws a huge themed gay party. Some of the best are for Pride in September, the Dia de los Muertos in early November, and the parties in Rabat during the summer months like Super Bordello in mid-August. Check the events section on their Facebook page for details of the next event.

Michelangelo Club Lounge

Located in St. Julian's, Michelangelo is the official gay club of Malta open every night from 10 pm. It's around 20 minute drive from Valletta and gets particularly popular on weekends, especially with its themed nights. Michelangelo is located at Qube Level 1 on St. Rita Steps, a pedestrian-only alley off St. George's Road.

Lollipop is a community that organises the best gay parties in Malta at a variety of spaces
Fabulous colors and fierce drag queens are just the tip of the iceberg at the magnificent Lollipop parties

Gay Pride in Malta

Just when the summer Pride season across Europe and North America has quietened down, along comes Malta Pride in September to keep the party atmosphere alive. From its humble beginnings, Malta Pride has grown to become one of the country's best events, with more and more people attending each year. It reached a pinnacle in 2023 when it hosted EuroPride.

Malta Pride takes place in mid-September each year. It is a week-long event featuring street parties, pool parties, stand-up comedy, concerts, film nights, talks, workshops, and lots more fun-filled activities. Of course, there's also a fantastic parade, which fills the streets of Valletta with colorful floats and music.

The after-pride dance party is also a must, featuring top local & international DJs and performers.

If you travel to Malta in September you can experience the week-long gay pride festivities!
Malta's gay Pride parade is colorful, fun, and fabulous

Gay Beaches in Malta

There are no official gay beaches in Malta, but there are a handful of secluded ones that are popular with nudists and the LGBTQ community. One thing to point out is that there are no facilities at any of these, so bring your own food and drinks.

Pembroke Beach

Located in the town of Pembroke (north of the St Julian's area) this beach is known as the main gay/nudist beach in Malta. It's a very rocky beach, so don't expect soft sand, and do bring a thick towel to sit on. But it's a beautiful spot to relax, swim and make new friends! It's located in the rocky area, just behind Madliena Tower.

Riviera Beach

Riviera Beach, also known as Għajn Tuffieħa Bay, has a smaller secluded beach located to the left of the main cove, which is where local nudists and gays often go to relax. Although it's not officially a gay or nudist beach, the authorities don't worry about it so you won't be disturbed. Be aware that you'll need to walk down quite a few steps to reach the beach area.

Ras il-Qarraba

Ras il-Qarraba isn't actually a beach but a rocky outlook nestled between Gnejna Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay. Gay locals like to hang out on the west side where big fallen rocks provide privacy for a spot of nude sunbathing. You can only get there by hiking from Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, but you'll also be treated to some fantastic views.

Mġiebaħ, Selmun

Mġiebaħ (or Imġiebaħ Bay) is a gorgeous sandy beach near Selmun which is quite hard to reach. The upside is that it's quite secluded, with few visitors. You will need a car or a taxi to get there though, as you need to drive down a narrow country road, then walk a bit.

There are a few secluded gay beaches in Malta for private sunbathing or even some discreet nudity
Exploring the gay beaches of Malta

Gay saunas and spas in Malta

Malta does not have any gay saunas as you'd find in big cities like Berlin or Barcelona. And, as we've found in most places we've been to, the gay bathhouses of Malta and outdoor “play” areas(!) have taken a massive nose-dive in recent years, mainly due to Covid and the rise in popularity of gay dating apps. However, we did find one gay spa in Malta still holding on strong:

Just Men Center

A popular spa for men located just outside of Valletta. They offer a full range of man-to-man massage services, including massages for relaxation and even erotic massages. It is stunningly designed, with opulent furnishings and marble floors. With all-natural ingredients and guaranteed discretion, this is a must for anyone with sore muscles who wants a relaxing experience with a professional male masseuse!

Things to do in Malta

With eerie underwater caves, stunning temples, and medieval architecture everywhere you look, there's definitely no shortage of fun things to do in Malta. These are some of our favorite things to do in Malta:

Get lost in the streets of Valletta

We loved exploring the historic streets of Valletta during our time in Malta

Valletta is the capital of Malta, a pretty walled city that's also a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site. Established in the 1500s by a Roman Catholic order called the Knights of St. John, we loved getting lost down the little side roads and spotting remnants of the city's past. Many streets contain stone steps that were built from the hardest stone available in order to withstand the tramping feet of all those knights clad in all that heavy armor!


Upper Barrakka Gardens

For stunning views over Valletta and respite from the heat, make sure you visit the beautiful Upper Barrakka Gardens

The Upper Barrakka Gardens were also built by the Knights of St. John as a spot for them to relax and escape the heat. It's also one of our favorite romantic spots. Coming to the Upper Barrakka Gardens is a must if you want to enjoy gorgeous panoramic views over the harbor, or to just chill and grab a snack from the kiosk. Tip from us: try to come here either at midday or 4 pm as this is when the cannons are fired from the Saluting Battery in the Lower Barrakka Gardens. The cannons herald back to a time when they were used as the main defense of the harbor as well as a way of greeting foreign dignitaries. Today, of course, it's a fun re-enactment for you to include in your next Insta Story.


St John's Co-Cathedral and Museum

Even if you're not religious you will gasp with wonder at the opulent interior of St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta

Behold, the “Crown Jewel of Valletta”! While the exterior might not be too impressive, once you head inside St. John's Co-Cathedral you'll start to understand how important religion and worship were to the Order of the Knights of St. John. The church interior is a breathtaking spectacle of stone hand-carvings, gilded in 24-karat gold, opulent murals, and stunning marble floors. Mattia Preti was the Italian artist (and later member of the order) who did much of the incredible work on the cathedral. We highly recommend you also visit the attached museum to see tapestries and other divinely gorgeous objects.


Fort St. Elmo War Museum

Fort St. Elmo is a star-shaped fort and museum in Valletta, Malta that's an interesting spot to visit and see the beautiful views over the harbour
Fort St. Elmo; Valletta, Malta” by John Haslam is licensed under CC BY 2.0 | cropped from original

The Knights of the Order of St. John built Fort St. Elmo to defend the harbor from attacks by the Ottoman Empire. It helped them withstand the Great Siege of 1565, although it withstood a great deal of damage. Since then the fort has been fully restored and now houses Malta's National War Museum. It's definitely worth a visit to enjoy stunning views across the harbor, as well as to learn more about the Knights and how many of them fought to the death to protect the altar in the chapel. You can even see the original George Cross. which is part of Malta's national flag. It was sent to the people of Malta by King George V of Great Britain in 1942.


The Three Cities

Gay travel to Malta - join a tour to explore the historic Three Cities and visit a Maltese winery for some tasting!

The fortified cities of Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa, commonly known as “The Three Cities” can be seen across the harbor when you're in Valletta. Visiting the three cities will give you a glimpse into more traditional Maltese life as well as the island's history, in particular, Vittoriosa island, which is older than Valletta. There are more pretty gardens, museums, churches, and forts to explore here, as well as the Inquisitor's Palace. You can join a tour of the Three Cities, which as well as exploring the charming narrow streets, also includes wine tasting at the Marsovin Cellars where you can sample some delicious Maltese wines, bread, and cheeses.


Harbour Cruise

Taking a cruise on the Grand Harbour is a fun way to see Valletta and the Three Cities from a different angle

The main port of Valletta, also known as the Grand Harbour, is a natural harbor that's been in use since prehistoric times! Of course, it has been substantially modified since, with docks, forts, and wharves. There are many places in Valletta or the Three Cities where you can enjoy beautiful views of the harbor, but you should also make sure to see the cities from the harbor as well. We found this harbor cruise so much fun, as you get to see both the Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour from onboard a traditional Maltese boat. The cruise is very informative and there's also a fully stocked bar to enjoy.


Mdina

Game of Thrones fans will want to visit Mdina in Malta since it was used for filming, but it's also just a cute city to explore

Mdina is a small fortified city in the heart of Malta, which was actually the capital from antiquity to the medieval period. Sometimes called “The Silent City”, Mdina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has become very popular as a tourist destination, especially since it was used for filming during the first season of Game of Thrones. Notable scenes depicting King's Landing were filmed here, particularly at the Mdina Gate. Game of Thrones fans will not want to miss this awesome Game of Thrones filming locations tour, which includes Mdina, but even if you're not a fan of the show, you will love this extremely photogenic city.


Explore Valletta on an eco-friendly scooter

Gay Malta guide - A fun way to explore Malta's capital city of Valletta is with electric scooters

We mentioned that Valletta has a lot of steps, and many of the streets are also quite steep. If you think you might struggle to walk it all, or just want to traverse the city in a fun and unique way, you can actually explore Valletta on really cool ‘SmarterScoots'! You can choose from three or two-wheel varieties, then head off to visit places like the Upper Barrakka Gardens, Fort St. Elmo, and St. John's Co-Cathedral. These scooters are also good for the environment as they're 100% electric. Valletta can get pretty hot in that fierce Mediterranean sun, so exploring by scooter will also be literally cooler than walking!


Discover Dingli on a Segway

Exploring Malta by Segway is a fun way to discover the island

If you like riding on quirky types of transport then you'll also be excited to know that you can experience some of Malta's most picturesque scenery on a Segway. This particular tour takes place in and around the quaint traditional Maltese village of Dingli. If you organize to go on an evening tour you'll be treated to some very romantic sunset views over the sea, plus the temperatures won't be so high. We loved exploring this part of the island on our Segways and seeing things that we probably wouldn't have if we were on foot.


Scuba Diving

Malta is one of the best places to Scuba dive in Europe, with shipwrecks to explore and lots of ocean wildlife

Malta is one of the best places in Europe to do scuba diving. Fact! With warm waters, reefs, caves, and even shipwrecks to explore, there are dive sites suitable for beginners to advanced divers. If you've never dived before you can have a beginner's scuba diving lesson in St. Paul's Bay, while more experienced divers will want to head to the Blue Lagoon on Comino. You can also explore the wreck of the HMS Maori right in Valletta Harbour. If you want to dive with a gay friendly company we recommend Diveshack Malta in Sliema, which has a fabulous Divemaster! They offer lessons, packages, and even training to become a PADI instructor.


Dingli Cliffs

For incredible views in Malta, we loved the Dingli Cliffs, especially at sunset

On the west coast of Malta, 253 meters above sea level, are the Dingli Cliffs. These cliffs are actually the highest point on the whole island and an incredible spot to gaze out over the ocean towards the uninhabited island of Filfla. There's a small 17th-century chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene perched on the edge of the cliffs, plus well-marked walking trails for you to wander along. We saw quite a few gay couples strolling there hand in hand when we went. It's especially nice if you come here for sunset, then have dinner at the nearby restaurant called: The Cliffs.


Comino and the Blue Lagoon

Gay travellers to Malta will have a blast visiting the Blue Lagoon on a catamaran with slides and a bar!

Comino is a small island in between the islands of Gozo and Malta, most famous for its beautiful bay known as the Blue Lagoon. With crystal-clear waters, the Blue Lagoon is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and just general beach Vitamin Sea relaxation. It does get very busy here, but you can visit the Blue Lagoon on a catamaran with underwater windows, sun loungers, bars, and three water slides. Other bucket-list highlights of the Blue Lagoon include the moon-like surface of the island, the Santa Maria sea caves, and the unique rock formation known as “Elephant's Head”.


Riviera Beach

Our favourite beach on Malta is Riviera Beach, known for it's amazing sunsets and being a popular spot with local gay guys

Riviera Beach is one of our favorite beaches to head to on a day trip from Valletta. It’s only around 21km (13 miles) from Valletta and easily accessible by scooter or car. It’s located close to the Dingli Cliffs on the west coast of the island, which means you get some killer sunsets. Also known as Għajn Tuffieħa (which is Maltese for ‘Apple’s Eye’), this beach does actually have a snack bar off to one side, where you can also hire sunbeds and umbrellas to lounge around for the day. While many of Malta's beaches are very rocky, this one has beautiful smooth sand and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for swimming.


Gozo

Gay travel to Malta - make sure you visit Malta's sister island of Gozo for diving, exploring and relaxing on the beaches

Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, with many gorgeous beaches and popular seaside resorts. It was home to Malta's famous Azure Window limestone arch until it collapsed in 2017 after a heavy storm. We recommend visiting Gozo as a day trip or spending a couple of nights if you have time. Not only is it home to some of the best diving spots in Malta, but there are also many limestone caves to explore, as well as otherworldly natural salt pans protruding into the sea. The fortified Citadel in the town of Victoria offers panoramic views of almost the whole island from the battlements.


Popeye Village

Even if you're not a fan of the film, Popeye Village in Malta is a colourful and fun place to visit

You might know the 1980 movie Popeye because it was the late, great Robin Williams' first movie role, but did you know it was also filmed on a purpose-built set in Malta? The set still stands today and has become one of Malta's most popular tourist attractions. You can wander among the ramshackle wooden buildings, and experience shows, rides, museums, and even play areas for children. We particularly loved the boat trip you can take around Anchor Bay so that you can get photos of the town from the water. You can get a ticket for Popeye Village which includes transport – handy 'cause it's quite far away from Valletta.


Where to eat in Malta

Maltese cuisine reflects the diverse influences on this archipelago of islands located at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. We experienced some excellent gay friendly restaurants during our visit, which we've set out below:

Balance Bowl

Balance Bowl is a fabulous, healthy and delicious gay-owned vegan restaurant in Malta that's also a popular LGBTQ hangout!

Just a short walk down the promenade from the Sliema ferry wharf is Balance Bowl, an incredible gay-owned and run vegan restaurant/cafe! Even non-vegans will love this place as the food is absolutely delicious, from the vegan cheese platters (pictured) to the luscious chocolate cake to the unlimited nutrition bar where you pay once and can eat as much as you like. Open every day for breakfast (try one of the yummy smoothie bowls), lunch, and dinner, there's also a really cool chill-out area upstairs with beanbags for working or just hanging out. It's a popular hangout for LGBTQ locals and one of our favorite spots for a meal.


La Sfoglia Restaurant

For some of the best fresh seafood in Malta, we love La Sfoglia Restaurant in Valletta

In the heart of Valletta, La Sfoglia Restaurant is one of the best on the island for delicious fresh seafood (and also a great spot for people-watching on the outdoor terrace). They serve superb seafood like wild sea bass, king prawns, or marinated octopus, as well as other options such as traditional Maltese rabbit stew, beef, duck, and pasta dishes. The service is impeccable, with friendly waiters who will recommend wines to accompany your meal. But make sure you leave room for some of their mouthwatering desserts, like the ricotta and Nutella cake or their famous pannacotta.


Two Buoys

Two Buoys is a lovely Australian inspired restaurant that often hosts the gay Brunch Bunch events in Malta

Two Buoys is an Australian-inspired restaurant serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner in the hip St. Julian's neighborhood. It's owned and run by three friends, including cute Maltese lad Jessie who grew up in Melbourne. The restaurant's catchphrase is “where Melbourne meets Malta” and it's not far off! Many dishes on the menu are named after Melbourne neighborhoods, like the ‘Footscray Fritters' or ‘St. Kilda Linguine'. There is also plenty of yummy Mediterranean dishes as well as vegan and gluten-free options to enjoy as you look out over Spinola Bay.


TemptAsian

For delicious Asian cuisine from a variety of cultures combined with stunning views, we loved the TemptAsian restaurant in Sliema, Malta

Located in Sliema on the roof of the stunning AX The Palace Hotel, TemptAsian is one of the best restaurants in Malta for Asian food. Since you're nine floors up you get to experience magnificent panoramic views of Sliema and Valletta’s Harbour while you dine on a variety of Asian cuisine. With a huge selection of food that will transport you to China, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, and even India, this is a lovely spot for a special occasion. There's an outdoor terrace next to the hotel pool where we enjoyed some divine sushi and cocktails at sunset, sooo romantic!


Rampila Restaurant

Valletta's Rampila Restaurant is located next to the city gates and serves exquisite food

Located right by the City Gates in Valetta, Rampila Restaurant is a very romantic and unique space that serves Mediterranean cuisine made using the freshest local ingredients. What makes it so unique is its historic location in part of the city's ramparts. The outdoor terrace is absolutely divine, or you can sit inside the cool domed tunnel part of the building. The meals are rustic but exquisite, like the braised beef cheeks or the mouthwatering crab and lobster ravioli. Look out for the fascinating exhibition showing the history of the building.


Dinner in the Sky Malta

For a truly unforgettable dining experience, you can eat a decadent seven course meal while suspended from a crane on Malta's Dinner in the Sky

Considered by many as one of the best restaurants in Malta, Dinner in the Sky is truly a one-of-a-kind experience where you get to dine literally in the sky! You sit on a 22-person platform that is then lifted up by a crane 40 meters into the sky. Then you get to see your hosts prepare your food and drinks in front of you, as well as incredible views over Valletta. The seven-course set menu is simply superb! They also aim to accommodate all diets including vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free. We definitely recommend booking the ‘flight' at sunset so you can see the city in daylight, during sunset, and then lit up at night.


Rubino

Rubino is an intimate family-run restaurant with delicious food in Valletta, Malta

For yummy local food in a cozy atmosphere, you can't go past Rubino in Valletta. The building was originally a confectionary store (so don't be confused when you see Rubino Confectionary over the door) established in 1906 and is now a restaurant serving classic Mediterranean fare. There are lots of historic memorabilia on the walls of this family-run spot. The menu is written on a blackboard as it changes regularly based on what's in season. We loved the simple yet delicious dishes, like fresh calamari on a bed of seaweed and the spaghetti with sea urchins.


No. 43

One of the best places in Malta to go for vegan, vegetarian or just generally healthy (and delicious) meals, is the No. 43 cafe

If you're looking for a good vegan-friendly option in Valletta, make sure you give No. 43 a try. This healthy cafe serves plenty of vegan and vegetarian dishes from a tiny little hole-in-the-wall cafe. But don't be put off because the food here is ah-mazing! It's only open until 5 pm but you will often see people lining up at lunchtime for their delicious build-your-own salads, smoothies, chia puddings, and more. There's a small outdoor seating area, which we thought is the best spot. They also do takeaway, so you could have a little picnic, perhaps at the nearby Upper Barrakka Gardens…


Plan your trip

We've put together some handy hints and tips to help you plan your own trip to Malta. Read on to find out everything the gay traveler should know before they go.

How to get there: Since Malta is an island you can only reach it via boat or flying. Flights to Malta depart from most major airports in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. You can reach Valletta from the airport in around 20 minutes via bus, taxi, or private transfer. We usually like to organize a private airport transfer so we don't need to worry about navigating public transport in a new country with all our luggage.


Visa requirements: Travellers from the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia don't need a visa to stay in Malta for up to 90 days as a tourist. You will, however, need to show that you have a return/onward travel ticket if you arrive by plane and a passport that's valid for at least six months from when you arrive. Citizens of EU countries don't need a visa since Malta is part of the Schengen Zone. You can check your personal visa requirements here.


Getting around: Malta is a small island, so it's quite easy to get around using public buses, ferries, and taxis. You can also easily walk around in Valletta if that's where you're staying. Find more information and bus routes on Malta here.


Travel insurance: We never travel without travel insurance and definitely recommend you get one for your trip to Malta so that you will be protected in the case of injury, illness, theft, or cancellations beyond your control. We've been using Heymondo Travel Insurance for years and absolutely love them. Their cover is very comprehensive and it's easy to make a claim online when you need to.


Vaccinations: Before traveling to Malta, you should be up to date with routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, and chickenpox. Some travelers may also need to be vaccinated for rabies, yellow fever, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B, but you should talk to your doctor or check the latest information on the CDC website before you go.


Currency: The currency used in Malta is the Euro, as it is part of the European Union. $1 US converts to around 86 euro cents while £1 is worth about €1.16.


Tipping culture: Tipping is not obligatory in Malta but it is customary to tip around 5-10% of your bill for good service at restaurants, bars, hotels, and cafes. If a service charge has already been included in the bill, then a tip is not necessary.


Internet access: There are 192 free WiFi spots across Malta, as well as in most hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops. You shouldn't have any issues getting online but if you know you're going to require a lot of bandwidth then you might like to bring a portable WiFi device or purchase a local SIM card at the airport when you arrive.


Online privacy: Gay dating apps like Scruff and Grindr aren't banned in Malta, so you'll have no problems connecting with gay locals while you're there. If you do want to keep your online activities private then we recommend ExpressVPN for affordable and reliable privacy protection.


Accommodation: There are many more gay friendly accommodation options in Malta aside from the ones we've mentioned here. We always use Booking.com to find the best hotels since they have excellent 24/7 online support, the online booking process is really easy to use and many places provide free cancellation if needed.


Sightseeing and adventure: There are lots more fun things to see and do in Malta as well. We like to use GetYourGuide to find the best things to do when we're traveling because they have really good online support, so many choices, and an easy-to-use online booking system.


When to visit: Malta offers generally pleasant weather all year round, although it does get hot in summer. We find that traveling during the shoulder seasons of spring or autumn are the best times to visit if you want to avoid the crowds or extreme heat.


Follow our handy tips and tricks to experience the best gay Malta has to offer
Is there anything more romantic than a sunset in Malta with your love?

Gay map of Malta

Here's a gay map of Malta which includes all the gay bars, clubs, hotels, and sightseeing highlights we've mentioned in this post. Use it to plan your own amazing gay trip!

Find out the best gay hotels, bars, clubs, gay friendly restaurants and things to do in Malta with our full guide

Read more travel adventures like this in our book!

We've published our very own gay travel book called, ‘Out in the World'. It has all our practical safety tips, first-hand advice, and travel stories from some of our favorite destinations.

We hope it inspires you to have a fun and safe trip!

Click on the book to order:

Gay couple travel book Nomadic Boys Out in the World

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Our complete gay travel guide to the islands of Malta
Stefan Arestis

Hey everyone, I'm Stefan, the curly-haired Greek flavor behind the gay travel blog Nomadic Boys. Together with my other half, I have explored more than 90 countries across 5 continents. What I love most about traveling is discovering the local gay scene, making new friends, learning new cultures. I've written about LGBTQ travel in numerous online publications such as Gaycation Magazine, Gaycities, Gay Times and Pink News as well as for other non-gay-specific publications including Lonely Planet, The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Huffington Post. Check my full bio here.

Ryan

Friday 10th of November 2023

I can't find information for the massage place, Just Men Center. Is there a way to schedule a massage?

Stefan Arestis

Sunday 12th of November 2023

Let us know if you maange to.

Stuart Haynes

Wednesday 23rd of September 2020

Thanks 👍 guys for an awesome website with loads of tips must-see's. Will recommend your site as a definitive guide.

Stefan Arestis

Thursday 24th of September 2020

Sweet - thanks Stuart :)

Palawat Aditi

Friday 8th of November 2019

great article you have published. Like the place, I would go if ever get a good partner to explore Malta.

Stefan Arestis

Friday 8th of November 2019

You'd love it :)