LGBTIQ Friendly Malta

Malta was ranked the #1 European LGBTIQ+ travel destination by ILGA-Europe, occupying the top spot on the Europe Rainbow Index for six consecutive years. This hidden gem of the Mediterranean has also been awarded an outstanding 94% in recognition of the laws, policies, and lifestyles of the LGBTIQ+ community out of a total of 49 European Countries. Guests from abroad will find that the vast majority of the Maltese people are gracious and welcoming hosts, eager to help them discover Malta, Gozo, and Comino and make their stay enjoyable and hassle-free. With plenty of gay-friendly restaurants, events, cafes, pubs, nightclubs, and boutiques to visit, LGBTIQ+ travelers will be sure to have an amazing time.

MALTA PRIDE 2022 – SEPTEMBER 2 – 11, 2022

Malta Pride Week, September 2 – 11, 2022, is a great opportunity for LGBTIQ+ travelers to explore the three sister islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino while celebrating pride week in a travel destination known for its 7,000 years of history, culinary delights including 5 Michelin star restaurants, great beaches and nightlife. Malta plans a wide array of events to enjoy during their week long celebration ensuring a memorable experience for all LGBTIQ+ visitors.

Malta Pride week has a week full of events in every category including fashion, art, film and music.

● Malta Pride Opening Night – September 2nd – September 3rd

● Pride March in Gozo – September 3rd

● Lollipop – September 9th

● Malta Pride March in Valletta – September 10th

● Malta Pride Open Concert – September 10th

For more information on Pride Week Events, visit: https://www.maltapride.org/

EUROPRIDE VALLETTA 2023 – SEPTEMBER 7 – 17, 2023

EuroPride Valletta 2023 will be held in Valletta, Malta, September 1 – 17, 2023. The Maltese LGBTIQ+ Community is a proud part of the European LGBTIQ+ Movement. Malta is constantly working and striving to achieve full equality both within Malta, and also in its less progressive neighboring communities. Valletta is the perfect destination for EuroPride 2023 as its location is situated between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, giving members of the EMENA (European, Middle East & North Africa) LGBTIQ+ community the opportunity to gather and celebrate in a safe environment where people are free to be themselves, while also providing them a stage where LGBTIQ+ human rights issues can be addressed and discussed.

For information on EuroPride Valletta 2023, visit: https://www.europride2023.mt/

BEACHES ON MALTA

Looking for the top gay beaches in Malta to enjoy some fun in the sun? Sorry to disappoint you, but there are no designated gay beaches in Malta; all Malta beaches can be considered gay-friendly! Most of the sandy beaches are located in the north of the island, but rocky beaches should not be underrated, since they offer excellent snorkeling opportunities, with great visibility even in the height of summer. Several Malta beaches have acquired a Blue Flag status, which guarantees a level of safety and service. Secluded beaches are hard to get to but worth the effort.

There are a few beaches that gay people tend to gravitate to. Most of these beaches are secluded.

▪ Riviera Bay (Għajn Tuffieħa)

▪ Ġnejna Bay

▪ Ras il-Qarraba

▪ Fomm ir-Riħ, Baħrija

▪ Mġiebaħ, Selmun

BARS

All bars in Malta are gay-friendly, but here are few that are particularly popular with LGBTIQ+

Michelangelo Club Lounge, Paceville (Club)

Michelangelo is the only local gay club on the island. Spread over two floors with facilities such as a lounge / VIP area, fully stocked bar, a dance floor and a more relaxed private area on the second floor.

Monaliza Lounge, Valletta (Drinks)

Monaliza Lounge is built into the bastion walls of Valletta. Head upstairs to look out through a glass wall onto the outside terrace and the beautiful views of Valletta. Enjoy the view while dining on healthy platters and indulge in some of the finest wines and cocktails on the island.

Café Del Mar, Qawra (Lounge)

The north of the island is well known for its scenic seascapes, and Café del Mar is the ideal setting if you want to take in stunning views of St. Paul’s island – all the while enjoying the chic surroundings of this lido. Café del Mar offers all the best aspects of Mediterranean living in one hip space: gorgeous sunsets, great music, an infinity pool overlooking the sea for daytime leisure, refreshing cocktails, flavorsome food, and good vibes. Café del Mar is especially popular during the summer on Sundays from 3 p.m. onwards, where you can enjoy DJ sessions in a buzzing atmosphere.

ACCOMMODATION

Holiday accommodations in Malta include luxurious five-star hotels, B&Bs, guest houses, hostels, boutique hotels, apartments, villas and even traditional farmhouses for rent. All accommodation providers welcome LGBTIQ+ visitors.

Consider staying in the area of St Julian’s, Sliema and Gzira if you like to be in the center of the buzz. These areas are closest to Paceville, Malta’s vibrant nightlife hotspot, which is packed with nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. Sightseeing tours, boat trips, and shopping are easily accessible from Paceville too. If you want to immerse yourself in the island’s history and culture, stay in Mdina or Valletta. Choose Mellieha or Gozo for a peaceful getaway and enjoy spectacular views, nature and a slower pace of life. No matter where one chooses to stay, one can easily travel to other places of interest, as Malta is only 27 km long and 14 km wide at its furthest points.

OTHER INFO

For information about the gay scene in Malta and Gozo, consult gaymalta.com – a non-profit website that contains an up-to-date Gay Events Calendar, Local News, a listing the latest Gay Bars/Venues and other info that would be of interest to a gay visitor.

You can also find information on Gay Guide Malta at the following sites and channels:

▪ Website: http://gayguidemalta.com/

▪ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/GayGuideMalta/

▪ Twitter: http://twitter.com/GayGuideMalta

▪ Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/gayguidemalta/