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Malta is a tiny archipelago located a stone’s throw from Sicily on the Mediterranean. And while the island nation is European, North Africa (specifically, Tunisia and Libya) are just arms reach from its southern limestone escarpment. Because of its prime location, Malta has historically been a port and major trading hub between the two continents. Over centuries, international traders, sailors and military personnel have come and gone, leaving a lasting impression on Maltese culture. For example, the local cuisine resembles the flavours and styles of both Sicily and the Middle East, with a slight local twist (you’ll find rabbit and honey in no short supply). On the country’s northern island of Gozo, travellers will have no problem filling up their itineraries with exciting outdoor activities and water sports. Meanwhile on the larger southern island, the capital city of Valletta continues to draw larger and larger international crowds made up of beach bums, night owls, and history buffs—you can still see the shrapnel from WWII. Today, Malta is beloved by gay travellers for its arms-open attitude. In fact, many LGBT influencers are calling it the world’s next gay hotspot.
Although steadfastly Roman Catholic and PDA-adverse (gay or straight!), Malta is often described as “gay-friendly”. The small country legalized homosexuality in 1973, began accepting civil unions in 2014 and finally recognized same-sex marriage in 2017. Annual Pride parades have celebrated diversity and inclusion in the country’s major cities since the early aughts. Overall, gay and lesbian travellers will likely feel comfortable and safe visiting this Mediterranean destination.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Although few and far between, the island’s notable gay bars are fun, festive affairs you’ll want to indulge in until the wee hours. Malta Pride tends to spill out into more mainstream venues with parties that are definitely worth checking out. And while there are no official gay and/or nude beaches, secluded coves and bays off the main strip often attract crowds of LGBT+ locals and visitors—just be warned, public nudity carries a hefty fine if enforced.
Gay Villages in Malta
There are no gay villages in Malta.
Pride and Gay Events in Malta
Malta Pride—Annually in September
Best Gay Bars in Malta
Valletta—Lollipop (Young mixed crowd. Bubblegum pop queer club)
Valletta & beyond—S2S Events (A queer collective known for throwing parties throughout the region. Check their Facebook Page for details.)
St. Julians—Michelangelo Club Lounge (Mixed Crowd. Club)
Rabat—The Birdcage Lounge (Mixed crowd. Cocktail and Karaoke Bar)
Best Lesbian Bars in Malta
Valleta—Maori (lesbian-owned but not necessarily LGBT-exclusive. That said, check their Facebook Page for monthly parties geared towards ladies who like ladies)
The Silent City is a gorgeous example of Arabic architecture. Although the nickname may not make sense during the day when crowds flood the fortified city’s mainstreet, stick around at night and you’ll understand.
Culture and history exude from the city’s walls. Be sure to visit Fort St Angelo, the home of the Knights of Malta.
Located on the island of Comino, this stunning sea pool is so saturated you’ll have difficulty looking at it without sunglasses.
Malta—especially the island of Gozo—is surrounded by famous shipwrecks, resulting in some of Europe’s most compelling dive sites.
Every single street in this small but vibrant city leads to the sea. But despite it’s gorgeous coastal location, it is the recently emerging cultural highlights (art, restaurant and nightlife) making the biggest splash with today’s visitors. In fact, Valletta has historically been described as “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen.”
Best Time of Year To Visit: Shoulder seasons (Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct) offer the most bearable Mediterranean temperatures. Not to mention, the most wallet-friendly accommodations. We generally recommend avoiding the overcrowded country in July & August.
Electricity: In Malta the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. For more information visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/malta/.
Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (GMT+2)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Malta, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: Most travellers from Australia, Canada, The United Kingdom and The United States do not need a visa to enter Malta for up to 90 days. Exceptions may apply and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
LGBT Rights in Malta
Although steadfastly Roman Catholic and PDA-adverse (gay or straight!), Malta is often described as “gay-friendly”. The small country legalized homosexuality in 1973, began accepting civil unions in 2014 and finally recognized same-sex marriage in 2017. Annual Pride parades have celebrated diversity and inclusion in the country’s major cities since the early aughts. Overall, gay and lesbian travellers will likely feel comfortable and safe visiting this Mediterranean destination.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal but requires surgery
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Gay Malta Travel
Although few and far between, the island’s notable gay bars are fun, festive affairs you’ll want to indulge in until the wee hours. Malta Pride tends to spill out into more mainstream venues with parties that are definitely worth checking out. And while there are no official gay and/or nude beaches, secluded coves and bays off the main strip often attract crowds of LGBT+ locals and visitors—just be warned, public nudity carries a hefty fine if enforced.
Gay Villages in Malta
There are no gay villages in Malta.
Pride and Gay Events in Malta
Malta Pride—Annually in September
Best Gay Bars in Malta
Valletta—Lollipop (Young mixed crowd. Bubblegum pop queer club)
Valletta & beyond—S2S Events (A queer collective known for throwing parties throughout the region. Check their Facebook Page for details.)
St. Julians—Michelangelo Club Lounge (Mixed Crowd. Club)
Rabat—The Birdcage Lounge (Mixed crowd. Cocktail and Karaoke Bar)
Best Lesbian Bars in Malta
Valleta—Maori (lesbian-owned but not necessarily LGBT-exclusive. That said, check their Facebook Page for monthly parties geared towards ladies who like ladies)
Best Places to Visit in Malta
The Silent City is a gorgeous example of Arabic architecture. Although the nickname may not make sense during the day when crowds flood the fortified city’s mainstreet, stick around at night and you’ll understand.
Culture and history exude from the city’s walls. Be sure to visit Fort St Angelo, the home of the Knights of Malta.
Located on the island of Comino, this stunning sea pool is so saturated you’ll have difficulty looking at it without sunglasses.
Malta—especially the island of Gozo—is surrounded by famous shipwrecks, resulting in some of Europe’s most compelling dive sites.
Every single street in this small but vibrant city leads to the sea. But despite it’s gorgeous coastal location, it is the recently emerging cultural highlights (art, restaurant and nightlife) making the biggest splash with today’s visitors. In fact, Valletta has historically been described as “a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen.”
More Info
Best Time of Year To Visit: Shoulder seasons (Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct) offer the most bearable Mediterranean temperatures. Not to mention, the most wallet-friendly accommodations. We generally recommend avoiding the overcrowded country in July & August.
Electricity: In Malta the power plugs and sockets are of type G. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. For more information visit https://www.power-plugs-sockets.com/malta/.
Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (GMT+2)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: Out Adventures requires proof of full Covid-19 vaccination from all guests, following recommendations by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more details please see our Covid-19 FAQ.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Malta, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: Most travellers from Australia, Canada, The United Kingdom and The United States do not need a visa to enter Malta for up to 90 days. Exceptions may apply and all visas are the responsibility of the traveller.
