Malta is frequently named one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world. The small island nation has a vibrant gay scene to check out. One of the best ways to learn more about the gay scene is by doing a tour with a local gay guide.
A tour we think you'll love
Malta has become the gold standard of LGBTQI reforms. The progressive Maltese government gave the LGBTQ the ultimate prize: gay marriage. The right to change legal gender was introduced in 2015, and since 2017, a third gender option X has been permitted/recognized in identification documents.
Malta is safe for gay travelers!
Malta is one of the few places in the world where LGBTIQ+ travelers feel comfortable with public displays of affection almost everywhere. Walking through the streets of Valletta, you can feel totally comfortable.
Sights to Explore 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, you will love getting lost down the little side roads. The best way to explore Valletta is on a gay walking tour with a knowledgeable guide so you can learn all about the city’s rich and diverse history.
St. John’s Co-Cathedral is a breathtaking spectacle of stone hand-carvings gilded in 24-karat gold, opulent murals, and stunning marble floors.
Fort St. Elmo was built to defend the harbor from attacks by the Ottoman Empire. The fortified cities of Cospicua, Senglea, and Vittoriosa, commonly known as The Three Cities, can be seen across the harbor.
Mdina is a small fortified city in the heart of Malta, which was actually the capital from antiquity to the medieval period. Notable scenes from Game of Thrones depicting King’s Landing were filmed here, particularly at the Mdina Gate.
Malta is one of the best places in Europe to do scuba diving. With warm waters, reefs, caves, and even shipwrecks to explore, there are dive sites suitable for beginners to advanced divers.
Comino is a small island between the islands of Gozo and Malta. It is most famous for its beautiful bay, known as the Blue Lagoon. Riviera Beach is one of the favourite beaches to local LGBTIQ+ people to head to on a day trip.
Popeye was filmed on a purpose-built set in Malta. The set still stands today and has become one of Malta’s most popular tourist attractions.
If you have time, don’t miss visiting Malta’s sister island Gozo. A more serene setting awaits you with great food and a beautiful landscape. You can reach Gozo by Ferry from Cirkewwa (in the north of Malta) or with a fast ferry service from Valletta.
Plan your trip
Malta is a small island, so it’s quite easy to get around using public buses, ferries, and taxis. Travelers from the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia don’t need a visa to stay in Malta for up to 90 days as a tourist. The power plugs in Malta are Type G, which is the same as those throughout the United Kingdom.
There are 192 free WiFi spots across Malta, as well as in most hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Tipping is not obligatory in Malta but it is customary to tip around 5-10% of your bill for good service. Gay dating apps like Scruff and Grindr aren’t banned in Malta.
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 is the best time to visit if you want to avoid crowded scenes.
There is more to read in our FAQ section get in touch with us and let’s plan your Malta stay together.
