Nothing says real love like shocking the one you love with a spontaneous romantic getaway—simply grabbing your passports and flying off for some high quality one-on-one time within the solar. And if that cherished one occurs to be your self—hey, that counts too. Self-love remains to be love!Paris, Rome, Venice, and Prague are the stereotypical vacation spot decisions for encounters of the amorous form, however love doesn’t flourish within the predictable. There’s one other underrated LGBTQ+ loving vacation spot in Europe that ticks all the precise containers for a pair’s retreat…
Malta is the romantic present that retains on giving. With its mix of cultures—from Italian and Arabic to British and North African (everybody appears to have dominated Malta sooner or later)—the archipelago is the proper backdrop for igniting a little bit ardour within the coronary heart (or loins). Its pure magnificence is rivaled solely by its man-made marvels: romantic cobblestone streets, golden seashores, hidden coves, and majestic fortresses overlooking crystal-clear seas. What’s extra, it boasts 3,000 hours of sunshine a 12 months—you do the maths!
Having been named the world’s most LGBTQ+ pleasant nation by the Spartacus Homosexual Journey Index and set to host its subsequent Delight from 5-14 September, 2025, its gay-friendly credentials are firmly in test. Plus, for the tenth consecutive 12 months, Malta proudly holds the #1 rating on the ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Map, main amongst 49 European international locations ranked yearly in making a secure, inclusive surroundings for the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. So, whether or not you’re after a lover’s retreat or a solo escape with glorious lighting—listed below are only a few concepts for romantic actions in Malta to get these juices flowing…inventive juices, that’s. Get your thoughts out of the gutter!
A Story of Valletta… Sightseeing Strolls, Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, and Backyard Picnics
Malta’s capital was as soon as a knights’ fortress and is now affectionately known as “the open museum,” just like Rome. And certainly—to make use of a cliché—exploring it truly is like taking a stroll again by way of time.
Valletta’s labyrinth of cobblestone streets winds round grand palaces and cathedrals. Quaint cafés—just like the LGBTQ+-friendly Café Society—peddle Malta’s trademark pastry, pastizzi. Anachronistic oddities like Britain’s traditional pink telephone containers make for glorious speaking factors, and there are many museums, such because the Nationwide Museum of Archaeology and MUZA Museum of Effective Arts, to make you look cultured in entrance of your vital different. Because of town’s compact measurement, you possibly can simply stroll between the primary sights—or go full-on old fashioned and flag down a standard karozzin (horse-drawn carriage).
The Higher Barrakka Gardens above Valletta are made for romantic picnics—or daring marriage proposals—with satisfying panoramic views of the harbor beneath. Simply make sure to not time any proposals across the ceremonial firing of the backyard’s cannons at noon. Nobody likes an explosive shock!
Discover Out How Deep Your Love is within the Blue Lagoon
Conversely, escape town to the tranquil paradise of Malta’s Blue Lagoon. Accessible by ferry or boat, the Blue Lagoon lies on the island of Comino and is understood for its vivid, crystal-clear turquoise waters and white sandy shores, idyllically framed by ivory cliffs. Hidden coves are good for intimate romantic swims, whereas light breezes carry the scent of untamed thyme. Or have interaction in water sports activities—hehe, not that sort—like snorkeling among the many lagoon’s thriving marine life.
Take Me to the (Homosexual) Seashore at Golden Bay
Talking of sandy shores, though a lot of Malta’s are pebbled, there are golden-sand seashores for individuals who know the place to look. Golden Bay—on the alternative aspect of the island from Valletta and reachable by bus—is one in every of Malta’s hottest seashores, together with with LGBTQ+ people.
For a extra intimate homosexual seashore expertise along with your associate or vacation fling, stroll south to the extra secluded Riviera Seashore. Right here you’ll discover the gays and—regardless of the very fact it’s technically unlawful—nudists discreetly baring all to the solar. For an much more secluded seashore, maintain strolling south alongside the path from Riviera to Ġnejna Seashore. And sure, that’s the place you’ll additionally discover a discreet cruising space.
You Say It Greatest When You Say Nothing at All within the Silent Metropolis of Mdina
Valletta isn’t Malta’s solely romance-inducing metropolis. Mdina, Malta’s historic walled metropolis, is usually known as the “Silent Metropolis” for its serene ambiance, slim alleys, picturesque stone gates, expansive courtyards, medieval church buildings, and honey-colored buildings. Stroll hand-in-hand by way of golden limestone streets at sundown, go to Mdina Cathedral, and luxuriate in a candlelit dinner at one in every of its charming rooftop eating places, with views from the hilltop over the encircling countryside.
Sundown Bliss on a Non-public Boat Tour
It will be a criminal offense to not totally capitalize on Malta’s spectacular shoreline with a ship tour. Guide a sundown cruise from Valletta or Gozo and glide throughout tranquil waters, taking within the kaleidoscope of colours reflecting off the ocean because the solar dips into the Mediterranean. That’s what romance is—wine included, in fact! For added privateness, some charters supply secluded seashore stops for a swim or a romantic picnic.
Wine and Dine with a View
Malta is a foodie’s paradise, with no scarcity of romantic eating places. Within the metropolis, attempt locations like Republic 59 for an upscale affair beside the Grandmaster’s Palace, eating on a terrace overlooking the romantic St. George’s Sq.. Or e book a desk alongside the coast—such because the LGBTQ+-owned Aussie-Maltese restaurant Two Buoys (see what they did there?)—for alfresco eating and uninterrupted views of the bay beneath.
Vineyards are scattered throughout Malta’s countryside, making it simple to shock your associate with a non-public wine tasting at one of many island’s native wineries. Malta’s winemaking custom is rising, with award-winning reds and crisp whites to pattern. Many wineries, akin to Meridiana or Marsovin, supply guided excursions and tastings, which might be organized for small teams or personal bookings.
All’s Truthful in Love and Struggle at Popeye Village
Love makes kids of us all—so why not go all in and head to Popeye Village? Situated within the northwest of the island, it was the set of the 1980 musical Popeye (sure, the sailor man) and is now a unusual picket village—a cross between an open-air museum and an amusement park.
A Couple Who Events Collectively, Slays Collectively
Malta may not be a celebration island per se, however the nightlife could be very a lot alive and welcoming to {couples}, singles, and vacation romance-seekers alike. Michelangelo Membership Lounge is Malta’s homosexual superclub, situated within the St. Julian’s district, and is open on weekends for individuals who get pleasure from dancing between the topless hotties of the island.
The month-to-month queer celebration Lollipop is arms down the very best membership evening on the island and price planning your journey round. Count on a joyful mixture of trend, enjoyable, and frolics as LGBTQ+ people get right down to worldwide queer DJs at themed events—typically poolside ones in the summertime. After Delight—or after any main pageant—you possibly can rely on Lollipop to throw the island’s greatest celebration.
Selecting The place the Magic Occurs
Selecting the place the magic occurs—hopefully—is a key a part of any romantic getaway. Malta presents lodging for each model, from sea-facing boutique resorts like Two Pillows, to restored palazzos in historic cities, akin to Resort Phoenicia, to cute conventional Maltese townhouses, just like the LGBTQ+ owned Indulgence Divine, with personal courtyards or rooftop terraces. No matter your ideally suited ardour pad is, yow will discover it in Malta.
Wait… There’s Extra
The above concepts are simply the tip of the rocky outcrop with regards to romantic issues to do in Malta. There are additionally quaint villages like Xlendi, the serene Ġgantija Temples, numerous seashores, and extra. For detailed data, Go to Malta is your definitive information to all issues Maltese.
If you happen to select Malta for a romantic getaway, you’d higher be open to a 3rd—as a result of Malta is a rustic certain to steal your coronary heart. Sure, that does sound like a tacky chat-up line. And right here’s one other one totally free: get your passport—you’ve pulled.