Tiny Mediterranean Island Offers Peace And Pasta
I travel a lot; I make it a goal to be out of the country every six weeks if possible. However, I often find myself returning to the same locations because, as much as I love to explore, I also want to feel safe. Traveling to a new location can already be stressful without having to worry about being shunned or, worse, attacked for my skin tone or queer identity. One place I've visited repeatedly that always makes me feel at home is Malta.
Popularly known for its amazing filming locations – Gladiator, Game of Thrones, etc. – and historic landmarks like the Ġgantija Temples, Malta has quickly become one of my favourite places to travel in Europe, not only for the incredible food scene but also for how accepting the country is of LGBTQ+ travellers. So here are my recommendations if you want to visit the great island:
According to the ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map 2024, Malta has been named the most LGBTQ+ inclusive country in Europe for nine consecutive years.
Location is everything.
Malta is a small island that might deceptively lead you to believe you can stay anywhere, but you would be wrong. The best places to stay as a tourist are St. Julian's, Valletta, or Sliema. Everything is just a bus ride away in these locations, or a simple hop on a ferry to the surrounding smaller islands. Hotels I would recommend for LGBTQ+ travellers in these locations are The Hilton and The Westin Dragonara, as their staff are trained in how to treat and respect individuals from all walks of life.
Make time for a beach day.
Malta is full of gorgeous rock pools that might make you think there are no real beaches around, but don't be fooled. Away from the main locations, there are beautiful beaches that will take your breath away. Golden Bay Beach is perfect for LGBTQ+ travellers, and it's not too far from the historic landmark Għajn Tuffieħa Tower if you want to add a touch of culture to your beach day.
Book things in advance.
Just because it's a small island does not mean the queues are small too; always book in advance. Malta has incredible artworks, such as St. John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, home to an iconic Caravaggio painting. Structures like these attract a lot of people, leading to long queues. However, if you book your tickets online, you can skip right to the front, which will help you avoid the intense Maltese heat.
Explore the surrounding islands.
There's so much to do in Malta that you might think you can skip the ferry to places like Gozo... don't. Gozo is home to one of the most historic landmarks in the world, the Ġgantija Temples. The Ġgantija Temples are even older than the Pyramids in Egypt. Dating back to 3600 BC, this UNESCO-listed structure must be seen to be believed.
And of course...EAT
The Maltese kitchen feels like home. Due to its location and history, Malta has a great blend of Italian, Arabic, British, and North African cuisine – basically, all the countries that know how to make a hearty home-cooked meal that will make you miss your grandma. Here are my favourite restaurants that are great for LGBTQ+ travellers: Osteria Donna Carmela: incredible Italian kitchen with some of the best views in all of St Julians, so make sure you ask for a table outside!Toro Toro: guided by the legendary chef Richard Sandoval, Toro Toro brings the vibrancy of South American cuisine to a little island in the Mediterranean.Two Buoys: Two Buoys is an LGBTQ+ owned restaurant in the heart of St Julians that brings little taste of Down Under to Malta, perfect for any time of the day.de Mondion: You always have a night to treat yourself on holiday, so why not do it with a the Michelin star restaurant De Mondion based in the extremely beautiful Mdina.
Add Malta to your European travel list today – you won't be disappointed.
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