EuroPride Valletta 2023 will be held in Valletta, Malta, September 7 – 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.
The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere. Valletta built by the proud Knights of St. John is one of the UNESCO sites and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta's patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire's most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife, and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do.
Occupying the top spot on the Europe Rainbow Index for seven consecutive years, Malta, has also been awarded an outstanding 92% 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.
Looking for the top gay beaches in Malta to enjoy some fun in the sun? There are no designated gay beaches in Malta because 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 LGBTIQ+ travelers 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
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.
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/
For more information on Malta, visit www.visitmalta.com.