Valletta — Fortified city in LGBT pioneering country

Gay Valletta is less of a scene in its own right and more a laid-back gateway to one of Europe's most queer-friendly countries. Malta has been at the top of the ILGA Europe ranking for years, marriage for all has been in force since 2017, and hardly anyone notices this in everyday life in the baroque capital. You move through narrow alleys of honey-colored limestone, past cafes and small galleries, without having to think about hidden glances. However, the old town itself does not have a pronounced bar and club density for queer audiences.

The real nightlife takes place about twenty minutes away in St. Julian's and in neighboring Paceville. This is where most of the establishments that explicitly appeal to a gay or mixed crowd are located, as well as bars and clubs that are open anyway. If you want to live close to the hustle and bustle, this is the place for you; if you are looking for peace, architecture and good food, it is better to stay in Valletta and accept the short way to party. As a compromise on the water, Sliema works in between. Highlights include the UNESCO fortified city with its viewing terraces over the Grand Harbour, the Co-Cathedral of St. John, and day trips to Mdina or the Blue Grotto. As for the travel season: May to October is warm and stable, the highlight for queer guests is Malta Pride, which runs through Valletta's streets every September.