I partied in Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly country — and discovered its secret
When I asked my tour guide what he loved most about Malta, his answer caught me off guard.
After boasting about the island's rich history and the fact that its litany of enthralling attractions are all within an hour's drive, he casually added: 'And it's been voted the world's safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers.'
Now, gays love to travel. The only thing they love more than travelling is letting everyone who will listen know that they love travelling.
But I don't think I've ever seen any of the LGBTQ+ people I follow on social media posting thirst traps from Malta. Of course, that will all change when the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ festival Mighty Hoopla makes its international debut there later this year.
The location is a clever choice. For the 10th year running, Malta is top of the Rainbow Map, an annual chart that ranks European countries on their respective legal and policy practises for LGBTQ+ people.
I spent four days in Malta last summer, and I can see why it consistently takes the crown, while the UK continues to plummet. We're currently 22nd on the list; just over a decade ago, we were number one. https://www.instagram.com/p/DJn4sfAu1-h/
Granted, I was in Malta at a particularly gay time of year. It was Malta Pride 2024 and, despite marching at many British Pride events, this was the first time I'd ever branched out and flown overseas to celebrate our brave and magical community.
Everyone was welcome everywhere, which no longer feels the case here in the UK. At home, every Pride march I've attended comes with banners telling us we're going to hell. In Malta, there wasn't a single protester in sight.
With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community.
Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications!
In the lead-up to Malta Pride, though, I wasn't sensing much hype. With less than 24 hours to go until the big day, walking through the capital, Valletta, I didn't see a single rainbow flag. Strange, I thought, for the safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers.
I also noticed a surprising lack of gay bars. According to Google, there was only one on the whole island, but 'we don't need them' was the consensus from people I spoke to in Malta.
Everywhere is LGBTQ+ friendly. There were, of course, bars where LGBTQ+ people seemed to hang out, but there was no clear advertising.
I spent longer than I should have, drinking more Margaritas than I ever thought possible, at Café Society – clearly one of the most popular bars in the city. Customers poured out onto the steps and the neighbourhood felt more alive than I've ever seen Soho. Once the most thriving LGBTQ+ hub in the world, it's now on its knees.
Still, I was intrigued by how Malta would celebrate Pride. Would anyone even turn up?
In fact, very inch of Valletta was full to the brim. It felt like everyone on the island and then some were there to take part, LGBTQ+ or not. The streets were lined with dancers, Cher's Believe blasted from speakers and I've never experienced a Pride filled with so much joy. I haven't danced or laughed as hard in years.
Drag queens from all over the world entertained locals with a free show right in the centre of the island, which was open to anyone (and drinks were half the price you'd find at a UK Pride).
Birmingham-based drag star Miss Penny, a legend in the UK and a regular at London's Admiral Duncan, brought her absolute filth to Valletta, dragging her adoring crowd with lines that for legal (and moral) reasons cannot be repeated here. @maltadaily.mt
Yesterday, Malta Pride painted the town in vibrant colours as thousands gathered for the Malta Pride March 2024 in Valletta, organised by Malta Pride and Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC). The march, a highlight of the annual Malta Pride festivities, kicked off at the iconic Triton Fountain at 6:00 PM with an inspiring opening ceremony that set the tone for an evening of celebration, unity, and advocacy. The parade made its way through the bustling streets of Valletta, with participants proudly waving rainbow flags, holding banners, and dancing to music from colourful floats. DJs kept the energy high as the procession moved towards the historic St. George's Square, where the festivities culminated in a spectacular concert. The march celebrated 20 years of Malta Pride, marking two decades of progress in the fight for equality and inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community. #MaltaDaily ♬ original sound – MaltaDaily.mt
She kept us on our feet until 11pm, for free, before the party starters descended on Marrakesh nightclub – an astonishing open-air venue with floating trees and seven stages that feel like they're plonked right in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.
It was spectacular, packed with hes, shes, theys and everything in between — the friendliest crowd I've ever met on a night out. My face was dripping with sweat, but that didn't put anyone off having a chinwag about the one thing that united everyone there, no matter what country we came from or the language we spoke.
But what makes Malta the best place for LGBTQ+ travellers? I wondered why locals felt so much safer here than in other parts of the world.
Jelle, 63, moved to Malta from Amsterdam and said the island's size goes a long way to help.
'It's such a small country, you can't be anonymous and so there can't be any harassment,' she says. 'If I mention my husband's name, everybody knows him. That's why it's so tolerant and fantastic for LGBTQ+ people.'
Perhaps that's the secret: community.
Everyone LGBTQ+ is recognised as someone's child, a sibling, or their neighbour; they're untouchable. I can't begin to imagine living with that level of empowerment, but for four days, I got to experience it first-hand. More Trending
In the brief time I spent in Malta, that sense of community was abundantly clear at every turn. It breaks my heart that I live in a city that feels ever more fractured, with animosity towards LGBTQ+ people only increasing.
Mighty Hoopla will be launching its first overseas festival in Malta this September.
If the line-up hasn't yet convinced you to buy a ticket, I would jump at the chance to experience Malta when it's bursting with love for the LGBTQ+ community — especially at a time when it sometimes feels so lacking back home.
This article was originally published on June 14, 2025.
MORE: This African country is the continent's best-kept safari secret
MORE: Is it safe to travel to Spain during the heatwave? Latest advice as Seville hits 41C
MORE: Budapest Pride attracts 100,000 in defiance of Hungary's ban
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
6 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Warning for holidaymakers forgetting key paperwork could ruin trips this summer
Some breakdown policies have limits on the amount they will pay out if a car cannot be fixed at the roadside, meaning drivers could be left out of pocket if it needs to be recovered to a garage Motorists planning a continental jaunt are being cautioned that they might end up dipping into their own pockets if they don't review any restrictions on their breakdown assurance. Upon examining 291 policies, financial guru Defaqto has found that almost a third (31%) of them set a ceiling for individual claims at less than £3,500. Should the cost of getting a car back on the road or mended surpass this figure, policyholders may need to shell out the excess themselves. Defaqto highlights the importance of checking whether there's also an aggregate cap for all claims under the policy. In instances where a vehicle fails before leaving and can't be fixed promptly, hiring a substitute motor is essential. Alas, Defaqto's findings report that merely over a third (34%) of plans actually accommodate for the costs of hiring a car prior to departure, potentially leaving some travellers with hefty bills even before they hit the road. This analysis, which was conducted in early June, included various European breakdown cover options such as separately sold "standalone" policies, those bundled with comprehensive car insurance, "short-term" covers specific to particular journeys, and perks offered with certain bank accounts. Travellers caught unawares overseas might encounter local law enforcement or authorities calling upon an approved vehicle retrieval service. Defaqto's research reveals that a notable 16% of these breakdown covers do not compensate for such recoveries, cornering drivers into unforeseen expenses. If your motor conks out while you're on holiday and can't be fixed within a day, many policies will offer "journey continuation" cover to help with the cost of alternative transport like public transport or hiring a car. Defaqto's research found that just over a third (35%) of policies cap these costs between £500 and £999. Close to two-fifths (38%) of policies put a limit on the number of breakdowns you can claim for during the policy term. READ MORE: 'I spent years pretending to be UK celeb on cruises - people always mistake me for him' Motor insurance guru at Defaqto, Mike Powell, commented: "If you are going on holiday in Europe this summer, buying motor breakdown insurance may not be the first thing you think about. But if you are taking your own car, it is essential to understand what the policy covers so you are not hit with a large bill if things go wrong." He added, "While price is often a major factor in choosing a policy, it is even more important to look closely at the cover provided and the limits that apply. The cheapest policy may end up costing you more in the long run." Mike Powell also offers some savvy advice for those planning to drive around Europe:. Double-check your breakdown cover before setting off. Ensure your policy includes European cover and pore over the fine print to grasp what's covered and what's not. Get clued up on local driving regulations. Each country has its own set of driving laws and requirements. Jot down essential contact numbers, including your insurer and local emergency services, and know the drill for motorway mishaps. Factor in additional costs. If your cover limit is insufficient, you may find yourself footing the bill for services like towing, car hire or onward travel. Keep your documents at the ready. This might encompass your driving licence, insurance certificate, logbook, passport and any pertinent health cards or visas. Ponder having the car serviced prior to the holiday. A pre-holiday check-up could help prevent motor breakdowns from occurring in the first place.
Time Out
7 hours ago
- Time Out
This Aussie coastal town has the most incredible skyline views in the country
Every time I fly home to Sydney, I'm reminded how much of a stunner it is. From the plane window, you get a postcard view of glossy skyscrapers and heritage architecture poking high into the sky, framed by the sparkling blue harbour. But while Sydney's skyline might be the most famous worldwide – courtesy of those two iconic landmarks – an underrated Aussie town has just been named home to the country's most viral skyline. From coastlines to cityscapes, a new study by Frameshop combined Google search data, Instagram hashtags and a weighted popularity index to uncover Australia's most snapped and searched skylines. They looked at the 20 most populous cities across the country – so it's a pretty big deal that Port Douglas stole the spotlight as the most viral skyline in Australia. Sandwiched between two World Heritage wonders – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef – this tropical town in Far North Queensland is an absolute stunner. It topped the charts with more than half a million Instagram posts and hundreds of monthly Google searches, cementing its status as Australia's most sought-after skyline. If you're looking for a postcard-worthy sunrise snap in Port Douglas, look no further than Flagstaff Hill. It's an easy 1.5-kilometre walk to Trinity Bay Lookout, where you'll take in stunning views of Four Mile Beach, the Daintree Rainforest and the Coral Sea. The trail winds back through bushland to the coconut-fringed shores of Rex Smeal Park – one of the best sunset spots in town (if you like to sleep in). Queensland dominates the list of Australia's most sought-after skylines, claiming an impressive seven out of the top ten positions. One of our favourite spots in Brisbane, Kangaroo Point, ranks second, claiming the highest number of Google searches for sunset viewing. With its blend of riverside charm and sweeping views of the city skyline, it offers a striking contrast to other popular Queensland backdrops like the Glass House Mountains, Tamborine Mountain and Snapper Rocks. Looking across Australia's other capital cities, other popular skylines include Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra, Cottesloe Beach in Perth, Mindil Beach in Darwin, Milson's Point in Sydney, St Kilda Pier in Melbourne and Kingston Beach in Hobart. You can find your closest viral skyline with our summary of the rankings below. Here are the 10 most popular skylines in Australia Port Douglas, QLD Kangaroo Point, QLD Glass House Mountains, QLD Tamborine Mountain, QLD Snapper Rocks, QLD Cottesloe Beach, WA Warners Bay, NSW Lake Burley Griffin, ACT Fitzroy Island, QLD Wellington Point, QLD Here are the most popular skylines in Australia's biggest cities Kangaroo Island, Adelaide Lake Wendouree, Ballarat Kangaroo Point, Brisbane Port Douglas, Cairns Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra Mindil Beach, Darwin Kingston Beach, Hobart Cradle Mountain, Launceston St Kilda Pier, Melbourne Warners Bay, Newcastle Milsons Point, Sydney ⭐️ The 10 best hotels in Australia have been crowned for 2025 🌅
Metro
19 hours ago
- Metro
I partied in Europe's most LGBTQ+ friendly country — and discovered its secret
When I asked my tour guide what he loved most about Malta, his answer caught me off guard. After boasting about the island's rich history and the fact that its litany of enthralling attractions are all within an hour's drive, he casually added: 'And it's been voted the world's safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers.' Now, gays love to travel. The only thing they love more than travelling is letting everyone who will listen know that they love travelling. But I don't think I've ever seen any of the LGBTQ+ people I follow on social media posting thirst traps from Malta. Of course, that will all change when the UK's biggest LGBTQ+ festival Mighty Hoopla makes its international debut there later this year. The location is a clever choice. For the 10th year running, Malta is top of the Rainbow Map, an annual chart that ranks European countries on their respective legal and policy practises for LGBTQ+ people. I spent four days in Malta last summer, and I can see why it consistently takes the crown, while the UK continues to plummet. We're currently 22nd on the list; just over a decade ago, we were number one. Granted, I was in Malta at a particularly gay time of year. It was Malta Pride 2024 and, despite marching at many British Pride events, this was the first time I'd ever branched out and flown overseas to celebrate our brave and magical community. Everyone was welcome everywhere, which no longer feels the case here in the UK. At home, every Pride march I've attended comes with banners telling us we're going to hell. In Malta, there wasn't a single protester in sight. With thousands of members from all over the world, our vibrant LGBTQ+ WhatsApp channel is a hub for all the latest news and important issues that face the LGBTQ+ community. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications! In the lead-up to Malta Pride, though, I wasn't sensing much hype. With less than 24 hours to go until the big day, walking through the capital, Valletta, I didn't see a single rainbow flag. Strange, I thought, for the safest place for LGBTQ+ travellers. I also noticed a surprising lack of gay bars. According to Google, there was only one on the whole island, but 'we don't need them' was the consensus from people I spoke to in Malta. Everywhere is LGBTQ+ friendly. There were, of course, bars where LGBTQ+ people seemed to hang out, but there was no clear advertising. I spent longer than I should have, drinking more Margaritas than I ever thought possible, at Café Society – clearly one of the most popular bars in the city. Customers poured out onto the steps and the neighbourhood felt more alive than I've ever seen Soho. Once the most thriving LGBTQ+ hub in the world, it's now on its knees. Still, I was intrigued by how Malta would celebrate Pride. Would anyone even turn up? In fact, very inch of Valletta was full to the brim. It felt like everyone on the island and then some were there to take part, LGBTQ+ or not. The streets were lined with dancers, Cher's Believe blasted from speakers and I've never experienced a Pride filled with so much joy. I haven't danced or laughed as hard in years. Drag queens from all over the world entertained locals with a free show right in the centre of the island, which was open to anyone (and drinks were half the price you'd find at a UK Pride). Birmingham-based drag star Miss Penny, a legend in the UK and a regular at London's Admiral Duncan, brought her absolute filth to Valletta, dragging her adoring crowd with lines that for legal (and moral) reasons cannot be repeated here. @ Yesterday, Malta Pride painted the town in vibrant colours as thousands gathered for the Malta Pride March 2024 in Valletta, organised by Malta Pride and Allied Rainbow Communities (ARC). The march, a highlight of the annual Malta Pride festivities, kicked off at the iconic Triton Fountain at 6:00 PM with an inspiring opening ceremony that set the tone for an evening of celebration, unity, and advocacy. The parade made its way through the bustling streets of Valletta, with participants proudly waving rainbow flags, holding banners, and dancing to music from colourful floats. DJs kept the energy high as the procession moved towards the historic St. George's Square, where the festivities culminated in a spectacular concert. The march celebrated 20 years of Malta Pride, marking two decades of progress in the fight for equality and inclusion for the LGBTIQ+ community. #MaltaDaily ♬ original sound – She kept us on our feet until 11pm, for free, before the party starters descended on Marrakesh nightclub – an astonishing open-air venue with floating trees and seven stages that feel like they're plonked right in the middle of the Amazon rainforest. It was spectacular, packed with hes, shes, theys and everything in between — the friendliest crowd I've ever met on a night out. My face was dripping with sweat, but that didn't put anyone off having a chinwag about the one thing that united everyone there, no matter what country we came from or the language we spoke. But what makes Malta the best place for LGBTQ+ travellers? I wondered why locals felt so much safer here than in other parts of the world. Jelle, 63, moved to Malta from Amsterdam and said the island's size goes a long way to help. 'It's such a small country, you can't be anonymous and so there can't be any harassment,' she says. 'If I mention my husband's name, everybody knows him. That's why it's so tolerant and fantastic for LGBTQ+ people.' Perhaps that's the secret: community. Everyone LGBTQ+ is recognised as someone's child, a sibling, or their neighbour; they're untouchable. I can't begin to imagine living with that level of empowerment, but for four days, I got to experience it first-hand. More Trending In the brief time I spent in Malta, that sense of community was abundantly clear at every turn. It breaks my heart that I live in a city that feels ever more fractured, with animosity towards LGBTQ+ people only increasing. Mighty Hoopla will be launching its first overseas festival in Malta this September. If the line-up hasn't yet convinced you to buy a ticket, I would jump at the chance to experience Malta when it's bursting with love for the LGBTQ+ community — especially at a time when it sometimes feels so lacking back home. This article was originally published on June 14, 2025. MORE: This African country is the continent's best-kept safari secret MORE: Is it safe to travel to Spain during the heatwave? Latest advice as Seville hits 41C MORE: Budapest Pride attracts 100,000 in defiance of Hungary's ban
