Gay Malta, a Catholic country that leads on LGBTQ+ rights

Malta breaks a stereotype. It’s one of the most Catholic countries in Europe, with 82.6% of the population Catholic according to Spain’s foreign ministry, and at the same time one of the furthest ahead on LGBTQ+ rights. That combination is what I find most interesting about the subject, and it helps you know what to expect.

What the 2026 Rainbow Map says

ILGA-Europe publishes the Rainbow Map every year, scoring European countries on LGBTI equality laws and policies. In 2026 Malta is second, on 88%. The headline of the year, according to ILGA-Europe itself, is that Spain broke Malta’s decade-long hold on first place. Visitmalta notes that Malta first reached the top in 2016.

It’s worth knowing what the ranking measures. It’s laws, not street atmosphere. But in Malta the two line up fairly well, and visitmalta describes a clear, positive shift towards greater acceptance of LGBTIQ people in every part of life.

Can a same-sex couple marry in Malta?

Yes. Visitmalta says it on its weddings page in one clear line, Maltese legislation permits same-sex marriage. It adds that the paperwork isn’t heavy and that all you need is to be in Malta three days before the date. The documents are set by Malta’s Marriage Registry.

If you’re thinking about a wedding or a honeymoon, I cover what the islands offer in my guide to Malta for couples. And if you’re after something quieter, Gozo has a reputation as a romantic island that the Ministry for Gozo is keen to promote.

The scene and nights out

I have to be honest about the limits of the sources here. Visitmalta doesn’t list gay bars or clubs. It points to community websites, such as gaymalta.com, which says it carries an events calendar and a list of open venues, and to Gay Guide Malta. It also gives what I think is the best possible advice, that like-minded locals are your best guides.

So I won’t name venues, because they change and no official source keeps a list up to date. What I can tell you is where the nightlife is in general. Clubbing centres on Paceville in St Julian’s, and the quieter drink is in Valletta. It’s all in my guide to Malta nightlife.

Safety

The Foreign Office has no LGBT-specific warning in its Malta advice and says crime against tourists is rare. The warnings it does give are general and apply to anyone on a night out. Some Paceville bars have seen spiked drinks and overcharging, so buy your own drinks, keep them in sight and check the bill. Spain’s foreign ministry also urges care at night in Paceville and St Julian’s.

A religious country, without surprises

Malta takes its Catholicism seriously, with parish festas across the country that UNESCO added to its intangible heritage list in 2023. I explain more in my guide to religion in Malta. For me none of that clashes with travelling as an LGBTQ+ couple, and I wouldn’t expect any trouble holding hands in Valletta. What I would do is visit the churches with the same respect as any other visitor.

As for where to stay, it depends on the plan. For dinners and wandering, Valletta. For nights out, St Julian’s. And to switch off, Gozo.