Gay Honeymoon in Malta

Couples have been known to squabble about where to go on their honeymoon. One has a love of the beach, the other a predilection for historic sites. A destination’s weather might not favor when a couple is wanting to honeymoon. Or, his preference for sleek contemporary experiences goes toe-to-toe with his preference for baroque cultural outings. 

But, when it comes to Malta, there is no contest because this island at the center of the Mediterranean lives up to the promise of “having something for everyone,” making it the perfect gay honeymoon destination. 

Let’s start with the fact that Malta is the most accepting country in Europe having ranked as the top LGBTQ destination on the continent for the last four years. In just a decade, the country has become an unabashedly open community for all walks of life, truly setting the bar for inclusivity for other countries to follow. 

And, where it is also a standard-bearer is in the diversity of the honeymoon experiences it has to offer all newly married husbands. Below, we share a snapshot of just a couple of days worth of experiences in Malta, but stress that you can have a week or more of unforgettable experiences on any visit. 

Make Valletta your home base and Casa Ellul your home (particularly Suite 7!) This romantic, Victorian home turned contemporary boutique hotel is unrivaled both for the experience it offers its guests and its location in the heart of this World Heritage Site city center. 

Just a short walk will find you at St. John’s Co-Cathedral for a baroque experience on steroids, and make sure to see one of Caravaggio’s masterworks: Saint Jerome Writing. 

Go for a classic lunch at Rubino, open since 1906 when it was a confectionery shop. Serving classic Maltese dishes and still delicious desserts, it is a perfect primer on the island’s cuisine. And, for a more contemporary dining institution, stop by Trabuxu. 

Stroll along Valletta’s fortifications to understand the Maltese pride of having fended off so many invading forces and take a Grand Harbour boat tour to get a sense of what it might have felt like to confront the Knights of Malta. 

For a more contemporary understanding of Malta, No.Me Studio is a contemporary design studio where you can pick up a memento of your honeymoon on the islands that is nothing short of a masterpiece. 

For an experience of Malta’s natural masterpieces make sure to hike to the Maria Ridge Walk to the St. Agatha’s Tower or “the red tower.” This 3-hour walk lends gorgeous views of Malta’s northernmost coastline and beaches. And, for contrast with the red tower, make your way to Comino Island’s Blue Lagoon. Name says it all and gives you a reason to experience another one of the Maltese islands. 

The Red Tower

And, the Maltese island you must experience is Gozo. Described by many as the ideal place to write a book, this island is the embodiment of Mediterranean bohéme and an ideal romantic getaway.

Stay at the Dar tal-Kaptan, an adults only B&B for a more intimate experience, or check into the Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz to benefit from all of the trappings of a luxury resort. 

Make your way to the Ggantija Temple and then to Our Lady of Ta’ Pinu Basilica to experience the range of architecture that this island has hosted since 3600 B.C. Stroll the salt pans on the island or, for the more adventuresome (and romantic), visit Calypso Cave where legend has it Calypso seduced Odysseus in Homer’s The Odyssey. 

But Gozo is the ultimate scuba-diving destination. The waters surrounding the island host a diversity of flora, fauna and WWII wreckages, making dives here as memorable as they are romantic. 

After a busy day exploring, take yourselves back to Victoria, Gozo’s capital city and up to La Stanza, one of Gozo’s farm-to-table traditional restaurants. Or for something a little more bustling, and award-winning, Patrick’s Lounge and Steakhouse is the place to be. 

There are so many places to be in between Malta’s Valletta and Gozo’s Victoria. And, when you’re at any and all of them with the man of your dreams, the only place you’ll want to be is with him.