| OutUK's Adrian Gillan is mesmerised by those melt-in-your-mouth manly Mediterranean men! |
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Small islands can offer big surprises. In fact, of the Maltese Republic's
three small islands, even the largest - eponymous Malta - is only 18 miles by 9! Yet, with a population of around half a million - half of whom are men, nearly all of whom can speak English - the possibilities soon seem endless! |
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The EU's
smallest member certainly pumps up and punches above its weight. Throughout
history, it has withstood a right old ramming - from Roman and Ottoman invasions
to British rule and Nazi bombardments - and emerged with one of the proudest,
most colourful cultures anywhere in the region. A right Med mix!
WHERE TO STAYSt. Julian's is the best place for a gay to stay in Malta, merging - as it does - into neighbouring coastal towns of Sliema and capital Valletta; yet boasting a more vibrant nightlife than both. | |
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And there's nowhere better to lodge than
Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa, right on the seafront, overlooking shimmering Balluta Bay (pictured right).
Check out the hotel's luxurious Myoka Lotus Spa! You can book this hotel at special online rates through OutUK's hotel partner Booking.com. |
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WHAT TO SEEIt's amazing what riches are crammed into Malta's tiny capital, Valletta! Check out the St James Cavalier Arts Centre; The National Museum of Archaeology, containing important finds like the famous 5000+ years old "fat lady" statuettes; St. John's Cathedral, with its richly carved interior and Caravaggio paintings; the sumptuous Grandmaster's Palace, today the seat of the President and Parliament of the Republic of Malta; the Palace Armoury, with fine examples of mediaeval armour and weapons, many used by the Knights of St. John; the peaceful vantage-point of the Upper Barrakka Gardens; and the narrow grid of ancient balconied sloping streets throughout, that almost seem to scream out their "World Heritage" status!Then, head inland to Malta's former, ancient capital of Mdina - an immaculate mediaeval, walled city situated in the centre of the main island. Also known as the "Silent City", the lofty citadel commands magnificent vistas all-round. Take a 30 minute boat ride from the southern coast, on a typical Maltese Luzzu, to the Blue Grotto. |
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This is an unspoilt beauty spot consisting of a natural rock arch and a
deep sea cave. A short distance inland from the Blue Grotto, the 5500+ years old Hagar
Qim Temples stand on a hilltop, overlooking the sea and the islet of Filfla. Important
items found here include a gloryhole-resembling oracle and the famous "fat ladies" -
now on display in Valletta.
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And don't forget "The Three Cities"! The streets of
clustered Cospicua, Senglea and Vittoriosa - just across the Grand Harbour from
Valletta - take on a glorious warm orange ochre glow in Malta's dazzling sunshine.
WHERE TO EATGay-frequented Luciano's on Valletta's main artery, Merchant Street, offers delicious food in ambient surroundings, in an old site built by the Order of St. John, right next to the Cathedral. Or, in vibrant St. Julian's, pop into Peppino's - a busy, authentic Italian affair, overlooking Spinola Bay, and visited by the likes of Madonna, Brad Pitt and Russell Crowe! And - for especially fine fish dishes - you must try bright and cheerful, great-value Ta Peppi, along the front of Malta's main fishing village, Marsaxlokk, just south of Valletta.WHERE TO BOOZE, DANCE 'N CRUISESmall but perfectly-formed Paceville nightclub, Michelangelo Gay Club, gets crammed with young cuties cum weekends. The Michelangelo lounge is the only gay club on the island and it is designed on fwo floors, with a fully stocked bar in the Dance floor Lounge area. |
| City of London bar, on Balluta Bay, near Malta Marriott Hotel & Spa hotel, gets packed with lesbians and their gay male pals, especially at weekends. It's a popular venue and one of the best on the island. It was founded in 1914 and was the refuge to the British soldiers engaged in the Great War of 1914. |
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Alternatively, Lotus Guest House & Gay Massage and Spa situated in Il-Gzira, 2.1 km from Rock Beach, features accommodation with a garden, free WiFi
and a concierge service. The air-conditioned accommodation is about 10 minutes from the international airport.
Cruising is pretty safe in Malta, if kept discreet. Good spots include the Port de Bombes, a lightly wooded park near capital Valletta's old gates; and the Gzira Marina Gardens just north of Valletta. GETTING THEREBritish Airways, Air Malta, EasyJet and Lufthansa all operate flights to Malta from a number of different airports throughout the UK.
Revised April 2024. |
