Guide to Malta EuroPride

EuroPride 2023 is taking place through 17^th September, bringing a celebration of love, diversity and inclusion to Malta.

It is set to be a spectacular event, hosted in the Mediterranean holiday hotspot of Malta.

Top highlights include Christina Aguilera’s EuroPride concert.

Check out must-visit places to eat, what to do and why Malta was chosen as host destination.

Why Malta?

Malta, with its picturesque landscapes, history, and commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, is the perfect host for EuroPride 2023. The island nation legalised same-sex marriage in 2017 and has been a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in the region since.

For an eighth year in a row, Malta occupies the number one spot on the Rainbow Europe Index, which monitors both the positive and negative impacts on the LGBTQ community. The Index considers a wide range of factors, including legal gender recognition, family and marital issues and rights to asylum. It logged a score of 89.29%. Malta also ranked first place in the world on the gay travel index by Spartacus.

Key Festival Events

LGBTIQ+ Human Rights Conference – (September 13 – 15)

Explore beyond European LGBTIQ+ equality at this conference which will discuss progress and challenges across the Mediterranean region. Organised by the Human Rights Directorate, it’s an opportunity to share experiences and strengthen the pursuit of equality.

The EuroPride March (September 16)

Gather in the streets of Floriana and Valletta for the EuroPride March, a powerful declaration of equality and inclusion. Celebrate with thousands of participants, waving flags, banners, and uplifting chants.

The EuroPride Concert ft. Christina Aguilera (September 16)

Get ready for an extraordinary concert at The Granaries, Floriana, with Christina Aguilera headlining.

Where to Eat

Rubino Restaurant (Valletta)

This charming restaurant in the heart of Valletta serves traditional Maltese cuisine with a modern twist. Try their rabbit stew or fresh seafood dishes amid historic surroundings.

Ta’ Kris (Sliema)

Ta’ Kris is a cozy restaurant known for its authentic Maltese food. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste their rabbit in wine sauce or bragioli (beef olives).

Trabuxu Bistro (Valletta)

Located in a 400-year-old building, Trabuxu Bistro offers a unique dining experience. They serve Mediterranean and Maltese cuisine, and their homemade desserts are a must-try.

Il-Kartell Restaurant (Gozo)

Il-Kartell is known for its authentic Gozitan cuisine. Try their delicious ftira, a traditional Gozitan bread, and other local specialties.

Things to Do Outside the Festival

Europe’s Best Diving Destination

Repeatedly voted Europe’s number one diving destination, Malta has placed additional historical wreck sites on its diving map. Providing a clear blue sea which boasts an abundance of reefs, caverns and caves, dive sites are ideal for both beginner and advanced divers. Diving enthusiasts can arrange to visit wreck sites by appointment with The Underwater Cultural Heritage Unit (UCHU). These incredible locations range from a 2,700-year-old Phoenician shipwreck to WWI battleships and dozens of aircraft crash sites. For more information on a diving trip to Malta visit PADI Travel.

Sunset boat ride at Dwejra Bay

Home of the treasured Fungus Rock, visitors can take a boat trip through this natural tunnel in the cliffs. Once outside the tunnel, the cliffs rise dramatically out of the water with several caves and grottos dotting the coast. Here, you’ll also find one of the most spectacular dive sites in Europe, the Blue Hole, which was formed naturally by the wind and the waves.

Explore the countryside on horseback

Just northwest of Mosta, on the road to St Paul’s Bay, Bidnija rests as a small village offering great ways to explore the Maltese countryside by leisurely walks or horse rides. Also found in Bidnija is the 20^th Century church, fully constructed by the village residents, as well as the oldest trees found in Malta that still produce olives to this day.

Walk Dingli Cliffs

Head to the highest point on the mainland on the quieter north-west coast where you’ll find the Dingli Cliffs. At over 250 metres above sea level, views extend out to the tiny island of Filfla on a clear day, and the cliffs themselves stretch from just above the Blue Grotto up to Bahrija, which has excellent trails through wine-growing country. It’s also possible to abseil here with Gozo Adventures or take a Segway ride with Malta Segway Tours.

Explore Malta’s Golden Age from Three Cities to Valletta And Fort St. Angelo

History buffs can explore the legacy of the Knights of St John throughout Malta. The Knights 250-year rule began in Three Cities and Fort St Angelo, before they built the fortified city of Valletta after the Great Siege of 1565. Visitors to the islands can learn about the valiant battles that took place, explore the architectural feats including Baroque palaces and churches the Knights.

Cycle Around Malta

Cycling along the craggy edge of Malta West coast offers visitors the opportunity to experience the sites of the picturesque Blue Grotto and stunning Dingli Cliffs, Cyclists can also explore Gozo, stopping to take in the island’s 360-degree views from the top of the Citadel fortification in Victoria before visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Hagar Qim & Mnajdra Temples. These are the oldest free-standing temples in the world. For more information on renting bikes in Malta visit: Be Green Malta.

MC Adventures in Malta

Adrenaline junkies can get their fix with MC Adventures, Malta’s leading extreme sports provider. The Maltese islands are an adventure lover’s playground, offering an expansive range of extreme activities including abseiling, freefalling and ziplining to name but a few.  Visit: https://mcadventure.com.mt/your-first-step-to-a-great-adventure.html

Watersports – sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding

Malta offers year-round warm waters and excellent visibility for snorkelling at the Blue Lagoon. Visitors wanting to swim further out to sea can charter a sailing boat. For a tranquil morning or afternoon on the water, go kayaking and paddle boarding to explore the coastline which boasts varied topography and calm waters. Adrenaline junkies can also try flyboarding off Malta’s shores. Those who are brave enough to tackle the sport are lifted into the air over the water as they try to hold their balance to quite literally walk on water.

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Learn more about :   Malta Tourism Authority ( United Kingdom )