Meeting New People in Malta: Where to Socialize and Build Relationships

Whether you’re new to the island, visiting as a tourist, or just looking to expand your social circle, Malta offers numerous opportunities to meet new people and build lasting connections. From bustling local events to relaxed social clubs, there’s something for everyone on this vibrant Mediterranean island. This guide covers some of the best places and ways to meet people in Malta, including both in-person and virtual options. Here’s how you can build friendships and maybe even find romance in Malta!

1. Join Local Events and Festivals

Malta is known for its year-round cultural events, festivals, and celebrations, which provide ideal opportunities to connect with people. Here are some of the best events for meeting new people:

Village Feasts (Festas): Traditional Maltese village feasts, held throughout the year, are lively celebrations featuring music, food, fireworks, and a welcoming community vibe. Join in on the festivities, and you’re likely to meet friendly locals who are happy to share Maltese traditions.
Malta International Arts Festival: This summer event draws both locals and tourists with a love for art, music, and culture. It’s a great spot to meet like-minded individuals and bond over shared interests.
Isle of MTV Malta: One of the largest music festivals in Europe, Isle of MTV Malta draws crowds from across the island and beyond. If you’re into live music and a party atmosphere, this event is a must-visit for making friends and experiencing the local nightlife.

Tip: Many events have social media pages or groups, so consider joining these before attending to see if you can connect with others planning to attend.

2. Explore Social Clubs and Sports Groups

Social clubs and sports groups are excellent ways to meet people who share your interests. Malta offers plenty of options for joining activities you enjoy, which makes it easier to build connections.

Expats Malta: For newcomers or expatriates, Expats Malta is a popular group that organizes social events, meet-ups, and other activities to help newcomers get settled and make friends. They often host events like dinners, pub nights, and outdoor excursions.
Malta Hiking Group: The Malta Hiking Group regularly organizes hikes to some of the island’s most scenic spots. It’s a wonderful way to meet people who enjoy the outdoors, nature, and fitness. The shared experience of exploring beautiful trails in Malta can create strong connections.
Local Sports Teams and Fitness Classes: Joining a sports team or fitness class is a great way to meet new people while staying active. Many gyms and fitness centers offer group classes like yoga, Pilates, and even dance, which can be ideal for socializing.

Tip: Many social clubs in Malta have Facebook groups or online pages where they announce events, so check online to stay updated.

3. Check Out Popular Cafes and Bars

Cafes and bars are social hubs in Malta, offering a relaxed environment to meet people. If you enjoy a lively atmosphere and casual conversations, these spots are perfect for you:

Strait Street in Valletta: Known as Valletta’s entertainment hub, Strait Street is lined with cozy bars, live music venues, and restaurants. It’s a popular place to unwind after work and socialize with both locals and tourists.
The Thirsty Barber, St. Julian’s: This vintage-style cocktail bar is known for its welcoming vibe and unique cocktails. It’s popular with both locals and visitors, making it a great place to strike up a conversation and make connections.
Fontanella Tea Garden, Mdina: For a more relaxed and scenic atmosphere, head to Fontanella in Mdina. Known for its delicious cakes and beautiful views, it’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon chatting with new people.

Tip: Many bars and cafes host events like open mic nights, trivia quizzes, and live music, providing easy conversation starters and a chance to mingle.

4. Attend Language Exchange Meetups

Language exchange meetups are a fantastic way to meet people while also improving your language skills. In Malta, English and Maltese are widely spoken, but people from all around the world reside on the island, making language exchange events quite popular.

Meetup.com Language Exchanges: Platforms like Meetup.com feature language exchange groups where people of various nationalities come together to practice languages. These events attract locals, expats, and tourists alike.
International Student Events: Many universities and language schools in Malta hold international student nights and language meetups, providing opportunities for both students and non-students to socialize and build connections.

Tip: Even if you’re fluent in English or Maltese, attending a language exchange can be an interesting cultural experience and a chance to meet people from diverse backgrounds.

5. Get Involved in Volunteering

Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to the community while meeting compassionate, like-minded people. Many charities and non-profit organizations in Malta welcome volunteers for various causes, from environmental conservation to helping animals.

Malta Red Cross Society: The Red Cross often needs volunteers for various initiatives, and working alongside others toward a meaningful goal is an excellent way to forge friendships.
SPCA Malta (Society for the Protection and Care of Animals): Animal lovers will enjoy spending time volunteering with SPCA Malta, where they can meet other caring people with a shared love for animals.
Nature Trust Malta: For those interested in environmental conservation, Nature Trust Malta offers opportunities to volunteer for beach cleanups and conservation projects, allowing you to connect with people who care about nature.

Tip: Volunteering not only helps you make friends but also enriches your experience in Malta by allowing you to contribute to the community.

6. Virtual Ways to Meet People

If you’re a busy individual or visiting Malta for a short time, virtual meet-ups and social groups are convenient ways to make connections. Virtual options are also helpful for those who prefer connecting online before meeting in person.

Facebook Groups and Online Communities: There are plenty of Facebook groups for Malta, including “Expats Malta,” “Malta Expats & Locals,” and “Malta International Friends.” These groups offer a platform for people to ask questions, arrange meet-ups, and connect virtually.
Dating and Friendship Apps: Besides dating, apps like Bumble also have a “BFF” mode for people interested in making friends. Using apps with location-based search allows you to meet people who are nearby and interested in socializing.
Virtual Language Exchanges and Interest-Based Meetups: Websites like Meetup.com offer virtual events, such as language exchanges, book clubs, and hobby groups. These events are great for travelers or anyone with a busy schedule.

Final Thoughts

From vibrant local events and cozy cafes to volunteering and virtual communities, Malta offers endless possibilities for meeting new people and building relationships. Whether you prefer face-to-face interactions or online meet-ups, these tips should help you connect with locals, expats, and tourists alike. So get out there, explore Malta’s vibrant social scene, and enjoy the friendships and memories waiting to be made!