Social Life in Malta: Dating and Making New Friends as an International Expat – The Honest Guide to Social Integration

After two years in Malta, I can promise you one thing: social life here is completely different from what you know in Germany, Italy, or Sweden. At first, I thought it would be enough to download a few dating apps and show up at the first expat meetup. Spoiler: it takes a lot more patience, cultural understanding, and the right strategy.

Today I’ll honestly explain how, as an international expat in Malta, you not only survive but actually build a fulfilling social life – whether you’re here for three months or forever.

Social Life in Malta: The Reality for International Expats

Malta has 520,000 residents spread over 316 square kilometers. Sounds like a pretty manageable dating pool – and honestly, it is. But before you start thinking “small means cozy,” let me break down the reality.

The Maltese Social Scene: Traditional and Tightly Knit

Most Maltese have known each other since primary school. Their friendship circles are well established, their dating habits more traditional than you might imagine, and newcomers are only gradually welcomed into the fold. That doesn’t mean they’re unfriendly – quite the opposite. It just takes longer for you to go from “the nice foreigner” to “our friend.”

It took me months to understand why my Maltese colleagues would politely invite me for coffee, but never to family events. The reason is simple: family and close friends have clear boundaries here. Trust is something you have to earn.

The Expat Bubble: Blessing and Curse All at Once

The good news: Malta is home to a huge international community. Many stick to their own bubble.

Seasonality: Why Summer Changes Everything

From June to September, the island practically explodes. Suddenly all the bars are packed, dating apps are buzzing, and you run into new faces everywhere you go. The catch? Most people are only here for the summer. I call it the “Paceville Phenomenon”: intense, exciting, and often short-lived.

Winter is the complete opposite. The island feels half its size, many bars close earlier, and social life moves into private apartments. That’s your chance for authentic connections – if you know where to look.

Dating in Malta as an Expat: What You Need to Know

Dating in Malta is like playing a game where no one explains the rules. Here are the biggest differences from what you’re probably used to.

Maltese Dating Culture: Family First, Everything Else Second

Maltese people often live with their parents well into their twenties. It’s neither unusual nor embarrassing – it’s just how things are. Housing prices are high compared to income in Malta. That means your Maltese date will probably still be living at home and the first “Netflix and Chill” won’t be happening anytime soon.

Family is sacred here. If you want to be taken seriously, you’ll sooner or later have to meet the parents. And not after six months, but often after just six weeks. It can be overwhelming, but it also shows how quickly Maltese people form real bonds.

Gender Dynamics: More Traditional Than You’d Expect

Malta is shaped by Catholic values, and you can feel that when dating. Many Maltese men still pick up the check, open doors, and drive their dates home. Depending on your outlook, this can feel charming or restrictive.

Maltese women tend to be career-oriented and confident, yet still expect a certain degree of gentlemanly behavior. A friend of mine from Berlin told me how confused he was when his date insisted on the first drink, but still expected him to pay. “Equality with a Maltese twist,” as he called it.

The Expat Dating Reality: Rotation and Frustration

Expats are coming and going all the time. I had three serious relationships with other expats – all ended because someone left the island. That’s the “Expat Dating Cycle” in a nutshell: you meet someone, it goes well, and then there’s a new job or homesickness gets in the way.

• Summer Daters: Here for 3–4 months, looking for fun with no strings attached
• Digital Nomads: 6–12 months, mostly remote work, unpredictable schedules
• Long-term Expats: 2+ years, more open to serious relationships
• Permanent Residents: Chose Malta as their home, most stable option

Age Gap Reality: Why Everyone Looks Younger Here

The Mediterranean climate and laid-back lifestyle really do make people look younger. I thought my first Maltese date was in his mid-twenties – he was actually 34. This leads to some interesting age confusion and occasionally to surprising age gaps in relationships.

Making Friends in Malta: Strategies for Every Life Stage

Making friends in Malta is easier than dating – as long as you know where to go and bring some patience.

The “Quick-Connect” Strategy for Short-Term Visitors

Only staying for a few weeks or months? Activity-based friendships are your thing. Quick connections work here, and nobody expects lifelong loyalty.

1. Dive courses at Dive Shack or Neptune Divers: International groups, shared adventures, instant conversation starters
2. Climbing in the Golden Bay Climbing Area: Small community, helpful people, no time pressure
3. Language classes (English for Italians, Maltese for all): University of Malta offers courses, mixed nationalities
4. Co-working Spaces: The Hive, Busilearn, RIDT – meet other digital nomads here

The “Community-Builder” Strategy for Medium-Term Expatriates

Planning to stay 6–18 months? Invest in communities with regular meetups. You’ll build deeper connections – not lifelong friendships, but something much more real.

The “Deep Integration” Strategy for Long-Term Residents

Planning to stay for years or permanently move here? Then you really need to dive into local Maltese communities. It takes time, but the friendships you’ll build are real and lasting.

Maltese sports clubs: The golden ticket for integration. Whether it’s water polo (Malta’s national sport), football, or tennis – this is where you meet locals who will soon see you as “one of us.”

I joined the Hibernians FC Women’s Team, even though my football skills were average at best. After a year, not only was I in better shape, but I was also getting invited to weddings, birthdays, and family BBQs. Sports break down all cultural barriers here.

Neighbourhood Communities: The Underrated Insider Tip

Every Maltese town has its own “festa” (village festival) and local associations. As a foreigner, you’ll be welcomed with open arms – Maltese people are proud to share their traditions.

• St. Julian’s: International, but a bit superficial
• Sliema: Lots of young professionals, Maltese-international mix
• Valletta: Arts scene, alternative culture, creative types
• Mosta: Authentic Maltese, very family-oriented, traditional
• Gozo: Relaxed, nature lovers, very tight community

Expat Communities in Malta: The Best Social Hubs on the Island

Expats are the lifeblood of Malta. Here are the established networks that actually work – and some that just look good on paper.

Facebook Groups: Curse and Blessing of the Expat World

Yes, I know, Facebook is “so 2015.” But in Malta it’s still THE main communication channel for expats. These are the groups that are truly active:

• Expats in Malta (42,000+ members): The marketplace – housing, jobs, items for sale
• Malta Expats Events & Activities (15,000+ members): Where real-life meetups get organized
• Germans in Malta (8,000+ members): German-speaking group, always helpful
• Malta International Women (6,000+ members): Strong network, regular events
• Malta Young Professionals (4,000+ members): Career-focused, ages 25–40

Warning: Avoid the broad “Malta Expats” groups with 20,000+ members but no clear focus. They’re usually clogged with apartment ads and visa questions, but lacking in genuine social life.

Regular Events and Meetups: Where Everyone Actually Shows Up

After two years, I’ve pinned down the events where you’re guaranteed to meet new people:

Co-Working Spaces: More Than Just Wi-Fi

Co-working spaces in Malta have become true social hubs. Not only for remote workers but for anyone looking to meet new people in a laid-back atmosphere.

The Hive (Valletta): The go-to spot. Mostly tech people and creative freelancers. Every Friday there’s “Drinks & Dreams” – a relaxed networking event, no business card flex needed.

Busilearn (Gzira): More international, corporate-oriented. Great for meeting people from iGaming companies and fintech startups. Thursday-night events are legendary.

RIDT (Tal-Qroqq): Close to the university, younger crowd, research-oriented. Perfect if you’re in your twenties or working in academia.

Sports & Activity Clubs: The Safest Way to Real Friendships

Sports clubs in Malta are different from those in Germany. The atmosphere is less competitive and more social – perfect for community-building.

Malta Rugby Club: Very international, very social. After every training, there’s beer; after every game, a party. Suitable for beginners too.

Marsa Sports Club: Malta’s oldest sports club. Tennis, cricket, squash. You’ll meet established expats and well-off Maltese here. The membership isn’t cheap (€250/year), but the network is worth its weight in gold.

Malta Triathlon Club: Perfect for ambitious athletes. Training groups at all levels, and everyone’s obsessed with fitness and healthy living. If that’s your thing, you’ll feel right at home.

Malta Dating Apps vs. Traditional Methods: What Really Works

Dating apps work differently in Malta compared to big cities. The island’s small-town vibe definitely carries over into the digital dating world.

Dating Apps: The Malta-Specific Reality

Tinder: Still the #1, but with a Maltese twist. The pool is tiny – after two weeks, you’ve seen everyone. Many profiles are inactive and “6 degrees of separation” quickly becomes 2 degrees. Once, I matched with my neighbor’s ex-boyfriend. Awkward.

Bumble: More popular with women, but an even smaller user base. Better for longer-term connections. The algorithm often shows you the same 20 people on rotation.

Hinge: Relatively new in Malta but growing fast. Here you’ll find more people looking for serious connections. The “designed to be deleted” slogan applies – you either click quickly or not at all.

Traditional Dating Spots: What Still Works

Bars and Clubs: Yes, they still exist, but not how you might imagine. Paceville (the party district) is full-on tourist chaos. For serious dating, you’ll want to try better spots:

• The Thirsty Barber (Valletta): Craft beer, relaxed vibe, meaningful conversation
• Bamboo Bar (St. Julian’s): Cocktails, international crowd, not too loud
• Bridge Bar (Valletta): Rooftop, great views, perfect for first dates
• Café Society (Valletta): Café by day, bar by night, a mix of locals and expats

Professional Networking: The Underestimated Dating Route

Malta is tiny, and the professional community is even smaller. At business events, you’ll see the same faces – perfect set-up for organic relationships to develop.

Malta Chamber of Commerce Events: Serious, professional events, but with a distinctly social side. Great place to meet successful Maltese and established expats.

Gaming Malta Events: The iGaming industry here is huge. Events for this sector are young, international, and casual. Even if you don’t work in the industry, the after-parties are legendary.

The Friends-of-Friends Method: Malta’s Secret Weapon

In a small community, “friend-of-friend” is still the most powerful approach. If a Maltese person likes you, you’ll automatically be introduced to their entire circle. It’s like having your own personal referral network.

My longest relationship in Malta happened because a colleague invited me to her birthday party. There I met her cousin, who took me along to his football team, where I then met my ex. Three degrees of separation – quintessentially Maltese.

Cultural Quirks of Dating in Malta: The Do’s and Don’ts

Malta is more culturally complex than it looks at first glance. A blend of Mediterranean laid-back attitudes, Catholic tradition, and British heritage – and that can really make dating confusing.

Do’s: What You Should Keep in Mind

Respect Family: Family is sacred. If your Maltese date talks about family all the time, that’s normal. If they want to introduce you to their parents early, it’s a good sign, not a red flag.

Be Patient with “Malta Time”: Punctuality is… flexible. Arriving 15–20 minutes late is totally normal. It’s not disrespect – it’s the island lifestyle.

Show Interest in Maltese Culture: Learn a few Maltese words (“Grazzi” = Thanks, “Bongu” = Good morning). Ask about local traditions. Maltese people love sharing their culture.

Respect Religious Traditions: Even if your date isn’t practicing, religious holidays are often family time. Easter and Christmas are reserved for family – don’t expect your date to be available then.

Don’ts: Avoiding Social Pitfalls

Don’t Compare Malta to Italy: Maltese people are proud of their independence. Remarks like “It’s just like Italy” don’t go over well. Malta is Malta.

Don’t Rush Physical Intimacy: Catholic influence is real. Many Maltese, especially from traditional families, take things slower than what’s considered “normal” in Northern Europe.

Don’t Engage in Politics (Unless You Really Understand): Malta’s political scene is complicated. Labour vs. Nationalist Party gets as passionate as football rivalries. As an outsider, you’re better off staying out of it.

No Arrogance About “Island Mentality”: Yes, Malta is small and occasionally provincial. But comments about “small town attitudes” are offensive. Maltese people know they live on a small island – they’re proud of it.

Communication Quirks: Between Directness and Politeness

Maltese people are less direct than Germans, but more so than Brits. They won’t just say “no,” but won’t say “yes” unless they mean it.

Example Rejection: “Ill see what I can do” usually means “no,” but politely. “Maybe next week” with no concrete follow-up is also a polite no.

Example Interest: If a Maltese person says “We should definitely meet up soon,” and then immediately makes actual plans, they mean it. If not, it’s just courtesy.

Dress Code: Casual, But Respectful

Malta is relaxed, but not sloppy. For dates, the unwritten rules are:

• Bars/Restaurants: Smart casual, no shorts or flip-flops
• Beach/Outdoors: Casual is fine, but tidy
• Church/Family Gatherings: Conservative, cover shoulders and knees
• Clubs: Dress up – lots of Maltese go all out for a night out

Gift-Giving and Paying on Dates: Modern Traditions

At first dates, Maltese men still traditionally pay the bill. That’s slowly changing, but the expectation lingers. As a woman, offering to split is appreciated, but not expected.

Small gifts are common: flowers for women, a bottle of good wine when invited for dinner. Nothing fancy – it’s the gesture that counts.

Social Media and Privacy: Careful in a Small Community

Malta is tiny. What you post on Instagram is likely seen by friends of friends of your date. Be aware: privacy here is more of a concept than a reality compared to big cities.

Many Maltese are also more cautious with public displays of affection on social media, especially if they come from traditional families.

Frequently Asked Questions about Social Life in Malta

How long does it take for an expat to make real friends in Malta?

It depends on your approach. Superficial friendships develop within 2–3 months through activity groups. Deeper friendships with Maltese locals usually take 6–12 months of actively participating in local communities. With other expats, it’s usually faster, but often less stable.

Are dating apps in Malta safe for women?

Malta is considered very safe, including for online dating. However, the small community also means less anonymity. Many people use WhatsApp video calls before the first date. First dates are usually in public places. The risk is low, but basic precautions are still recommended as everywhere.

Which age group is most active in Malta’s social life?

The 25–35 age group dominates the expat social scene. Under 25s are mostly students and summer jobbers. Over 35, social life becomes more family-oriented and less nightlife-focused. The Maltese community is active at all ages, but harder to access for outsiders.

Can you be socially active in Malta without speaking English?

Tough. Only locals speak Maltese, and even they use a lot of English. In Italian expat groups, Italian is fine, but for real integration, you absolutely need English. The vast majority of Maltese speak excellent English and are patient with beginners.

How expensive is an expat’s social life in Malta?

A beer costs €3–5, cocktails €8–12, a meal at a restaurant €15–25 per person. Activities like dive courses cost €300–400, a gym membership €30–50/month. Prices comparable to German cities, but salaries are often lower. Budget €200–400/month for an active social life.

Are there seasonal differences in dating in Malta?

Definitely. Summer (June–September) is peak dating season: lots of tourists and short-term expats, vibrant nightlife, but often shallow connections. Winter (November–March) is quieter but more genuine. Spring and autumn are best for serious relationships – great weather, less tourist chaos.

Does religion play a role in dating Maltese people?

Malta is 90% Catholic, but many young Maltese aren’t practicing. Religion tends to influence family values and traditions more than daily life. In traditional families, religious holidays and church weddings can become important. As a partner, you should respect that – but you don’t need to be religious yourself.

Does long-distance work with a Maltese partner if you leave the island?

It’s a challenge. Maltese people are very close to family and home. Most don’t want to leave Malta long-term. Long-distance only works if there are concrete plans for one person to return or build a life together. The short distances within Europe help, but cultural gaps and incompatible plans are often stumbling blocks.