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Dating culture around the world: the GO TO and NO GO for newcomers
Who pays, when to meet, what to bring and what never to say. Short, practical dos and don'ts from 10 countries, taken from our dating culture guides.
Read the full guideDating in Malta: what newcomers should know
Updated October 2026
Malta is small, densely populated and close-knit, so dating often feels like everyone knows everyone. Catholicism is the state religion and family traditions still matter, but dating habits have changed a lot: dating apps and flirting on Instagram are now common among younger people. When people date, it is usually committed rather than casual. Maltese and English are both official languages, so newcomers can date in English from day one.
How dating works here
- Maltese and English are both official languages, and dating in English is completely normal.
- Catholicism is the state religion, and family and church traditions still shape many people's lives.
- It is generally the man who asks for the first date, although this is not always the case.
- Most dating is committed and exclusive: in a national study, 94% of people who were dating described it as committed rather than casual.
- Younger people increasingly meet and flirt through Instagram, and the use of dating apps keeps growing.
- Dating apps are especially useful for older singles, who have fewer chances to meet new people, and there are dedicated apps for gay, bi and trans people.
- Divorced people are the group most likely to be dating, so dating later in life is common.
- Parents may hold more traditional views than their children, so meeting the family is a meaningful step.
- The islands are small and densely populated; you will often meet someone who knows your date.
- Paceville in St Julian's is the club district and stays busy until dawn, while Valletta's wine bars on Strait Street offer a quieter evening.
- From May to September, village festas fill summer weekends with fireworks, bands and street parties, a big part of local social life.
GO TO
- Suggest a coffee in Valletta, a walk on the Sliema Front or a glass of wine on Strait Street for a first date.
- If you are interested, say so clearly; a simple invitation for a coffee or a drink is enough.
- Be clear about whether you want something casual or serious; many people date with commitment in mind.
- Offer to split the bill or agree beforehand who pays.
- Join a weekly social, a dance night or a hike to widen your circle.
- Go to a village festa together in summer; it is a great way to share local life.
- Learn a few words of Maltese; the effort is appreciated even though English works everywhere.
- Respect religious traditions and dress modestly when visiting churches.
- Plan your ride home: night buses run mainly on Friday and Saturday nights.
- At a taxi rank, agree on the fare before you get in.
NO GO
- Do not assume everyone is looking for something casual.
- Do not make fun of religion or family traditions.
- Do not gossip about your dates; on a small island, word travels fast.
- Do not push to meet the family too early, or treat it lightly when you are invited.
- Do not share private photos or messages of anyone without consent; revenge porn is a crime punishable by prison and fines.
- Do not push for physical contact; wait for clear, mutual signals.
- Do not drink and drive; take a bus, the ferry or a taxi.
- Do not send money to someone you met online, whatever the story.
- Do not ghost someone after several dates; a short, honest message is better.
- Do not trust a dating profile blindly; misleading profiles exist here too.
Safety
- Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire, 24 hours a day.
- Meet first dates in busy public places, tell a friend where you are going and arrange your own way home.
- Kellimni.com offers free, anonymous online support chat with professionals, 24 hours a day.
- The Crisis Intervention Service answers on 2545 3950 every day from 7:00 to 17:30.
- The Richmond Foundation runs a free mental health helpline on 1770.
- Never send money to someone you have only met online; romance scams happen here too.
- Emergency number: 112
Questions and answers
What is dating like in Malta?
Malta is small, densely populated and close-knit, so dating often feels like everyone knows everyone. Catholicism is the state religion and family traditions still matter, but dating habits have changed a lot: dating apps and flirting on Instagram are now common among younger people. When people date, it is usually committed rather than casual. Maltese and English are both official languages, so newcomers can date in English from day one.
What should you avoid on a date in Malta?
Do not assume everyone is looking for something casual. Do not make fun of religion or family traditions.
What makes a good impression on a date in Malta?
Suggest a coffee in Valletta, a walk on the Sliema Front or a glass of wine on Strait Street for a first date. If you are interested, say so clearly; a simple invitation for a coffee or a drink is enough.
How do you stay safe on a date in Malta?
Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire, 24 hours a day.
Every person is different. These are general patterns, not rules.
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