Goth Malta travel & food guide! Hypogeum & Hagar Qim ancient megalithic temples, Valletta Barrakka art & gardens.
Surprise: I was in Malta last year! I made a quick trip to the Mediterranean island nation during my Europe travels in 2024 — and it turned out to be one of my favorite new destinations.
Malta is situated south of Sicily / Italy and north of Africa, and has been inhabited since the Stone Age. As a result, the country has everything that appeals to me as a Goth / culture-focused traveller: mysterious ancient temples, opulent historic architecture, and dramatic waterfronts. (Watch my Malta reel for footage of my travels here. I also did a video about what I ate in Malta.)
Case in point: this view of the Old City of Mdina, a walled city that seems frozen in time from its Medieval heyday. Perhaps you recognize the buildings from HBO’s Game of Thrones: quite a few sites stood on for King’s Landing, such as Mdina Gate.
Read on for my Maltese Goth alternative travel and food guide, which encapsulates why the tourism board slogan is accurate… “Malta is More!”
Malta is a refreshingly affordable destination in southern Europe. From Dublin, London and other UK / Western European cities, you can easily get roundtrip flights to Malta International Airport for $100 or so. I rented a lovely private Airbnb in Sliema for about $40 a day, walked almost everywhere, and had most meals for under $5 (keep reading for street snacks)… talk about bang for your buck.
I loved walking around and seeing the decadent architecture, particularly from the Maltese Baroque era (17-18th century, when the islands were ruled by the Order of St John). Quite a few had Gothic grotesques, or fierce carved figures on building facades.
You’ll run into ruins from Malta’s Roman and Byzantine eras as you stroll around. For one of the best photography viewpoints, head to Tigné Point near Sliema’s The Point shopping mall (above). The stores are worth checking out as well, particularly Kiko Milano makeup and Oysho activewear.
The Mediterranean waterfront made me feel like I had time-traveled back into ancient times… I half expected a Game of Thornes dragon to fly out over the stone fortress walls!
Maltese culture has similarities to that of southern Italy and Morocco / north Africa, but it’s unique in its own right. You’ll notice that the Maltese language has its own distinct script (it’s the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet).
So much art and drama everywhere, from the carved animal door knockers to the crashing waves over the rocks. I appreciated that this wasn’t a tourist-packed place, unlike other parts of southern Europe.
Take the ferry or an inexpensive Uber to Valletta, Malta’s capital. I walked for hours through the narrow, stepped streets, which hold cafes, outdoor restaurants and shops. Valletta is filled with magnificent 16th-century buildings, which were made by the Knights Hospitaller.
And leave it to me to find some Goth and naughty elements… I was tickled to see this statue on the left, which shows St Michael grappling with the Devil!
The saint has a chain wrapped around Satan’s neck, and is stepping on him with his muscled legs. I think the naked Devil seems to be enjoying the S&M play… Do we think his face shows pleasure or pain?
I was also drawn to the spooky face on top of the Neoclassical temple known as Monument to Sir Alexander Ball.
It’s located in the Lower Barrakka gardens, a picture-perfect garden with fountains, palm trees, and structures inspired by ancient Rome.
I could imagine the Knights of Malta scheming as they strolled through the Upper and Lower Barrakka gardens (both are free to visit, and located close to each other). Be sure to take in the panoramic view of the Grand Harbour and cannons.
Now, let’s talk about Maltese food — because it was “everything!” I was tickled to try the country’s unique dishes like bigilla, a slightly spicy broad bean dip with olive oil and chili flakes. The lion door knocker seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. (Don’t miss my IG reel about what I ate in Malta.)
Also a must for bev-heads: try a bottle of Kinnie, Malta’s bittersweet orange soda. The soft drink is made with bitter oranges, wormwood, and herbs, and isn’t overly sweet.
For 1-2 Euro, you can eat your fill of pastizzi, Malta’s famous savoury pastry filled with ricotta, curried peas, chicken, and other ingredients. You can find small pastizzi stands in every major area. I didn’t get to visit the island of Gozo this time, but their pizza is also legendary.
Of course, my favorite Maltese pastries were the ones filled with spinach and anchovies or sardines! I also adored the tuna ftira from Buchman’s Snack Bar (a ring-shaped Maltese bread sandwiched with pink tuna and vegetables). For more Maltese food suggestions, see my Malta food reel.
One of my main motivations to visit Malta was to explore the archeological ruins, particularly the megalithic temples that date to the prehistoric era. You’ve got to get tickets well in advance to the breathtaking Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, a 3000 BCE necropolis and sanctuary. (You can only enter with a guided tour, which sells out months in advance. Photos aren’t allowed, so here’s a snap from Wikipedia.)
Malta’s underground Hypogeum contained the remains of about 7000 people, and is a mesmerizing remnant of the architecture and spiritual culture of the ancients. The circular carved stone chamber and Oracle Room gave me goosebumps. (The Hypogeum also reminded me of Fellini’s Satyricon, the 1969 film that is a personal fav.)
I also wandered the megalithic temples at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra Archaeological Park. These religious sites date back to 3600-3200 BCE, and were built on a dramatic promontory overlooking the windy sea.
The size and arrangement of the stone slabs are impressive to behold. Archaeologists are still untangling the meanings behind Hagar Qim and Mnajdra, which may reference fertility rituals and the solstices / equinoxes.
If you’re intrigued, please take a moment to watch my video about exploring Malta’s ancient ruins.
I’m still thinking about the incredible food I ate in Malta… I tried Maltese wine for the first time (Meridiana’s crisp Isis Chardonnay).
I wanted to order everything on the menu at Nenu the Artisan Baker, which specializes in traditional, homey Maltese cooking. Highlights included snails with fresh-baked bread, rabbit fried in garlic, blistered octopus, glazed pork shank…
… and date fritters with Maltese ice cream. Dining in Malta is affordable compared to other Western European countries, so eat your fill while you’re here. (See my video about everything I ate in Malta.)
Malta is a perfect “lie flat” destination — a warm place to chill while on a budget. The landmarks, such as Vittoriosa Waterfront, also don’t feel touristy.
I could have spent more days wandering around and taking in the quirky art — like a crumbling sphinx statue, and cute bear garbage can. (He looks eager for you to put your junk in his mouth…)
I leave you with the angel dominating Lucifer (who seems to be very much enjoying getting his chained collar yanked!)
Don’t forget to watch my video about what I saw in Malta and the delicious food I had here, on @LaCarmina Instagram.
Did you know Malta has such a rich and diverse culture, particularly in terms of art, archaeology and food?
PS – you can see more of my travels in various European countries (like the Nosferatu vibes above at Whitby Abbey) in my blog’s Destination Guides, and by adding @LaCarmina Instagram.
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Kobe Satanic Gothic bar Idea, Japanese Satanism, Rocky Horror. Tokyo Goth shops, jirai kei & acubi fashion.
Welcome to the dark underworld of Gothic & Fetish bar IDEA in Kobe, Japan! Strap yourself in for an evening of drinks and entertainment with Mistress Midori and her corset-bound staff.
In this post, I’ll take you inside another favorite hangout for Japanese Satanists: Gothic and Fetish Bar Idea in Kobe (here’s my video about the experience). If you’re keen to explore Japanese Satanism and demonic attractions — and see the latest in cute / Gothic Lolita / Jirai Kei fashion — then this is the Goth travel guide for you!
Also, for the new year — here are some new pics featuring my oversized white earmuffs by Skandinavik Fur! Check out this family-run company for all things warm and fuzzy (they also made my infamous hot pink Mongolian sheep coat).
Anyone else wish we were entering 1997 again, and not 2025? I’ll just keep on dressing like it was the Y2K era (loving the Korean acubi street style aesthetic recently).
My red chunky highlights are by Katya at Kore Salon Vancouver. This Y2K inspired hairstyle contrasts nicely with the Skandinavik earmuffs.
And I somehow managed to find the only cute puffer jacket out there: this one here by Desigual. It’s a cropped metallic purple puffer coat that makes me want to vibe with Mase.
Now, let’s descend into a little-known Goth bar in Kobe, which is filled with witchy / Satanic / occult books and oddities! For footage from inside, see my video on @LaCarmina IG.
It’s always a good idea to visit IDEA bar… tell Mistress Midori that La Carmina sent you. Location / address: 2-17-8 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan
Midori is the cousin of the late Taiki-san (both are pillars of Satanism in Japan – Taiki ran the legendary Satanic Shop Territory Osaka). At Idea, Midori showed me some new books featuring pentagrams and other dark symbology.
IDEA is filled with Goth taxidermy and creepy collections, much like Osaka’s Territory. There’s a pentagram sigil and spiky nail bed on the counter, and regular shibari / bondage / domination demos set to industrial gothic music.
Ready for a ritual with a demonic baby doll? If you’re intrigued about Satanism in Japan, read my article with Dr. John Skutlin on this subject.
Dr. John Skutlin explains: “Midori opened her own “Mystic, Fetish & Gothic Bar” called IDEA [pronounced as the original Greek, which refers to “form” in the Platonic sense]. She really pulled out all the stops with the design of the place as well, with a lot of help from her cousin, Taiki.” Case in point: these pentagram coasters and the long bar filled with sharp nails. (You can remove the glass top and lay your victim onto the spikes!)
“Lining the shelves behind the bar are three sets of six bars each—666—and the number of iron bars lining the walls of the restroom number 72—one for each demon of the Ars Goetia grimoire. Demonic tomes and art abound, of course, and the soundtrack is mostly dark electro mixes courtesy of Taiki, who also designed Midori’s unique pentacle sigil for the bar.”
In our Idea video here, you can see my friend Mistress Maya and the Idea staff playing with these handcrafted whips!
“That’s all looks though—the best part of IDEA is the people. Midori is one of the warmest and kindest people you’d ever hope to meet, and she has a talent for finding interesting young ladies (sometimes men) to work at the bar who are fantastic conversationalists and, of course, knowledgeable about the fetish and occult world. The parties she holds, which fall on the holidays marking the Pagan Wheel of the Year, involve everything from your standard rope tying and dripping candle wax to suspension performances and scarification.”
Read more of my conversation with Dr. John Skutlin about Satanism in Japan here, and I hope you’ll get the chance to experience Gothic & Fetish Bar Idea in Kobe.
Before our visit, Mistress Maya took me to get a taste of the famous beef. You don’t need to order the branded “Kobe beef” itself in order to have a delectable meal at Miyabi Steak, a laid-back teppenyaki restaurant run by a skilled chef. His perfectly seared chateaubriand wagyu, garlic rice, and vegetables were melt-in-your-mouth magic. If you visit Kobe, I hope you’ll get a chance to dine on the juicy meat at Miyabi Steak.
One last stop in Kobe: Vampire Squid, a bar dedicated to The Rocky Horror Picture Show! I spy Tim Curry as Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Vampire Squid is decked out in Rocky Horror memorabilia, and plays the 1975 cult musical-film on repeat. Guests can say hi to the resident creature of the night, Fuku-chan the barn owl! (An owl is “fukuro” in Japanese, hence the name.)
Vampire Squid is the dream-space of Saki, who often performs at Idea’s anniversary events.
Address / location of the Rocky Horror bar: 3 Chome-11-18 Shimoyamatedori, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0011, Japan
If you’re a fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, then you’ll be mad for this glam Goth bar. Aren’t Kobe and Kyoto a hoot?
For video footage of Kyoto’s Seimei pentagram shrine, Satanic Idea bar and other spots featured in my blog, check out my reels on Insta @LaCarmina – thanks for the follow.
Here are a few more outfit pics for you — wearing Charli Cohen pants, Dear Cloud Miffy makeup bag, white earmuffs by Skandinavik Fur.
These are my first earmuffs ever, and I’m a convert. They do a remarkable job at keeping your head and ears warm.
Wearing this cropped puffer by Desigual, a short and padded metallic coat that fits with the acubi / y2k aesthetic.
Where will 2025 take us in The Collapse? Only time will tell… but I’ll definitely spend more time in Japan this year.
I’ll leave you with some dark Japanese fashion roundups, and suggestions for where to shop for Gothic Lolita Punk clothes in Tokyo, Japan. Japanese Gothic street style has evolved over the years — Gothloli (with frilly dresses, bonnets, etc) used to be more prominent, while now there’s a lot of “jirai kei” (landmine-style, or dark/edgy/naughty meets feminine cute).
Kuromi (the devilish Sanrio character) is the perfect poster girl for jirai kei. Here’s a Kuromi clothing collab that perfectly encapsulates the dark girly aesthetic.
I’ve written many Goth punk alternative Tokyo shopping guides over the years, but things keep changing — so here’s the latest look at where you can find Japanese Gothic fashion.
Studio Alta in Sunshine City Ikebukuro has a basement level filled with Gothic and Sweet Lolita and other subculture street styles.
I will forever be drawn to Japan’s spooky meets kawaii styles.
Corset lacing, ancient aesthetics, witchy hats… obsessed with the creativity of Japanese underground fashion.
Sunshine City mall in Ikebukuro is a great place to explore; it also has a Pikachu Sweets Cafe, Flower Miffy, Kiddyland, Thank You Mart, Hello Kitty store and other pop culture attractions.
See more photos from Sunshine City in this older blog post.
Shibuya 109, the tall department store near Shibuya Scramble crossing, remains one of the best spots to shop for trendy youth styles.
Mars, Liz Lisa, Rojita and other larme kei (soft, romantic girly) styles are omnipresent. I like to mix and match: I found a futuristic silver skirt and Gothic / jirai kei heels in Shibuya 109.
Onward to Harajuku, the youth culture and avantgarde fashion center of Japan. It’s also home to Sebastian Masuda’s 6%DokiDoki, one of the last bastions of independent fashion in this neighborhood.
6% Doki Doki still delivers on all things kawaii cute meets ghoulish technicolor.
Laforet Harajuku is still the #1 destination for Gothic Lolita punk and subculture clothing. If you can only go to one shopping center, make it this one.
Although Lolita dresses aren’t as popular as back in the day, you can still find the designer boutiques at Laforet like Alice and the Pirates, Angelic Pretty, and Baby the Stars Shine Bright.
However, there are dozens of floors contain all types of edgy styles. See my Laforet Harajuku post for a comprehensive walk-through of the department store, with plenty of photos.
Right now at Laforet Harajuku, you’ll find pentagrams, stomper boots, rave, and Y2K aesthetics.
There’s a great deal of handmade and funky vintage-coded fashion as well at Laforet.
Shinjuku Annex is also a fantastic spot to find kawaii meets alt Goth clothes, accessories, makeup and more. See my Shinjuku Annex blog post for the details (the top floor has Kera Shop, Moi-Meme-Moitie etc).
Can’t wait to be back in Tokyo / Japan in 2025… Currently confirming the dates and details, and will keep you informed.
Thank you always for being part of my Japan Gothic chronicles. If you find these travel and shopping guides helpful, please consider sharing them on socials and with friends. ありがとう!
LA CARMINA
