Malta or Turkey for a week

Hey everyone. So I (33 gay male) have a free space between 10-17 june. I have to be in Sicily by the 17th to meet some friends. I am flying from Vienna to the destination I have yet to decide. So it is Vienna - X - Sicily.

I am between Turkey (Istanbul and Kas) and Malta. Already been to Istanbul (February 2022) and would really like to come back in summer. Kas looks lovely and chill, but the plane to Dalaman and then the bus to Kas seems like a hassle for just 4-5 days there. Malta would be “smooth” and well connected , as is Turkey, to Palermo, Sicily. I know Turkey is cheaper and that’s something to consider.

I don’t mind staying in hostels as long as beds are comfortable (max 4 beds per room) and I like meeting new people, I am youthful and have some younger friends so that’s not an issue. I want nice beaches, not so expensive food and meet new people if possible, like making a group to go the beach, a bar, a club, etc. LGBT friendly is a plus, tho I don’t mind being discreet as long as it is not a crime or something like that.

What do you guys think? Should I spend 7 days in Malta or 3 days in Istanbul/4 days in Kas? Mind you, it’s a 6 week eurotrip so I’m not going to be super fresh to be doing lots of transfers/connections. Thanks in advance.