Tips for First time Malta - Traveling Solo this weekend (May!)

[Disclaimer: This post is aimed at locals and (preferably) solo-travellers, who value local / non-mass tourism experiences, have been/live there / traveling at the same time]

Hi all! I am based in mainland Europe, and traveling to Malta for the first time this weekend, staying for 7 days, and traveling solo. I signed up for a walking tour in Valetta, and a Kayaking excursion in Gozo, but the rest is still blank!

Despite the island(s) being very small, I feel a bit overwhelmed about how to best plan my trip at the last minute. Help me, please :)

I highly appreciate some good hidden gems and tips for exploring Malta for someone around their late 30s +/-.. I don't mind exploring cities alone during the day, though dinners, island exploring, and other things, I find it way more fun to do it with someone.

If you are around the same age and also at the same time, maybe we can meet up and explore together (I prefer social bars, rather than crazy parties/clubbing)

So, a few things that I'm looking for:

• More local / non-mass tourism tips and tours. I want to explore Malta with a more authentic feel than expensive tourist traps/tours with a large crowd.
• Social vibe spots that are easy to meet other solo travellers? Think cafes, (wine) bars, restaurants with friendly vibes rather than crazy party spots, not my cup of tea anymore.
• Any hiking groups I can join for doing hikes for free, rather than putting my wallet on a diet
• What outdoor activities do you recommend that are smaller groups but social? Where did you book them?
• High-quality (local) restaurants for those who love good food (think Topjaw style quality, but a bit less hype?), it can be cheap or expensive, I care more about the price vs. value ratio :)

Thanks a lot in advance! :)