Are you planning your next romantic gay trip but don’t know which country to choose?
Acceptance of the LGBTI community has greatly increased over the last few years.
However, gay couples still need to search for gay-friendly countries to spend their romantic holidays.
That is not necessarily bad since the destinations branded as gay-friendly usually attract more gay travelers, making socialization with other gay couples even easier during your holidays.
In this article, you will discover countries from all over the world, which have been loved by gay couples who have visited them either for their gay honeymoon or romantic gay trips.
Not all of these countries necessarily feature a gay scene, however, their friendly locals will make you feel at home.
Travel by Interest specializes in creating gay guides for worldwide destinations, including tips and information as well as some of the best hotels and resorts for each segment.
1. Thailand, for gay couples who like it exotic!
What about the gay rights in Thailand?
Thailand is by far the most gay-friendly country in Asia, and naturally a great destination to spend your romantic gay holidays or honeymoon.
While basic rights have been granted to the Thai gay community, same-sex marriage and adoption have not been approved yet.
When to visit?
It’s a great destination to visit throughout the year, however, the months between November and early April are the driest and the busiest.
Thailand is ideal for beach holidays, although, some cities like Bangkok can offer a great urban experience who love lifestyle and lights.
Which are the best destinations in Thailand?
Bangkok is the best destination for those who want nightlife
Koh Samui is the best destination for couples who like it quiet
Phuket is the perfect island for both nightlife and peace
Are there any special events?
There are various events taking place in Thailand, the majority of which are taking place in Bangkok. Circuit SK12 is among the most popular gay events and it takes place in Spring!
Are there any gay-only hotels?
Of course, there are numerous gay-only resorts and hotels in Thailand, and the majority of them are located on Bangkok, and Phuket.
Some popular gay hotels in Thailand are: Baan Souy, Aquarius Guesthouse, and Babylon Bangkok!
What about the other hotels in the country?
We have collected 116 hotels in Thailand, ideal for gay travelers, as well as 252 gay places around the hotels!
2. Greece, for Mediterranean gay holidays!
What about gay rights in Greece?
Even though Greeks could be considered a little conservative, the majority of the gay rights have been granted to the local gay community.
That means, even though gay marriage has not been accepted yet, gay men can live together while they are fully protected by the society!
When to visit?
The best period to visit is, of course, summer (June-Early September), when the islands get the most lively and the beaches are steamy hot.
Which are the best destinations in Greece?
The most popular destinations for gay travelers are Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete!
Are there any special events?
The most popular events to visit are X-Lsior in Mykonos and Gay Pride Athens. Various Gay Parties are organized from the gay clubs and bars of Mykonos and Athens!
Are there any gay-only hotels?
Mykonos is the home of Elysium, one of the most popular gay-only hotels in Greece, as well as some gay residences!
What about the other hotels in the country?
You can find 408 Hotels for Gay Travelers in Greece here, located around more than 800 places!
3. Italy, for the most exciting gay countryside trip!
What about gay rights in Italy?
Even though Italy has gained the reputation of a conservative country, the local gay community is protected by the majority of the LGBT rights.
Same-sex adoptions have been partially accepted, while a gay marriage took place in 2017.
When to visit?
The best time to visit Italy is April, May, September and October, months with a great weather but not so many crowds. The country’s high season is from June to August!
Which are the best destinations in Italy?
The best destinations for gay couples are Sorrento, Naples, Rome, Milan.
Are there any special events?
The most popular gay events in the country are the Bologna and the Rome Gay Prides.
Are there any gay-only hotels?
Of Course, you will find numerous gay-only hotels and guesthouses in Rome, as well as in the Italian countryside. Bellaugello Gay Guest House is one of the best gay hotels to stay in the country!
What about the other hotels in the country?
Here, you will find more than 100 gay-friendly hotels in Italy, located on the countryside and the big cities like Rome, as well as more than 280 gay places around them!
4. Spain, from partying to picnics on the countryside!
What about gay rights in Spain?
The Spanish LGBTI community enjoys all of the gay rights, and Spanish people are recognized for their open-minded culture. You will notice that you gay couples are pretty laid out even on the public!
When to visit?
Spain gets pretty crowded during the summer months (June, July, August), however the months of May and October, the country is still hot and the crowds are smaller!
Which are the best destinations in Spain?
The top destinations for gay romantic holidays are Madrid, Madeira, Sitges, Barcelona, La Gomera.
Are there any special events?
Spain hosts numerous gay parties and events each year, the majority of which take place in its capital and in Barcelona.
Are there any gay-only hotels?
Yes, Spain is the home of numerous gay-only hotels. Aqua Beach Bungalows in Gran Canaria and Finca La Maroma in Andalucia are among the top choices for gay-only accommodation!
What about the other hotels in the country?
These 40 gay-friendly hotels around the country will surely upgrade your holidays!
5. France, for a ‘Hollywood’ like gay trip!
What about gay rights in France?
France is closely related to romance since it’s the home of the most romantic cities in the world, which is none other than Paris.
The local gay community enjoys all the gay rights, and the locals are actually very gay-friendly.
When to Visit?
The peak travel month is August, however, we would recommend you to visit from May to July, when the crowds are much smaller!
Which are the best destinations in France?
The best destinations to visit for gay travelers are Paris, Bouches du Rhone, Nice, Normandy.
Are there any special events?
Paris has the most organized gay scene in the country and the majority of the bars and clubs host frequent events!
Are there any gay-only hotels?
Yes, you will find several gay-only hotels in France, the majority of which can be found in the French capital, Paris! Cinq & Sept is the most popular gay guest-house!
What about the other hotels in the country?
We have selected 24 gay-friendly hotels in France, as well as 121 gay places to spend your romantic gay holidays!
6. Portugal, for an intense gay scene!
What about gay rights in Portugal?
Portugal is definitely among the most gay-friendly countries in the world, so all of the gay rights have been granted to its gay community.
When to visit?
The best time to visit Portugal is from March to early June, while the months of June, July and August are the most crowded.
Which are the best destinations in Portugal?
Must-visit destinations for gay travelers in Portugal are Meda, Madeira, Cascais, Porto, Alentejo, Lisbon, Vila Nova de Carveira!
Are there any special events?
You will find various gay parties taking place in Lisbon, the most popular of which being Lisbon Gay Circuit!
Are there any gay-only hotels?
Yes, you will find gay-only hotels as well as some gay guesthouses at the country’s capital.
My Rainbow Rooms Gay Men’s Guest House, The Late Birds Lisbon and Casa Risa House & Spa are some excellent gay accommodation options!
What about the other hotels in the country?
Even though almost all the hotels in Portugal are gay-friendly, we have selected 75 gay-friendly hotels, located nearby more than 185 places that you will definitely love when visiting Portugal!
7. Switzerland, for romantic holidays in the woods!
What about gay rights in Switzerland?
Various gay rights have been granted to the Swiss gay community, while it’s fully protected by the government.
Same-sex marriages and adoption are still pending.
When to visit?
The best period to visit Switzerland depends on your preferences. Of course, the landscape in each season changes drastically, the country being dominated by white on the winter, and green/blue during summer.
Which are the best destinations in Switzerland?
The best destinations to visit in Switzerland are St. Moritz, Arosa, Zurich and Zermatt.
Are there any special events?
Arosa Gay Ski Week is among the most popular gay events in Switzerland, taking place in January. You will find various other gay events as well through the year!
Are there any gay-only hotels?
There are very few gay-only hotels in Switzerland. However, these 43 gay-friendly hotels in Switzerland will definitely upgrade your holidays!
8. Iceland, for relaxing holidays in hot springs!
What about gay rights in Iceland?
Iceland is all about relaxation in the countryside and soaking in the countless hot springs dispersed through the country. The locals are generally very friendly and the gay rights are almost all granted, however the gay scene of the country is under-developed.
When to visit?
Similar to Switzerland, the best time to visit Iceland really depends on your preferences.
If you like snowy landscapes and soaking in hot springs, then you should visit during winter. If you prefer green landscapes and picnics in nature, then you should visit in summer!
Which are the best destinations in Iceland?
The best destination to visit in Iceland is Reykjavik.
Are there any special events?
There are not any special gay events in Iceland, apart from the gay pride taking place in Reykjavik every year!
Are there any gay-only hotels?
While there aren’t many gay-only hotels, you will still find gay-friendly accommodation!
9. Israel, the top Middle-Eastern gay destination!
What about gay rights in Israel?
The Israeli gay community enjoys the majority of the gay rights, while Israel is a very popular among gay travelers as well.
The gay rights granted include gay adoptions, however, gay marriages are not yet allowed.
When to visit?
The best time to visit Israel is none other than the month that the gay pride takes place in June. Either way, Tel Aviv gets packed with gay men every summer!
Which are the best destinations in Israel?
The best destination to visit in Israel is Tel Aviv, the home of one of the best gay prides in the world and Israel’s amazing gay scene.
Are there any special events?
Tel Aviv is widely known for its amazing Tel Aviv Gay Pride, which transforms the city into a big gay club.
In addition to the gay pride, you will find more gay events taking place around Israel every year.
