Have you ever wondered which are the Best European LGBT+-friendly destinations? If you have, this article is the right place to be. Because here, we will reveal the most refined European LGBT+ destinations to discover this year.
Malta
European travelers ranked Malta first in this European ranking of LGBT+ destinations. Furthermore, Malta is not only the best gay-friendly destination in Europe; it is also one of the most gay-friendly countries in the world.
Namely, this beautiful island, bathed in the sunshine all year round, offers multiple gay-friendly bars, hotels, restaurants, and clubs. The quality of the welcome, the friendliness of the hoteliers, and even the « non “gay-friendly” labeled ones make this destination so pleasant for the LGBT+ community.
Malta is not only LGBT+ friendly. It is also one of the most attractive and visited destinations in Europe. Therefore, you have to enjoy the beauty and riches.
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Mykonos
Mykonos has an established reputation for being the Greek summer party island. While it attracts visitors from all demographics in their masses during peak season, the island also has plenty to offer the LGBT community, from its host of gay bars and nudist beaches to its annual international gay festival, XLSIOR.
Visit during August to join thousands of LGTB travelers to enjoy music by world-renowned DJs and cultural events at XLSIOR. However, in late spring or early autumn, you can visit Super Paradise Beach, which mainly attracts LGBT tourists.
Note: If you’d like to know more, please read our articles about gay Mykonos.
Gaixample
Barcelona, the capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is one of the country’s most open-minded and cosmopolitan metropolises. Eixample is the city’s gay district, often nicknamed ‘Gaixample.’
Visit during any season to dance and dine in the district’s host of LGBT-friendly bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. But, if you want to stay in Gaixample when the area transforms into a cultural mecca, book your trip during the first week of October, when artists, audio-visual exhibitions, and food vendors bring the streets to life at the Festa Major de Esquerra de l’Eixample festival.
Note: For more info about gay Barcelona, please read our gay guide.
Ibiza
Firstly, it is one of the most dynamic Mediterranean islands, luring thousands of partygoers during the summer. Yet, it’s also one of the friendliest island destinations for the LGBT community. LGBT discrimination has namely been illegal in Ibiza since 1995.
Consequently, you’ll find numerous gay bars and nightclubs throughout the island that are world-renowned and host DJs. If you want to get tanned among your peers, head to Playa Es Cavallet, Ibiza’s gay beach. Most importantly, many villas and hotels cater specifically to LGBT travelers.
Soho in London
London is home to the most significant number of active Grindr users. That makes it the gayest city on the planet. And Soho is its central gay district, encompassing a substantial part of central London between Covent Garden and Mayfair. Furthermore, Soho has shops, fabulous restaurants, and many gay bars and gay clubs.
You just booked a ticket, didn’t you?
Schöneberg in Berlin
Berlin is notorious for being the city of sin – a genuinely liberal and diverse hub where anything goes.
Schöneberg is the main gay area of Berlin, the traditional heart and soul of Berlin’s LGBTQ gay community, where the bulk of its gay bars, clubs, and hotels can be found. It is the traditional heart and soul of Berlin’s LGBTQ gay community, dating back to 1897 when the world’s first-ever LGBTQ organization was founded: the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee. From this point on, the area blossomed, becoming the Gay Village capital of the world.
Maspalomas
The island of Gran Canaria is a glittering gay oasis in a desert landscape of endless dunes and golden beaches. It is the heart of gay culture and offers gay bars, restaurants, and gay cruising spots in the open-air expanse. Regarding top gay destinations to visit in summer, it is a frontrunner, and its central city, Maspalomas, will keep you entertained from start to finish. Maspalomas hosts many gay parties and events throughout the year, and come August, you can enjoy Dunas Festival – a five-day party offering lavish pool parties, live DJs, and go-go dancers.
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Vienna
Vienna may not be a party-centric destination, but its unique history has been shaped by gay generals, composers, and emperors. As an open-minded city, Vienna hosts annual festivals, including EuroPride (held over two weeks in June) and Vienna Fetish Week (usually in November).
If you’re more interested in shopping than partying, visit the Goldenes Quartier, the flagship fashion district of Vienna.
Chueca
The Chueca quarter is the epicenter of gay Madrid and a symbol of modernity. Its streets are great for anyone looking for fun, fashion, and a lively atmosphere.
In recent years this area has become an exceptional example of the freedom and openness of Madrid society. It is home to numerous venues popular with the LGBT community.
Chueca is also the center of the Gay Pride Festival, held every year between June and July, and fills the streets with music, color, high spirits, and the thousands of people who flock to the neighborhood intent on having a good time.
Best European LGBT+ friendly destinations – final thoughts
Europe has become an increasingly open-minded continent in recent years. Therefore there’s not just gay Berlin, London, or Madrid there, but you will also find many smaller destinations that offer as much as some of the big LGBT+ capitals. So, now we want to know, which was your favorite LGBT+ destination so far?
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