Gay friendly italy
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Walk the promenade to find the village’s main collection of gay bars, pubs and clubs, an area which serves as both the location of the annual Mardi Gras event and gateway to the town’s biggest gay beach.
Where to stay in Torre del Lago
The iconic Grand Hotel Principe Di Piemonte in nearby Viareggio is the perfect base for exploring Torre del Lago, Italy’s premier gay beach destination.
Align your visit with the summer-long Gay Village festival, one of the most important events in the city’s gay calendar which sees Parco del Ninfeo and surrounding neighbourhoods become overrun with LGBT street parties, live music, performance art, film screenings and more. Whether you’re drawn to the art, the cuisine, or the exclusive designer shops, gay Italy is as diverse as it is welcoming, offering a world of luxury and sophistication.
Home to the largest – not to mention the most glamorous – gay community in the country, Gay Milan offers a vibrant space for LGBTQ divas and fashionistas from all corners of the globe.
All angles in the city centre nod to some era of architecture; be it art nouveau around Corso Magenta, rationalism in Piazza San Babila or the futuristic skyline shaped by the likes of Zaha Hadid and César Pelli.
Be sure to try this original style, especially if you visit the Naples area.
Each region has its own local specialties that are worthy as a cuisine in their own right, and vegans and vegetarians will find plenty of options. The best beaches in Puglia cater to all orientations and it can be hard to distinguish between gay and straight locals.
One of the town’s most historic gay hangouts is Via Alessi, an alternative bar and restaurant which has welcomed LGBT people since the 1970s. Puglia
Located to the southeast in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is a popular beachside escape boasting UNESCO sites, wartime history and delectable regional food all within picture-perfect surroundings.
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel not only recount the life of Michelangelo—considered a symbol of gay creativity—but also show how art has long served as a means of personal expression and resistance.
Rome’s LGBTQ+ nightlife centers around Via San Giovanni in Laterano, known as the “gay street.” Here you’ll find bars, clubs, and meeting spots that stay lively late into the night.
Read also: “Gay venues in Rome: the complete and updated guide to experiencing the LGBTQ+ scene in the eternal city“
Florence
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, offers a blend of art and inclusivity.
The city also hosts cultural and artistic events, reflecting a long-standing tradition of open-mindedness and innovation.
Venice
Venice, with its unique canals, is a perfect destination for LGBTQ+ couples. The country is becoming increasingly tolerant and welcoming, and its cities are leading the way in embracing the LGBT+ community.
So-called capital of the world where art, café culture and ancient history collide in spectacular style, Rome lays down some serious power play. The cities of Genoa, Portofino, and San Remo are all known for their laid-back atmosphere and acceptance of the LGBT+ community. That way you’ll be able to veer off the beaten track and discover the hidden cultural gems in and around small towns including Alberobello, Lecce, Ostuni, Otranto and Polignano a Mare.
Puglia | Photo: Massimo Virgilio
Photo: Fabio Schiano
Where to stay in Puglia
For an unforgettable stay in Puglia, head to Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza, a boutique haven that blends Italian charm with modern luxury.
More than simply a walking advertisement for Gucci, Fendi and Prada, Milan surprises first-time visitors with its raw creative energy and avant-garde culture. The city also plays host to the annual Sicilian Gay Pride Parade each year. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back vacation or a vibrant nightlife, Italy is sure to have something for everyone.
While gay-run businesses are few and far between, most nightlife in the town is to be considered gay-friendly, with Isoco Guest House holding a great reputation among the LGBTQ+ community.
Taormina | Photo: Alexis Subias
Where to stay in Taormina
A stay at San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, promises nothing short of cinematic grandeur—literally.
The nearby port town of Salerno, while not a beach town, offers some stunning places to stay in proximity to Amalfi’s best bits.
Moving inland from the coast, you’ll find steep winding roads rising into hills hosting hotels and residences with panoramic views across Positano and Amalfi. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it.
While there isn’t a specifically gay neighborhood, the entire city is friendly and welcoming, with a lively nightlife. It is home to the Cassero LGBT Center, one of the country’s oldest and most influential organizations, which hosts festivals such as “Gender Bender” and “Divergenti,” the latter dedicated to trans cinema.
The city also boasts a rich LGBTQ+ history.