Based on our 15 years of experience travelling to over 70 countries.
We’ve experienced warm welcomes in conservative countries and pockets of homophobia in liberal lands (admittedly, even Canada and the USA have problem spots). But at the end of the day, as part of the LGBTQ+ community, where will you have the most fun as a traveller? The team has discussed…and here’s our list of the world’s top 10 most LGBTQ-friendly countries to consider for your next gaycation!
10. Spain
Since Ancient Rome, the men of Spain have ‘enjoyed’ one another’s company. Of course there was the homophobic Christian Dark Ages, but the fall of Dictator Francisco Franco gave us the progressive Spain we know today. Same-sex activity became legal in 1979 (for a second time, after that whole Fascist moment), and things have continued to progress since then.
Spain’s Politics
Same sex marriage and adoption have been legal since 2005, and trans people can ‘self identify’, meaning they can legally change gender without surgery or sterilization. Gay people openly join the military, and there have been several LGBTQ+ politicians serving Spain. These include Jerónimo Saavedra, who was twice President of the Canary Islands; Ada Colau, who became mayor of Barcelona in 2015 and is openly bisexual; and Manuela Trasobares, who became the first openly transgender Spaniard in public office when she was elected in 2007.
The Scene
Madrid is home to the biggest pride party in Europe, luring in about two million celebrants every year. It’s a city-wide affair, so much so that it feels like a public holiday. There’s no need to find a specific street or neighbourhood to party, and everyone feels welcome wherever they go. Barcelona is another big city destination for the gays, with bars both classy and trashy to tickle one’s fancy.
But the gay scene is not limited to big cities in Spain. A short train ride from Barcelona is the resort town of Sitges, a slice of gay beach paradise that’s renowned for Bear Week. If you love the nightlife, there’s Ibiza, one of the world’s top destinations for DJs with clubs that hold thousands of revellers. And let’s not forget Gran Canaria, another huge island destination.
Beyond that, there are also mid-sized cities where you can have a blast as part of the LGBTQ+ community including Torremolinos, Malaga, and Valencia.
If Spanish culture is calling to you, join our Spain: Madrid, Sevilla & Barcelona tour which hops to 5 cities over 10 days!
9. Thailand
The Land of Smiles is famous for its hospitality. The saying is that there’s ‘no request too large, and no person too small’. There’s a huge drag scene, bawdy circuit parties, quaint towns, and it’s also a global destination for gender reassignment surgery. In fact, Thai culture recognizes a third gender known as kathoey. No wonder Bangkok is the Gay Capital of Asia.
Thailand’s Politics
Unfortunately, there’s been a disconnect between how Thailand treats LGBTQ+ visitors and locals, but things are looking up! Despite being one of the world’s most popular destinations for LGBTQ+ people (including same sex wedding celebrations), the kingdom only approved their marriage equality bill – albeit with full adoption rights – in June 2024. This made Thailand the first Southeast Asian nation legalize gay marriage.
Fortunately, locals still enjoy an impressive list of anti-discrimination laws concerning employment and housing. Public acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community (in all its forms and expressions) is outstanding. And 89% of Thai people said they’d accept a homosexual colleague, while 80% would accept a homosexual family member.
The Scene
Bangkok is, to be blunt, WILD. The action centres on Silom 2, the gay strip where everyone inevitably winds up and gets down. If you want an extra festive vacation, visit during Thailand’s national holiday, AKA Songkran, when the entire country partakes in an epic water fight. G Circuit also takes place during Songkran, and is recognized as Asia’s wildest circuit party. But the action isn’t relegated to Bangkok. You can head north to Chiang Mai (where you can catch a drag show at the Chiang Mai Cabaret), or visit the party island of Phuket (pronounced poo-ket) for a pumpin’ beach holiday.
Join us in Thailand on our Temples & Beaches tour, for Songkran Festival, or consider a New Year holiday if you want to give yourself (or your honey bunny) an extra special Christmas gift.
8. Australia
Australia vibes like the sexy love child of the UK and North America. There’s a myriad of marsupials, cute koalas, and spiders the size of dinner plates (that last one is admittedly not a selling point but can’t be overlooked). It’s the biggest island and the smallest continent.
It’s also home to one of the oldest aboriginal cultures on earth. The rural folk can be extra rowdy, perhaps because the earliest immigrants were felons bound for penal colonies, but the cities are among the most cosmopolitan on Earth. Australia also brought us gay pop icons Kylie Minogue and Troye Sivan and the hilarious lesbian actress Rebel Wilson.
Australia’s Politics
The new millennium delivered waves of LGBTQ+ rights Down Under. Today, 79% of people agree society should accept homosexuality, though you’re bound to find closed-minded rural pockets (just think of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, which is about to get a sequel featuring the original cast). Transgender rights are a little dicier, as some places still mandate reassignment surgery before you can legally change your gender.
The Scene
Three words: Sydney Mardi Gras. It’s one of the biggest pride parties in the world, in one of the most welcoming cities on Earth. There’s also great scenes to devour in Melbourne and Brisbane. And if you sway Sapphic, Sydney is also one of the world’s lesbian hotspots. To tap into current events around the country, check out Australia’s Lesbians On The Loose at lotl.com.
Fancy a visit? Grab your budgie smugglers and colourful beads. Our Summer Down Under tour departs in February.
7. Portugal
Few countries are as nonchalant about same-sex PDAs as Portugal. Europe’s westernmost country is famously liberal on everything from gender identity (surgery is not required) to drug decriminalization (they treat users as patients, not felons). Even the far-flung, sparsely populated Azores Islands of the Atlantic Ocean welcome the gays with big ol’ jazz hands.
Portugal’s Politics
Same-sex marriage was allowed in 2010, making Portugal the 8th country to do so. By 2019’s Eurobarometer, 80% of Portuguese people said they believed lesbian, gay and bisexual people should have the same rights as straight people, making it one of the best countries on Earth for LGBTQ+ people to call home
The Scene
Lisbon and Porto offer the two largest LGBTQ+ scenes. In Lisbon, Rua Barroca is Gay Grand Central, but establishments are scattered throughout the city. Likewise, Porto’s bars, clubs and parties pepper the town. Public drinking is legal, and clubs don’t shutter their doors at any specific time, which obviously makes Portugal popular with partiers. If you’re a cinephile, Queer Lisboa is one of the most important alternative film festivals in Europe.
Keen to visit? Our Lisbon, Porto & The Douro Valley tour packs in as much Portugal as possible in 9 days.
6. France
With 100 million visitors a year, France is easily the world’s hottest travel destination. Chic women sip café au lait with a menthol dangling from their fingers. Buskers peddle near popular attractions like the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. Down south, locals and visitors alike bask in the sun-soaked Mediterranean from shady terraces while sipping Soixante-Quinze cocktails (aka The French 75). It’s tough to sum up the entire country, but France just has a certain je ne sais quoi.
France’s Politics
France has long embraced alternative lifestyles. When LGBTQ+ rights began to emerge the country was leagues ahead of its European neighbours (Paris has been a gay mecca since the 70s after all). Smaller scenes also exist in other cities like Lyon and Marseille, and the country is LGBTQ+ welcoming with strong anti-discrimination laws. Same-sex marriage and adoption are also legal, while changing your gender doesn’t require surgery.
The Scene
Centred on Le Marais, Paris offers one of the most robust gay scenes throughout Europe, rivalled only by Madrid and London. And Nice—the country’s famous summer escape—has not one or two but FOUR gay beaches to choose from. Plenty of Pride parades, bars and clubs, a sex-positive culture, and even lesbian-centric institutions are all reasons why France is one of our favourite LGBTQ+ destinations in the world.
If snacking on brie and baguettes while floating leisurely through the French countryside sounds like your kind of decadence, our France: Gay River Cruise departs in 2026!
5. Malta
For the eighth year in a row, in 2023, Malta scored 89%–the undisputed top spot—on the Rainbow Europe ILGA index. It’s a small country with an equally small gay scene, but that also allows it to move swiftly and decisively to advance LGBTQ+ rights.
Malta’s Politics
What’s most impressive about Malta’s embrace of the LGBTQ+ community and rights is how quickly (and recently) the country came around. Staunchly Roman Catholic, divorce only became legal in 2011. And abortion is still a crime.
But in 2014, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca was elected president and ushered in powerful pro-LGBTQ+ legislation. She went so far as to criminalize conversion therapy. Her Civil Liberties Minister, Helena Dalli, oversaw the country’s progressive trans-rights bills. And the Maltese people said, “Yes, Mawma!” to all of it. Local gays describe the transition as an overnight awakening. While the 2006 Eurobarometer poll found just 18% of the population agreed with same-sex marriage, it rose to 67% by 2019—the sharpest increase by any country.
The Scene
The population of this island nation barely scrapes half a million people. Suffice to say the LGBTQ+ scene is small but gay bars do exist in Valletta and other touristy destinations. And Malta Pride in September is actually one of the best late-summer Pride events in Europe.
Why not add a Maltese a stopover to one of our European adventures?
4. Greece
From ancient Olympia to modern Mykonos, Greece has always been kinda gay. Locals are as hot as the weather, and you can cool off in the balmy Aegean Sea that laps the country’s beloved beaches.
Greece’s Politics
Greece has a long and storied history with homosexuality (there’s a reason ‘Greek style’ is a euphemism for anal sex). Their mythology is particularly homoerotic—looking at you, Apollo—and some of history’s best-known gay figures were of Greek descent (like Alexander The Great). Today, Greece remains an LGBTQ+ welcoming destination, especially in major cities and throughout the laid-back islands. However, the openly homophobic Greek Orthodox Church maintains a firm grasp on day-to-day life, and – like many European countries – rural Greece remains devoutly religious.
The Scene
Gays love Greece. It’s one of the oldest and best-known LGBTQ+ destinations. Specifically, Mykonos lures in bears, muscle boys, and even the occasional lesbian (while many more flock to Lesbos, their namesake island). Countless beaches are rife with queens in and out of designer speedos. Circuit parties thump out gay anthems throughout high season, with the largest and most famous being XLSIOR hitting the island every August. And while Athens Gay Pride is a celebration of local LGBTQ+ culture, it puts activism and social equality at the forefront of the festival.
Wanna go Greek? Join our Aegean Sea Cruise.
3. Iceland
Iceland, more than any of the gay-friendly countries on this list, has long loved lesbians and women in general. In 2009, Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir became the first openly-LGBTQ+ head of state in the world. You’ll find feminist breweries, the incomparable Björk, and the lovely women who run Pink Iceland. The capital Reykjavik even hosts “the biggest little Pride in the world.” The celebration is attended by more than 100k people—striking when you consider the national population of this remote land is just 350k.
Iceland’s Politics
Iceland repealed their law criminalizing homosexual acts in 1940. Since that day, they have steadily enacted anti-discrimination, fair adoption, and equal age of consent laws. Iceland’s Parliament even amended the law to define marriage as between two “individuals” rather than “a man and a woman.” Unanimously. According to the 2023 LGBT Equality Index, Iceland even ranks #1 for LGBTQ+ rights!
The Scene
The city may host the biggest little Pride in the world, but Kiki Bar has been Reykjavik’s only gay bar for ages. Luckily LGBTQ+ events and activities are gaining prominence. Pink Iceland invested heavily in Rainbow Reykjavik, a winter counterpart to Pride. Lady Brewery is the only women-owned craft brewery in the country. and there’s even a Culture Walk app with a Queer Literature feature perfect for a self-guided LGBTQ+ walking tour.
Though we don’t currently have any group tours scheduled for Iceland, we’d be happy to create a customized trip based on your preferences. Visit our Tailor-Made Vacations page to begin building your trip!
2. New Zealand
New Zealand became the first country to offer gay-friendly travel certification for B&Bs, hotels, and restaurants in 1998. Today, even rural Kiwis are famous for accepting all sexual orientations and gender expressions.
New Zealand’s Politics
New Zealand celebrates progressive legislation, which a huge reason why it’s considered one of the most LGBTQ-friendly countries. Gay Marriage? Check! Employment and housing protections? Check! The right to serve openly in the military, change gender and/or adopt as a queer couple? Check!
In 2018, Jacinda Ardern—an outspoken ally—became New Zealand’s first prime minister to march in a Pride parade. She was only 37, becoming the world’s youngest female leader. Gay finance minister Grant Robertson and lesbian MP Louisa Wall joined her. Raised Mormon and revoking her religion, Arden asked, “How could I subscribe to a religion that just didn’t account for my gay friends?!”
The Scene
New Zealand hosts three high-profile annual LGBTQ+ events: Auckland Pride Festival, Big Gay Out and Queenstown’s Gay Ski Week. Pocket-sized Pride events also exist in medium-sized cities throughout the country.
Care to visit? Why not join our Active South Island Expedition that includes an overnight cruise to legendary Milford Sound!
1. Canada
Out Adventures’ home and native land (that’s a reference to our national anthem) isn’t number one just because we’re biased. Our government made an impressive investment in LGBTQ+ tourism, we’ve enacted progressive legislation, and we enjoy widespread public acceptance. Plus, we have *several* cities with great gay scenes.
Canada’s Politics
The Great White North has been celebrating its gayness for decades as one of the first countries to have strong anti-discrimination legislation and transgender rights. Canada is one of the few countries an individual can change gender without gender-affirming surgery. Gay people are also loved. A 2019 poll by the Government of Canada noted 91.8% of Canadians responded they’d be comfortable with a lesbian, gay or bisexual neighbour, and 87.6% said they’d be comfortable with a transgender neighbour.
The Scene
Canada’s gay scene is out and proud. Most LGBTQ+ residents live in the three largest cities of Toronto, Montreal & Vancouver. While Toronto Pride is globally renowned (and even hosted World Pride in 2014), rural regions like Ontario’s Prince Edward County and BC’s Sunshine Coast and Gulf Islands are popular with the gays even if there isn’t a ‘scene’ per se.
In terms of Pride festivals and major LGBTQ+ events, the largest include Toronto Pride, Fierté Montréal and Vancouver Pride. During Canada’s snowy season, a rising number of winter Pride events are gaining prominence, including Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, Tremblant Gay Ski Week and Blue Mountain Rainbow Weekend. There are also LGBTQ+ cultural events like Toronto’s Inside Out Film Festival. Even mainstream celebrations like the Calgary Stampede – the most cowboy thing in Canada – have queer-focused programming today.
Even though we narrowed it down to the top 10, there are still many other amazing LGBTQ-friendly countries in the world that are worth visiting!
Check out our Gay Tours page for the full list of adventures. We look forward to travelling with you soon!
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