Subscribe to our Gay Travel Newsletter here
The travel cognoscenti agree: Italy is a must-visit. Its history spans a wealth of empires that have contributed to its worldwide artistic and architectural significance. By tossing a coin in Trevi Fountain or meandering the monolithic Colosseum, you are engaging with the very roots of European culture. During the Renaissance, household names like Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raphael shot the country to prominence. But Italy never peaked during a bygone era—it continues to be a leader in fashion, food and cinema today. Perhaps poet Anna Akhmatova said it best when she described Italy as a dream that will keep returning for the rest of your life.
Italy presents quite a conundrum for LGBT travellers. On the one hand, there’s plenty of reason to think Italy is on track to becoming a largely gay-welcoming country, as young Italians seem to favour our rights. At the same time, Italy is the epicentre of the Roman-Catholic church, and much of the country remains steadfastly Christian, often maintaining outdated Christian ‘values.’ Consequently, LGBT PDA—especially in rural regions—can and does ruffle feathers.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Civil Unions
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Illegal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal in some contexts
Although smaller than one might expect for such a populous and educated European country, there is a thriving gay scene in Rome, Milan and Bologna. Annual Pride events are held throughout the country. And some coastal towns such as Torre del Lago remain ever-popular summer vacation spots for LGBT people.
Rome: “Gay Street,” or Via di San Giovanni is a small strip of gay-oriented bars and restaurants beside the colosseum. While not big enough to be considered a Village per se, it is still worth mentioning.
Milan: Via Lecco street near the Porta Venezia metro station
Bologna: Cassero
Rome Pride: Annually in June
Milan Pride: Annually, in June
Bologna Pride: Annually in June
Rome: Coming Out (Gay/mixed bar and restaurant)
Rome: My Bar (Gay/mixed bar and restaurant)
Rome: Beige (Gay cocktail bar)
Milan: Leccomilano (Mixed crowd)
Milan: Chiringay by Tropical Island (In summer only. Outdoor popup gay bar)
Milan: Afterline (Gay bar and club)
Milan: Club Plastic (Gay club)
Bologna: Barattolo (Young gay bar)
Milan: Leccomilano (Every Saturday is ladies’ night)
Bologna: Cassero (Bar and community centre with some dancing. Mixed crowd but popular with ladies.)
Lake Como is the poshest vacation destination in all of Italy. And a simple boat ride across its serene waters will show you why.
Weeks could be set aside exploring this picturesque wine region, uncorking the nation’s gastronomic history one glass at a time. But please don’t neglect the provincial capital either. Not only does Florence house some of the world’s greatest Renaissance art, but the cobblestone city is a masterpiece in its own right.
The Floating City is perhaps the most romanticized destination in Italy. Whether you’re exploring by foot or gondola, you’ll be mesmerized by this Waterworld’s canals, bridges and plazas.
If you find yourself experiencing a case of the overwhelmsies, you’re not alone. Rome tends to disorientate as much as it does enchant and beguile. But with gelato in hand, a simple evening stroll through the Eternal City will become one of those travel memories that stays with you for a lifetime.
Steep mountains plunge into sapphire water, lapping against salt-crusted rocks. Beaches are made of sand so you might mistake it for snow. Sundrenched villas and Italian towns are separated by humid woodlands and olive groves. If this all sounds very poetic, well, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Everyone from Wagner to Williams has attempted to capture the beauty of this strip in heavenly words—but none have ever succeeded.
Best Time to Visit: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct are the best times of year to visit. During high season you can expect hours-long lineups to see most attractions and soaring prices on accommodations. Meanwhile, the country tends to shut off during the low season.
Electricity: Type F- and L-Socket
Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (GMT+2)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Italy, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: Visas are typically not required for Americans, Australians, Canadians, and residents of the United Kingdom visiting Italy for up to 90 days. However, some exceptions do exist. Click here to learn more.
LGBT Rights in Italy
Italy presents quite a conundrum for LGBT travellers. On the one hand, there’s plenty of reason to think Italy is on track to becoming a largely gay-welcoming country, as young Italians seem to favour our rights. At the same time, Italy is the epicentre of the Roman-Catholic church, and much of the country remains steadfastly Christian, often maintaining outdated Christian ‘values.’ Consequently, LGBT PDA—especially in rural regions—can and does ruffle feathers.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Gay Marriage: Civil Unions
Right to Change Gender: Legal, surgery not required
Same-Sex Adoption: Illegal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal in some contexts
Gay Italy Travel
Although smaller than one might expect for such a populous and educated European country, there is a thriving gay scene in Rome, Milan and Bologna. Annual Pride events are held throughout the country. And some coastal towns such as Torre del Lago remain ever-popular summer vacation spots for LGBT people.
Rome: “Gay Street,” or Via di San Giovanni is a small strip of gay-oriented bars and restaurants beside the colosseum. While not big enough to be considered a Village per se, it is still worth mentioning.
Milan: Via Lecco street near the Porta Venezia metro station
Bologna: Cassero
Rome Pride: Annually in June
Milan Pride: Annually, in June
Bologna Pride: Annually in June
Rome: Coming Out (Gay/mixed bar and restaurant)
Rome: My Bar (Gay/mixed bar and restaurant)
Rome: Beige (Gay cocktail bar)
Milan: Leccomilano (Mixed crowd)
Milan: Chiringay by Tropical Island (In summer only. Outdoor popup gay bar)
Milan: Afterline (Gay bar and club)
Milan: Club Plastic (Gay club)
Bologna: Barattolo (Young gay bar)
Milan: Leccomilano (Every Saturday is ladies’ night)
Bologna: Cassero (Bar and community centre with some dancing. Mixed crowd but popular with ladies.)
Best Places to Visit in Italy
Lake Como is the poshest vacation destination in all of Italy. And a simple boat ride across its serene waters will show you why.
Weeks could be set aside exploring this picturesque wine region, uncorking the nation’s gastronomic history one glass at a time. But please don’t neglect the provincial capital either. Not only does Florence house some of the world’s greatest Renaissance art, but the cobblestone city is a masterpiece in its own right.
The Floating City is perhaps the most romanticized destination in Italy. Whether you’re exploring by foot or gondola, you’ll be mesmerized by this Waterworld’s canals, bridges and plazas.
If you find yourself experiencing a case of the overwhelmsies, you’re not alone. Rome tends to disorientate as much as it does enchant and beguile. But with gelato in hand, a simple evening stroll through the Eternal City will become one of those travel memories that stays with you for a lifetime.
Steep mountains plunge into sapphire water, lapping against salt-crusted rocks. Beaches are made of sand so you might mistake it for snow. Sundrenched villas and Italian towns are separated by humid woodlands and olive groves. If this all sounds very poetic, well, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Everyone from Wagner to Williams has attempted to capture the beauty of this strip in heavenly words—but none have ever succeeded.
More Info
Best Time to Visit: Apr–Jun & Sep–Oct are the best times of year to visit. During high season you can expect hours-long lineups to see most attractions and soaring prices on accommodations. Meanwhile, the country tends to shut off during the low season.
Electricity: Type F- and L-Socket
Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (GMT+2)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Italy, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: Visas are typically not required for Americans, Australians, Canadians, and residents of the United Kingdom visiting Italy for up to 90 days. However, some exceptions do exist. Click here to learn more.
Italy is the land of la dolce vita – literally the sweet life – where they fully commit to living with style and decadence. Staying true to this, we knew our Milan to Rome tour needed accommodations that lived up to the grandiosity. Whether you’re into sleek and modern or classic and ornate, this tour […]
Read MoreThe great Michelangelo had a not-so-secret secret. He was gay. Here’s all the tea on the Renaissance artist’s sexual inclinations. Spoiler alert: even the pope and the Roman Catholic Church are involved. Scandalo!
Read MoreGreat locations and extensive tours. Our host was outstanding, and our local guide was great. They made sure all details were handled and that all we had to do was enjoy the trip.
Traveling solo in Italy (or anywhere really) is much nicer when you’re doing it with a new group of friends plus two hosts that take great care of you!
As a solo traveller (70), I was a little hesitant about taking this journey, but it was nothing but an experience with a lifetime of amazing memories. I loved every minute of this 4-star tour; the company and our cheeky and engaging guide – Frano – made it hugely entertaining. Great food, sumptuous hotels (esp. Lake Como, country villa), lovely places to visit, such kind and friendly companions. I highly recommend it. I might even do this a second time.
