What are the best destinations in Europe for LGBT holidays?

Top picks include Berlin , Amsterdam , Sitges , Paris, and Mykonos . Each offers inclusive laws and lively local gay scenes.

Are LGBT holidays safe in all European countries?

Most Western European countries are very safe. We recommend checking local laws and cultural attitudes before travelling.

Do LGBT holidays cost more than regular holidays?

Not necessarily. At Wide Awake Holidays, we work with suppliers to get great deals without adding a "pink tax."

What makes a destination great for an LGBT holiday?

Strong anti-discrimination laws, public acceptance, a visible gay scene, and inclusive accommodation options all help.

Can I book an LGBT holiday as a solo traveller?

Absolutely. Many destinations are perfect for solo LGBT travellers, and we can tailor your trip accordingly.

Are there exclusively gay hotels in Europe?

Yes, places like The Late Birds Lisbon and Elysium Hotel in Mykonos offer male-only or LGBT-exclusive stays.

How can I know if a hotel is genuinely LGBT-friendly?

We vet all our accommodation options. Look for inclusive policies, positive reviews from LGBT travellers, and supportive staff.

Is it better to book LGBT holidays with a specialist company?

Yes. Companies like Wide Awake Holidays understand the unique needs of LGBT+ travellers and offer curated, safe options.

Do you offer trips tailored to lesbian or trans travellers?

We do. We tailor every trip to our customer’s needs, including specific communities within the LGBT+ umbrella.

What should I consider when planning my first LGBT holiday?

Start with a destination known for being inclusive, like Spain or the Netherlands. We’ll help with everything else.

LGBT Holidays: Explore Europe's Gay Villages & Culture

Europe is a dream destination for many travellers, and for those looking for vibrant LGBT holidays, it offers an extraordinary range of inclusive neighbourhoods, welcoming bars, and rainbow-soaked festivals. Whether you're a seasoned explorer of the continent's queer culture or just considering your very first gay holiday, visiting Europe's iconic gay villages and immersing yourself in local LGBT+ communities offers an enriching and joyful experience.

From the buzzing streets of Berlin's Schöneberg to the beachside charm of Sitges, these areas are far more than nightlife hubs—they're cultural centres, safe havens, and proof that gay travel isn't just about the party. It's about connection, community, and confidence in being exactly who you are.

Why Choose LGBT Holidays in Europe?

Europe is known for its progressive stance on LGBT+ rights, making it one of the most popular regions globally for inclusive travel. For an overview of how countries compare on legal protections and equality, the Rainbow Europe Index by ILGA-Europe provides a clear snapshot. For UK travellers especially, its proximity, variety of destinations, and cultural familiarity make it both accessible and exciting.

You might be drawn to the romance of Paris, the art and activism of Amsterdam, or the electric nightlife of Madrid. But in every destination lies a gay village—a place shaped by resilience, history, and celebration. These areas are where LGBT+ culture doesn't just exist but thrives openly.

Choosing LGBT holidays helps you:

Discover local queer culture first-hand
Support inclusive businesses and communities
Travel with a greater sense of safety and ease
Feel truly welcome, not just tolerated

What Protections Do You Have When Booking With Wide Awake Holidays?

When you book with Wide Awake Holidays, you're not just planning a trip—you're gaining peace of mind. As a gay-owned UK travel company, we're a proud member of Protected Trust Services and hold a full ATOL licence. This means your money is financially protected.

We also include Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance on every tailor-made holiday. If anything happens to your airline or accommodation provider, you're covered.

On top of that, we offer a personal travel service that focuses on you. We listen, we plan, and we create a holiday that fits your needs exactly—with no one-size-fits-all approach.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam's Reguliersdwarsstraat and Zeedijk areas are packed with lively bars, inclusive clubs, and boutique hotels that cater specifically to LGBT+ guests. The city has long been a pioneer in queer rights, and that shows in its openness.

Stay at the Golden Bear Hotel, one of the city’s few exclusively gay properties. It's cosy, centrally located, and offers a friendly vibe for solo travellers and couples alike.

You can explore the Homomonument, a powerful tribute to those persecuted for their sexuality, and enjoy the annual Amsterdam Pride that turns the canals into a floating rainbow.

Looking for a city-centre LGBT hotel in Amsterdam? Ask us about our exclusive offers.

How Gay Friendly is Amsterdam?

Homosexuality Legal Since: 1811
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal since 2001 (first in the world)
Anti-Discrimination Laws: Comprehensive protections exist
Employment Protections: Fully enforced
Age of Consent: Equal
Public Opinion: Extremely positive; strong public support for LGBT rights

Sitges, Spain

Just 30 minutes from Barcelona, Sitges has earned its reputation as one of Europe's top gay beach destinations. The town’s gay quarter is home to seafront bars, drag shows, and boutique shops tailored to the LGBT+ traveller.

During summer, the beaches are packed with friendly faces, and in September, Sitges Gay Pride lights up the entire town.

One of the most beloved accommodations is the Parrots Hotel, a gay-only hotel offering comfort, convenience, and community.

Ask us about our Sitges summer holiday offers for couples and groups.

How Gay Friendly is Spain?

Homosexuality Legal Since: 1979
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal since 2005
Anti-Discrimination Laws: Nationwide protections
Employment Protections: Strong and well-enforced
Age of Consent: Equal
Public Opinion: Warm and welcoming, especially in coastal areas

Berlin, Germany

Berlin's Schöneberg district is legendary. It's not just a gay village—it's where LGBT+ activism, nightlife, and culture collide. With history stretching back to the 1920s, the area has long been a haven.

The city offers everything from leather bars and techno clubs to elegant cocktail lounges and queer museums.

Stay at Tom’s Hotel, a gay-owned property located right in the heart of Schöneberg.

Book your Berlin city break with us to enjoy exclusive deals on central LGBT hotels.

How Gay Friendly is Germany?

Homosexuality Legal Since: 1969
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal since 2017
Anti-Discrimination Laws: Comprehensive
Employment Protections: Strong
Age of Consent: Equal
Public Opinion: Very supportive in urban areas

Paris, France

The Le Marais district in Paris is one of the most iconic gay neighbourhoods in Europe. It's where art, culture, and queerness meet. From indie bookstores to stylish cocktail bars, Le Marais is both chic and inclusive.

Paris is a favourite for romantic getaways, with plenty of welcoming hotels and guesthouses.

Hotel Jules & Jim, while not exclusively gay, is proudly inclusive and sits right in the heart of the action.

We have a special deal for couples on Paris getaways. Ask us when you enquire.

How Gay Friendly is France?

Homosexuality Legal Since: 1791
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal since 2013
Anti-Discrimination Laws: Extensive
Employment Protections: Enforced
Age of Consent: Equal
Public Opinion: Generally supportive, especially in cities

Mykonos, Greece

Mykonos is Greece’s most famous gay hotspot. The Elia Beach and Jackie O’ Beach Club attract a fun-loving crowd each summer.

The island has a more relaxed vibe, with elegant beach bars and luxury gay-friendly villas. Elysium Hotel, an exclusively gay hotel with stunning views, is a favourite among LGBT+ travellers.

How Gay Friendly is Greece?

Homosexuality Legal Since: 1951
Same-Sex Marriage: Not yet legal, but civil unions are recognised
Anti-Discrimination Laws: In place, but inconsistent enforcement
Employment Protections: Partial
Age of Consent: Equal
Public Opinion: Generally positive in tourist destinations

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon’s Principe Real district is full of energy, pride, and creativity. From drag brunches to art exhibitions, this area shows the beautiful variety of queer life.

The Late Birds Lisbon, a men-only guesthouse, is well-known for its garden pool, evening gatherings, and sociable vibe.

Enquire now to see if The Late Birds is included in our current offers.

How Gay Friendly is Portugal?

Homosexuality Legal Since: 1982
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal since 2010
Anti-Discrimination Laws: Comprehensive
Employment Protections: Enforced
Age of Consent: Equal
Public Opinion: Very positive in major cities

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen is home to Studiestræde, the heart of its LGBT+ life. It was one of the first cities in the world to recognise same-sex partnerships, and that progressive spirit is everywhere.

You’ll find inclusive nightlife, tranquil canalside walks, and annual pride events that celebrate all identities.

While few properties are exclusively gay, Avenue Hotel is a firm favourite with queer travellers.

Ask about our Copenhagen city breaks when booking your next LGBT holiday.

How Gay Friendly is Denmark?

Homosexuality Legal Since: 1933
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal since 2012
Anti-Discrimination Laws: Comprehensive
Employment Protections: Strong
Age of Consent: Equal
Public Opinion: Among the most supportive in Europe

Why LGBT Holidays Matter More Than Ever

Going on an LGBT holiday isn’t just about travel. It’s about being seen, celebrated, and connected. For first-time LGBT+ travellers, choosing a destination where you know you’ll be safe and welcome makes a big difference. For regular explorers, discovering new corners of the queer world keeps travel exciting.

When you travel with Wide Awake Holidays, you’re not just choosing a destination. You’re choosing a company that understands what matters to you. We know the best gay beaches, where to find a decent espresso near the gay district, and which festivals are worth timing your trip for.

Ready to see what the world looks like through rainbow-tinted glasses?

Book Your LGBT Holiday With Confidence

Whether it’s your first time booking an LGBT holiday or your fiftieth, Wide Awake Holidays is here to make it special. We take care of the boring bits, so you can focus on the excitement. Every trip includes:

ATOL and PTS protection
Supplier and Airline Failure Insurance
Personalised service from a gay-owned UK company
Exclusive LGBT+ hotel options and deals
No call centres or one-size-fits-all itineraries

Let us show you a better way to travel. Call us on 01495 400947 or use our holiday enquiry form to start planning your perfect LGBT holiday today.

What are the best destinations in Europe for LGBT holidays? 
Top picks include Berlin, Amsterdam, Sitges, Paris, and Mykonos. Each offers inclusive laws and lively local gay scenes.
Are LGBT holidays safe in all European countries? 
Most Western European countries are very safe. We recommend checking local laws and cultural attitudes before travelling.
Do LGBT holidays cost more than regular holidays? 
Not necessarily. At Wide Awake Holidays, we work with suppliers to get great deals without adding a "pink tax."
What makes a destination great for an LGBT holiday? 
Strong anti-discrimination laws, public acceptance, a visible gay scene, and inclusive accommodation options all help.
Can I book an LGBT holiday as a solo traveller? 
Absolutely. Many destinations are perfect for solo LGBT travellers, and we can tailor your trip accordingly.
Are there exclusively gay hotels in Europe? 
Yes, places like The Late Birds Lisbon and Elysium Hotel in Mykonos offer male-only or LGBT-exclusive stays.
How can I know if a hotel is genuinely LGBT-friendly? 
We vet all our accommodation options. Look for inclusive policies, positive reviews from LGBT travellers, and supportive staff.
Is it better to book LGBT holidays with a specialist company? 
Yes. Companies like Wide Awake Holidays understand the unique needs of LGBT+ travellers and offer curated, safe options.
Do you offer trips tailored to lesbian or trans travellers? 
We do. We tailor every trip to our customer’s needs, including specific communities within the LGBT+ umbrella.
What should I consider when planning my first LGBT holiday? 
Start with a destination known for being inclusive, like Spain or the Netherlands. We’ll help with everything else.