1) What were the Best Gay Holidays of 2025 for first-timers?

For most first-timers, the best trips were the ones with simple transport, welcoming neighbourhoods, and hotels that felt relaxed and inclusive. A destination that’s easy to navigate reduces stress fast.

2) Which destinations felt best for couples in 2025?

Couples often loved places that offered calm daytime plans and good food, with optional nightlife rather than pressure. That’s why Lisbon, Malta, and Iceland stood out so often.

3) Which destinations suited friends who want nightlife and daytime plans?

Barcelona and Montréal tended to work well because you can do culture, food, and neighbourhood wandering, then still have lively evenings. You don’t need to build the whole trip around clubs.

4) When is the best time to book LGBT+ holidays for 2026?

In general, booking earlier gives you better flight options and better hotel choice, especially if you want a specific area or room type. It also makes it easier to line up dates around events without paying over the odds.

5) Is it better to book a package or book everything separately?

A package is often easier because the key parts sit together under one booking, which helps if plans change. Separate bookings can look cheaper, but they can also leave gaps that create stress later.

6) What should I prioritise when choosing LGBT+ accommodation?

Prioritise location, not just the hotel rating. A great hotel in the wrong area can make evenings feel awkward. A good hotel in the right area can make the whole trip feel easy, especially if you’re travelling as a couple or solo.

7) Are these destinations good for solo LGBT+ travellers?

Yes, and the “why” matters. Lisbon, Barcelona, and Montréal can feel social without being overwhelming, which helps solo travellers settle in quickly. Malta and Iceland can feel calmer and more structured, which suits people who want peace, nature, and lower-pressure evenings.

8) How do I decide between a beach holiday and a city break?

Ask yourself how you want to feel at the end of day two. If you want a reset and a slower rhythm, lean beach or coastal. If you want variety, food, and neighbourhood energy, lean city. If you want both, we can build a trip that blends them without turning it into a hectic itinerary.

9) What’s one mistake people made with gay holidays in 2025?

Trying to do too much. The happiest trips were paced properly, with one or two “big” moments and lots of simple time in between. That’s when people actually relaxed and enjoyed where they were.

10) Can you tailor Best Gay Holidays of 2025 style trips to different budgets?

Yes. Budget isn’t only about the destination. It’s also about timing, flight choices, hotel style, and how many paid excursions you add. If you tell us your comfortable spend and what matters most, we’ll shape the trip around that.

Best Gay Holidays of 2025: Top LGBT+ Destinations

When we look back at the Best Gay Holidays of 2025, one thing stands out: people didn’t just want a “gay scene”, they wanted a destination that felt comfortable all day, not only after dark. In 2025, the trips that got the best feedback were the ones where travellers could be themselves without constantly thinking about it. That might sound small, but it changes everything, especially for couples and first-time LGBT+ travellers.

This post is a simple reflection on what worked best in 2025 and why. I’m keeping it practical, because that’s what helps you choose. Some places delivered big energy and big nights out, while others offered calm, easy days and a more relaxed social scene. The best option depends on what you want from your holiday right now, and there’s no single “correct” answer. So, what do you actually want most: nightlife, culture, nature, beach time, or just a proper reset? If you’re comparing a few places for next year, this guide on how to choose your next LGBT holiday destination helps you match the vibe, safety, and budget to what you actually want.

1: Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon kept proving itself in 2025 because it’s easy to enjoy in lots of different ways. It suits couples who want good food and gentle days, but it also works for friends who want a mix of bars, late dinners, and a bit of dancing. The city feels open and modern in the areas most travellers stay, and the vibe is relaxed rather than intense. That matters if you want a trip that feels fun without feeling like hard work.

The best part about Lisbon is how much you can do without overplanning. You can spend the morning wandering neighbourhood streets, take a long lunch that turns into a late afternoon drink, and still have energy for an evening out. The city is also great value compared with many other European capitals, which helped it stay popular through 2025. If you like the idea of a city break with breathing space, Lisbon is a strong choice.

If you’re deciding where to base yourself, it helps to pick a neighbourhood that matches your pace. Some areas are better for cafés and calm evenings, while others keep you close to the action. Either way, Lisbon rewards a slower style of travel, and that’s exactly what many people wanted in 2025. You can keep it simple and still have a brilliant time.

If Lisbon is calling your name, our A Gay Traveller’s Guide to Lisbon shares where to stay, where to go out, and how to keep it relaxed.

How gay friendly is Lisbon?
In 2025, Lisbon continued to feel welcoming for LGBT+ travellers, especially in central areas and popular neighbourhoods. Public affection tends to be less of a “thing” than people fear, although, like any city, comfort can change street by street late at night. If you want to feel confident, we can tailor the hotel location and transfer details so you’re not second-guessing the practical side of the trip.

If you want Lisbon as a protected package with flights, transfers, and the right hotel in the right area, Wide Awake Holidays can build it around how you like to travel.

2: Malta

Malta was one of the clearest “feel-good” winners of 2025, especially for people who wanted sun with a strong sense of ease. It’s compact, straightforward to get around, and it works well for short breaks or longer weeks. Many travellers also liked that it offers a mix of lively spots and quieter areas, so you can choose your energy level instead of being stuck with one vibe.

What made Malta stand out in 2025 was how it suited different types of travellers at the same time. Couples often loved the slower pace, the sea views, and the evenings that are more about dining than chasing a big night. Friend groups liked the fact that you can still find nightlife when you want it, but the island doesn’t demand it. For a lot of people, Malta felt like a holiday where you can properly switch off.

It’s also a good pick if you want a destination that doesn’t feel complicated. That includes simple transfers, clear hotel options, and days that don’t require a long checklist. You can do boat trips, beach time, and a bit of history without feeling like you’re racing around. In 2025, that “easy holiday” factor mattered more than ever.

How gay friendly is Malta?
Malta has a strong reputation for LGBT+ inclusion, and many travellers in 2025 said they felt comfortable being themselves, particularly in the main visitor areas. As always, being smart about where you stay helps, and the right hotel choice can make the whole week feel smoother. If you want a calm base with optional nightlife, we’ll shape the package around that, rather than pushing a one-size-fits-all plan.

If Malta sounds like your kind of trip, we can recommend the right area and build a protected holiday package that keeps everything simple.

3: Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona earned its place on the Best Gay Holidays of 2025 list because it’s the kind of city that gives you options without forcing you into one version of a “gay holiday”. You can do galleries and tapas, beach time and shopping, late nights and slow mornings. That mix is exactly why it keeps working for so many different travellers, from first-timers to regulars.

It also feels social in an easy way. You’re rarely stuck wondering “what now?” because the city’s rhythm carries you along. A proper Barcelona day can start with coffee and a wander through neighbourhood streets, drift into an unplanned lunch that turns into people-watching, and then finish with a night out that doesn’t require loads of travel or effort. It’s lively, but it doesn’t have to be intense.

If you want quick inspiration, these are the kinds of plans that kept people happy in 2025:

Culture day: one big museum or landmark, then a long, lazy meal.
Beach day: daytime sun, early evening drinks, and a simple dinner plan.
Night out: start with cocktails, keep dinner light, and leave room for late dancing.
Neighbourhood hop: spend time in two areas only, rather than racing around.

Barcelona is also great for groups with mixed tastes. One friend wants beach naps. Another wants shopping. Someone else wants a big night. You can make all of that work in the same weekend, and still feel like you’ve had a proper break.

f Barcelona is one of your 2025 picks, bookmark this best gay bars in Barcelona round-up so you can plan a great night without guesswork.

How gay friendly is Barcelona?

Barcelona is one of those places where LGBT+ travellers often feel comfortable quickly, particularly in central areas and well-known neighbourhoods. That said, comfort can still depend on where you’re staying and how you’re getting back at night, especially if you’re out late. When we build a package, we focus on the practical bits that protect the vibe: the hotel location, the transfer plan, and the kind of trip you actually want. It’s a small change that makes the whole holiday feel smoother.

If Barcelona sounds like your kind of trip, we can package flights, transfers, and a hotel that fits your style, whether you want beach access, city energy, or a quieter base.

4: Reykjavík and Iceland

Iceland is not a “big club, big Pride” destination in the usual sense, yet it was a standout in 2025 for travellers who wanted something different. Reykjavík is compact, friendly, and surprisingly easy to navigate, and the wider country offers those pinch-yourself landscapes that make a holiday feel special. If you’re tired of the same city breaks and want a story to bring home, Iceland delivers.

The magic here is contrast. You can spend one day in cosy cafés and small bars, and the next day you’re standing beside waterfalls, black sand beaches, or steaming geothermal pools. It’s ideal for couples who want quality time, but it can also work for friends who love adventure and don’t need a heavy nightlife schedule to have fun.

Iceland is also a strong choice if you’re looking for a trip that feels “safe and calm” rather than “busy and performative”. That was a big theme in 2025. People wanted to relax without feeling watched, judged, or out of place. Iceland tends to feel like that for many LGBT+ travellers, especially when the itinerary is planned well.

If you’re wondering what a great Iceland break looks like, here are a few easy building blocks:

A Reykjavík base with a couple of relaxed evenings for food and drinks.
A Golden Circle day for the headline sights without overdoing it.
A lagoon or hot spring visit that turns into your holiday’s best memory.
One “big landscape” day where you commit to a longer drive and make it count.

The key is pacing. Iceland can be incredible, but it’s not the place to cram everything in. A well-paced itinerary will feel luxurious, even if it’s not a luxury budget. That’s one of the reasons it worked so well in 2025.

How gay friendly is Reykjavík and Iceland?

Reykjavík is known for being welcoming, and many travellers find it easy to be themselves there. The atmosphere is often calm and respectful, which helps if you’re a little cautious about public affection or just want a low-stress break. As always, we still think about practical comfort: where you’re staying, how you’re moving around, and what your evenings look like. Those details matter in a destination where weather and distance can shape the day.

If Iceland is calling you, we can tailor the pace, the hotel style, and the excursions so it feels exciting without feeling exhausting.

5: Montréal, Canada

If 2025 taught us anything, it’s that plenty of LGBT+ travellers want a city break that feels fun without feeling messy. Montréal fits that brief brilliantly. It’s confident, creative, and easy to enjoy, even if you’re not chasing nightlife every night. You can do great food, festivals, neighbourhood walks, and relaxed evenings, all without spending your whole trip getting from A to B.

Montréal also works for different groups in the same way Barcelona does, but with a slightly cooler, artsy edge. Couples tend to love the pace and the dining scene, while friends usually enjoy how social it feels, especially in warmer months. The city has a strong LGBT+ presence, and it feels like it belongs there rather than being squeezed into one street or one venue.

If you want a simple “Montréal plan” that usually lands well, try this mix:

Pick a central base so evenings stay easy.
Do one big sightseeing day, then keep the next day lighter.
Build in a food-focused evening with a restaurant you’re excited about.
Leave one night open for spontaneity, because that’s when Montréal shines.

This destination also suits travellers who want a long-haul trip that still feels straightforward. You can keep the itinerary clean and still have a trip that feels rich, varied, and genuinely memorable. That’s why it stood out so strongly in 2025.

How gay friendly is Montréal?

Montréal has a long-standing LGBT+ community and a visible gay village, and many travellers find it easy to relax there quickly. As always, comfort can depend on your hotel location and how you like to spend your evenings, so we’ll build the trip around your style. If you want lively and social, we’ll lean into that. If you want calm with optional nights out, we’ll plan it that way instead.

If Montréal is on your mind, we can create a tailored package with flights, hotel, and any add-ons you want, keeping it simple from the start.

Booking protections (what “protected holiday package” means with us)

A good holiday starts before you fly. It starts when you feel confident about what you’re booking and who is looking after you if plans change. That matters for everyone, but it matters even more for LGBT+ travellers who don’t want extra stress when they’re trying to switch off.

When you book with Wide Awake Holidays, we build your holiday as a protected package wherever possible, so key parts of your trip sit together under one booking. That means you’re not left juggling separate suppliers on your own if something shifts. It also means you have a clear point of contact with people who know your trip, your preferences, and what matters to you.

Here’s what that protection looks like in real terms:

One clear booking, with clear paperwork. You know exactly what’s included and what’s not.
Support if flights change. If timings move or routes change, you’re not left figuring it out alone.
Help if something goes wrong overseas. If an issue comes up, you have someone to contact who can step in.
Less risk of “hidden gaps”. Separate bookings can leave you exposed to missed connections or mismatched terms.
Advice that fits LGBT+ travellers. We plan around comfort, not just price.

We also keep things practical. If you tell us what would make you feel more at ease—late check-in, private transfers, a quieter hotel, a specific room type—we’ll factor that into the trip from the start. Those details can be the difference between a holiday that’s “fine” and one that feels genuinely easy. For extra peace of mind, our practical LGBT travel safety tips cover simple checks that can make a big difference once you land.

And if you’re wondering whether one of these destinations suits your comfort level, ask us directly. It’s a normal question, and it’s exactly what we’re here for. If is a helpful reference point.

A simple way to choose your next trip

If you want sunshine and an easy rhythm, Malta is a strong shout. If you want a city that balances culture, food, and nights out, Barcelona or Lisbon will likely fit. If you want a trip that feels different and unforgettable, Iceland brings the “wow” factor without the chaos. And if you want a long-haul city that’s social, creative, and easy to enjoy, Montréal is a smart choice.

The right destination is the one that matches your comfort and your energy, not someone else’s checklist. Tell us what you want this trip to feel like, and we’ll build a protected holiday package that keeps the planning simple and the experience smooth.

📧 reservations@wideawakeholidays.co.uk
🌐 www.wideawakeholidays.co.uk
📞 01495 400947

1) What were the Best Gay Holidays of 2025 for first-timers?
For most first-timers, the best trips were the ones with simple transport, welcoming neighbourhoods, and hotels that felt relaxed and inclusive. A destination that’s easy to navigate reduces stress fast.
2) Which destinations felt best for couples in 2025?
Couples often loved places that offered calm daytime plans and good food, with optional nightlife rather than pressure. That’s why Lisbon, Malta, and Iceland stood out so often.
3) Which destinations suited friends who want nightlife and daytime plans?
Barcelona and Montréal tended to work well because you can do culture, food, and neighbourhood wandering, then still have lively evenings. You don’t need to build the whole trip around clubs.
4) When is the best time to book LGBT+ holidays for 2026?
In general, booking earlier gives you better flight options and better hotel choice, especially if you want a specific area or room type. It also makes it easier to line up dates around events without paying over the odds.
5) Is it better to book a package or book everything separately?
A package is often easier because the key parts sit together under one booking, which helps if plans change. Separate bookings can look cheaper, but they can also leave gaps that create stress later.
6) What should I prioritise when choosing LGBT+ accommodation?
Prioritise location, not just the hotel rating. A great hotel in the wrong area can make evenings feel awkward. A good hotel in the right area can make the whole trip feel easy, especially if you’re travelling as a couple or solo.
7) Are these destinations good for solo LGBT+ travellers?
Yes, and the “why” matters. Lisbon, Barcelona, and Montréal can feel social without being overwhelming, which helps solo travellers settle in quickly. Malta and Iceland can feel calmer and more structured, which suits people who want peace, nature, and lower-pressure evenings.
8) How do I decide between a beach holiday and a city break?
Ask yourself how you want to feel at the end of day two. If you want a reset and a slower rhythm, lean beach or coastal. If you want variety, food, and neighbourhood energy, lean city. If you want both, we can build a trip that blends them without turning it into a hectic itinerary.
9) What’s one mistake people made with gay holidays in 2025?
Trying to do too much. The happiest trips were paced properly, with one or two “big” moments and lots of simple time in between. That’s when people actually relaxed and enjoyed where they were.
10) Can you tailor Best Gay Holidays of 2025 style trips to different budgets?
Yes. Budget isn’t only about the destination. It’s also about timing, flight choices, hotel style, and how many paid excursions you add. If you tell us your comfortable spend and what matters most, we’ll shape the trip around that.