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Best LGBTQ+ friendly holidays
Get the inside scoop on the best LGBTQ-friendly holidays.
From party getaways and romantic escapes to solo adventures and culture-filled breaks, we’ve got you covered with the best LGBTQ+ friendly holidays. Soak up the sun on Cancun’s white-sand beaches in Mexico, or head to Maspalomas in Gran Canaria for the Pride event of the year. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your gay-friendly getaway today…
When you’re ready to book, check out our best holiday deals.
1. Gran Canaria, Spain
If you’re a fan of kicking back on the beach, then Spain’s Gran Canaria should top your holiday list. With tonnes of sandy spots to sink your toes into, this Canary Island has relaxing down to a T. It’s become one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations for the LGBTQ+ community, too. Why? The town of Maspalomas plays host to one of the largest Pride parades in Europe. We’re talking pool parties, boat trips and free live shows. If you fancy a bit of peace and quiet as you soak up the rays instead, head to Playa de Amadores – it’s a sheltered beach on the south-west coast of the island.
What to do?
Puerto de Mogan often tops the list when it comes to the island’s most beautiful towns – it’s known as Little Venice thanks to its canal, cute cottages and pathways lined with pretty flowers. On the Day Tour to Puerto de Mogan by Boat trip, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Puerto Rico’s harbour. Once you’re there, you’ll board a boat to Puerto de Mogan where you can buy souvenirs from its handicraft market and take a stroll along the waterfront.
Where to stay?
Take a look at the adults-only Axelbeach Maspalomas in Playa del Ingles. Not only is it a quick 10-minute walk from the beach, but you don’t need to go further than the pool for parties and barbeques. Plus, the Yumbo Centre’s LGBTQ+ friendly bars are right on your doorstep.
Find out more about things to do in Gran Canaria.
What to do?
Puerto de Mogan often tops the list when it comes to the island’s most beautiful towns – it’s known as Little Venice thanks to its canal, cute cottages and pathways lined with pretty flowers. On the Day Tour to Puerto de Mogan by Boat trip, you’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to Puerto Rico’s harbour. Once you’re there, you’ll board a boat to Puerto de Mogan where you can buy souvenirs from its handicraft market and take a stroll along the waterfront.
Where to stay?
Take a look at the adults-only Axelbeach Maspalomas in Playa del Ingles. Not only is it a quick 10-minute walk from the beach, but you don’t need to go further than the pool for parties and barbeques. Plus, the Yumbo Centre’s LGBTQ+ friendly bars are right on your doorstep.
Find out more about things to do in Gran Canaria.
2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Get yourself to The Netherlands’ Amsterdam for a melting pot of art, history and nightlife. The country was the first to legalise same-sex marriage in 2001 and is known for being particularly progressive when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. With the narrow streets lined by characteristically tall houses, and a canal at almost every turn, there’s plenty to discover. Big names of the art world, like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh, are tied to the city and a trip to the Museum Square is a must.
What to do?
Tick off two top things to do on the Heineken Experience and 1-hour Canal Cruise trip. First, you’ll head around the original Heineken factory on a self-guided tour to find out how beer was once made here. Then, you’ll hop on a boat and explore the city’s most iconic sights beside the water.
Where to stay?
You’ll need somewhere special to put your feet up once you're done exploring, right? This is where the Westcord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam comes in, with its indoor pool, fine-dining restaurant and cocktail bar.
Get the info on things to do in Amsterdam.
What to do?
Tick off two top things to do on the Heineken Experience and 1-hour Canal Cruise trip. First, you’ll head around the original Heineken factory on a self-guided tour to find out how beer was once made here. Then, you’ll hop on a boat and explore the city’s most iconic sights beside the water.
Where to stay?
You’ll need somewhere special to put your feet up once you're done exploring, right? This is where the Westcord Fashion Hotel Amsterdam comes in, with its indoor pool, fine-dining restaurant and cocktail bar.
Get the info on things to do in Amsterdam.
3. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is a town of two halves. The ‘Hotel Zone’ brings you 22 kilometres of sand, while the downtown area showcases local markets and eateries. The beaches have different qualities depending on where you lay your towel. To the north, there’s tranquil water thanks to the shelter of a small island, while to the east you have the livelier waves of the Caribbean. Back on the streets of the ‘Hotel Zone’, the nightlife is super varied – there’s everything from chilled-out bars to supersized nightclubs, so you’re sorted whichever kind of night out you fancy.
What to do?
If you ask us, a trip to Mexico isn’t complete without a visit to Chichen Itza, and a swim in a cenote. Cue the Chichen Itza and Valladolid Full-Day Tour with Cenote Swim. On this day out, you’ll stop in Valladolid – a small city right at the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula home to a collection of 16th-century colonial buildings. Next, it’s swimwear at the ready for a dip in a cenote, before you tuck into a traditional Mexican lunch – tequila included, of course. Then you’ll head to Chichen Itza for a guided tour. You’ll learn all about Mayan culture and the importance of the site from an expert guide.
Where to stay?
In the heart of the ‘Hotel Zone’ is the Secrets The Vine Cancun – a luxury, adults-only hotel with a beachfront set-up. Every room sorts you with either a view of the lagoon or the sea, and there are seven restaurants to choose from.
Find out more about things to do in Cancun.
What to do?
If you ask us, a trip to Mexico isn’t complete without a visit to Chichen Itza, and a swim in a cenote. Cue the Chichen Itza and Valladolid Full-Day Tour with Cenote Swim. On this day out, you’ll stop in Valladolid – a small city right at the heart of the Yucatan Peninsula home to a collection of 16th-century colonial buildings. Next, it’s swimwear at the ready for a dip in a cenote, before you tuck into a traditional Mexican lunch – tequila included, of course. Then you’ll head to Chichen Itza for a guided tour. You’ll learn all about Mayan culture and the importance of the site from an expert guide.
Where to stay?
In the heart of the ‘Hotel Zone’ is the Secrets The Vine Cancun – a luxury, adults-only hotel with a beachfront set-up. Every room sorts you with either a view of the lagoon or the sea, and there are seven restaurants to choose from.
Find out more about things to do in Cancun.
4. Mykonos, Greece
Soak up the glamour of one of Greece’s most LGBTQ+ friendly islands on a getaway to Mykonos. The island has been a hit with LGBTQ+ travellers since 1970, when a visit from Jackie Onassis put Mykonos in the spotlight. The island pairs its cosmopolitan party scene with pretty whitewashed villages. There are plenty of beaches for you to kick back on, too. Head to the quiet coves at Elia and Ornos, or get stuck into some watersports at Paradise Beach and Super Paradise Beach.
What to do?
Greece is known for its stunning sunsets, and it’s fair to say Mykonos fits the mould perfectly. On the Mykonos Sunset Catamaran Cruise, you’ll take to the Aegean waters for a swim and snorkel stop before tucking into tasty barbeque dishes. You’ll sail around the hot springs as the sun sets, giving you an unrivalled view of it sinking behind the caldera. The best bit? Unlimited wine comes as part of the package.
Where to stay?
Soak up the seafront views during your stay at the Mykonos Theoxenia. The restaurant here has a terrace, where you can see the iconic Mykonos windmills while tucking into dishes from a Med-inspired menu.
Find out more about things to do in Mykonos.
What to do?
Greece is known for its stunning sunsets, and it’s fair to say Mykonos fits the mould perfectly. On the Mykonos Sunset Catamaran Cruise, you’ll take to the Aegean waters for a swim and snorkel stop before tucking into tasty barbeque dishes. You’ll sail around the hot springs as the sun sets, giving you an unrivalled view of it sinking behind the caldera. The best bit? Unlimited wine comes as part of the package.
Where to stay?
Soak up the seafront views during your stay at the Mykonos Theoxenia. The restaurant here has a terrace, where you can see the iconic Mykonos windmills while tucking into dishes from a Med-inspired menu.
Find out more about things to do in Mykonos.
5. Menorca, Spain
The island of Menorca is perfect for a relaxing, gay-friendly getaway. Peaceful countryside, excellent eateries and honey-hued beaches pave the way to some much-needed R&R. Menorca’s coastline boasts long swathes of caramel-coloured sands and hidden rocky coves, too. Further inland, you’re treated to traditional villages and scenic walking trails. Over the past few decades, Spain and its islands have significantly progressed their LGBTQ+ rights. Now, they’re considered to be some of the world’s most LGBTQ+ friendly places.
What to do?
For a livelier atmosphere, the two cities of Mahon and Ciutadella boast harbourside wine bars and boujee boutiques. Mahon’s home to one of the world’s largest natural harbours, which is lined with colourful buildings. Below the surface, the water is teeming with shoals of fish. You get to see both at their best on a Mahon Harbour Glass-Bottom Boat Tour.
Where to stay?
When you visit Menorca, treat yourself to a stay in Cala Galdana, one of the island’s prettiest coastal towns. The adults-only Artiem Audax is just a stone’s throw from a white beach and has a raised pool with sea views, plus a restaurant that serves, authentic Mediterranean dishes.
Find out more about our holidays to Menorca.
What to do?
For a livelier atmosphere, the two cities of Mahon and Ciutadella boast harbourside wine bars and boujee boutiques. Mahon’s home to one of the world’s largest natural harbours, which is lined with colourful buildings. Below the surface, the water is teeming with shoals of fish. You get to see both at their best on a Mahon Harbour Glass-Bottom Boat Tour.
Where to stay?
When you visit Menorca, treat yourself to a stay in Cala Galdana, one of the island’s prettiest coastal towns. The adults-only Artiem Audax is just a stone’s throw from a white beach and has a raised pool with sea views, plus a restaurant that serves, authentic Mediterranean dishes.
Find out more about our holidays to Menorca.
6. Phuket, Thailand
Thailand is one of Asia’s most LGBTQ+ friendly countries, so it’s a great pick for a far-away adventure. Patong Beach is one of the city’s biggest coastal towns – it’s got a beach that stretches for more than three kilometres, plus its party street – Bangla Road – is one of the country’s liveliest spots. A five-minute walk away, the Paradise Complex comes with a collection of LGBTQ+ friendly bars where you can watch drag shows and dance until the early hours.
What to do?
It’s oars at the ready on the Phang Nga Bay Kayak Tour with Sea Caves trip as you take to the water in a kayak to explore Ko Panak’s sea caves. You’ll also tick off a visit to James Bond Island and a dip in the lagoon at Ko Hong. A traditional Thai buffet lunch finishes things off nicely while you’re en route back to the harbour.
Where to stay?
For the best of both worlds, the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort has got you covered. It’s a few minutes’ walk from Bangla Road, but its palm-lined pool and tropical gardens make you feel like you’ve landed at a retreat tucked away in a jungle.
Check out more things to do in Phuket.
What to do?
It’s oars at the ready on the Phang Nga Bay Kayak Tour with Sea Caves trip as you take to the water in a kayak to explore Ko Panak’s sea caves. You’ll also tick off a visit to James Bond Island and a dip in the lagoon at Ko Hong. A traditional Thai buffet lunch finishes things off nicely while you’re en route back to the harbour.
Where to stay?
For the best of both worlds, the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket, Patong Beach Resort has got you covered. It’s a few minutes’ walk from Bangla Road, but its palm-lined pool and tropical gardens make you feel like you’ve landed at a retreat tucked away in a jungle.
Check out more things to do in Phuket.
7. Benidorm, Spain
Benidorm is the big name in Costa Blanca, a strip of shoreline along Spain’s east coast. The town’s famous for its sandy beaches and British-style bars, but it’s home to a big gay scene, too. Most the bars are in the old town, where you can relax with a cocktail on a terrace by day and watch a live drag show by night. For beach days, head to Levante Beach, where golden sands are paired up with waterside bars and restaurants.
What to do?
Costa Blanca’s coastline might get most of the attention, but take a look inland and you’ll see things look just as good on its interior. On the Costa Blanca Inland Tour to Guadalest and Algar Falls trip you can stroll around the cobblestone lanes of Guadalest before climbing to its castle for panoramic views of the reservoir. Next, you’ll visit the Algar Falls, where you’ll follow a trail past the pools of River Algar before taking the scenic route back to Benidorm.
Where to stay?
The Port Fiesta Park puts you at around a 15-minute walk from the LGBTQ+ friendly bars in Benidorm Old Town. Back at base, the rooftop pool is the perfect place to rest up after a big night out. Plus, there are plenty of international options in the buffet restaurant for when hunger hits.
See more things to do in Benidorm.
What to do?
Costa Blanca’s coastline might get most of the attention, but take a look inland and you’ll see things look just as good on its interior. On the Costa Blanca Inland Tour to Guadalest and Algar Falls trip you can stroll around the cobblestone lanes of Guadalest before climbing to its castle for panoramic views of the reservoir. Next, you’ll visit the Algar Falls, where you’ll follow a trail past the pools of River Algar before taking the scenic route back to Benidorm.
Where to stay?
The Port Fiesta Park puts you at around a 15-minute walk from the LGBTQ+ friendly bars in Benidorm Old Town. Back at base, the rooftop pool is the perfect place to rest up after a big night out. Plus, there are plenty of international options in the buffet restaurant for when hunger hits.
See more things to do in Benidorm.
Ready to get away on a gay-friendly holiday?
Browse all our holiday deals for more inspo for your next break.
Or, check out the best destinations for LGBTQ+ Pride, best LGBTQ+ friendly honeymoon destinations and the best same-sex wedding destinations.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Alice Baker and Karl Taylor
Last updated: 29.04.24
Browse all our holiday deals for more inspo for your next break.
Or, check out the best destinations for LGBTQ+ Pride, best LGBTQ+ friendly honeymoon destinations and the best same-sex wedding destinations.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Alice Baker and Karl Taylor
Last updated: 29.04.24