These Are The Most Welcoming Summer Destinations For LGBTQ+ Travelers, According To Research

Between keeping your ice cream from dripping and remembering sunscreen, travelers already have enough to worry about on summer getaways. Worrying about your and your loved one's safety should be the last item on your mental checklist. However, for many LGBTQ+ travelers, this is a very real worry one must contend with before booking flights and hotels. 

"Will we get strange looks if we hold hands in public?" "Will hotel staff turn up their noses if we book a one-bedroom room?" For LGBTQ+ travelers, choosing the right destination isn't just about finding the perfect beach or cocktail bar; it's also about finding places that feel welcoming, safe, and affirming. That's why we've set out to uncover the most LGBTQ+ friendly summer destinations across the globe: places where queer travelers can explore new culture, try new foods, and, of course, indulge in some vitamin D, all without second-guessing their safety or identity.

Our search began with MouseNotifier, a Disney-owned software that recently released a report ranking 203 countries based on LGBTQ+ rights. From there, we turned to travel experts to handpick 12 destinations that go beyond progressive laws and actually celebrate LGBTQ+ culture. We're talking about cities with booming Pride celebrations, queer nightlife, inclusive coastal towns, and welcoming scenic settlements. So, whether you're looking for a romantic boat cruise or a rainbow-flag-lined beach resort, these countries offer each flavor of summer fun with a heavy dose of LGBTQ+ love.

Explore fairytale castles, national parks, and trendsetting cities like Stockholm and Gothenburg in this LGBTQ+ friendly nation. Located in the Scandinavian Peninsula, nestled between Norway and Finland, the nation of Sweden is famous for having a "love is love" kind of attitude when it comes to welcoming queer visitors. The legal protections are aplenty, with the nation's laws backing up its progressive cultural attitude.

Homosexuality was made legal in Sweden in 1944, which was incredibly early in comparison to other European nations. For example, homosexuality wasn't decriminalized in the U.K. until 1967 — making Sweden a whole 23 years ahead. Same-sex marriage became the law of the land in 2009, further enshrining LGBTQ+ acceptance into the Swedish national identity. Today, anti-discrimination laws continue to be held in place that protect LGBTQ+ people, including transgender folk, from discrimination when it comes to employment, housing, and more. 

And while the Scandinavian region might be closely associated with ski slopes, snowy mountains, and some killer hot chocolate, Sweden should not be overlooked when it comes to planning your summer getaways. The Stockholm Pride parade is the largest in the Nordic region and takes over the city with a week of parades, parties, historical tours, and (literally) boatloads of queer joy. Meanwhile, the laid-back city of Gothenburg has its own Pride festivities. Outside the urban hubs, LGBTQ+ travelers can also venture into Sweden's enchanting countryside or coastal islands for a more relaxing and nature-focused getaway, all while living and loving completely out loud.   

This vast country is a premier tourist spot with rustic stays, world-class food, and natural beauty — and, as it turns out, is one of the most welcoming destinations on the globe for LGBTQ+ travelers. That's right, we're talking about the great, maple-loving nation of Canada. Sensing the turning of the tide, the Canadian government first decriminalized homosexuality in 1969, mere days before the Stonewall Riots propelled LGBTQ+ to the forefront of international politics.

They were, again, ahead of the curve in 2005 when they legalized same-sex marriage. Their southern neighbors, the U.S., wouldn't follow suit until 2015. Today, attitudes around the country back up this history of acceptance. In 2017, the Canadian Human Rights Act was amended to include a statute that forbids any discrimination based on gender identity or expression. So whether you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or more, Canada is almost 100% guaranteed to be a safe and friendly choice for your summer holidays. 

From coast to coast, Canada's summer calendar is bursting with LGBTQ+ events. Toronto Pride is one of the biggest in North America, featuring weeks of parades and drag performances. Out west, Vancouver Pride offers festivities with a mountain backdrop, while Montreal hosts a French-infused celebration with their Fierté Montréal festival. Outside of the cities, visitors will have their choice of beaches, mountainsides, and cozy towns. So whether you're hiking in the Rockies or lounging on one of Prince Edward Island's beaches, Canada brings both the love and the wanderlust.

Home to bike-riddled metropolises like Amsterdam, The Hague, and Rotterdam, the Netherlands is a particularly cultured and quirky option for LGBTQ+ travelers who are looking for their next summer getaway. Out of all the queer-friendly countries in the world, this one takes the crown, as the Netherlands was the first nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, having taken the leap in 2001. 

The nation's progressive attitude has not slowed down since. Today, there are laws on the books that cover everything from same-sex couples' right to adopt to one's right to a free gender expression. If you're planning a city break, you wouldn't do too badly to end up in Amsterdam — the country's poster child for LGBTQ+ inclusion, and rightfully so. With its iconic canal Pride parade (yes, the floats actually float), thriving population of queer bars, and a deep history of LGBTQ+ activism, it doesn't matter what month you touchdown in the city; queer joy is celebrated all summer long.

For those looking to slow things down, though, the Netherlands also offers plenty of countryside retreats that offer you the chance to cycle through rolling poppy fields. Try the windmill villages of Zaanse Schans and Kinderdijk, or the coastal spots of Zandvoort or the Frisian Islands. If you're traveling with your partner, these quieter, more romantic spots are ideal. No matter which destination you choose, though, rest assured that the Netherlands is a country that not only protects LGBTQ+ rights but genuinely celebrates them.

If you're an LGBTQ+ traveler who has been weighing up the odds of embarking on a fjord expedition or a northern lights escapade in the Land of the Midnight Sun, fear not. The stats show that Norway is just as safe as it is stunning. Same-sex couples were able to walk down the aisle in the frosty nation as early as 2009, and today, opinion polls continue to show that the Norwegian public is strongly in favor of LGBTQ+ love, family-building, and cultural expression. 

King Harald of Norway declared as much in a 2016 speech, when, according to the Independent, he said, "Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and boys and girls who love each other." This kindness extends to outsiders as well, as the nation's capital of Oslo is home to a bursting bouquet of queer bars, bookshops, and cultural venues that welcome droves of LGBTQ+ travelers every year. 

If you visit in June or July, you just might make it in time for Oslo Pride, the country's largest Pride festival. This is when the city is transformed into an explosion of rainbows, and LGBTQ+ acceptance isn't a question in anyone's mind. Long thought to be a winter-perfect destination, Norway comes alive in a new way in the summer. Think flowering fields, waterfront dinners in hip neighborhoods, and Arctic-adjacent recent with a never-setting sun. It's all happening in one of the world's most LGBTQ+ affirming destinations.

Looking for something a bit off the beaten path? Malta is the perfect Mediterranean island for LGBTQ+ travelers who are craving something original. While Italy and Greece are hugely popular, this small island country is both less touristy and more mysterious. And, happily for queer visitors, it's also an incredibly accepting country. In 2017, lawmakers amended the national definition of marriage to include gender-neutral language, thus legalizing same-sex marriage. 

And that's not all — Malta also is one of the few countries to legally recognize non-binary gender expressions. Therefore, all members of the LGBTQ+ community can enjoy some fun in the sun and a haunt through historical coastal villages without having to worry about discrimination or sideways glances from locals. Want to go even further? The island's chain of AX Hotels is famously gay-friendly and will ensure that you are surrounded by fellow rainbow community members

Expect rainbow flags fluttering among Baroque architecture, ancient temples, and glittering beaches. Valletta, the nation's capital, hosts Malta Pride in September (perfect if you're planning a late-summer getaway), with parties, parades, and panels celebrating love and equality in grand Mediterranean style. Beyond the city, you can enjoy boat trips through the Blue Grotto, snorkeling off Comino's crystal-clear shores, and Sunday mornings spent sipping coffee as you stroll the historic market at Marsaxlokk. While Malta's LGBTQ+ scene is not massive, it's certainly warm and welcoming.

Small but proud, Luxembourg proves that you don't need a whole jewel box of urban cities or endless coastlines to create a safe haven for LGBTQ+ travelers. Nestled between Belgium, France, and Germany, this pint-sized country puts others to shame in the progressive category. Luxembourg legalized same-sex marriage in 2015 and even elected its first openly gay prime minister in 2013 with the ascension of Xavier Bettel to the top spot. 

That's not all; the whole country rejoiced once again when Bettel married his husband, Gauthier Destenay, in 2015. It should come as no surprise, then, that LGBTQ+ travelers enjoy the freedom to love openly. Even though you might not have seen glitzy images of its city streets on your Instagram feed, this bilingual, fusion culture has a lot to offer summertime travelers. Summer in Luxembourg means cycling through medieval townships, wine tastings in the Moselle Valley, riverside picnics, and pride celebrations galore. Luxembourg City blends old-world beauty with modern flair and a neon-lit and thriving LGBTQ+ scene, while the national Pride Parade in Esch-sur-Alzette draws cheerful crowds and showcases the nation's strong sense of community and inclusiveness.

Heading to Spain this summer? Don't worry about dropping your boyfriend's hand in the city center, or lying to locals that your wife is really your sister, because this country is known for accepting all flavors of LGBTQ+ travelers. Spain became just the fifth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2005. The culture followed suit, and the cities of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and more are now sunny beacons of hope for queer travelers. 

Madrid Pride is one of the largest in Europe, drawing over a million attendees every summer, and it's not unusual to see rainbow flags fluttering from balconies across cities big and small. The LGBTQ+ neighborhoods of Chueca in Madrid and Eixample in Barcelona are also legendary, offering a warm welcome and a nonstop party for anyone under the rainbow umbrella. But there's more than nightlife here; Spain also offers a rich blend of beach days and mountain hikes, tapas tastings and tours of centuries-old cathedrals. Pick your mix! No matter whether you're enjoying traditional flamenco rhythms or the pulsing nightclub beat, Spain is sure to wrap you in vitamin D, dance, and open-armed acceptance. 

Fear should never stop LGBTQ+ travelers from experiencing the amazing food, culture, and breathtaking beaches in Portugal. On the contrary, same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, anti-discrimination laws are strong, and the country offers a blend of progressive values and warm hospitality that will make you and your loved one feel instantly at ease. 

The capital city of Lisbon is known for its pastel-painted streets, historic structures, and pastel de nata shops on every corner, but it also offers LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and inclusive cultural events. The annual Arraial Lisboa Pride festival happens every June and is an umissbale explosion of all things queer and rainbow-hued. And don't miss Bairro Alto or Principe Real — neighborhoods brimming with cozy wine bars and cafes that come alive after dark. Beyond the urban centers, coastal regions like the Algarve invite you to sip traditional wine after a swim in turquoise waters or watch the sun set over cliff-lined coasts with your lover. Could there be anything more perfect for a summer getaway?

The nation of Denmark does Scandi culture proud, standing strong as a haven for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a taste of European culture and adventure. As the first country in the world to legally recognize same-sex unions — dubbed by the government "registered partnership" — back in 1989, Denmark has long been a trailblazer in equality. This form of partnership was eventually upgraded in 2012, when same-sex marriage was legalized. 

Today, queer travelers flock to the capital of Copenhagen every summer to experience the colorful Copenhagen Pride festival, when bicycles are dotted with tiny rainbow flags and visitors from all over the country flood the cobblestone streets to celebrate. It's a city that is both stylish and historically significant. From the long-standing LGBTQ+ bar Centralhjørnet in the center of Copenhagen to more laidback, but no less accepting, coastal spots like Benne Beach and Gudmindrup Beach, Denmark has both Scandinavian charm and progressive politics down pat.

This unsung destination might best be known for its chocolate and waffles, but Belgium is also one of Europe's most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations, and especially comes alive in the summer. The Belgians have always been way ahead of the curve, including when the country became the second in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2003. The only one to beat them? The progressive Netherlands. 

So grab your partner and your sweet tooth, because this European hotspot is the perfect destination for a confectionary-filled summer of museum-hopping, canal tours, and drinking some of the best beer in the world. And, of course, no summer trip to Belgium would be complete without paying a visit to Brussels Pride, one of Europe's most cosmopolitan Pride parades. Held in May, this early summer showing of solidarity is full of street dancing, face-paints, and good vibes — all perfect ingredients to kick off your summer of queer joy.  

Switzerland is an underrated beauty and is perfect for a summertime getaway. In fact, not only is the region of Ticino more olive groves and apertifos than ski slopes, but there are also plenty of locations dotted around the mountainous country that are ideal for the warmer months. Geneva, Zurich, and Bern not only become alight with sunshine, but they also become top destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers. 

Zurich Pride in June is the crown jewel of the season, attracting droves of foreigners and Swiss nationals alike in a celebration of diversity and love with parades, concerts, and culturally-aware programming. Other urban centers like Basel, Bern, and Geneva all have thriving queer communities and host exciting Pride events in the summer, turning the dial up to a 10 at queer bars and nightclubs dotted around each city. 

And although Switzerland only legalized same-sex marriage in 2021, this doesn't mean that their cultural attitudes weren't way ahead of their legal mandates. So go ahead, grab your paddles and your hiking boots, because what makes this country mesmerising is its unpredictability. One moment you're at an art exhibition or film festival, the next you're on a paddleboard in a glacier-adjacent lake. And while it may not be as loud or flashy as other destinations, Switzerland's quiet confidence, progressive values, and commitment to equality make it a luxurious yet grounded summer escape for LGBTQ+ travelers looking for safety, scenery, and serenity with just the right dose of culture.

The breathtaking European country consistently recognized as one of the world's safest might surprise you. That's right — we're talking about Iceland, that remote little nation known for its black sand beaches and stunning volcanic vistas. And good news for LGBTQ+ travelers: this accolade rings true for you as well. With its national crime rate close to zero, you are highly unlikely to be the victim of a crime — hate, or otherwise — while traveling. 

Same-sex marriage became the law of the land in 2010, but even before that, laws around adopting children were amended to make parenthood an option for same-sex couples as early as 2006. So, with that cultural foundation established, let's move on to planning your itinerary. Where should LGBTQ+ travelers point their compasses? Reykjavik, Iceland's quirky capital, hosts one of Europe's most spirited Pride festivals each August, complete with parades, concerts, drag shows, and a close-knit community feel. 

It's not just party central, either. For LGBTQ+ couples who are looking for something a bit more meditative, Iceland offers some truly magical nature encounters. Here, you can soak in geothermal hot springs, stroll across lava fields, and watch puffins play along rugged coastal cliffs all in one day. While winter is pure Christmas fantasy in Iceland, summer offers its own version of scenic wonders —  hiking trails defrost, waterfalls flow freely, and the midnight sun stretches your adventures late into the evening, giving you even more time to take in its otherworldly landscapes.

To determine the most welcoming summer destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers, we looked to a study from MouseNotifier — the Disney dining alert software that stepped beyond theme parks and into the world of global rights analysis. In its study, the team ranked 203 countries based on five criteria crucial to LGBTQ+ safety and well-being: the legalization of same-sex marriage, worker protections, adoption rights, protections against discrimination, and whether LGBTQ+ acts are criminalized. The result? A data-driven snapshot of where queer travelers are not only safe, but celebrated.

From there, we sought destinations that didn't just look good on paper but also promised vibrant culture, inclusive vibes, and standout summer fun. This meant Pride parades that take over entire cities, islands with rainbow-colored beach parties, and places where LGBTQ+ history is honored rather than hidden. We also prioritized spots known for being off the beaten track, scenic, and rich in things to do — because safety should never mean compromising on adventure or joy. So whether you're planning a romantic coastal escape or a glitter-filled group getaway, these countries check all the boxes.