Summertime Gay Travel Destination Ideas
Need gay summer travel destination ideas? wolfyy’s list below thoughtfully covers all the most popular hotspots as well as lesser-known LGBTQ+ destinations for your next summer vacation.
Here are my top recommendations!
Fire Island Pines, New York
Fire Island Pines is the ultimate gay summer paradise of the United States. Pool parties, expansive beaches, tea dances, unique architecture, and intense nightlife are just some of the things that make Fire Island great.
The Pines and neighboring Cherry Grove are both historical LGBT communities where gay travelers can truly disconnect from mainstream life. You can only get here by ferry and there are no roads on the island!
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Sardinia, Italy
The island of Sardinia might be a lesser-known gay destination for Americans, but this gorgeous Mediterranean escape attracts a ton of gay travelers every summer.
From the ritzy northern coast near Porto Cervo to the gay epicenter of Cagliari, Sardinia has some of the most picturesque beaches you can find of any European destination.
Plus, the island has fantastic gay beaches you cannot miss.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is an unforgettable gay summer destination, especially during the city’s over-the-top pride events. Gorgeous, friendly middle eastern locals, unique culture, and delicious food are my personal favorite things about visiting.
While Tel Aviv is best during the summer months, visiting anytime between May and late September will guarantee you warm temperatures and clear blue skies.
Don’t miss a chance to visit the dead sea on your trip!
Torremolinos, Spain
Torremolinos is the hottest new gay summer destination in the south of Spain. Spaniards are even calling it “the new Sitges!”
A seaside gay resort town with an authentic charm, you have to add Torremolinos to your summer travel plans. It’s easily one of the best gay destinations in Spain and I absolutely loved visiting.
Gay pool parties, relaxing beach clubs, enormous gay resorts, and nonstop gay nightlife make Torremolinos a destination that any gay traveler can enjoy. And since it’s so much less discovered, experiencing the local gay culture is super easy.
Tuscany, Italy
The shores of Tuscany attract tons of gay locals from all around central Italy. Destinations like Torre del Lago are not so well-known outside of Italy and nearby Mediterranean countries but are worth a visit. Gorgeous men are all over and wonderful to talk to.
Florence is also a delightful Italian summer destination for gay travelers in Tuscany. Spend time indulging in delicious food, having cocktails at lively gay bars, and enjoying a couple of cruising clubs.
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Nice, France
Nice is the most popular gay summer destination in the south of France. You’ll find a ton of gay life here, buzzing around the city’s gay beaches, gay bars, and cruising clubs.
Easy day trips to popular nearby destinations like Monaco and Cannes are another great reason to visit Nice. Also, Pink Parade, the local gay pride, happens each July.
Provincetown, Massachusetts
Another ultra-popular gay hotspot, Provincetown lures gay Americans every summer with all types of events like Bear Weekend, P-Town Carnival, Independence Weekend, LGBTQ+ Family Week, and Men of Color Weekend.
Whether you just want to relax with gay friends on the shores of the cape or party with vivacious drag queens, Provincetown will be perfectly accommodating.
While you’re there, don’t miss a day trip to the famous Herring Cove Beach, which has a gay section and cruising area near the Wood End Lighthouse.
Malta
Malta is another terrific gay-friendly summer island destination in Europe that I highly recommend you visit.
You’ll get to experience so many unique things here, like baths carved out of the rocky shoreline, Medieval cities with Arab-influenced architecture, and rowdy weekend nightlife.
While you won’t find massive gay parties or saunas here, you will find laid-back and outdoorsy gay travelers around all the largest tourist towns and attractions.
Split, Croatia
Split has become one of the most popular gay destinations in Croatia. Travelers often spend time here before embarking on Croatian island tours or gay sailing trips.
Game of Thrones tours of filming locations, cocktails on the streets of the Old City, or relaxing at beautiful beach clubs are all fantastic ways to de-stress and take in the beautiful views.
The Hamptons, New York
The Hamptons are one of the most luxurious summer travel destinations in the world, especially among the LGBT community. Everything here is calmer and more upscale in comparison to other northeastern USA destinations like Fire Island and P-Town.
Gorgeous vacation rentals are a huge appeal of Hamptons towns like Easthampton and Sag Harbor, which are known for luxury real estate.
You can also enjoy the area’s local art scene, fine seafood restaurants, and beautiful sandy beaches.
Cádiz, Spain
Cádiz is perfect for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path gay summer destination. Everything about Cádiz is relaxed and calming. It’s a truly special place, where you can experience friendly local gay life along with authentic Andalusian culture.
Exploring the charming Old City, swimming on the shores of Playa de la Victoria, and stopping for some afternoon tapas are some of the best things to do in Cádiz. After dark, try out one of the local gay bars.
Puglia, Italy
Gay Italians love visiting Puglia each summer. This gay-friendly region of Italy is 500 miles long, dotted with quaint historic cities and popular gay beaches. If you haven’t heard of Puglia, add this spot to your travel list!
The most popular gay areas of Puglia are between Bari and Lecce, with Gallipoli being the best-known gay summer destination. Guys who love a bustling gay scene with plenty of gay/nude beaches and cruising will love staying here.
Need more inspiration to visit? Check out these popular Gallipoli hotels.
Zurich, Switzerland
Zurich might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of gay summer destinations, but any Swiss local will tell you that summertime here is like a dream.
Jumping into the refreshingly clean water of Zurich’s Limmat River, floating in a raft downstream, and relaxing at waterfront saunas are all popular with locals.
Find inspiration for your next getaway with wolfyy’s gay travel guides to destinations around the world.
