For many LGBTQIA+ people, safety is a pressing concern when considering potential destinations for their next vacation. From homophobic laws and hostile attitudes among locals to downright violent behavior, the unfortunate truth is that members of the LGBTQIA+ community continue to endure unfair treatment and biases in many parts of the world. Despite this, LGBTQIA+ people still want to travel, and as a travel advisor, it's imperative to understand which destinations will act as a safe and welcoming backdrop for your clients — especially when it comes to getaways that are far away from home.
Providing valuable insight on the topic of which destinations are the most welcoming for LGBTQIA+ travelers is popular gay travel blog Spartacus’ 2025 Gay Travel Index, an annual study presented in tandem with Booking.com that analyzes the legal situation and living conditions of members of the queer community in 216 countries and regions across the globe. As far as determining how each destination ranks, the index considers both how progressive and regressive a country or region is accounting for important factors like the legality of gay marriage, which (if any) anti-discrimination laws are in place, the availability of healthcare, the country or region’s stance on conversion therapy, the presence of LGBTQIA+ marketing and more.
“The index attempts to strike a balance between the rights of the local LGBTQIA+ community and the demands of queer vacationers,” said Spartacus. “The safety of these people in the respective country as well as increasing the visibility of abuses are important to us. We are convinced that there are holidaymakers who choose countries where the community is an accepted and loved part of society. But there are also vacationers who consciously want to travel to a country in order to enter into a dialogue with the oppressed local queer community. The index is intended to offer both attitudes a valid evaluation basis for a decision.”
Curious how the standings shook out? According to Spartacus, Canada, Iceland, Malta, Portugal, Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Australia, Norway and Switzerland are the 10 safest and more welcoming global destinations for LGBTQIA+ people. “While Malta, Canada, Portugal, and Spain have retained their top positions from 2024, Iceland has now also reached the top ranking,” said Spartacus. Conversely, the index found Yemi, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Chechnya, Somalia, Uganda, Russa, Qatar and Nigeria to be among the worst countries for queer people to live and visit. While they aren’t as extreme as the regions and countries at the very bottom of the list, Spartacus said the United States and Georgia are also falling behind. On the flip side, the group said countries like Greece, Thailand and Curaçao have significantly improved their rankings.
“With the adoption of a law introducing marriage equality in 2024, Greece, Thailand, and Curaçao have significantly improved their rankings. Greece jumps from 38th place in 2024 to 15th place,” said Spartacus. “Thailand, the first Southeast Asian country to grant same-sex partnerships equal status to heterosexual marriage, climbs from 54th to 41st place. Curaçao now ranks 58th, compared to 70th in 2024.”
Want to learn more? Here are a few reasons why Spartacus’ top 10 countries are so queer-friendly.
10 of the Safest Countries for LGBTQIA+ People
Canada
“One of the most gay-friendly countries in the world and a must-visit for all LGBTQ+ travelers,” according to The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), Canada is considered to be extremely safe for LGBTQIA+ people to live and visit thanks to its strong legal protections and overall inclusive attitude. While the Gay Travel Index found that some Canadians are prejudiced in their beliefs, queer travelers are likely to feel more than comfortable in major cities and progressive places like Toronto, Ottawa, Guelph, London and Montreal, all of which one Reddit user said “are more than just (LGBTQIA+) friendly, they’re rolling out the rainbow carpet.” As an added tidbit, Canada was the fourth country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage nationwide and Vancouver’s annual Pride Parade attracts 650,000+ attendees on average.
Iceland
With an openly gay prime minister helming the country, it’s no surprise Iceland ranks highly as one of the best places for LGBTQIA+ people to live and visit in the world. Like Canada, Iceland was quick to legalize same-sex marriage and adoption rights, and the country throws an incredible Pride festival each August in its capital city, Reykjavik. Speaking of Reykjavik, visitors will want to be sure to check out, and snap a picture with, queer favorites like Rainbow Street and Kiki Queer Bar while they’re in town. According to Visit Iceland, the country’s general attitude towards LGBTQIA+ people is favorable, although it can be hard to connect with other members of the community in more remote regions.
Malta
One of the few countries in the world to make LGBTQIA+ rights equal on a constitutional level, Malta, a historic island destination in Southern Europe, is an ideal choice for queer travelers. Recently popularized for its many appearances on HBO’s “Game of Thrones,” this bite-sized vacation spot dates to 5,900 BC, and its well-preserved archaeological sites act as some of its most coveted attractions. While visitors will have no trouble filling their days with exciting trips to charming fishing villages, adventures under the surf as they dive among sunken shipwrecks and delicious moments spent indulging in traditional Maltese dishes, LGBTQIA+ travelers might be especially interested in attending Malta Pride and checking out gay and lesbian bars like Lollipop, Michelangelo Club Lounge and Maori.
Portugal
Famous for its Port wine, scrumptious eats, colorful tiles and year-round pleasant temperatures, Portugal is a dreamy country in southern Europe that’s totally worth a visit. According to IGLTA, travelers and locals alike report welcoming and affirming experiences in this coastal country, and LGBTQIA+ folks have substantial legal protections. “In recent years, Portugal has doubled down on the acceptance of LGBTQ+ people with progressive changes in policies for transgender and intersex people, as well as stronger punishments for hate crimes,” said IGLTA. Portugal hosts two major Pride events in Lisbon and Porto, while Queer Lisboa and Queer Porto are annual film festivals dedicated to showing LGBTQIA+ work.
Spain
A place where the people are as warm and relaxed as the country’s Mediterranean climate, Spain is widely known as one of the most culturally liberal and accepting countries of LGBTQIA+ people in the world. While areas comprising small villages or an older population might present some pushback, much of The Iberian Peninsula, especially larger cities like Barcelona, Madrid and Bilbao, welcome queer people with open arms. Spain legalized same-sex marriage in 2005 and plays host to an annual Pride celebration that attractions over 1.5 million people each year.
Germany
What do Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Frankfurt and Cologne all have in common? They’re some of the most gay-friendly cities in Germany, of course. Ranked one of the best countries in Europe for LGBTQIA+ travelers, Germany acts as host to some of the largest Pride celebrations in the world as well as many gay events throughout the year including Christopher Street Day each summer. While concerns surrounding the country’s far right AfD party are on the rise, LGBTQIA+ people in Germany are protected by law from hate crimes and crimes motivated by sexual orientation or gender. Same-sex marriage and anti-discrimination laws are also in place.
New Zealand
An island nation famous for its diverse landscapes, colorful creatures and unique culture, New Zealand is a fabulous destination for LGBTQIA+ people to visit and live thanks to its high level of social acceptance and strict legal processes supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. As for what to see and do while they’re there, movie buffs will love exploring filming locations featured in the ultra-famous “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, while wine tasting and adventurous activities like scuba diving, hiking, rafting, bungee jumping and more, are always good for a thrill. According to Out Adventures, Auckland is the best city to experience gay and lesbian culture while visiting Middle Earth, and travelers won’t want to miss stopping at Karangahape Road.
Australia
According to Tourism Australia, “whatever your orientation or gender identity, you’ll get a warm welcome in Australia.” And, with strong anti-discrimination laws, generally friendly locals and a vibrant queer scene, it’s easy to see why The Land Down Under was ranked so high on Spartacus’ 2025 Gay Travel Index. While big cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Perth are especially welcoming, queer travelers should know locals in remote destinations might be less accepting. Regardless, Australia is a safe vacation spot for LGBTQIA+ people, and travelers will want to be sure to add gay hotspots like Darlinghurst, Daylesford, South Yarra and Fortitude Valley to their list.
Norway
One of the first countries in the world to legalize same-sex marriage, Norway has liberal views surrounding sexuality and gender identity, and the country is home to many openly LGBTQIA+ politicians and public figures. Norway’s capital city, Oslo, hosts an annual Pride event each year and is also home to a number of popular queer bars and clubs like Cesar bar & Cafe, Elsker, London Pub and Bobs Pub. Of course, Oslo isn’t the only place visitors will want to see. Instead, vacationers will want to add destinations like Bergen, Sognefjord, Ålesund, Geirangerfjord, Trondheim, Tromsø' and the Lofoten Islands to their Norway travel wish list.
Switzerland
Finally, coming in as the 10th-safest destination for LGBTQIA+ people to live and visit in 2025 according to Spartacus’ Gay Travel Index is Switzerland, an Alpine destination that’s especially welcoming to LGBTQIA+ travelers. With a broad spectrum of protections in place and legal same-sex marriage and adoption, Switzerland skews liberal, making it a good choice for prospective queer vacationers. Zurich, Bern and Geneva are must-visit destinations for queer travelers, while events like Pink Apple Festival and various Pride celebrations promise a good time.
To view Spartacus’ 2025 Gay Travel Index click here.
About the Author
comments