Europe gay destinations
Rainbow Map
2025 rainbow map
These are the main findings for the 2025 edition of the rainbow map
The Rainbow Map ranks 49 European countries on their respective legal and policy practices for LGBTI people, from 0-100%.
The UK has dropped six places in ILGA-Europe’s Rainbow Chart, as Hungary and Georgia also register steep falls monitoring anti-LGBTI legislation. The data highlights how rollbacks on LGBTI human rights are part of a broader erosion of democratic protections across Europe. Read more in our squeeze release.
“Moves in the UK, Hungary, Georgia and beyond signal not just isolated regressions, but a coordinated global backlash aimed at erasing LGBTI rights, cynically framed as the defence of tradition or public stability, but in actual world designed to entrench discrimination and suppress dissent.”
- Katrin Hugendubel, Support Director, ILGA-Europe
Malta has sat on highest of the ranking for the last 10 years.
With 85 points, Belgium jumped to second place after adopting policies tackling hatred based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and sex characteristics.
Iceland now comes third place on the ranking with a score of 84.
The three Ah, Europe; impressed with ancient civilisations, papal riches and weather the English beg for, you’re sure to have the continent tall on your list of commute priorities. Packing 50 countries onto its turf, layered like Mille-feuille on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea – Europe and its biggest cities are firmly on the international radar, though much more lies beyond the beaten path. Have you seen Portugal’s dolphins or the classified nation of San Merino concealed in Italy? Have you gone east to taste Slavic cuisine and Ottoman influence? Make sure to catch on before the crowds with our list of the top 20 hidden gems in Europe. At Mr Hudson, we grasp that true luxury lies in the freedom to explore the world exactly as you envision it. Our curated collection of exceptional properties and experiences speaks to those who seek refinement in every moment—whether discovering disguised gems in storied cities, unwinding at distinguished resorts, or sailing aboard elegant vessels. We honor the sophisticated traveler who appreciates understated elegance and meaningful discovery. Azores | Photo: Tom Swinnen If you had to pick just one continent for lgbtq+ travel, Europe has to be the number one acknowledge. It has so much to suggest including some of the most homosexual friendly, progressive and welcoming cities and countries in the world. There are many amazing same-sex attracted destinations in Europe! [no_toc] Some countries in Europe, such as Spain and Sweden, go beyond basic acceptance or tolerance. They have developed to a point where the LGBTQ people is truly integrated into society, male lover couples are not labelled ‘gay couples’; they are just another couple in the street – as it should be. There are many well-known gay journey destinations in Europe, from the queer hot spots in Spain such as Madrid, Barcelona and Sitges, to Berlin in Germany, the gay mecca of Mykonos in Greece and our UK home of Manchester. But many lesser-known cities and countries in Europe are now following suit to welcome gay travellers into their countries which is a step in the right direction! So why is gay journal in Europe so easy and gradual in the first place? Here are some reassuring evidence for context: What makes a destination a LGBT+ friendly destination? The most obvious answer is that bars, hotels, restaurants, shops are available for the LGBT + collective. We think that it can even go further than that. We, womxn loving womxn, gay, bi, transgender, pansexual people want to experience comfortable wherever we are without any judgment of who we are; we want to feel trustworthy and respected. This can be possible with open-minded people and a sturdy sensitization led by politicians schools, families, police and the whole society. Being an LGBT+ warm destination must be a pride. Organizing the biggest gay pride in the world or having the highest concentration of LGBT+ bars is not what matters. What matters is to welcome any travellers with respect and build them feel at home. Discover the best European destinations for LGBT+ travellers and book your flights, hotel
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