LGBTQIA+ travellers are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender, plus queer or questioning, intersex or asexual individuals. It also includes those who identify beyond these commonly used sexualities and gender expressions. Everyone has the right to feel safe when travelling, and Spain is one of the safest countries in the world for LGBTQIA+ travellers.
LGBTQIA+ rights in Spain
Spain is a progressive country when it comes to LGBTQIA+ rights and equality, and public opinion is very positive with most Spanish people supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. Same-sex marriage and adoption are legal, and laws exist to protect the rights of individuals to live free from sexual orientation and gender-based discrimination in relation to employment and housing matters. However, non-binary gender recognition and employment discrimination laws do not yet protect transgender individuals.
Is Spain safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?
Spain is a safe and welcoming destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers, especially in tourist hubs and big cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia. LGBTQIA+ travellers may encounter more conservative views in rural areas and small towns, but the risk of experiencing overt discrimination in Spain is generally very low.
Transgender individuals and gender non-conforming folks are widely accepted in Spain with high public support for transgender people to change their legal gender, though it should be noted that gender identity-based discrimination still occurs.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
Queer culture in Spain
Spain’s big cities have a thriving queer culture with bustling gay districts brimming with pubs, bars, cafes and clubs. Some of the top spots to check out include the Chueca neighbourhood in Madrid (one of the largest queer districts in Europe), and Eixample in Barcelona. That said, Spanish people are liberal and queer travellers will be welcomed in establishments across the country. There are also some incredible LGBTQIA+ festivals and annual Pride events that attract hundreds of thousands of people from Spain and beyond, including the Madrid Pride parade which is one of the biggest in the world.
Solo travel and room sharing
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a traveller of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let our friendly adventure consultants know when you're booking your trip and we’ll arrange the rooming accordingly. There is also the option to book your own room on most of our tours if you don't wish to share a room.
Our Spain trips
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4820
Travel from Madrid to Marrakech on a sangria, sun and spice infused tour across Spain,...
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8035
Embrace the diversity of Spain on this Premium small group adventure, travelling from...
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5400
Kick off a colourful Best of Spain tour in Madrid and visit some of Spain's highlights....
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2081
Over seven days, join a local leader and small group of likeminded travellers to walk...
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3145
Be challenged and be fulfilled on this coastal Camino, starting in Porto and walking...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
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Travel to Spain and Portugal, experiencing their stories and beauty, on a locally...
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3967
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Take a trip through Portugal, starting in Spain’s capital, Madrid and heading through...
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Trek from Ribadeo to Santiago Cathedral along the Camino de Santiago’s Northern Way,...
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5925
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7030
Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...
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