LGBTQIA+ travellers are those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (a more inclusive LGBT initialism), plus queer or questioning, intersex or asexual individuals, as well as those who identify beyond these commonly used sexuality and gender expressions. Specific situations and issues may present themselves to travellers who identify with one or more of these terms when visiting Italy.
Italy is largely accepting and welcoming of those who identify on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. Travellers visiting high-touristed areas such as Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome should have no problem in expressing themselves and enjoying a hassle-free holiday.
While accepting, Italy still has a long way to go to legally recognise LGBT residents in law. Same-sex relationships are legal and largely accepted, and civil unions have been in law since 2016. Same-sex marriage is currently not legal. Anti-discrimination laws are present in employment contexts, but in many other situations, no formal laws have been passed to protect sexual orientation or gender identity.
LGBT couples should have no issues expressing themselves in a respectful way when in public. In more rural and regional areas, overt displays of affection can attract negative attention, as smaller towns tend to be more conservative and less accepting. Homosexuality is much more accepted in the north than the south; however, tourist hotspots, such as Capri and Taormina in Sicily, are well-known as LGBT-friendly.
Queer culture in Milan
Milan, as a bustling city of arts, culture and fashion, has a vibrant queer scene. It has a Milan Pride event, attracting over 100,000 participants, and hosts a LGBTQ+ Film Festival. The neighbourhood of Porta Venezia is recognised as the heart of Milan’s queer culture, with Lecco Street and San Martini Street having many options for gay-friendly bars and clubs, including Leccomilano. Gate Party is a monthly gay-friendly event hosted in Milan.
Queer culture in Rome
Rome has a more low-key gay scene, with Via San Giovanni a popular hangout for LGBT-identifying travellers. Coming Out Bar and My Bar are both popular choices, and have great views of the nearby Colosseum. Rome also plays host to its own Pride festival annually in the same region of town.
Visit AcriGay.it for more information on what to expect in Italy, plus up-to-date news and events in Italy’s LGBTQIA+ scene.
Solo travel and room sharing
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room. Â
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGAÂ before you travel.
Our tours in Italy
9 Days
From
3895
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...
8 Days
From
1880
Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....
16 Days
From
8385
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
8 Days
From
4710
See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on a ten-day Premium tour...
16 Days
From
7335
Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
14 Days
From
3175
Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...
8 Days
From
1525
See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...
23 Days
From
12020
Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...
15 Days
From
2315
Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day Lonely Planet...
8 Days
From
2055
Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...
4 Days
From
1000
See a different side to the Veneto region with this four-day Intrepid Retreat based in...
10 Days
From
3075
Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...
8 Days
From
1975
Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...
8 Days
From
1924
Set sail across the clear blue waters of Sardinia, exploring rugged coastlines, wild...
8 Days
From
2880
Take a small-ship adventure cruise along Croatia's northern coast from Split to Venice....
7 Days
From
1910
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...
10 Days
From
1670
Travel with Lonely Planet and Intrepid from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at...
8 Days
From
2075
Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...
15 Days
From
3795
Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...
10 Days
From
2210
Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...
4 Days
From
985
Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...
4 Days
From
985
Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...
15 Days
From
3920
Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...
6 Days
From
1700
Travel to the east coast of Sicily for a six-day Intrepid adventure. From Catania,...
15 Days
From
2142
Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...
8 Days
From
3930
Cruise the Adriatic coast, navigating the coastlines of Croatia, Montenegro, Albania,...
8 Days
From
2470
Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...
22 Days
From
3735
Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day Lonely Planet Experience...
8 Days
From
2880
Intrepid's 8-day adventure cruise down Croatia's northern coast. Visit Krk, Zadar,...
19 Days
From
2935
Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...
8 Days
From
2355
See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...
8 Days
From
2485
Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...
8 Days
From
1590
Travel from Venice to Rome and the Vatican via Florence and Italy's riviera. The...
8 Days
From
2235
From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...
17 Days
From
3975
Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...
36 Days
From
7190
Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...
15 Days
From
5375
Take in Croatia’s beauty while sailing from Dubrovnik to Italy's Venice, dropping...
17 Days
From
3100
Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day Lonely Planet Experience, powered by...
26 Days
From
4415
Set out from Hungary with Lonely Planet and Intrepid to the cultures and cuisines of...
8 Days
From
2590
Indulge your taste buds on a tour of southern Italy, visiting Rome, Bari, Matera and...
29 Days
From
5705
Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...
22 Days
From
5680
Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...
15 Days
From
5375
Meet your group in Venice and then set sail from Opatija, dropping anchor at Krk, Rab,...
