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.

Busy streets of Lecco in Milan

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.

Aerial view of Rome at night

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.  

For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.

Click to return to Italy FAQs

Our tours in Italy

8 Days From 2147

Travel to Italy on a tour from Rome to Amalfi and explore the best of the region....

14 Days From 2738

Immerse yourself in classic culture, history and incredible sights on this Best of...

10 Days From 3137

Travel to Italy and savour the many flavours of this gastronomic haven on a journey...

8 Days From 1335

See the best of Italy – Venice, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Florence and Rome – in eight...

8 Days From 3318

See the majesty and beauty of Italy’s Renaissance gems on an eight-day Premium tour...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

8 Days From 2130

Mountains, forests and beaches – soak up the spectacular scenery of Italy’s Amalfi...

8 Days From 2012

See Italy in the cooler months, hitting Rome, Florence, Pisa and Bologna before...

8 Days From 3060

Spend eight unforgettable days hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, setting off on a circuit...

8 Days From 2291

Explore the traditional delights of Italian cuisine while travelling through the...

8 Days From 3179

Discover the culture, history and beauty of Italy’s Puglia region on an 8-day Premium...

8 Days From 2265

Explore the Dolomites on an 8-day small group hiking tour which explores multiple lakes...

8 Days From 2120

Encounter the picturesque hills and olive groves of Tuscany on this cycling adventure...

10 Days From 2380

Take a tour through Italy’s less-visited southern region, absorbing the beauty of...

9 Days From 2547

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Slovenia and Croatia on a...

8 Days From 2000

Walk into a world that's a play of colourful houses and blue sea as you amble between...

4 Days From 762

Set sail along Italy’s Amalfi Coast in four days with Intrepid, cruising to the scenic...

4 Days From 733

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast from the colourful village of Procida, through ancient worlds...

10 Days From 1645

Travel from Split to Venice in 10 days, stopping at Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park...

7 Days From 1524

Sail Italy’s Amalfi Coast, exploring the Bay of Naples, Capri, Amalfi and Procida...

15 Days From 3479

Visit Spain, France and Italy on this European adventure. Discover gothic architecture...

10 Days From 2236

Discover the secrets of Calabria 10-day adventure visiting Civita, Pollino National...

15 Days From 2215

Discover Central Europe on this 15-day journey from Germany to Italy. Start in Berlin,...

15 Days From 1857

Explore charming Central Europe from Germany to Italy on a 15-day trip through Berlin,...

8 Days From 1832

Visit Italy and tour through the countryside of Umbria. Travel to Italy's sacred sites...

15 Days From 4225
21 Days From 5172
16 Days From 6160

Discover the wonders of Slovenia and Croatia on a 16-day Premium adventure down the...

8 Days From 2125

From the ruins of Rome, to the ancient city of Pompeii and the seaside delights of...

8 Days From 1958

Visit Venice, Cinque Terre, Pisa and Rome on an exciting 8-day family holiday through...

24 Days From 6590

Travel to Pompeii, Amalfi, the Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mt Etna on a tour from...

17 Days From 4530

Kick off this Roman holiday in Rome, the heart of Italy. Live history as you explore...

8 Days From 1567

Pamper the appetite and treat the senses on this exquisite journey through Italy’s Lake...

36 Days From 7007

Visit Spain, France, Germany, the Czech Republic and Italy plus a host of secrets in...

29 Days From 4772

Spain, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary,...

10 Days From 3228

Discover Sicily in the heart of the Mediterranean on this 10-day Premium journey that...

16 Days From 6031

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...

23 Days From 8951

Explore the beautiful cities, mountains and waterfalls of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia...

22 Days From 3402

Discover Central Europe’s most romantic cities on a 22-day trip travelling through...

19 Days From 2682

Experience Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Montenegro, Serbia,...

26 Days From 3951

Set out from Hungary and discover the cultures and cuisines of Serbia, Montenegro,...

17 Days From 3010

Enjoy a European tasting platter on this 17-day trip including Split, Ljubljana,...

17 Days From 6526

Spend 17 days exploring all of Italy from Palermo to Mount Etna, to Rome and Venice...

24 Days From 12072

Spend 24 days exploring Italy in depth from Sicily to Puglia and on to Tuscany - you'll...

17 Days From 8025

Explore the best of Sicily and southern Italy - including Palermo, Mount Etna, Pompeii...

15 Days From 6522

Spend 15 days exploring Italy on this Premium Trip that visits icons like Rome, Venice,...

8 Days From 1970

Take a trip to southern Italy and explore the best of Sicily including Catania, Mount...

17 Days From 4365

Discover the secrets of Calabria and the highlights of Sicily on this 15-day adventure...

15 Days From 4455

From the canals of Venice to the ruins of Rome, and beyond wandering the ancient city...