Is Spain safe for LGBTQIA+ travellers?

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.

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.

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.

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.