Italy is a land of art, history, architecture, romance and Vespas. Italys exceptional scenery, rich history and deeply entrenched culture have made this enticing country a popular destination for both straight and gay travel, as well as a popular setting for books, movies and plays. Singles, couples, families and groups of friends flock to Italy throughout the year for the fashion, the food and some of the most famous art and architecture in the world. Whether your ideal experience includes meandering narrow, ancient roads in Rome or Venice, languid drives through the countryside searching for lesser known historical sites and visiting wineries, wiling away an afternoon in a museum in Florence or experiencing Milans enticing nightlife, Italy is an ideal destination for gay vacations.
Those on a gay travel adventure to Italy will find that the greatest selection of gay clubs and bars is in Rome and Milan; however, many towns and cities throughout Italy have gay-owned and gay-friendly bars, clubs and other establishments that will be happy to welcome you during your gay vacation, particularly in Bologna, Venice, Geneva, Florence and Padua. Hotels that are gay-owned or gay-friendly are also available throughout Italy, such as Tuscanys La Quircia Rosa or Villa le Masse, which are both gay-owned, or the Hotel Porta Rossa, a gay-friendly hotel that is also the second oldest hotel in the country and an easy walk to several popular attractions, such as the Galleria dellAccademia, which is home to Michelangelos David.
Italys larger cities have established gay and lesbian communities, providing many options for your Italian gay vacation. Milan is often thought of as the most accepting city in Italy, with Florence, Rome and Bologna also topping this list with larger gay and lesbian populations, which make each of these popular choices for gay vacations. There are gay pride celebrations in many cities and three lesbian and gay film festivals, including Milans Festival del Cinema Gay Lesbico e della Cultura Queer, the Turin International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and the Florence Queer Festival.
In order to get the most out of gay vacations to Italy and to more fully experience and learn about the culture, history and art, you may want to consider participating in an organized tour. If you partake in well-organized group vacations or work with a gay travel agency to arrange tours for you and your travel partners, you are sure to find that knowledgeable tour guides.
You may also want to consider taking part in an organized vacation or professional tours during your time in Italy, which will allow you to benefit from a well-organized itinerary and an educated tour guide. This will ensure that you will have the best vacation possible and will have many memories to bring home with you.
A column about gay travel spots in Italy by Howie Holben. Spirit Journeys and Howie can help make your gay travel adventure unforgettable.