From the magnificence of the Italian Alps to the luminous hills of Sicily, Italy will thrill you with wonder and romance. Each of Italy’s regions has its own charms and allure.
The north is a wonderland of clear lakes and imposing snow-capped mountains. Tuscany unfolds with lavish villas and quaint farmhouses scattered about rolling hills and pastures. And the southern reaches are filled with days of endless sunshine and golden warmth.
Italian cities are veritable storehouses of artistic and historical brilliance. Venice’s canals serve as a sparkling backdrop for architectural grandeur. Florence’s art treasures include the extraordinary sculptures crafted by Michelangelo. Rome’s glories include the awe-inspiring Colosseum, and the artistic marvel of the Sistine Chapel tucked away in the stately halls of the Vatican.
All of this includes unsurpassed cuisine and incomparable shopping. A trip to Italy is more than just a getaway - it’s an adventure into true romantic splendor.
Italy as a vacation destination for gay and lesbian vacationers:
Northern and Central Italy are where most of the country’s LGBT life happens, especially in Milan, Rome and Bologna. There is a gay scene in the south, but it’s more subdued. Life in much of Italy slows down in summertime, so the gay scene shifts to coastal areas like Torre del Lago on the western coast, Lido de Classe and Senigallia on the Adriatic Sea and Taormina in Sicily.
Tuscany is a part of the country that is especially tolerant of gays. Beautiful Florence is the heart of the region, but not a large city. Therefore, the gay community is somewhat small, but still interesting. The bars and clubs are within walking distance of each other, and their flair seems to bring out the local gay population.
Rome and Milan are Italy’s gay meccas. In Milan, the people are fashionable and ambitious, and like to go where the action is. Luckily, the city’s subway makes it possible for them to hit all the chic nightclubs throughout Milan.
All roads lead to Rome, include that of its enormous gay scene. The highlight of this sizeable community is the annual Gay Village, Europe’s largest outdoor gay event, which lasts the entire summer. Attracting over 200,000 people each year, the festival includes musical and comedy performances, lesbian theater, a cinema festival, sports activities and more.
