Top 5 Most Gay-Friendly Countries 2025: Where We Feel Safest
Quick Answer: Which countries are safest for LGBTQ+ travellers in 2025?
Five countries tie for first place with perfect safety scores: Portugal, Canada, Malta, Iceland, and Spain. All score 13/13 on the Spartacus Gay Travel Index for marriage equality, adoption rights, anti-discrimination laws, and zero persecution. Malta separately leads Europe with 89% on ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map.
What makes them safest:
✅ Full marriage equality and adoption rights
✅ Self-determined gender recognition
✅ Comprehensive hate crime protections
✅ 75%+ public support for LGBTQ+ equality
✅ Visible Pride celebrations and gay scenes
Cost range: €50-300 per day | Avoid: Russia (205th), Iran, Saudi Arabia (death penalty)
We sat in a Porto bar last June watching couples leave for the night. Straight, gay, young, old. Nobody cared who was with whom. That's what genuinely gay-friendly feels like.
For the first time, five countries share the top ranking on the 2025 Spartacus Gay Travel Index with perfect scores. But data alone doesn't capture walking hand-in-hand through Lisbon without calculating risk, or booking a hotel double bed in Reykjavik without raised eyebrows.
This guide ranks the world's most gay-friendly countries using three authoritative sources: Spartacus Gay Travel Index (216 countries), ILGA-Europe Rainbow Map (49 European countries), and Equaldex Equality Index (legal rights vs social acceptance). We've layered in our experiences travelling to 15+ countries as a same-sex couple.
Want the complete rankings? Download our free 2025 LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide with 50+ country profiles, Pride calendars, safety ratings, and budget breakdowns.
By The Numbers: 2025 Global LGBTQ+ Safety
- 5 countries tie for 1st place globally (perfect 13/13 scores)
- 38 countries have legalised same-sex marriage worldwide
- 10 countries impose death penalties for homosexuality
- Malta leads Europe (89% ILGA score) for 10th consecutive year
- USA dropped 7 places to 48th after transgender restrictions
- Thailand jumped 13 places after January 2025 marriage equality
- Russia ranks 205th out of 216 countries globally
How We Ranked These Countries
Three international organisations track LGBTQ+ rights, legal protections, and lived experiences annually.
Spartacus Gay Travel Index 2025 ranks 216 countries using 18 criteria. Points are added for marriage equality, adoption rights, anti-discrimination laws, and LGBTQ+ marketing. Points are subtracted for religious influence, anti-gay laws, prosecution, murders, and death sentences.
ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map 2025 scores 49 European countries 0-100% across seven categories: equality, family rights, hate crime protections, legal gender recognition, intersex rights, civil society space, and asylum.
Equaldex's Equality Index combines legal rights with public opinion data, showing the gap between laws and actual social acceptance.
We've cross-referenced all three sources and added destination-specific insights from our travels.
1. Portugal: Europe's Most Welcoming Country
Spartacus Rank: Joint 1st (13/13 points)
ILGA-Europe: 67% (11th in Europe)
Why it's special: Affordable luxury with genuine acceptance
Portugal isn't just statistically safe. It feels safe.
Same-sex marriage became legal in 2010 (8th country globally). Full adoption rights followed in 2016. Self-determined gender recognition without surgery or medical diagnosis arrived in 2018. Conversion therapy targeting minors was banned in 2024.
But the Eurobarometer data tells the real story: 80% of Portuguese people support LGBTQ+ equality. That's not tolerance. That's acceptance.
Where to Stay
Lisbon's Príncipe Real district is the heart of Portugal's gay scene. TR3S, Shelter Bar Lisboa, and Bar 106 cluster within walking distance. Trumps, the city's oldest gay club since 1980, runs Thursday through Sunday. Finalmente Club stages legendary drag shows at 2am sharp.
Porto's scene centres around Galerias de Paris downtown. Smaller than Lisbon but equally welcoming.
What it Costs
Portugal delivers Western European quality at Eastern European prices:
- Dinners: €15-20 per person
- Accommodation: €60-100 per night (mid-range)
- Wine: Cheaper in restaurants than London supermarkets
- Gay bar cocktails: €6-8
Pride & Events
Lisbon hosted EuroPride 2025 from 14-22 June with week-long festivities. Regular Lisbon Pride runs mid-June annually.
Insider tip: Beach 19 at Costa da Caparica is Lisbon's unofficial gay beach. Ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, then bus 135 to stop 19.
Get Portugal's complete gay travel guide in our free download
2. Canada: North America's LGBTQ+ Leader
Spartacus Rank: Joint 1st (13/13 points)
Asher & Lyric Index: 1st globally for LGBTQ+ safety
Why it's special: Visible acceptance backed by law
Canada legalised same-sex marriage nationwide in 2005 (4th country globally). Anti-discrimination laws protect LGBTQ+ people across employment, housing, and public services in all provinces. Conversion therapy was banned nationwide in 2022.
A 2019 Gallup poll found 91.8% of Canadians would be comfortable with a gay neighbour. That's one of the highest rates globally.
Where to Experience It
Toronto's Church-Wellesley Village is Canada's largest gay neighbourhood in the downtown core. Toronto Pride attracts 3.1 million people annually, ranking among the world's five largest alongside São Paulo, New York, Madrid, and Berlin.
Montreal's Le Village centres around Rue Sainte-Catherine near Beaudry Metro. The street becomes pedestrian-only May through September, transforming into an open-air party with rainbow flags overhead. Fierté Montréal draws hundreds of thousands in August.
Vancouver's Davie Village features Canada's first permanent rainbow crosswalk. Vancouver Pride runs late July through early August.
What it Costs
Canada isn't cheap but delivers quality:
- Hotels: CAD $150-250 per night (Toronto/Vancouver)
- Restaurant dinners: CAD $50-80 for two with drinks
- Gay bar cocktails: CAD $15-20
- Pride festivals: Free entry, most events free
Real Experience
Our Toronto hotel receptionist asked "King bed for you two?" without hesitation. Our Montreal Uber driver saw our wedding rings and said "My daughter just married her wife last summer, would you like to see photos?"
That's Canada.
Download complete Canada LGBTQ+ city guides
3. Malta: Europe's Legal Rights Champion
Spartacus Rank: Joint 1st (13/13 points)
ILGA-Europe: 89% (1st in Europe for 10th consecutive year)
Why it's special: World's most comprehensive LGBTQ+ legal framework
Malta may be Europe's smallest country, but it's a legal rights titan.
Same-sex marriage became legal in 2017 with full adoption rights. Hate crimes and hate speech based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics were criminalised in 2012. Malta became the first country globally to ban conversion therapy in 2014.
In 2025, Malta implemented new law allowing non-binary identities on birth certificates, expanding beyond just ID cards and passports.
According to Eurobarometer, 77% of Maltese people support same-sex marriage. Remarkable for a traditionally Roman Catholic country.
What Malta Offers
Malta offers gay-friendly bars (The Birdcage Lounge, Lollipop club), beaches (Pembroke Beach), and hotels specifically catering to LGBTQ+ travellers. Malta Pride runs in September.
Marco Polo Hostel is Malta's LGBT-friendly hostel in Sliema (dorms from €20, private rooms from €50).
Why It Matters
Malta proves progress is possible even in traditionally religious societies when political will and public awareness campaigns align. Twenty years ago, Malta was one of Europe's more conservative countries. Today, it's the undisputed legal rights leader.
Get Malta's complete LGBTQ+ relocation guide
4. Iceland: Cold Country, Warm Welcome
Spartacus Rank: Joint 1st (13/13 points)
ILGA-Europe: 84% (3rd in Europe)
Why it's special: Zero homophobia, stunning landscapes
Iceland joins the top five for the first time in 2025.
Iceland repealed laws criminalising homosexual acts in 1940, decades ahead of most countries. In 2010, Iceland's Parliament unanimously voted to redefine marriage as between two individuals rather than a man and woman. Iceland became the fourth European country to allow self-determined gender changes in 2016.
What Makes Iceland Different
Iceland's population is only 380,000 (Europe's most sparsely populated country). But what Iceland lacks in size, it compensates in acceptance.
Travellers consistently report zero experiences of homophobia. Icelanders are famously laid-back, easy-going, and known for their quirky sense of humour.
Where to Visit
Reykjavik hosts Iceland's main Pride in August. The Reykjavik Bear Festival (RVKBear) launched in 2019, returning annually since 2022.
Pink Iceland, an LGBTQ+ tour operator, specialises in gay-friendly trips to Iceland's natural wonders: Blue Lagoon, spectacular geysers, Northern Lights, Landmannalaugar Nature Reserve, Maelifell Volcano, Myrdalsjökull Glacier Park, Skaftafell Ice Cave, and Hallgrímskirkja Lutheran church.
What it Costs
- Hotels: ISK 25,000 (€160) per night in Reykjavik
- Hostels: ISK 6,000 (€40) dorms, ISK 15,000 (€100) private rooms
- Restaurant meals: ISK 3,000-5,000 (€20-33)
Download Iceland's LGBTQ+ travel itinerary
5. Spain: Passion Meets Progress
Spartacus Rank: Joint 1st (13/13 points)
ILGA-Europe: 78% (5th in Europe)
Why it's special: Massive Pride celebrations, affordable luxury
Spain legalised same-sex marriage in 2005, becoming only the third country globally (after Netherlands and Belgium). Twenty years later, Spain remains at the forefront.
In 2022, the Integral Law for Equal Treatment and Non-Discrimination banned discrimination based on sexual orientation across all sectors. In 2024, a royal decree required employers with 50+ employees to implement anti-discrimination policies specifically protecting LGBTQ+ workers.
Where to Experience Spain
Madrid Pride (Orgullo) is one of the world's largest, attracting over 2 million attendees in 2024. The week-long celebration centres around Chueca with concerts, parties, and the massive Saturday parade.
Barcelona's beachside queer scene rivals Madrid's. The Eixample district (the "Gayxample") features at least 15 gay bars within 10 minutes' walk. Circuit Festival in August draws international crowds.
Sitges (35km south of Barcelona) has been a gay destination since the 1960s, with multiple gay beaches, bars, clubs, and annual Bear Week in September.
What it Costs
- Hotels in Chueca/Eixample: €180-350 per night during Pride
- Mid-range hotels: €100-150 per night normally
- Restaurant dinners: €25-40 for two
- Gay bar cocktails: €8-10
Real Experience
In Barcelona's Eixample, we counted 15 gay bars within 10 minutes of our apartment. Madrid's Chueca felt like Pride every night, with rainbow flags hanging from balconies. Sitges was Fire Island and Mykonos combined, with a Spanish accent.
Download Spain's complete gay nightlife guide
Rising Stars: Countries Making Progress
While the top five dominate headlines, the most dramatic stories belong to countries making massive leaps forward.
Greece: Jump from 38th to 15th Place
Greece legalised same-sex marriage in February 2024, shocking observers in a traditionally Orthodox Christian country. Greece now offers marriage equality, adoption rights, and robust anti-discrimination protections.
Greece scores 69% on ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map (tied with Germany and Norway). Homosexuality has been legal since 1951.
Thailand: First in Southeast Asia
Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalise same-sex marriage in January 2025. Thailand jumped from 54th to 41st globally, the largest leap in Asia.
The law includes joint adoption, stepchild adoption, and IVF access for lesbians. Bangkok's gay scene rivals any Western city, with Silom Soi 4 featuring bars like Stranger, Balcony, and Circus.
Budget: THB 1,000-1,500 (€25-40) per day
Countries to Avoid
The bottom rankings aren't pretty.
Death penalty for homosexuality:
- 210th place (tied): Afghanistan, Chechnya, Iran, Saudi Arabia
- 209th: Yemen
- 208th: Brunei
- 207th: Mauritania
Declining rights:
- Russia: 205th (down from 177th in 2023)
- USA: 48th (down from 41st, dropped 7 places)
- Hungary: 37th in Europe (23% ILGA score, lowest ever)
- Georgia: 44th in Europe (12% ILGA score, eliminated legal gender recognition)
Download Our Complete 2025 LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide
This blog post covers the top 5 countries. Our comprehensive guide includes:
✅ 50+ Country Profiles with safety ratings, legal rights, and social acceptance scores
✅ 2025 Pride Calendar with dates for 100+ Pride events globally
✅ Budget Breakdowns showing daily costs for accommodation, food, and nightlife
✅ Gay Scene Guides for 25+ cities with bar, club, and beach recommendations
✅ Safety Tips by Region including what to avoid and emergency contacts
✅ Visa & Immigration Info for LGBTQ+ couples and digital nomads
✅ Hotel Booking Strategy using misterb&b, Booking.com Travel Proud, and gay-specific platforms
Download Free Guide: Most Gay-Friendly Countries 2025 (Enter email to receive instant PDF)
FAQ: Most Gay-Friendly Countries 2025
What is the most gay-friendly country in the world in 2025?
Five countries tie for first place with perfect safety scores: Portugal, Canada, Malta, Iceland, and Spain. All score 13/13 on the Spartacus Gay Travel Index for legal protections, social acceptance, and LGBTQ+ safety.
Malta separately tops ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map with 89% for the 10th consecutive year, giving it the world's most comprehensive LGBTQ+ legal framework.
Our personal pick: Portugal. It combines top-tier legal protections with affordable living costs, stunning beaches, vibrant gay scenes in Lisbon and Porto, year-round sunshine, and genuine social acceptance.
Is Portugal safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?
Yes, Portugal ranks joint-first globally on the 2025 Spartacus Gay Travel Index. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2010, and 80% of Portuguese people support LGBTQ+ equality according to Eurobarometer.
Lisbon and Porto have thriving gay scenes in Príncipe Real and Galerias de Paris districts. Portuguese bloggers Lorenzo and Pedro recreated the viral "holding hands" experiment through Lisbon and experienced zero homophobic backlash.
Which country has the best LGBTQ+ laws?
Malta tops ILGA-Europe's Rainbow Map with 89% for the 10th consecutive year. Malta offers:
- Marriage equality (2017)
- Full adoption rights
- Banned conversion therapy (first country globally in 2014)
- Self-determined gender recognition
- Official non-binary recognition on birth certificates (2025)
- Comprehensive hate crime protections
What countries should gay travellers avoid in 2025?
Death penalty countries:
- Afghanistan, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Chechnya (210th place)
- Yemen (209th)
- Brunei (208th)
Severely declining rights:
- Russia: 205th out of 216 countries
- USA: Dropped from 41st to 48th (transgender restrictions)
- Hungary: 37th in Europe (anti-LGBTQ+ legislation)
- Georgia: 44th in Europe (eliminated legal gender recognition)
Where is the cheapest gay-friendly country to visit?
Portugal offers the best value among top-ranked countries:
- Dinners: €15-20 per person
- Accommodation: €60-100 per night
- 300+ days of sunshine
- Vibrant gay scenes in Lisbon and Porto
Thailand (41st globally after legalising marriage equality) offers even lower costs at approximately €25-40 per day with thriving gay scenes in Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya.
Final Thoughts: Why These Rankings Matter
We learned when to hold hands and when to let go. When to book the double bed and when to ask for twins. These rankings aren't academic exercises. They're safety assessments.
The five countries sharing first place—Portugal, Canada, Malta, Iceland, and Spain—don't just have laws on paper. They have cultures of acceptance where you can kiss your partner goodbye at the airport without scanning for hostile faces.
But progress is fragile. The USA dropped seven places in one year. The UK fell six. Rights won can be lost.
For us, choosing gay-friendly destinations isn't limiting. It's liberating. We've hiked glaciers in Iceland, surfed in Portugal, explored temples in Thailand, and danced until sunrise in Berlin, all while being completely ourselves.
That's not a compromise. That's the point of travel.
Download our complete 2025 LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide with 50+ country profiles, Pride calendars, and safety ratings.
Read More on Sights, Flights & Boyfriends:
LGBTQ+ Travel Guides:
Destinations: