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Seaside tradition has been an integral a part of LGBTQIA+ journey for many years, because the emergence of locations like Provincetown, Massachusetts; Mykonos, Greece; Key West, Florida; and Sitges, Spain, as sun-splashed havens.
Nowadays, queer vacationers flock to dozens of attractive seashores, from secluded spots the place you’ll be able to sunbathe au naturel to festive occasion playgrounds flanked by luxurious resorts and homosexual nightlife districts.
Among the world’s most wonderful seashores are nonetheless comparatively unknown. Attempt certainly one of these 12 LGBTQIA+-favored seaside getaways as you propose your subsequent coastal journey.
Thessaloniki, Greece
The second-largest metropolis in Greece, this picturesque coastal metropolis on a sheltered gulf within the Aegean Sea guarantees an attractive mix of vibrant city diversions — together with buzzy eating places and nightspots — and proximity to beautiful golden seashores. Though many queer guests to Greece focus their time on Athens and Mykonos (and different islands), Thessaloniki has a large and more and more seen LGBTQIA+ inhabitants.
Past the alternatives for sunshine and leisure, this practically 2,500-year-old Macedonian port metropolis is steeped in historical past. You possibly can discover ruins that inform the story of town’s Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras and the famend Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.
The presence of Aristotle College, with its practically 100,000 college students, brings artwork, tradition and a youthful vibe to Thessaloniki, which can be well-known for its many annual festivals, together with the Thessaloniki International Film Festival in late autumn and a really enjoyable Pride celebration, held over 5 days in June. Referred to as a hub of clubbing and partying, Thessaloniki has a number of queer bars, most of them within the up-and-coming Valaoritou neighborhood, which is near the energetic Previous Port district. For enjoyable within the solar, you may discover a number of stunning stretches of sand inside a half-hour to one-hour drive alongside the coast, together with some clothing-optional spots standard with queer of us, reminiscent of Epanomi to the southeast and Korinos to the southwest.
The place to remain
Only a block from the water and a brief stroll from the traditional Ottoman White Tower fortress, Teight Hotel (charges begin at $173 per evening) is likely one of the prime host motels throughout Thessaloniki Delight, and it attracts a modern and inclusive crowd year-round with its stylish modern design and proximity to hip boutiques, pulsing music golf equipment and stylish eating places.
Excellent for longer stays and near the famed Enola queer dance membership, Thess Residences (charges begin at $110 per evening) occupies a century-old former manufacturing unit constructing and affords 25 tastefully appointed apartment-style suites with well-stocked kitchens.
Curacao
One in every of three sunny isles close to the coast of Venezuela that make up what’s also known as the ABC Islands (the others are Aruba and Bonaire), Curacao is likely one of the most LGBTQIA+-welcoming locations within the Caribbean. Formally a part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this hilly island is dotted with cacti, shrubs and different flora that thrive on this semiarid local weather. Curacao is anchored by the Dutch Colonial village of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage website established in 1499, full of colorfully hued, gable-roof buildings and centuries-old army fortifications.
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House to greater than three dozen breathtaking seashores and standard for diving, swimming and fishing, the island has develop into an more and more standard vacation spot with LGBTQIA+ vacationers, particularly throughout the 10-day Curacao Pride celebration in late September and early October. It is continuously a port of name on homosexual Caribbean cruises, and the legalization of same-sex marriage on Curacao in 2024 has additionally helped develop its popularity as a locale for queer weddings and honeymoons.
The place to remain
With a shocking oceanfront setting and an inviting infinity pool, the Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort (charges begin at $252 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening) can be a brief stroll from the historic Queen Emma pontoon pedestrian bridge that leads into the charming coronary heart of Willemstad. The principle lodging sponsor of Curacao Delight, the Renaissance affords a full slate of facilities, together with a spacious health heart and 5 bars and eating places.
Kauai, Hawaii
Ruggedly spectacular and the least populated of Hawaii‘s 4 largest islands, Kauai is tough to beat in case you’re seeking to commune with nature or laze on a tranquil seashore with nothing however the sound of the surf as your soundtrack. The host of a preferred Pride occasion every June, Kauai additionally has an inclusive vibe. Two of Kauai’s standard LGBTQIA+ seashores — Lydgate Seaside Park and Paliku Seaside — will be discovered on the luxurious jap (or windward) shore.
Centrally positioned Lydgate Seaside Park attracts extra sizable and eclectic crowds and affords proximity to loads of enjoyable choices for post-beachcombing cocktails. There’s additionally a bit enclosed by jetties that is ideally suited for swimming.
If it is full serenity you are after, head to Paliku Seaside (aka Donkey Seaside). The magic begins with a stroll from the parking space by way of the Tree Tunnel, a gently sloping pathway beneath a cover of verdant vegetation. When you attain the gorgeous golden sand, you’ll be able to bliss out for hours, typically in close to solitude — simply understand that the tough surf right here makes swimming treacherous.
Paliku Seaside is an particularly gratifying place to decompress after mountaineering the spectacular sea cliffs of Kauai’s Napali Coast or the otherworldly red-clay bluffs of Waimea Canyon.
The place to remain
Delivering the final word splurge on an island with loads of soft lodging, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay (charges begin at $1,022 per evening) cascades down a seaside bluff within the unique Princeville resort district, close to historic Hanalei, which served because the filming location for the musical “South Pacific.” The spacious rooms have big image home windows with views of the ocean and surrounding mountains, and Bamford Wellness Spa affords a slate of blissful therapies.
The Marriott Kauai Beach Club (charges begin at $516 or 71,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening) is about on an 800-acre tract of swimming pools, gardens and seashores on Kauai’s jap shore, near Lihue Airport. Its myriad facilities and central location make it an important base for exploring each the north and south shores.
Zipolite, Mexico
Set amid the towering sea stacks and rocky ramparts of Mexico‘s dramatic Oaxacan coast, Zipolite sits alongside a string of minimally developed seashore villages — there’s not a high-rise or internationally branded resort in sight … but.
Bohemians, yoga fans, surfers and free spirits have been vacationing right here and in neighboring Mazunte for years, and though it is much less touristy and dear than Puerto Vallarta or Tulum, this former fishing village affords a rising variety of trendy boutique motels, laid-back wellness retreats and nudist-friendly males’s resorts.
Many queer guests come to expertise the inclusive vibes and surreal fantastic thing about Playa del Amor, a clothing-optional, horseshoe-shaped sandy cove nestled between cliffs and big boulders. All day lengthy, and particularly at sundown, this compact seashore on the jap fringe of city affords a pleasant mixture of socializing and seclusion, whereas an unpretentious seashore bar dispenses ice-cold micheladas and recent coconuts.
Fringed with palapa-roofed ceviche eating places, Zipolite’s principal seashore stretches alongside the crashing surf for one more mile or so and is each bit as beautiful. A number of airways make the 75-minute flight from Mexico Metropolis to Puerto Escondido and Huatulco, every a couple of 90-minute drive from Zipolite.
The place to remain
El Alquimista (charges begin at $192 per evening) enjoys a peaceable setting on the west finish of Zipolite’s lengthy, picturesque seashore. Breezy cabanas with palapa roofs, decks and hammocks impart an easygoing vibe, and the open-air, toes-in-the-sand restaurant is likely one of the finest on the town.
Durban, South Africa
Cape Town could obtain extra worldwide consideration, however South Africa’s third-largest metropolis is arguably extra interesting for a seashore trip. The constantly heat waters of the Indian Ocean make this LGBTQIA+-welcoming metropolis ideally suited for swimming, browsing, bodyboarding and sunbathing, and the tropical local weather is delicate year-round, although it may get muggy throughout Durban’s moist summers (from October to April).
This energetic and numerous port metropolis on South Africa‘s east coast has loads of oceanfront motels and is simply an hour or two by aircraft from Johannesburg and Cape City. Durban is fringed by a stretch of breathtaking seashores often known as the Golden Mile, with energetic North Seaside only a few minutes’ drive from the homosexual cafes and bars of the colourful Morningside neighborhood.
Only a quick drive up the coast, you’ll be able to mingle with locals and laze within the solar at LGBTQIA+-popular Virginia Seaside (subsequent to a small, non-public airport) once you’re not lounging on the part of sand adjoining to Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve within the prosperous city of Umhlanga.
Umhlanga is an interesting base for exploring the area. A number of upscale motels are inside strolling distance of the seashore and the city’s Instagram-worthy Whalebone Pier. You will discover all the pieces from luxurious seashore motels to budget-friendly outposts from manufacturers like Hilton and IHG.
When it is time to satiate your urge for food, make sure to pattern a bunny chow, an area avenue meals consisting of a loaf of crusty bread hollowed out and full of spicy curry. Durban is house to one of many world’s largest concentrations of Asian Indian immigrants, so it is full of very good Indian eating places.
The place to remain
Perched overlooking the ocean in Durban’s bustling North Seaside neighborhood, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani (charges begin at $93 per evening) is likely one of the largest resorts within the metropolis, and it affords loads of facilities, together with a rooftop pool, full-service spa and bikes to pedal alongside the beachfront. It is a five-minute drive to a number of standard LGBTQIA+ bars. Set straight on the seashore and overlooking the picturesque lighthouse in prosperous Umhlanga, the historic Oyster Box (charges begin at $530 per evening) has lengthy been the favourite handle of visiting celebs and dignitaries. Attentive service, very good eating and exquisitely manicured gardens and grounds are hallmarks of this 86-room resort.
Lisbon
Though Spain is house to a number of of Europe’s most iconic homosexual seashore locations (we’re you, Sitges and Ibiza), neighboring Portugal is quickly gaining floor in recognition, with the hilly and historic capital, Lisbon, main the cost.
One in every of Europe’s prime trip values, Lisbon affords an exciting mixture of vaunted eating places, well-preserved Roman ruins, buzzy artwork museums and alluring queer bars. The latter are set principally alongside the quaint cobbled lanes of the Bairro Alto district.
This dynamic metropolis, the place the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean meet, is only a half-hour drive from Seaside 19, the nation’s — and certainly one of Europe’s — most beloved LGBTQIA+ sunbathing locales. This stunning clothing-optional seashore is about towards mild dunes and occupies an undeveloped span of the Costa da Caparica, which is blessed with sunny and customarily dry (not less than, from March by way of September) climate. Searching for refreshments? From Seaside 19, you’ll be able to stroll simply 10 to fifteen minutes south to the breezy seashore bars of Fonte da Telha.
The place to remain
Simply south of the Tagus River, the trendy Crowne Plaza Caparica Lisbon (charges begin at $177 or 32,000 IHG factors per evening) is equidistant to Lisbon’s points of interest and the queer social scene at Seaside 19.
Ogunquit, Maine
Provincetown could also be New England’s best-known LGBTQIA+ seashore vacation spot. Nonetheless, this charming, historic, seaside village on the coast of southern Maine has its attracts, too. Set alongside a jagged, rocky swath of shoreline that appears prefer it belongs in a Winslow Homer portray, this dapper village of clapboard bed-and-breakfast lodging and eateries has been an artists’ colony because the late nineteenth century.
The distinctive Ogunquit Museum of American Art and the Ogunquit Playhouse, which presents acclaimed summer time inventory musicals, keep it up the village’s wealthy creative custom.
The queer seashore scene right here is relaxed and enjoyable, and from the south finish of the lengthy and sandy strand it is only a 10-minute stroll to the city’s eating places and homosexual bars. You may as well stroll alongside Marginal Method, a paved pathway alongside the granite ledges that fringe the ocean, to Perkins Cove, a quaint fishing village that abounds with lobster shacks.
Do you have to crave extra selection, you are in luck: A couple of extra seashores and an acclaimed eating scene will be discovered simply 45 minutes up the coast in Portland, Maine.
The place to remain
Probably the most charming bed-and-breakfasts on the town, the LGBTQIA+-owned Trident Inn (charges begin at $299 per evening), previously often known as 2 Village Sq. Inn, sits on a hilltop overlooking the village heart and is a fast stroll from eating places, bars and the seashore. Bought by new house owners and rebranded and totally renovated in 2025, this trendy property has 17 rooms in varied sizes and configurations, and perks embrace a saltwater pool, sizzling tub and a romantic new restaurant, Coastal Alchemist.
Quepos, Costa Rica
With its alluring mixture of jungle-covered mountains, lush cloud forests and spectacular seashores, Costa Rica ranks amongst Latin America’s prime locations for laid-back oceanfront holidays and eco-oriented journey journey. It is the place zip lining was invented, in spite of everything.
It is also a rustic that has lengthy prolonged a heat welcome to LGBTQIA+ vacationers, with the seashore city of Quepos main the best way. It is positioned alongside the central Pacific Coast, a three-hour drive from Costa Rica’s largest metropolis, San Jose, however company may fly into the city’s small airport, which has a number of flights every day from the capital.
Quepos can be the gateway to Manuel Antonio Nationwide Park, with spectacular seashores, nature trails and a whole bunch of fairly mischievous capuchin and howler monkeys (together with loads of different fascinating fauna). The homosexual scene in Quepos is low-key, however there is a enjoyable membership on the town with dancing and stay music that attracts a combined crowd, and LGBTQIA+ events and occasions happen all year long, together with Delight on the Seaside in July.
The place to remain
Tulemar Resort (charges begin at $365 per evening) spreads throughout a dramatic 33-acre tract of jungle with its secluded non-public seashore, simply south of Quepos on the street to the nationwide park. The resort’s eco-friendly villas have one to 4 bedrooms, and the property options 4 swimming pools, two eating places and a festive seashore bar. Set on a lush hillside with expansive ocean vistas, La Mariposa Hotel (charges begin at $210 per evening) is a modern boutique resort standard with LGBTQIA+ vacationers that provides each traditional rooms and roomier apartment-style models, all with gracious patios or balconies.
Saugatuck, Michigan
Inside a three-hour drive of Detroit and Chicago, this postcard-worthy city hugs the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan and has lengthy been the Midwest’s premier LGBTQIA+ trip playground. You will discover quite a few queer-owned lodging, eateries and outlets within the tree-lined village facilities of each Saugatuck and its equally charming neighbor, Douglas. The long-running Dunes Resort is an LGBTQIA+ social hub with a number of bars and a central pool, and affords in a single day lodging.
You possibly can hire kayaks to paddle round Kalamazoo Lake, a large part of the Kalamazoo River that bisects Saugatuck earlier than flowing into Lake Michigan. Take a brief journey throughout the river on the hand-cranked chain ferry, climb the staircase to the highest of Mount Baldhead for a chicken’s-eye view of the realm after which stroll to Oval Seaside, with its mild golden dunes and gorgeous sundown views (you may as well drive to the seashore). See what’s on within the night on the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, an acclaimed performing arts house.
The place to remain
One in every of a handful of endearingly retro midcentury motor lodges that LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs have bought and given trendy makeovers lately, the Starlite Resort (charges begin at $139 per evening) has 29 cozy, immaculate rooms set on 6 tree-shaded acres with a heated pool and fireplace pits.
Santa Catarina Island, Brazil
This sunny, verdant island in southeastern Brazil is simply 33 miles lengthy however affords a number of the most alluring seashores within the nation. Alongside the coast, there may be an abundance of trendy resorts, from the tiny seashore city of Jurere to the energetic metropolis of Florianopolis. The latter is near Praia Mole, a crescent-shaped seashore backed by emerald hills that LGBTQIA+ sunseekers flock to.
Though Santa Catarina Island has develop into a well-liked homosexual weekend getaway amongst these looking for a much less party-driven various to pulsing Rio de Janeiro, which is lower than 90 minutes away by aircraft, you’ll be able to nonetheless discover alternatives right here for revelry. In Florianopolis, there’s dancing till daybreak on weekends at Jivago Social Membership, Conca Membership and different queer nightspots.
One other bonus: This lush island, roughly twice the dimensions of Martha’s Winery, affords beautiful hikes by way of the rugged mountains of Sao Joaquim Nationwide Park and the otherworldly sands of the Joaquina dune discipline.
The place to remain
The luxury and LGBTQIA+-welcoming Hotel Boutique Quinta das Videiras (charges begin at $196 per evening) sits a block from the shore of freshwater Lagoa de Conceicao, on the sting of Florianopolis. Designed within the Portuguese Colonial model, this pink mansion has 16 antique-filled rooms and is lower than a 10-minute drive from the ocean and the sands of Praia Mole.
Port Douglas, Australia
House to Australia‘s most well-known LGBTQIA+ resort, the Turtle Cove Seaside Resort, in addition to the gay-owned Pink Flamingo Resort, the previous gold-mining hub of Port Douglas is likely one of the Southern Hemisphere’s premier homosexual seashore retreats. It is only a 45-minute drive from the small metropolis of Cairns (a three-hour flight from Sydney) close to the northern finish of Queensland.
Port Douglas’ 4 Mile Seaside is the stretch of sand to prioritize. It overlooks the turquoise waters of the Coral Sea and options beautiful golden sand to stroll on at dawn or sundown.
These eager on scuba diving and/or snorkeling will love that the city affords direct entry to the Nice Barrier Reef, whereas hikers and wildlife fans flock right here to discover the pure wonders of the Daintree Rainforest. For a sneak preview of this stunning little slice of paradise, hop on YouTube to hunt out Kylie Minogue’s bubblegum-pop video “It is No Secret,” which was filmed completely on location in Port Douglas within the late ’80s.
The place to remain
Set alongside a elegant and secluded stretch of sand close to Macalister Vary Nationwide Park, a couple of 20-minute drive south of Port Douglas, Turtle Cove Beach Resort (charges begin at $149 per evening) is an idyllic place to spend a couple of days sunning, swimming and sipping drinks within the convivial seashore bar. Positioned simply exterior Port Douglas, Pink Flamingo Resort (charges begin at $107 per evening) is a pet-friendly hideaway with 12 enticing rooms, most with a kitchenette, plus a palm-shaded pool.
Guam
For a lot of guests, this quietly blissful Micronesian island that is an unincorporated U.S. territory is an unexpectedly magical place for a tropical seashore trip. One of many friendliest and most LGBTQIA+-embracing getaways within the Asia-Pacific area, Guam legalized same-sex marriage in 2015 and has develop into a favourite wedding ceremony vacation spot with queer of us from all through Asia and even Russia.
Suppose Hawaii, however with fewer crowds and considerably decrease costs. You possibly can snorkel within the sheltered, bathtub-warm waters of Tumon Bay and hike within the forest-covered mountains of the island’s inside, and you will uncover tasty Thai, Japanese and native Chamorro meals at each flip.
The island’s ties to the LGBTQIA+ group are deep. Guam’s lieutenant governor, Josh Tenorio, is overtly homosexual, as is the retired chief justice of the Guam Supreme Courtroom, Benjamin Cruz. Most of Guam’s resorts are within the island’s second-largest city, Tamuning, which affords an array of attractive high-end outlets (discount seekers take be aware — the whole island is duty-free), eclectic eating places and pleasant bars, a couple of of which have sturdy LGBTQIA+ followings.
Though it takes some effort to succeed in this island, about 1,300 miles east of the Philippines, the journey from the North American mainland will be a part of the enjoyable, as you’ll be able to simply add a protracted stopover in Hawaii, Tokyo or Seoul.
The place to remain
A favourite of the island’s LGBTQIA+ guests, the well-appointed Westin Resort Guam (charges begin at $229 or 33,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening) affords a full slate of leisurely pursuits: scuba, snorkeling, kayak and boat leases; a sprawling pool; a well-equipped health heart; and a powerful spa. There are additionally 5 wonderful eating places, spanning sushi to gourmand Italian, and rooms are ethereal and comfy with balconies.
