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The best beaches in Puglia cater to all orientations and it can be hard to distinguish between gay and straight locals. With a mix of high-end hotels, chic beach clubs, and glamorous cocktail bars, these destinations deliver a taste of Italian elegance. To get your full kit off in good gay company, travel one hour north to D’Ayala nudist beach.
Besides the region’s beautiful beaches, you’ll find a bohemian vibe touting authentic culture, top-notch cuisine and a growing LGBTQ community, particularly within cities such as Gallipoli and Taranto.
Typically, Italian cuisine is based on the Mediterranean diet, but its ingredients are explored creatively and always used in their season of production. Its contemporary interiors blend effortlessly with traditional Italian charm, and the hotel’s fine dining and serene spa make it an oasis of calm in the bustling city.
Since then, the Italian queer community has been keeping an active role in manifesting and demanding rights. With an impressive rooftop pool and panoramic sea views, this historic hotel combines classic luxury with modern comfort. All come tanned and scantily dressed, treating the beach as nature’s catwalk and messing with our usually reliable gaydar.
Just steps away from vibrant bars and restaurants, it’s the perfect base for exploring Taormina’s cultural and natural beauty.
Another excellent option is the Grand Hotel San Pietro Taormina, an intimate luxury hotel that blends Sicilian charm with modern amenities. Puglia
Located to the southeast in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia is a popular beachside escape boasting UNESCO sites, wartime history and delectable regional food all within picture-perfect surroundings.
Its discrete charm makes it a favourite among LGBTQ+ travellers seeking sophistication and privacy.
For a stay that combines elegance with contemporary flair, Umiltà 36 offers an urban sanctuary near the Trevi Fountain. Its luxurious suites, infinity pool, and Michelin-starred dining offer an extraordinary escape for sophisticated gay travellers.
The nearby port town of Salerno, while not a beach town, offers some stunning places to stay in proximity to Amalfi’s best bits.
Moving inland from the coast, you’ll find steep winding roads rising into hills hosting hotels and residences with panoramic views across Positano and Amalfi. Isola Bella meanwhile, a protected oasis with crystal-clear lake waters, offers a fun alternative swim spot at the foot of the town.
By day, Taormina keeps us busy with outpost viewpoints in nature peppered with medieval-style architecture and ornate churches showcasing the town’s unique cultural history.
Set in the heart of the Apulian countryside, this whitewashed farmhouse is surrounded by olive groves and offers an 18-hole golf course, a serene pool, and access to private beaches. Italy is home to some of the best food in the world: regional specialties, fine seasonal delicacies, excellent desserts and drinks. The property is within easy reach of Isola Bella beach, known for its crystal-clear waters and proximity to Taormina’s gay nightlife.
For those seeking classic Italian opulence, Grand Hotel Timeo, A Belmond Hotel offers unmatched views of the Greek Theatre and Taormina Bay.
Its elegant gardens and iconic terraces have been a magnet for high-society travellers for decades. For those seeking a day of beachside relaxation, the nearby Mazzarò Beach is a must-visit.
San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
3. So-called capital of the world where art, café culture and ancient history collide in spectacular style, Rome lays down some serious power play.
In these cities there are LGBTQ+ clubs, gathering venues and clubs, as well as annual parties and Gay Pride celebrations.