Plan Your Gay Honeymoon in Italy

Italy is one of the most aesthetically pleasing countries on the planet, boasting an unparalleled legacy in art and fashion, not to mention an excellent climate. Oh, and did we mention the food? We’d also highlight the abundance of attractive men, but since you're planning your honeymoon, perhaps it's best to focus on your partner. From the sun-drenched coasts of Sicily to the Renaissance splendor of Florence, Italy is an unbeatable destination for a gay honeymoon.

Why Choose Italy for Your Gay Honeymoon?

Italy offers that perfect mix of romance, culture, and relaxation that honeymooners crave. While not as openly progressive as some northern European countries, Italy has made significant strides in LGBTQ+ rights, with civil unions legalized in 2016 and many urban centers boasting vibrant gay scenes. The key is knowing where to go and how to plan. This guide will serve as your roadmap to crafting the perfect Italian gay honeymoon experience.

When to Visit

The timing of your Italian honeymoon can significantly impact your experience. For the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons. May to June have warm days with fewer tourists than peak summer, while September to early October provides pleasant temperatures during harvest season. If you don't mind slightly cooler weather, mid-October to November brings lower prices and even smaller crowds. It's generally best to avoid August if possible, as this is when many Italians take their vacations and some local businesses close temporarily.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Destinations in Italy

Rome

The Eternal City has to be seen at least once in a lifetime. The Gay Street near the Colosseum is home to several LGBTQ+ bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an aperitivo in a welcoming atmosphere. Naturally, you’ll want to take a tour of the Colosseum and perhaps the Palatine Hill where the Roman Emperors lived (until they were assassinated).

Rome's romantic highlights include watching the sunset together from Gianicolo Hill as the city turns golden before you, splurging on a private after-hours Vatican tour where you can appreciate the Sistine Chapel without the crowds, and enjoying a candlelit dinner in one of Trastevere's intimate trattorias, where the narrow medieval streets create the perfect backdrop for an Italian honeymoon.

Florence

The birthplace of the Renaissance exudes romance at every turn, with world-class art and intimate piazzas. Florence's romantic highlights include watching the sunset from Piazzale Michelangelo as the city's terracotta rooftops glow in the fading light, embarking on a wine tasting adventure through the nearby Chianti vineyards where you can sample Italy's legendary wines directly from their source, and strolling hand-in-hand across the historic Ponte Vecchio as the Arno River flows beneath you. You can also see the masterworks of Michelangelo, especially his homoerotic masterpiece, David (he of the flawless booty).

Venice

Few places scream romance like Venice. Its dreamlike setting of winding canals and hidden alleyways creates an ideal backdrop for honeymooners. A private gondola ride at sunset can be truly magical—just be sure to communicate directly with your gondolier if you want a romantic experience. Many gondoliers are happy to accommodate same-sex couples.

Other romantic experiences in Venice include getting "lost" together in the city's maze-like streets, discovering quiet squares and charming cafés away from the tourist crowds, and enjoying aperitivo hour along the Grand Canal as the water taxis and gondolas glide by. Venice is best enjoyed in the early mornings and evenings when day-trippers have departed, leaving a more peaceful city for you to explore together.

Verona

Verona might not be on your Italian bucket list but it should be. Its romantic credentials are unimprovable: it’s the setting for Romeo & Juliet. You can visit Juliet’s Balcony in Verona, which has become something of a monument to romance, even though Shakespeare never set foot in this town and Juliet was a fictional character.

Florence and Venice are easily accessible by train, so you could use Verona as a base to access many of Italy’s top destinations. You can also include easy daytrips from Verona to Lake Garda and Mantua.

Where to Stay

Choosing the right accommodation can make all the difference in your honeymoon experience. For LGBTQ+ friendly luxury options, consider Portrait Roma in Rome, a boutique hotel with sumptuous suites and personalized service that makes you feel like royalty. In Florence, Il Salviatino offers a Renaissance villa experience with stunning city views from its hillside location. For the ultimate in Venetian luxury (you’ll need a big budget), Belmond Hotel Cipriani provides an exclusive retreat on its own private island with spectacular views of St. Mark's Square across the lagoon.

If boutique hotels are more your style, The Fifteen Keys in Rome provides a stylish yet homey atmosphere in the trendy Monti district, perfect for couples who want to feel like locals. In Florence, AdAstra offers romantic rooms overlooking Europe's largest private garden, a hidden oasis in the city center. On the island of Capri, La Residenza provides intimate accommodations with incredible sea views that will have you feeling like you're floating above the Mediterranean.

Practical Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

When it comes to public affection, attitudes in Italy are increasingly accepting in tourist areas and major cities, but you might want to be more discreet in rural or southern regions where traditional values may still prevail. This doesn't mean hiding your relationship, but rather being mindful of local sensibilities, especially in very small towns or religious sites.

With accommodation, it's worth contacting hotels directly before booking to ensure they're comfortable hosting a same-sex couple in a double bed, especially in smaller towns or family-run establishments. Most international chains and properties accustomed to tourists will have no issues whatsoever, but a quick email can prevent any awkward situations upon arrival.

Our colleagues at Out Of Office can organise the perfect Italian wedding itinerary for you, ensuring you won’t have to stress about hotel bookings, transfers or gay-friendliness. You’ll just have to show up and enjoy the experience.