The 10 best LGBT island getaways

There’s nothing like getting away: and what’s more ‘away’ than an island? LGBT folks have done a spectacular job of colonising some of the most beautiful islands in the world, and you may be surprised how much there is to do on a secluded sunny beach, or during a twilight trysts when the sun goes down:

Mykonos

What would a guide to gay islands be without the gayest resort of them all? Mykonos is considered a mecca for gay tourists, along with Barcelona and Sitges in Spain. It’s earned that reputation: the smallish island heaves with gay hotels, bars, clubs; plus 18 beaches, some ‘gay’, some mixed. It’s not all a hedonistic fairy tale, and there are historical ruins to visit, for instance the marble theatre at Delos. If E. M. Forster had penned a novel about an island paradise, it would’ve been Mykonos.

Iceland

This island nation is famous for its geothermal spas and impressive wilderness, and that’d be enough for any tourist. It also caters to its gay tourists, with Pride Parade in Reyjavik, which is world famous (they had their 17th this year); and Bears on Ice in September, for hirsute homosexuals. Reyjavik has a diverse range of pubs and clubs, and there’s even an LGBT specialist tour agency, Pink Iceland.

Ibiza

The party island off the coast of Spain has a bustling gay scene with the climate of a Mediterranean island. Party season starts in June, and peters out by October – but the weather is good all year round. Because it’s party city, people will go to a gay or straight bar regardless of personal preferences. Its sister island, Mallorca, is very gay-friendly; and Formentera is nearby, also very popular with gay people.

Puerto Rico

This entry seems timely, as Puerto Rico announced it would legalize same-sex marriage just the other week. The country, and San Juan, has catered to LGBT tourists for a while. It’s a Caribbean island with an interesting fusion gourmet culture of Caribbean-European dishes, and is the birthplace of the piña colada. Condado beach in San Juan has a gay men’s section, and the city has a number of gay bars for travellers.

Hawaii

Hawaii is a quintessential honeymoon destination for both gay and straight couples: most of the major hotels in Hawaii offer union ceremonies (sorry, marriage ceremonies) and honeymoon packages for same-sex couples. Couples tend to spend a few days in Honolulu and enjoy the nightlife there, before going to nearby islands like Kauai or Maui for some relaxation. Hawaii caters to the luxury gay market with hotels the ‘pink palace’ Royal Hawaiian.

Cuba

The island, whose embargo with the US was recently lifted, is probably the least used to gay tourists in this list – but that’s not really saying a lot. Cuba has come a long way in recent years, and its LGBT movement is lead by none other than Fidel Castro’s niece – the current president Raúl’s daughter. In Havana the capital, the Veda area has a thriving gay community, and Calle 23 is the center of gay life – though it doesn’t compare to the nightlife of clubs in the US. Away from Havana, Santa Clara is notably gay-friendly, and there are a number of ‘gay’ beaches. This is one for adventuresome tourists, and a guide (a casual Google search will turn up several) is recommended and inexpensive.

Fire Island

You know you’ve heard about it. Fire Island’s been a gay holiday destination since the 80s, when it was wild and unrelenting. Those debauched days are passed, although there are still plenty of parties happening. Two villages – Cherry Grove and The Pines – are mostly gay people, but the atmosphere is inclusive. Its history means there are many events targeted at gay people. Celebrities visit often, for those into celeb-spotting; and New York City is just two hours away for an urban adventure.

Skiathos

Another Greek island, this one is a bit closer to the mainland: Skiathos is noted for its hospitality to gay visitors. There you’ll find: clear blue seas, pebble and sand beaches and, what’s more, you’ll see them all in a day, the island is a mere 4 miles wide. There are quite a few of beaches, including a subset of nude beaches. Perhaps pleasant for some, the island does not have areas dominated by gay tourists like Mykonos: but is a popular family destination as well. There are frequent ferries to the myriad islands around it and the mainland.

New Zealand

New Zealand is about as inclusive as it gets. In 1998 it was the first nation to adopt the label ‘gay-lesbian friendly’ for its hospitality services, and as such, you can’t move for accommodation that caters to gay people. New Zealand also has both tropical and temperate climates: the north and south are pretty variable. Plus, an annual calendar filled with queer events including Gay Ski Week.

Curaçao

The Curaçao tourist board actually promotes gay tourism, hoping to cash in on that sweet, sweet pink dollar. Curaçao pride, in September and October, features the slogan: ‘biba i lag boba’, ‘live and let live’. They certainly know how to please: the Caribbean island – which is off the coast of Colombia – has plenty of budget and luxury accommodation, and a remarkable colonial history from the Spanish and the Dutch occupants. Today, it is a constituent of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Words by JACK FLANAGAN

GETA (Gay European Tourism Association) recommends that gay travellers check the legal position of all countries they are planning to visit. Visit the IGLA Rainbow Europe Guide at ilga-europe.org or visit the Foreign Office & Commonwealth website fco.gov.uk before you make any travel plans.