Your very own gay dolce vita guide to Italy's best beaches
Italy’s dolce vita extends to its sun-soaked coasts, where style and seaside fun go hand-in-hand. From the chic Riviera of Tuscany to the crystal coves of Puglia, gay-friendly beaches in Italy offer something for every upscale traveler. Picture yourself sipping an Aperol Spritz at a trendy beach club or lounging on a secluded sand dune while gazing over the Mediterranean.
In this guide, we explore Italy’s top gay beaches – both famous hotspots and hidden gems – all with an upscale, Italian flair. Get ready for la bella figura on the beach, with recommendations for luxury hotels, exclusive clubs, and novel local experiences for a lavish Italian vacation.
Torre del Lago, Tuscany – Italy’s Gay Beach Town
Torre del Lago is a must-visit for gay beachgoers in Italy, often drawing comparisons to Mykonos and Sitges. This small town on Tuscany’s Versilia coast is home to Italy’s most famous gay beach – a long, wild stretch of sand officially called Lecciona Beach. Set between the Tyrrhenian Sea and a tranquil lake, Lecciona Beach lies within a protected pine forest, giving it a secluded and natural vibe. By day, you’ll find a mixed crowd of locals and international travelers sunbathing and socializing along the dunes (note that it’s largely an unserviced beach, so bring your luxe picnic and beach gear). In July and August, the scene heats up with beach parties and music; temporary bars and DJ sets pop up, creating a fun, inclusive party atmosphere. Come nightfall, Torre del Lago’s promenade buzzes with gay bars and open-air clubs, meaning you can dance until dawn should you be feeling inclined. It’s the kind of place where you can be yourself, enjoy Italian summer at its finest, and then retreat to comfort and style nearby.
Where to Stay: For a five-star home base, the art nouveau Grand Hotel Principe di Piemonte in nearby Viareggio is an excellent choice. This elegant hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Torre del Lago and features a rooftop pool with panoramic views. After a sunny day at the gay beach (Marina di Torre del Lago is about a 5 km stretch), you can unwind back at the hotel’s spa or dine at its Michelin-starred restaurant – a perfect mix of gay beach fun and Tuscan luxury.
Gallipoli, Puglia – The Trendy Southern Hotspot
In the sun-drenched region of Puglia (the heel of Italy’s boot), Gallipoli has emerged as a trendy LGBTQ+ summer destination known for its gorgeous beaches. Just outside the town lies Punta della Suina, a Caribbean-like cove with shallow turquoise waters and fine white sand. This beach was voted Italy’s top gay-friendly beach in a recent national poll, and it’s easy to see why: Punta della Suina offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and social vibe. The beach is part of a protected park, so its landscape feels pristine – think fragrant pine groves and smooth rock formations framing the bay. A casual beach club on site provides sunbed rentals, cold drinks, and light bites. The gay area isn’t officially marked, but you’ll notice a mixed crowd with many LGBTQ+ travelers, especially on summer weekends. Afternoons often turn into mini-parties by the water as groups of friends mingle and DJs from the nearby bar spin chill tunes. For those seeking a bit of adventure, the surrounding coast has hidden coves accessible by boat or a short hike with more private spots for swimming.
La Dolce Vita in Gallipoli: After your beach day, head into Gallipoli’s charming old town – built on an island – for a passeggiata (evening stroll). Here you can enjoy a gelato or aperitivo as the sun sets over the Ionian Sea. For an upscale dinner, try Purità, a renowned seafood restaurant serving Salento specialties with a gourmet twist in a rooftop setting. When it comes to accommodations, Gallipoli has stylish options like Palazzo del Corso, a boutique five-star hotel where suites come with marble bathrooms and sea-view terraces. Alternatively, for a unique luxury experience, stay at a countryside masseria (a fortified farmhouse resort) just outside town – many, such as Masseria Sant’Angelo, offer designer rooms, infinity pools, and even shuttle services to the beaches.
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Lido di Capocotta, near Rome – A Rusitc Escape Outisde the Eternal City
Just 30 km from Rome’s city center lies Lido di Capocotta, a long sandy shore that’s been a beloved destination for the LGBTQ+ community for decades. Hidden within a coastal nature reserve south of Ostia, Capocotta’s gay-friendly section – often called “Il Buco” beach – is popular due to its easy day-trip distance from the Eternal City. Don’t expect flashy clubs or fancy facilities here; the appeal of Capocotta is its unspoiled setting and laid-back, inclusive vibe. The beach is unofficially clothing-optional and tends to attract a cool mix of Rome’s trendy crowd, from young LGBTQ+ locals to international tourists taking a break from museum-hopping. While services are limited (a simple gay-friendly beach kiosk usually operates in summer selling drinks and snacks), the rustic charm is part of the allure. Stretch out on the sand with your own stylish beach blanket and enjoy a peaceful escape from the bustle of Rome.
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Luxury Pairing – Rome & Capocotta: To turn this beach into a luxe excursion, consider hiring a private car from your Rome hotel so you can arrive in comfort (the roughly one-hour ride can be an air-conditioned, scenic drive along the coast). Pack a gourmet picnic – perhaps delicacies from Rome’s Campo de’ Fiori market – and some prosecco to enjoy by the sea. Back in Rome, treat yourself to a night at the Hotel Eden or Palazzo Manfredi, five-star properties where you can rejuvenate after your beach outing. There’s nothing like soaking in a rooftop hot tub with a view of the Colosseum, reminiscing about your casual day at one of Italy’s most storied gay beaches.
Beyond the Hotspots: Italy has many other gay-friendly beach areas worth exploring if you have time. In Sicily, for example, Taormina’s reputation as a gay-friendly resort town goes back to the 19th century – while it doesn’t have a dedicated gay beach, the nearby Isola Bella and Giardini Naxos beaches are welcoming and exceedingly beautiful. Even the ultra-glamorous Capri island, known for its VIP beach clubs and Hollywood legends, has long been an LGBTQ+ haven. There’s no official gay section on Capri, but you’ll find a tolerant, chic crowd at spots like La Fontelina beach club, where everyone is there to bask in the clear blue Tyrrhenian Sea and Capri’s timeless elegance.
