Your LGBTQ+ travel guide for 2025: queer-friendly destinations with direct flights from East Midlands Airport
Proud journeys start here
Connecting you to some of the world’s most LGBTQ+ inclusive cities
Whether you're planning a Pride party weekend, a romantic getaway or a culture-filled escape, these destinations celebrate every colour of the rainbow, and you can reach them directly from East Midlands Airport.
Barcelona, Spain
Bold, beachy, and brilliantly queer, Barcelona is the ultimate Mediterranean blend of art, architecture, and celebration. The Eixample district (a.k.a. “Gaixample”) is packed with LGBTQ+ bars, boutique hotels, and drag brunches. Pride Barcelona is one of the biggest in southern Europe, lighting up Plaça Universitat and the waterfront with concerts, parades, and dancing. Relax at the gay-friendly Mar Bella beach or lose yourself in El Raval’s cultural scene.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Effortlessly cool and radically inclusive, Amsterdam embraces LGBTQ+ travellers with open arms. Explore the Canal Ring, visit the Homomonument, or just cruise through centuries of progressive culture. The city’s Pride celebrations (including its legendary Canal Parade) are among the most photographed in the world. Whether you’re touring queer history museums or bar-hopping through Reguliersdwarsstraat, Amsterdam offers authenticity, acceptance, and adventure.
Faro, Portugal
With its sun-soaked coastlines and growing queer culture, Faro is your gateway to Portugal’s Algarve. It’s well known for its golden beaches, inclusive resorts, and emerging LGBTQ+ scene. Lagos and Albufeira both offer relaxed and growing gay-friendly spaces with beach bars, boutique guesthouses, and sunset cruises. Visit in June for Lisbon’s Pride, easily reachable by train, or enjoy a quieter romantic retreat during the Algarve’s peaceful off-season.
Dublin, Ireland
A capital city with charm and a thriving queer soul, Dublin offers a compact yet electric LGBTQ+ scene centred around George’s Street. Start at The George, one of Europe’s oldest gay bars, before hopping between queer-friendly pubs and drag shows. Dublin Pride is a lively, community-focused celebration that fills the city each June, and LGBTQ+ tours offer insight into Ireland’s queer history and modern activism.
Even more direct LGBTQ+-friendly getaways from East Midlands Airport
Palma, Majorca: chic resorts, stylish queer clubs, and Pride by the beach.
Ibiza: legendary LGBTQ+ nightlife and beach clubs galore.
Corfu, Greece: friendly locals, warm waters, and increasingly inclusive resorts.
Geneva, Switzerland: quietly queer-friendly, clean, and cultured.
Tenerife: LGBTQ+ events in Playa de las Américas and sunny vibes all year.
Why East Midlands Airport is a fantastic LGBTQ+ travel launchpad
Whether you're flying out for a big Pride celebration or a chilled-out escape, East Midlands Airport offers a relaxed, efficient, and well-connected travel experience right from the heart of the UK.
Big trips start right on your doorstep
Serving Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and beyond, East Midlands connects you to top queer-friendly destinations across Europe. With airlines like Ryanair, Jet2, and TUI operating direct routes, you're closer than you think to your next LGBTQ+ adventure - no big-city chaos required (unless that’s what you’re after, of course).
No hassles, just hellos!
Smaller than most major airports, EMA gets you from check-in to take-off quickly. With helpful staff, good accessibility services, and modern facilities, our airport makes the start of your trip feel easy, friendly, and inclusive.
More than a departure lounge, a launchpad for belonging
The East Midlands region is proud of its diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ communities, and the airport reflects that spirit. Whether you’re flying solo, with a partner, or your chosen family, EMA welcomes all travellers and we provide a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
Where will you travel proud in 2025?
From the colourful streets of Barcelona to the sparkling shores of the Algarve, East Midlands Airport puts the world’s most exciting LGBTQ+ destinations within easy reach. Your next rainbow adventure starts here!
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