Travel

LGBT-Friendly Tourism in Portugal

Now that we seem past the worst of the recent pandemic, more and more of us are contemplating exploring exotic climes. If you and your female partner are considering booking a holiday, you must put Portugal at the top of your itinerary. Whether you love the idea of dancing the night away in Lisbon nightclubs, exploring medieval towns like Braga, surfing on Nazare beach or undertaking other fantastic and romantic opportunities, you’ll find plenty to keep you occupied. Here’s your helpful guide to a lesbian-friendly vacation in the Iberian Peninsula.

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Progressive legislation and social context

Before planning any visits to a different country, one of the first things you have to consider from an LGBT perspective is how accommodating they are in terms of openness and inclusivity. Regarding Portugal, the good news is that this European nation has far-reaching anti-intolerance laws and even contains a ban on discrimination – based on sexual orientation in the country’s national Constitution. For over ten years, same-sex marriages have been recognized here. If you are still in the formative stages of planning your break, you might wish to check out the possibilities of lesbian hook-up online at sites made for lesbian singles. These platforms allow you to interact with a cross-section of kindred spirits. Algorithms built into these websites or apps will ensure you have every chance of being matched with someone sharing your passions. If another site user has professed an ambition to visit Portugal on holiday, you are a winner! You can begin making arrangements, then discuss meeting up by messaging via the secure communication platform.

LGBT-friendly cities in Portugal

You rest assured that there are dynamic gay scenes in all of the major cities in Portugal, especially Lisbon and Porto. Tourist areas such as the Algarve, with a regular influx of individuals from various cultures across the globe, are also terrific for offering a choice of gay bars, pubs, and nightclubs. You will even be able to track down expansive golden beaches where lesbians are made to feel at home.

Important events worth visiting

– The Queer Lisboa International Film Festival

This film festival was inaugurated in 1997 and has become one of Europe’s consistently heralded forums for LGBT films and videos. The first outing showcased 114 titles, including 30 full-length feature films and over 50 shorter pieces. Known for boldly screening movies that capture the essence of being queer in Portugal and celebrating the diversity in this society, the films are never short of talking points. Prepare to be wowed by beautiful performances and superb directing, not to mention a fine array of soundtracks capturing the action perfectly. Plan a schedule of films to watch, taking time out for refreshments. This represents a ‘must-see’ event when organizing a lesbian-friendly excursion to Portugal.

– Arraial Lisboa Pride

Portugal’s largest and most influential LGBT event takes place between 4 in the afternoon, and the partying gradually wind down at around 4 in the morning. Arraial has something for everyone. Non-stop pulsating music is performed next to expansive dance floors. Mouth-watering food and drink stalls. Cafes and restaurants are adorned with rainbow flags. Workshops where you can interact with charming girls from a variety of backgrounds. The proceedings traditionally commence with an amazingly colorful parade through the country’s capital, with spectators thronging the route and basking in the atmosphere. A top tip: always make sure your phones or cameras are well-charged, as you will come across many opportunities to capture the electrifying proceedings. You are guaranteed to make many fabulous new friends and will most likely be eager to make a return visit at some point.

– LGBTQ+ Festival, Douro

Although this event takes place in July, in a site on the banks of the River Douro in Porto, in a venue that has been listed among the World’s Leading City Break destinations. The festival brings LGBT people together from diverse backgrounds, listening and dancing to the likes of Gloria Groove, the Scissor Sisters’ Sammy Jo, Peaches, and many other performers, along with international DJs. Pop this into your diary for next summer and anticipate 72 hours of raving, pool parties, and astonishing ocean views. Even helicopter rides over Porto and the azure seas beyond.

You can see that Portugal, the most westerly part of Europe before the mainland meets the majestic Atlantic Ocean, is packed with vacation options. Whatever type of LGBT-friendly holiday you’d prefer – historical trips, music festivals, tours of the Algarve’s stunning sea views, wine tasting, or whatever, why don’t you start planning now? You’ll enjoy a holiday you’ll never forget – and you may find yourself eager to arrange a return visit.

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