LGBTQ+ in Spain

For anyone searching for the best place to live in Spain for LGBTQ+ newcomers, International Living points to four places, picked for their balance of safety, services and a sense of belonging.

Spain’s Pride celebrations are a riot of colour and inclusivity, popping up across the country from May to November (and sometimes beyond). Imagine massive parades in Madrid and Barcelona, plus the unique buzz of smaller, coastal Prides.

Madrid throws one of the biggest, boldest, and most brilliant Pride parties in the world, and 2025 is shaping up to be no different. Think vibrant parades, pumping parties, and a city buzzing with energy.

The long-awaited 2024 Pride party will be held in Madrid on 6 July. Beyond the capital's LGBTIQ+-friendly neighbourhoods, such as Chueca or Lavapiés, we analyse the housing market in popular LGBT tourist destinations such as Sitges (Barcelona), Torremolinos (Malaga), Cadiz or Maspalomas (Gran Canaria).

After its cancellation in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people are asking if Madrid Pride 2021 is cancelled. The good news is that Madrid Pride 2021 has been less affected by COVID and will go ahead in reduced form and with COVID restrictions in place.

Pride 2019 is nearly upon us and Spain is busy putting on its best rainbow-coloured party clothes to celebrate.

The Gay Pride Parade in Barcelona When: 23rd–30th June 2018 Where: Barcelona, Spain Website: pridebarcelona.org Barcelona Gay Pride is a colourful party that normally takes place between the end of June and the beginning of July, this year the week from 23rd to 30th June.