Be welcome

Spain is one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in the world, so it is no surprise that it is also one of the leading tourism destination for LGBT travelers, drawn by its beautiful beaches, rich culture and extensive nightlife. And Madrid's annual Gay Pride celebration has become one of the hottest party's in Europe, attracting nearly two million people, both gay and straight.

Spain has been flying the tolerance flag since 2005, when it legalized marriage, adoption and open military service for gays and lesbians. Transsexuals can change their legal gender without sex reassignment surgery or sterilization, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity has been banned since 1996.

The basics