Europe - Page 11 of 17 - Purple Roofs

Gay Berlin – The Nomadic Boys

September 4, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Jokes about German sausage are the wurst!

…especially when you arrive at the Wittenbergplatz in gay old Schöneberg, to be greeted by the cutest, gayest, rainbow-clad super-kitsch kiosk of Fritz & Co selling particularly yummy currywurst German sausages. More about Fritz & Co below, but as our first impression of Berlin, we knew we were in for a gay old time here! Gay Berlin is notorious for being the city of sin – a truly liberal and diverse hub where anything goes. The absolute wurst…and we live for it!

Schöneberg is considered to be the main gay area of Berlin, the traditional heart and soul of Berlin’s LGBTQ gay community, where the bulk of its gay bars, clubs and hotels can be found. The city also has several other exciting gay neighbourhoods to check out, each with its own unique character, vibe and queer hangouts. The main ones are Kreuzberg, Neukölln, Prenzlauer Berg and Friedrichshain.

We’ve been to Berlin several times and usually base ourselves somewhere in Schöneberg, which we love. For us, Schöneberg remains the best gay neighbourhood of Berlin – the true Queen of the Scene! We also love venturing out to the bars and parties happening in the other gay districts of Berlin such as Möbel Olfe in Kreuzberg, SchwuZ in Neukölln, Flax in Prenzlauer Berg, and the infamous Berghain in Friedrichshain. The Berghain super club is almost like an entire gay neighbourhood in its own right! This is reason alone why we rate Berlin as one of the top gay friendly vacation destinations in the world.

We’ve put all our notes and stories from our many travels to Berlin in this comprehensive gay guide to help inspire your own holiday to this crazy and super exciting city including the best of the gay scene, gay hotels, parties, events, things to do and more.

Where is the main area of Gay Berlin?

The main gay area of Berlin is based in Schöneberg. It is the traditional heart and soul of Berlin’s LGBTQ gay community, dating back to 1897 when the world’s first-ever LGBTQ organisation was founded right here: the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee. From this point on, the area blossomed, becoming the Gay Village capital of the world.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Berlin Gay Travel Resources

Bellatrix- Lesbian Owned Bed & Breakfast in Castletownbere, County Cork, Ireland

June 25, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

WOMEN-ONLY B&B ON THE BEARA PENINSULA

Bellatrix is a bed and breakfast exclusively for women on The Beara Peninsula, West Cork, Ireland. It’s the place where women from all over the world can meet and relax in Ireland’s stunning Wild Atlantic scenery. Bellatrix is a nature lovers paradise on The Beara Way.

We specialise in walking and hiking holidays. A short walk through the forest will take you to a beautiful little cove which is safe for swimming. Bellatrix is set in mature gardens with a super view of Gour Mountain.

Rita who is a Mountaineer offers great advice on local hikes and also offers guided hikes to suit all levels of ability.

We are an Eco friendly b and b and your shower is powered by the sun.

We have a variety of room options to choose from, all suitable for women travelers of every description.

See the Bellatrix Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Castletownbere Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals

Hidden Budapest Gems – Our Taste for Life

June 17, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

If you are looking to get off the beaten path in Budapest, you have come to the right place. After spending almost a week in the Hungarian capital and having covered all of the main attractions, we went in search of some of Budapest’s hidden gems. In this article, we share what we discovered and our top 14 unusual things to do in Budapest.

Budapest is a diverse and beautiful city, bursting with life, culture, history, nightlife, and awe-inspiring architecture. Naturally, if it’s your first time in the city you’ll want to cover all the major landmarks. Attractions such as the Fishermans Bastion, Hungarian Parliament Building, Thermal Baths and Ruin Bars are quintessential Budapest experiences. However, if you’re spending longer than a couple of days in the city, I suggest checking out some of Budapest’s hidden gems as well.

As it turns out, there are many quirky and unusual things to do in Budapest. You might not find them on your average Budapest travel guide or blog, but that’s what makes them so appealing. Getting off the beaten path in any touristy destination allows you to see the city through the eyes of a local. We had a wonderful time exploring an alternative side to Budapest. And to help you plan your own offbeat adventures, we’ve collated this list of the most weird and wonderful things to do in the city.

So let’s get to it, it’s time to break the silence on our favourite hidden gems in Budapest.

Unique Hotels in Alternative Budapest

Unsurprisingly, there is no shortage of accommodation options in Budapest. You can click the link below to search for hundreds of hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in the area. But while we are on the topic of unusual things to do in Budapest, I thought it would be nice to share some of the more unique hotels in Budapest – the hotels that reflect the cities alternative side.

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Budapest Lesbian Travel Resources

Lesbian Prague in Two Days – Our Taste for Life

May 11, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

2 Days in Prague is the perfect amount of time to appreciate what this charming city has to offer. And if you’re here looking for the best 2 Day Prague Itinerary, you’ll be pleased to know you’ve come to the right place. We recently spent a long weekend in Prague, so we can share what we got up to, and what we consider to be the best places to visit in Prague in 2 Days. We cover all of the Prague hotspots, including some cool hidden gems. We include where to eat, sleep, and party. And finally, we share all of our top tips to ensure you have the best possible time exploring the city.

When it comes to our favourite European city breaks, Prague tends to top the list every time. We’ve visited the city a total of 3 times already, and we like to think we know it pretty well. But it’s one of those places you could return to time and time again without ever getting bored. You see, Prague is full of hidden mysteries and secrets, so you always end up discovering something new.

One of the things we love most about Prague is its diversity. Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway with your other half, a boozy weekend with your friends, or a sightseeing break on your own, you won’t be disappointed. From the baroque style architecture and quaint cobbled streets, to the cheap local beer and endearing bohemian culture, there is truly something for everybody.

If you’re wondering what your 2 Day Prague Itinerary might look like, think exploring medieval castles, hunting for ghosts, basking in scenic views, and taking leisurely boat rides on the Vltava River. Not to mention eating at fabulous restaurants and drinking plenty of Czech beer along the way.

Sound good? Well, let’s get to it then! Here’s the best Prague Itinerary for 2 days in the city.

Is 2 Days in Lesbian Prague Enough?

Let’s face it, 2 days isn’t a lot of time. But if you plan your 48 hours in Prague wisely, you should find it enough to get acquainted with the city. Thankfully, Prague is compact and straightforward to navigate. You can easily get around on foot, which means that ultimately, you end up seeing a lot more than if you were taking public transport.

If it’s your first time visiting Prague, naturally you will want to see the major tourist spots. These spots are landmarks of the city and popular for a good reason. However, what makes Prague so unique, in my opinion, is the various hidden gems around the city. You know, the spots that you don’t find on your average travel guide.

If you’ve visited the city before, or perhaps fancy mixing up the suggested itinerary with some of Prague’s hidden gems, I’ve included a section at the end with some alternatives. But regardless of what your Prague Itinerary looks like, you cannot fail to fall for its charms.

By Charlotte & Natalie – Full Story at Our Taste for Life

Gay Spain – The Best Gay Cities – The Nomadic Boys

May 11, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Madrid Pride…Barcelona Circuit…Sitges gay nude beaches…Gran Canaria Yumbo Centre…a mere humble sprinkling of gay highlights happening across Spain each year!

We’ve been coming to Spain religiously every year since we came out as baby gays. We love it here. Not only is it one of the most gay friendly countries in the world, but there is always a fantastic party taking place across all the major cities and islands. Spain also has some of the world’s most famous gay parties like Madrid Pride (one of the largest Pride events in the world) and Barcelona’s Circuit Party (the biggest international gay festival in the world).

Whilst Spain hosts some of the best mega parties on our planet, what we also love about the country is the variety of different events on offer. So whilst the muscle boys will thrive at the Circuit parties, bear gays and their fans are also spoilt for choice in Spain. The country has some of the biggest and best bear events, in particular, the Bear Carnival in Gran Canaria every March, and the Sitges Bear Week every September.

In short, the Spanish know how to throw a decent party…especially a gay party! These are some of the best places in Spain to check out for gay events and parties:

Madrid

The Spanish capital is famous for being the best gay city for partying in Spain. We love visiting Madrid, whether it’s for Pride, or just an ad hoc weekend of partying. Either way, we know that a visit here is always going to be a lot of fun.

The Madrid Pride (“Orgullo Gay de Madrid”) takes place every year in June/July, and it is huge. It is not only one of the best Pride events in the world but also one of the largest. Every year, around 3-4 million people descent on the Spanish capital from all around the world. We absolutely love it because as well as guaranteed beautiful weather (remember to pack plenty of sunblock cream!), the entire city gets involved and it becomes one giant rainbow street party. The focal point is around the gay neighbourhood in Chueca, where the bars spill out into the streets, and free outdoor concerts take place.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Spain Gay Travel Resources

Gay Mykonos – The Nomadic Boys

May 6, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

“Seby, it’s 1am – time to go to the church!”

My Frenchman looked at me funny wondering if my drink had been spiked…

I was serious! In Mykonos, the church is where all the gay boys head to in the evening. Specifically, to the rocks surrounding the Church of Panagia Paraportiani in “Chora” (the main town of Mykonos). ‘Cause right here, on those sacred rocks, you’ll find plenty of gay lads, on their knees, deep in worship…!

Mykonos has long been not only one of the top gay destinations in Europe, but in the world! This is especially true in August during the XLSIOR Festival when around 30,000 hot gay guys from all over descend on this Greek island to party. XLSIOR is considered by many as a staple in the gay European calendar together with Madrid Pride, Circuit Barcelona and Tel Aviv Pride.

XLSIOR is, of course, just one small side to gay Mykonos. Whilst it has a worldwide reputation for being a gay party island, we also found a tranquil and really pretty side to it, which is what makes it so appealing to all gay men regardless of interest, budget or age. The beaches here are stunning, with a mix of busy party beaches, nudie beaches and remote, laid-back beaches. In terms of accommodation, there is something for all budgets, from the many lavish luxury hotels, to affordable local guesthouses. Finally, “Chora“, the main town, is where the bulk of the gay scene is, especially Jackie O’, Babylon, and the infamous cruising area around the Church of Panagia Paraportiani where I tried to get Seby to visit with me (strictly for research purposes of course!).

We’ve been to Mykonos for holiday several times, both for partying and for a relaxing beach getaway. We always have a blast every time we come! We’ve put together this detailed gay guide to Mykonos based on all our many trips here, featuring the best gay beaches, bars, clubs, events and more.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Mykonos Gay Travel Resources

Italy Gay Beaches – The Nomadic Boys

April 30, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Italy is one place that sure as hell confused the crap out of our gaydar! Almost every single guy here is well dressed with a charming smile and such perfectly chiselled speedo-ready-bodies…just head to any beach here and you’ll know exactly what we mean.

And they’re not shy: those sexy Italian studs love to show off (and do a pretty fine job of it in our humble opinion)!

We’ve travelled throughout Italy, from our romantic anniversary in Venice, the Amalfi Coast all the way to gorgeous Gallipoli in Puglia in the south. It’s such a rewarding destination for LGBTQ travellers, rich with culture, fine food, and, some of the hottest guys on the planet!

Along the way, we joined the throng of Italian-admirers and headed to the many Italy gay beaches and have summarised some of the best ones in this guide. One thing to note is that whilst public nudity in Italy is officially illegal, in 2006 nude tanning was legalised in designated areas, which has seen an increase in popularity in nudist-friendly beaches in Italy…remember that point we made above about how Italian men like showing off…

1. D’Ayala beach in Commenda near Taranto in Puglia

Spiaggia D’Ayala is the official name of this hidden gem. It’s the main gay beach in Puglia and also a nudie beach because it’s nicely cut off from the main road by the large “Pineta d’Ayala” forest. The beach is in the small town of Commenda, which is a 40-minute drive from the nearest big city of Taranto.

To reach it, on Google Maps search for “Spiaggia d’Ayala” and you’ll see it surrounded by a large patch of green, which is the large forest. Leave your car parked at one end of it, then walk in via one of the main paths which will take you to this 1km stretch of beach. The gay part is right in the middle, near the Lune Saracene Gay B&B.

At each end of this beach, there are beach clubs like Lido Posto 9 where you can rent sunbeds/umbrellas. Also nearby across the main road is the Toro Loco Beer House, which does delicious pizzas. Otherwise, D’Ayala beach is super remote with few facilities. Just you and Mother Nature…and a bunch of gay boys letting it all hang out!

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Italy Gay Travel Resources

Gay Rome – The Globetrotter Guys

April 17, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Rome is iconic, bustling, shrouded in history with grand monuments, has incredible food and interestingly, has a long standing history when it comes to homosexuality… It’s quite apt that our first visit to Rome was during Rome Gay Pride!

As a gay traveller coming to Rome, it has a fair amount to offer, perhaps not as much as other large cities, but it is sure to keep you entertained nevertheless. We spent a week in ‘gay Rome’ investigating the gay bars, upcoming events, the best things to do, top travel tips, where to eat and everything in-between to put together our Travel Guide to Gay Rome. We hope you enjoy.

Let’s get started…

Is Rome Gay Friendly?

Italy as a whole is considered to be gay friendly with an increasingly liberal attitude from the public. Of course, there are differences throughout the country and typically you will find that the more touristy an area, the more accepting they are.

It is fair to say that as a touristic and bustling city, we found Rome to be very gay friendly indeed. We encountered no problems whatsoever and during our visit experienced Rome gay pride which was well received and widely celebrated!

By Sion & Ben – Full Story at the Globetrotter Guys

Rome Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Mykonos, A Love Affair – Go Girlfriend

April 13, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

One of the more popular of the Greek islands, Mykonos – part of the Cyclades cluster of islands – has the reputation of a party island and a favorite stop for the jet set celebrities and yachts of the wealthy. A stop on many cruise itineraries, most tourist visits focus is on Mykonos Town (the largest town on the island), varied beach tours and tours to the historically significant local island of Delos. While rocky and scrubby in appearance, the flavour and mood of the island complements this stark mountainous beauty. This happening island has a vibe likened to Ibiza meets St. Tropez – serious fun!

It seems all roads lead to the center of the island and flare out from there in all directions. North is the windy side and famous for windsurfing opportunities unparalleled in the Mediterranean. South hosts the beautiful leeward beaches and home to the great resorts and party zones. West hosts the capital Mykonos Town, Agios Ioannis (of Shirley Valentine fame) and the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Island of Delos. The Eastern portion of the island is, as yet, an untapped beauty.

Celebrate the Flavor of Mykonos

Mykonos Town – White-washed buildings and shops frame the shoreline, making this a picturesque maze of delightfully refreshing shops, diverse and sumptuous restaurants, vibrant sunsets and historic 16th century windmills. Built in a maze-like mash-up it’s said the intent was to confound looting and thieving pirates, confusing them and discouraging attacks – this is not your designer shopping district like major cities. Mykonos Town is very busy on cruise days, it’s restaurants most busy along the waterside towards sunset. After dark, the bars and clubs crank up their thumping party vibes, keeping this town hopping from early til late. A definite highlight to your Mykonos visit that will not disappoint.

Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Berlin Gay Tours – The Nomadic Boys

April 8, 2020March 30, 2020 by J. Scott Coatsworth

Berlin is a city that has been revelling in its queerness for years. Even as far back as the 1920s, it was known as the gayest city in the world. While other cities have recently begun to vie for that crown, for us, there’s just nowhere quite like Berlin!

With a truly hedonistic gay scene featuring gay clubs, bars, saunas, hotels and cruising clubs, Berlin might seem a little overwhelming to first-time visitors. Hell, even us old queens who’ve been here dozens of times occasionally get surprised by the newest additions that have popped up since our last visit!

Berlin Gay Tours

Luckily, for those who want to ease into Berlin’s gay scene gently, or even explore the city from a unique perspective, there are a variety of fabulous Berlin gay tours to experience. Whether you want to just explore Berlin with a gay guide, get acquainted with the gay nightlife, or even learn about the city’s history of sex, there’s a tour for you! We’ve rounded up the best of the best for you right here.

Berlin’s Gay, Lesbian and Queer Scene Walking Tour

When we did this tour we had the terrific, Finn, as our guide. Finn is a gay local and also a history fanatic – the perfect person to get you acquainted with Berlin’s historic gay scene!

The tour is organised by Original Berlin Walks, who focus on telling the history of Berlin in an informative and entertaining manner. We were definitely entertained by Finn, learning so much about Berlin’s queer history at the same time as he walked us through the streets of Schöneberg.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Germany Gay Travel Resources