Gays In Italy

Spots They can Crave On

You talk about gay life and Italy would be the best place to be - read on to know why...

You talk about gay life and Italy would be the best place to be - as the mayor of Viareggio, in the Tuscan region of Italy, has already extended an invitation for gay and lesbian travelers to visit the towns of Viareggio and Torre del Lago.

This area has got its special significance, as it is the place where the famous musician Giacoma Puccini was born and bought up. And the mayor has also promised that travelers coming to this region will find plenty to do once you arrive in this sun-soaked section of Italian region.

Within this region - 'Versilia' is the area of Tuscany in which Viareggio is located and is the name given to the area of entertainment opportunities and events for gay and lesbian tourists in this area.

It is noteworthy that being lesbian or gay in a place like Italy certainly wont dampen your spirits as it is not something which is looked down upon. It is embraced, like the ever evolving culture of many advanced European cities, and perhaps should teach us a thing or two on how the human existence can evolve for the good of the overall society.

If you want more information on the "Versilia", there is the local gay switchboard, supported by the gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses and hotel association board. It is officially recognized by the Viareggio Municipality.

Pushed by its global presense in high fashion - sexuality seems to be storming up Italy as of recent. No longer do heterosexuals keep their adrenal within themselves - the streets showing off their sexuality, but so do the gays and lesbians. The way it should be!

It nay be recalled that the whole Versilia scene was created around the Lecciona, a very exquisite and infamous (however only in Italy at the moment) beach of fine sand situated between Viareggio and Torre del Lago. Its an ideal place to just sit around and do nothing, while enjoying nature is at its very best.

This area is surrounded by a wonderful National Park with a forest of pine trees and is always crowded with gay men and women. On weekdays as well as weekends one can easily find scores of friendly gay men and lesbians playing, suntanning, swimming, and enjoying themselves here.

As a matter of fact, very close to this beautiful beach, all along the seafront road, there you will find the heart of friendly Versilia: in its bars, restaurants, pizzerias, disco clubs, and villa shops. Two very crowded gay and lesbian pubs, Bocachica and Mama Mia, also serve as fine restaurants. Both of them are great places that can act as a perfect hideaway for gay couples in this region.

While, Bocachica serves delicious seafood, wine, and curry, it also has a music bar with different styles of music including American. Mama Mia's offers typically Italian pizza as well as it's sister club, Momousa, another popular restaurant in town, serves up fine seafood and shellfish as well as coffee and sandwiches, i.e. regular cafe food as well for those who don't like the seafood.

Talking about the disco era - Frau Marleen, one of the historical gay disco clubs in Italy, is along the beach. It's mostly gay and lesbian on Friday nights, transgender on Saturdays, and mixed on Sundays. Not far from the beach you'll find a festive club called Barrumba, a very popular disco with a nice crowd and a huge dark room. Many gay-owned or gay-friendly shops are found in the center of Torre del Lago and Viareggio as well. You'll want to try Antichita Luigi Tomasso for antiques and gifts. Babele Libreria Cartoleria, for gay literature and Tentazioni, a great gay gift shop but open only in August. There are a lot of cultural events happening in this region as well. They include an annual Carnival, the Festival Pucciniano, and the Festival della Versiliana. It is needless to say that once you're in this area you're also close to a number of cities worth visiting - Lucca, Pisa, Firenze, Siena, Volterra, and San Gimignano - and you're just within a short driving span of the romantic Alpi Apuane mountains.

All in all - Gay life is getting hot and popular in Tuscany - openly gay and lesbian pubs, restaurants, and shops; open and proud gay men and lesbians; rainbow flags; and lots of travelers coming from all over Italy and other countries.

Part I on Gay Life in Tuscany