Gay Cipro

Same-sex partnerships are recognised in Cipro, though full marriage may still be pending. The Legal Status panel above has the current position. Cyprus decriminalised same-sex relations in 1998, five years after losing Modinos v Cyprus at the European Court of Human Rights, and equalised the age of consent in 2002. Civil partnerships, open to same-sex couples, have been available since December 2015; marriage is not, and same-sex couples cannot adopt jointly or be listed together on a birth certificate. Employment discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation has been illegal since 2004, hate speech on grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity is criminal, with the fine doubled to 10,000 euros in 2024, and conversion therapy was criminalised in May 2023. Legal gender change exists but requires the applicant to be unmarried; a self-determination bill has been debated since 2017. The Orthodox Church remains the main opponent, yet a 2023 Eurobarometer found a Cypriot majority for same-sex marriage for the first time. Nicosia Pride has run since 2014 and became intercommunal in 2022. Northern Cyprus decriminalised only in 2014, the last territory in Europe. Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa have small scenes and the island is easy for visitors.

The cities listed on this page have the most active LGBTQ+ scenes in Cipro, typically anchored by the capital and the largest tourist cities. Each city page links to verified LGBTQ+ venues and upcoming events.

Yes — gay-friendly and gay-popular hotels are listed on each city page in Cipro. International chains in central districts are reliably welcoming; independent boutique options are flagged where the community has verified them.

Pride events take place in Cipro — check the events calendar on this site and each city page for the current year's dates.