New research from Icelandair has revealed the best European destinations for romance this summer, ranked on factors such as LGBTQ+ friendliness, nightlife, number of singles and even sunset views. Olivia Palamountain reports

As Pride month galvanises the LGBTQ+ community and its allies into a loving embrace, Icelandair has doubled down on the theme by revealing the best European cities for a holiday romance.

The study ranked European destinations based on LGBTQ+ friendliness, nightlife quality, number of singles and sunset views.

The winner? Madrid, with a tally of 86.34 out of 100. Prague came second with 84.75 points, followed by Lisbon with 84.64.

Despite not making the top five for overall romance, Reykjavik, home of Icelandair, scored a perfect 100 for LGBTQ+ friendliness. Iceland decriminalised homosexuality in 1940, and the city's Pride festival, running from August 5 to 10, draws around 100,000 attendees despite being known as "the world's biggest small Pride."

Edvardas Paskevicius, a spokesperson for Icelandair, says: “With the rise of online dating, modern travellers are looking for more than just sightseeing - they want real connections. A holiday romance is just the ticket for many, and Madrid’s top ranking proves it’s the ultimate destination for love-seekers. From its vibrant nightlife to its stunning sunsets, the city creates the perfect setting for sparks to fly while Reykjavik stands out as Europe’s most LGBTQ+ friendly city for a romantic getaway.”

The data comes hot on the heels of a survey by Gay Times, which finds that 61% of LGBTQ+ travellers actively seek out LGBTQ+ experiences as part of their trips, while a 27% drop in UK Tinder searches over the past year suggests more Britons are looking for real-life connections.

Madrid's top ranking coincides with the city hosting one of the world's largest Pride events, attracting more than one million participants. This year's MADO (Madrid Pride) runs from June 28 to July 6 under the slogan "20 years advancing in rights: not one step back," with the central parade taking place on July 5 alongside concerts, drag shows, theatre and family activities.

Spain emerged as Europe's premier destination for romance, being the only country with two cities in the top five. Barcelona ranked fourth with a score of 82.95, hosting an extended three-week Pride celebration from June 28 to July 19.

Prague topped the nightlife rankings with a perfect score of 100 and earned high marks for romance. The Czech capital's Pride festival, running from July 28 to August 3, has grown from 8,000 attendees in 2011 to over 60,000 last year. The main parade is scheduled for August 2, with festivities centred on Střelecký Island.

Lisbon's third-place finish comes as the Portuguese capital prepares to host EuroPride 2025. The nine-day celebration runs from June 14 to 22, with the main parade on June 21. The city was chosen by the European Pride Organisers Association thanks to Portugal's strong track record of inclusivity.

Zurich completed the top five with 82.54 points, notable for having the highest number of single people per capita among European cities. The Swiss city's Pride takes place from June 20 to 21, typically drawing 40,000 to 55,000 participants.