Xlovecam – Italians’ Fantasies
June 2025
This new survey follows a series of previous studies conducted by Discurv on sexuality in Italy, as well as on the sexiest celebrities in Italy and across Europe.
Making love in an exotic location is the number one fantasy for Italians: 2 out of 3 include it among their top fantasies, far ahead of being surprised during sleep or dominating a partner. Sleeping with a celebrity is an important fantasy for 1 in 4 Italians.
On average, Italians report nearly 8 fantasies from the options provided.
Non-consensual scenarios are the least mentioned, along with bondage, yet 1 in 5 Italians still expressed interest in these themes.
Deserted beaches and cars top the list of locations fueling Italians’ fantasies, followed by the kitchen, which completes the top 3. On average, Italians have fantasized about 8 of these places.
Conversely, only 1 in 5 Italians has ever imagined a religious or sacred place for making love — the least mentioned location by far.
Fantasies involving professions or roles appear to be less polarizing than other types.
Flight attendants and nurses remain the top two fantasy figures, with over half of Italians having fantasized about them — and 1 in 3 doing so regularly.
In-laws are a fantasy for fewer than 1 in 6 Italians, while brothers- or sisters-in-law appeal to 1 in 4.
On average, Italians have fantasized about around 7 of these characters.
More broadly, 1 in 3 Italians feels at least a little embarrassed by their fantasies. These thoughts occur at different times of day, not necessarily during sexual activity: 1 in 3 says they occur during random moments.
However, 40% say they fantasize during masturbation. When it comes to their partner, 1 in 3 would feel very or extremely comfortable talking about their fantasies with them.
Interestingly, 2 in 3 Italians have already thought of someone else while having sex with their partner.
Italians reveal themselves to be particularly imaginative when it comes to sexual fantasies, with nearly 8 scenarios mentioned on average. Making love in an exotic location stands out as the top desire, cited by two-thirds of respondents.
More transgressive fantasies like bondage or non-consensual acts remain marginal, though 1 in 5 Italians still relate to them. The most commonly fantasized places reflect a taste for escape and the forbidden: deserted beaches, cars, and kitchens form the podium of the most stimulating settings. On average, Italians report fantasizing about 8.3 different places. Religious venues remain more taboo, yet 1 in 5 has already imagined them.
When it comes to characters, flight attendants and nurses/stewards clearly dominate collective imagination, followed by waiters and waitresses. Family figures like in-laws remain on the fringes (under 1 in 6), unlike brothers- and sisters-in-law, who spark the fantasies of 1 in 4 Italians.
On an emotional level, fantasies are omnipresent in intimate life: 1 in 3 feels a bit embarrassed by them.
64% admit to having imagined someone else during sex, and 36% say they feel very comfortable discussing their fantasies with a partner.
Most fantasies arise both during and outside sexual activity, especially during masturbation (40%) or at random times of the day (38%).
Men vs. Women: Persistent Stereotypes
Italian men show themselves to be more prolific in fantasizing, with an average of 9.4 fantasized places and 9.5 characters, compared to 7.2 and 5.7 among women.
They are also more attracted to group sex (43%), filming themselves (41%), or tantric sex.
However, women do not show a stronger preference than men for any particular type of fantasy. The “nurse” fantasy remains strong among men, along with flight attendants. Women, on the other hand, still fantasize frequently about soldiers — more than half reported this.
Younger People Are More Imaginative
People under 50 show greater imagination, with an average of 8.6 fantasies (vs. 6.9), and are more likely to fantasize about domination (55%), public sex (51%), or role play (38%).
They also have a broader repertoire in terms of places (9.5 vs. 7) and characters (8.3 vs. 6.6).
Those aged 50+ remain more traditional, still fantasizing about celebrities, strangers, or being surprised in their sleep, and feel slightly less comfortable discussing it.
Sexually Active vs. Inactive Individuals
Sexually active respondents report more fantasies (average of 8.3) and enjoy practices like role play (52%), public sex (49%), or tantric sex (32%).
Their imaginary world includes a wide variety of locations, especially cars, jacuzzis, kitchens, and beaches.
Inactive individuals report fewer fantasies (6.7 on average), though many still imagine exotic settings or being surprised while asleep.
Single vs. In a Relationship
Singles and people in relationships show similar results overall.
However, singles are more attracted to fantasies involving celebrities, strangers, or group sex.
Study conducted by:
Audrey Mandefield, Senior Account Executive
Pauline Poché, Insight Team Lead
WHEN CITING THIS STUDY, PLEASE USE AT LEAST THE FOLLOWING REFERENCE:
"Discurv study for XloveCam conducted in June 2025 via a self-administered online questionnaire on a representative sample of 1,000 residents of Austria aged 18 and over."