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Gran Canaria is the most gay-friendly destination in the Canary Islands, an archipelago situated just 130 miles off the northwest coast of Africa that for decades has been a favorite destination for Europeans in search of sunshine. In addition to fine beaches, the islands have a fascinating history to explore, and plenty of relaxed revelry to enjoy, all with Spanish flair.

It's generally accepted that the Gauches from North Africa, descendants of Berbers, originally settled the islands. They lived mainly in caves and under rock spurs. Left pretty much alone until the 14th century, they were taken as slaves by Italians, Portuguese and Catalans, forcibly converted to Christianity, and then quickly died out. In the mid 15th century the Spanish arrived to rule the islands.

On the southwest coast of Gran Canaria, the communities of Playa del Inglés, Maspalomas, and San Augustin, have an abundance of shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs, mostly built since the 1960s, alongside the famous Maspalomas Dunes. In contrast, the northern coast has a more traditional cultural ambience, and a change of scenery. Known as a "miniature continent" with different climates, the landscapes range from long beaches and white sand dunes to mountain terrain and lush green ravines with picturesque villages. A third of the island has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Maspalomas has one of the best nude beaches in the world, complete with a gay section near the western end. There’s cruising in the nearby dunes, and shacks where you can buy cold drinks (but not cheap). The gay section is named for shack "Number 7" - just look for rainbow flags and the guys you saw at the clubs. You'll see northerners on the sand earlier (craving every ray of sunshine), while Spanish locals tend to come out for a dip, or for a beer at the "chiringuito" later, as the sun gets lower in the sky. Tip: pack up before nightfall or risk being eaten alive by sand fleas. See Just Gran Canaria for gay beach information in English, Binter in Spanish, or TravelQueers in both languages.

In many ways Maspalomas/ Playa del Inglés is the most laid-back of the four major gay Spanish beach resorts. Unlike beach towns "on the Peninsula," winter doesn't shut things down, and a cultural separation from mainland Spain makes for a slower pace of life. As Key West differs from Fort Lauderdale, or Blackpool from Brighton, it's just different -- perhaps more Benidorm than Sitges -- but certainly not Ibiza. Fashions are more casual. The boy-next-door has grown up but he won't get turned away at the disco rope, and the partying usuallly ends when the sun comes up. Weekdays are slow, building up to the weekends. Sundays involve a lazy brunch, or Sunday roast, and time-out at the pool, but not T-party dancing. The scene is broadly international. English and German, along with Spanish, are the most often heard languages, with some French, Dutch, Italian and Scandinavian thrown in. Comfort zone retreats provide all things familiar -- beers, food, DJs and party brands from home, along with the familiar acid wit of drag queen emcees. Also, with satellite TV in hotels and bars, no one needs to miss their team's game/match, or favorite program (uh... favourite programme) episode.

It's well worth visiting the capital of Gran Canaria. With about 400,000 inhabitants, Las Palmas is less touristy than the south shore communities, and it offers more historical sights and some lovely architecture. The city has some beaches too, and local bars and restaurants serve traditional tapas, local seafood, beers and wines. Most Spanish businesses traditionally shut down during siesta hours, usually 2-5pm, so you'll find better eating and shopping options during the early evening hours than in the mid-afternoon, when most places in Spain look like ghost towns.

Gran Canaria's Gay Pride event attracts over 100,000 participants to Maspalomas for a whole week of entertainment and partying in May. Every business displays the colors of the rainbow. The streets are full of people in stunning costumes and suntanned men in skimpy swimsuits. The day ends in a huge outdoor dance party on Avenida de Tirajana.

Maspalomas Fetish Week and Freedom Gay Festival in October, Maspalomas Winter Pride in November, Bear Carnival in March, Circuit Festival Maspalomas in May, and the Maspalomas Summer Fiesta in early August, keep things hopping all year.

Carnival events, celebrated in both Maspalomas and Las Palmas in the weeks before Lent, includes Drag Queen Night, shows, shows, parade floats, street festivals with thousands in costume, and parties at all the clubs. In Maspalomas the action centers around Yumbo Center, and along Avenida de Tirajana. Up north, Carnaval Las Palmas, which includes Gala de la Reina (Queen's Show), takes place in Parque Santa Catalina and Plaza de la Feria, with Carnaval al Sol and the grand finale Entierro de la Sardina (the Sardine's Funeral) seaside festivities, at Playa de Canteras.

 

Getting here

Along with many major carriers, there are several low-cost airlines that fly from European cities to Gran Canaria Airport. These include Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2, Vueling, Transavia, and Norwegian Air among others.

Canary Fly is a low-cost airline for getting between the islands, La Palma, Lanzarote, Tenerife, and Fuerteventura, plus some Africa connections. Binter Canarias also covers these routes, along with flights from Lisbon, Cape Verde, Madeira and some cities in Morocco.

The airport is about a 30-minute drive to Maspalomas, Playa del Ingles, and San Augustin. Many hotels and guesthouses will send a taxi to pick you up. Also see bus information, at the link below.

 

Getting around

Buses, known as guaguas, are a great way to get around Gran Canaria. Global service is not always frequent, but they operate many routes around the island, including from the airport, to both Las Palmas and Maspalomas.

Guaguas Municipales covers Las Palmas with more frequent bus service; also with tourist open-top city tours. Buy a 10-trip book of tickets for a fare discount.

Car rentals are easy and inexpensive, reserved ahead, and picked up at the airport - and local companies in town sometimes have good last minute deals too. Jeeps and 4×4s cost more, but they're fun up on the mountain roads.

With so many gay resorts, bars and restaurants packed in close together around Yumbo Center in Maspalomas, walking may often be the best option --but taxis aren't that expensive either.

GayBoat Gran Canaria offers gay group sailings every Friday. The pickup time is 2pm at mini golf Yumbo to board a catamaran at Puerto Rico for music, sun, sea and a stop at a small beach where parasailing and jetski rentals are optional.

GayJeep Safari Gran Canaria takes you on a tour to some hidden corners of the island, far from the usual tourist trails, with a midday mountain village restaurant stop in Ayacata. Departs 11am from mini golf Yumbo center, with return by 4-5pm

 

Currency and Money

Since it’s part of Spain, Gran Canaria’s legal tender is the euro. Around 50 ATMs can be found at 14 banks and 20 shopping centers around Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. Banks close at 2pm and on weekends, but there's always an ATM nearby. Check with your local bank to possibly save on withdrawal charges; your bank may have reciprocal agreements with local banks such as Barclays, BBVA or Santander. Informing your bank of travel plans will also make your credit card charges go more smoothly; likewise a credit card with a chip and 4-digit pin number is often preferred.

 

Cruising

The infamous dunes provide opportunities for nudity and lots of all-male recreational fun. Best avoided during the heat of the day, but if you go, take water, and perhaps tangerines and/or dates for a quick energy boost. A hat is helpful too, especially for guys with shaved heads -- in straw or paper, Panama-style, they're cheap and disposable, and much cooler than a tight cap.

There are plenty of indoor cruising places too. Besides two saunas, several sex clubs and with naked nights in dark rooms with slings etc, and porn shop video lounges, there are dark rooms in the discos and in lots of other bars too, especially the men's clubs.  "A basic service, like running water" is how local blogspot GCGay puts it. Check out Squirt.org for more cruising tips.

 

Media and Resources

Guapo Magazine is a monthly local gay source for info on the bar/clubs, restaurants, hotel options and more, in English.

The best local gay websites for information on what's going on: GayMaspalomas, frequently updated and in English; GayNews-GranCanaria, information in German; GayCityMap magazine, gay map and website in 4 languaes; and Gay Welcome. Also GrandCanaria/GayFriendly in English, Spanish and 8 more languages.

UM - UXXS Magazine is the "Queer Canary Lifestyle Mag," with news, interviews, and events listings in Spanish, English and German.

Maspalomas, the official tourism website, has useful general visitor information in English - also Spanish, French, German and Swedish.

The Hello Canary Islands tourism website of Tusismo de Canarias covering all the islands, won a Travel Marketing Award for their LGBT-friendly ‘Bring your holidays out of the closet’ ad campaign.

The Gran Canaria and JustGranCanaria websites also have information for the whole island, from nightlife and shopping to camel safaris and submarine excursions. They also list restaurants, including the best places to find authentic Canarian cuisine, and 22 area museums, most of which are up north in and around Las Palmas.

Spain in English website covers national and regional news, along with sports and cultural events and lifestyle listings.

For map locations and website links to the businesses below, and more, see our gay Gran Canaria listings and for whats going on, the Events pages.

 

Bars & clubs

Yumbo Commercial Center is the four-floor epicenter of Playa del Ingles. Here you'll find much of what's happening in gay Playa del Inglés. There are scores of gay bars, nightclubs and restaurant/cafes here, plus shops, of varied international flavors and cultural backgrounds. Spend a lazy afternoon, or party the night away. Their business roster changes from season to season, but there's always another club nearby, and new places usually open as the old ones close.

Adonis (Yumbo, 1st level, 111/11-12 Sixpack), large terrace cafe and pub, cocktails, sangria, snack foods, WiFi access, multi-lingual staff, mostly German ambience.

AxelBeach Hotel (Av Tirajana 32), a block west of Yumbo, SunGay T-dances, pool and After Beach parties with DJs, guest vocalists, Sky Bar DJ music, lights + "hetero-friendly" special events and holiday parties.

Barack'Afé (Yumbo, 2nd level, 251/11), 6pm untll late night industrial-style gay video bar; deep house to pop remixes, backroom glory-holes, terrace seating, free finger food, Francophone and international crowd.

Bärenhöhle (Yumbo, 1st level 151/9), 8pm-3am bar for bears and friends, good drinks prices, very international mix.

Blue Night Bar (Yumbo, 2nd level), nightly gay German and international men's party bar; all welcome; former Prison Bar site.

Buddies (Yumbo, 1st level, lower plaza level, 131/12-13) popular day and night British pub/bar from 10am daily with home-style comfort foods, all-day breakfasts and Sunday roasts; cocktails, local beers, spirits, live cabaret or drag shows, quiz nights, WiFi.

Chez Funny Boy's (Yumbo, 2nd level, 261/6-8), nightly interactive drag comedy and show bar, live vocalist entertainment.

Coco Loco (Yumbo,  2nd level, 261/15), 10pm - late night video music, dance and party bar, terrace, young mix, live performances.

Calima (Yumbo, 2nd level, 252/9), gay/mixed French cocktails and party bar, daily from 9pm, friendly staff, theme nights.

Diamonds (Yumbo, 1st level, 131/21-22), "Yorkshire-speaking" cocktails and party bar from 11am, large south-west facing sunny patio, UK television shows on big screen, Friday cabaret shows.

Eden Café & Bar (Yumbo, ground floor), long-time gay cocktails bar, pool games, coffee and cakes, mixed international crowd, terrace.

Eiffel (Yumbo, 1st level, 121/5-6), French bar, full bar cocktails, wines, coffees, teas and smoothies, relaxing music, jazz and French singers; former Fuze location.

Fiction (Yumbo, 1st level, 111/1-2), music and video bar 'til 4am, sexy waiters in brief thongs, terrace tables, busy late at night, naked dancers on bar nights.

Gran Cafe Latino (Yumbo, 1st level, 121-4, Sixpack), every day cozy gay bar, large terrace, Latin salsa, samba, and merengue, coffees and cocktails.

Growl Bar (Yumbo, 1st level, Av EEUU side), nightly music, cocktails and cruise bar for bears and friends.

Hummel Hummel (Yumbo, 1st level, 141/1-2), older guys, terrace, three cruisey dark rooms, porn videos, cabaret shows and male strippers.

Junior Cafe & Pub, (Yumbo, 1st level, Sixpack) terrace bar, German draft beer, younger mixed crowd, gay music hits in English, Dutch and German

La Bulle (Yumbo, 1st level, 131/26), cocktail lounge bar with terrace at people-watching level.

Macho Macho (Yumbo, 2nd level, 261/19), brings a bit of Holland, good-looking German and international staff, pop music party atmosphere

Mantrix (Yumbo, level 4, 421/4-14), gay dance and cruise club, men-only dark rooms, cabins, large terrace, live entertainment.

Mardi Gras Bar (Yumbo G/F 111/3-4), gay/mixed cocktail bar, conversation-level music.

Mauu Bar Café (C.C. Cita), 9am daytime cafe next to Cafe Wien, breakfast/lunch, Sunday brunch; evening gay cocktail bar until 2am.

Meicker, (Yumbo, 1st level, 131/14) the only Danish-owned bar in Yumbo, daily from 8pm, mixed young to old international crowd, terrace, over 40 different kinds of shots.

Miau Bar (Yumbo Centrum 251/9), daily 10pm-3am friendly bear bar, special events sponsor.

Mykonos (Yumbo, level 4, 421/1,2.3) late shift at upper levels. After-1am dance crowd, men-only dark room, friendly/cute bar staff, local and international spirits and beers, balcony.

Na' Und (Yumbo, G/F), small gay music and cabaret bar, dance floor, terrace seating, German and International crowd.

Parrots (Yumbo, 2nd level, 252/7-12, Sixpack), cozy cocktail bar, Sitges spin-off, spacious terrace, good people watching, 7pm-3am, mixed crowd, cute staff; 50 different cocktails include Caipirinhas and Mojitos.

Peppermint (Yumbo, 1st level, 121/3, Sixpack), open daily from 11am, coffee, cake, sorbets, milkshakesl cocktails, beer, and sandwiches, year-round heated terrace.

Pirates (Yumbo, 1st level, 111/6-7), 4pm-2am gay cocktail bar, mostly male German crowd, terrace tables. Former Block Bar site.

Ricky's Cabaret (Yumbo, 1st level, 161/1-3), lively, award-winning drag cabaret shows, terrace, drag queen cocktails, British and international mixed crowd.

Scala Heaven Theatre (Yumbo, 3rd/ 4th floor), Saturday night gay/mixed dance parties from 1am, shows, sexy go-go dancers; Friday night 1-6am Brüt men-only dance/cruise parties.

Sparkles (Yumbo, 2nd level, 212/3-4), nightly variety shows, dancing, comedy and drag performances, plus karaoke. Large seating area, uniformly good views of the stage, mixed men/women, gay/straight crowd.

Spartacus (Yumbo, 1st level, 151/3-4), 32 years-going-strong, late night gay crowd cocktail bar, people-watching terrace, partying 'til dawn.

The Terrace/ Let's Have a Kiki (Yumbo Center 161/20), terrace cocktail bar at Bunker Bar, late night gay parties, DJs, sexy go-go boys.

Terry Show (Yumbo, 261/14), small gay terrace bar, nightly drag cabaret shows, go-go boys, Spanish/international mix.

Tubos (Yumbo level 4, 421/15-16), next to Mykonos, 11pm-3:30am young, international mostly guys mixed crowd, pop music dance club, DJs, videos.

Voulez Vous (Yumbo Center, G/F 161/7-9), new in 2017 gay/mixed coffee and cocktail bar/terrace, friendly staff.

Wunder Bar (Yumbo, 1st level, 151/1-2), next to Spartacus, popular video and terrace bar, lively young German and international crowd, dance music and vocals, Eurovision nights, special party nights.

Xanadü Bar (Yumbo, 1st level,131/1), lively, mostly British gay mix, men/women, parties, theme nights, WiFi.

ZaZa (Yumbo, 1st level, 111/8-9), terrace cafe/bar, Spanish Caipirinha (wine and Champagne) specials among their 80 cocktails, German/International ambience.

CLOSED: C'est La Vie (Yumbo 3rd level), cafe/ice cream, beer/wine; Gossip/ Amigos (Yumbo 261/2-8), go-go boys/shows; KISS Lounge (Yumbo 161/20), radio station/cocktail bar, theme nights; Mystique (Yumbo 111/3-4), terrace/cocktail bar, diva hostess; O'Seven Bar (Yumbo 141/3-5), terrace/music bar, dance floor, dark room; Score Bar (CC Cita), gay sports bar, TV sports, fetish/kink parties.

 

Saunas & men's cruise bars

Basement Studios (Av de Estados Unidos, 37), men-only resort complex, naked cruising and sexual freedom, opposite Yumbo Center. Bungalows and studios, naked dark room, slings, glory holes. satellite TV with porn channel, swimming pool, bar/cafe and cinema area.

Box (Yumbo, 2nd level, 211/17-18, "small & sleezy" 100% men-only cruise/fetish bar, large dark room, slings.

Bunker (Yumbo 1st level, 161/20), men-only cruise/sex bar, dark rooms, slings, orgy bed, glory holes, showers, wet area, big screen porn videos.

Cruise Bar (Yumbo, 2nd level, 261/9-13 ), 11pm-6am bear and leather fetish cruise bar since 1994, cabins, maze, slings, porn video room, glory holes, dark rooms; special party nights.

HELL Cruising Club (Av de Gran Canaria 24), men's sex/ cruise bar in Jardin del Sol center, cabins, g-holes, sling, porn videos, dark room.

The Hole (Av de Gran Canaria 24), large men-only cruise bar/ sex club in Jardin del Sol center, slings, g-holes, cabins, naked/underwear/jock nights.

Reds (Av de Tirajana 17), 9pm-4am men-only cruise and naked sex club on two levels; wet areas/shower, cabins, sling, orgy beds, glory holes, piss-play, fetish nights, smoking area.

Romeo & Julio/ TImE oFF (Av Francia, CC Cita, lower level), men-only cruise/sex club, international porn stars, live sex shows, go-go boys, dark room, glory holes, dance area, cabins, big bed, naked, black-out and fetish nights.

Sauna Heroes (Yumbo, level 4, 422-1, 2 & 3), high-tech, state-of-the-art sauna, private and public showers, huge whirlpool, nooks and crannies for sex play, bar area drinks and snacks, therapeutic massages, ideal for post-beach or late-night visits.

Tom's Bar (Yumbo 2nd level), men-only cruise/fetish bar, dark room, smoking terrace, good drinks prices. Former Chupa Chupa site.

Zoo (Av de Tirajana 17), nightly men's cruise bar until 4am, two levels, private cabins, g-holes, cages, slings, dark and orgy rooms; naked, underwear and fetish events.

Closed: Cellar; Construction; Man's Plaza.

 

Restaurants/ Cafes

Café Duo (Av Alféreces Provisionales 22), opposite Hotel Neptuno, English, French, and German breakfasts all day from 8:30am, salads, snacks, pastries, cakes, coffees, Sunday brunch buffet, WiFi.

Cafe Wien (Cita Center, Av De Francia, 2), popular retreat half-way between Yumbo and the dunes, stylish teashop, pastry and cakes, hot and cold drinks.

Gio Bar & Restaurante (Yumbo, level 1, 111-10), elegant Italian dining and cocktails, terrace; extensive menu of pizzas, starters, salads, fresh pasta, meats, plus daytime breakfasts and sandwiches.

LoLa (Yumbo, 2nd level 232/25), modern Mediterranean casual fine dining; meat, fish and veggie/vegan menu options. See Yumbo map.

Maharaja Palace (Yumbo, 2nd level, 232/2), Indian Tandoori kababs, meat, seafood, veggie/vegan and mock-meat curries, lunch, dinner, and holiday special menus.

Mauu Bar Café (CC Cita, upper level), 9am daytime cafe next to Cafe Wien, breakfast/lunch, Sunday brunch; evening gay cocktail bar until 2am.

May-Be Bar & Restaurant (CC Cita, Av de Francia), gay-owned Belgian-French fusion restaurant & bar; Sunday drag shows.

Mi Casa Food & Drinks (Avenida de Tirajana, 9), gay-friendly terrace cafe/bar; breakfast, lunch, tapas, Sunday brunch buffet.

Nuevo Rokoko (Alfereces Provisionales 31), gay/ Italian-owned Neo-Rococo cafe, paninis/ sandwiches, salads, coffees, pastries and cakes, mojitos and negronis.

Parrots Restaurant (Yumbo, 2nd level, 252/7-12), restaurant/bar, large terrace in a quiet corner; French and international dining nightly from 7pm, weekend drag cabaret shows.

Restaurante Miramar Yumbo, (Yumbo, 2nd level, 241/5), open from 10am, serving breakfast early, then international fare until 11pm.

Restaurante OK (Av de Tirajana 19), popular gay-owned restaurant near Yumbo, 5pm-12am home-style international dining.

Restaurante Rías Bajas (Av De Tirajana at Estados Unidos), just outside the Yumbo, one of the better local dining options, Galician-style surf and turf specialities; seafood, roast lamb, onion soup and made in-house desserts.

Strand-apo-Theke (CC Oasis 35-36, Paseo del Faro), friendly beach cafe/bar, open September to May, noon-10pm M-F; German/ English/ Spanish international mix, currywurst, NYE Hangover Breakfast.

Valentines (Yumbo, 2nd level, 232/26), highly rated French restaurant, open daily from 7pm. Local fresh fish and meats, pastas and sauces from their own chefs.

Wapa Tapa (Yumbo, 2nd level, 232-12), international and Spanish hot and cold tapas, soup, cheese, desserts, Spanish wines.

Yumbo Center (Av de los Estados Unidos 54), besides all the bars, clubs and shops at this gay center, there are restaurants of many world cuisines, including those of Belgium, China, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Italy, India, Spain and Thailand - plus supermarkets and a couple of mini-marts which also stock international foods.

The Cita Center (Av de Francia 2), a bit run down these days, but closer to the beach than Yumbo, with restaurants, cafes and mini-mart food options among the shops.

CLOSED: Let Me Take You / Déjate Llevar (Dr Domingo Hernández Guerra 25, Tejeda), gay cafe/restaurant with scenic mountain views, guestrooms.

For those willing to venture outside town, there's Restaurante Tagoror (Montaya Las Tierras 21, Guayadeque; 34-928-172-013). Set in the mountains in this Guanchen Village, they offer authentic Canarian food and entertainment. You can book a table through your hotel or tour operator, or call them direct.

 

Accommodation

AxelBeach Malpalomas (Av de Tirajana, 32; 34-928-767-863), the latest hotel from the gay/straight-friendly Barcelona/Berlin group, 92 modern apartments, sky bar, pool, lounge garden, wellness/gym/sauna facilities, WiFi, parties and events.

Basement Studios (Av de Estados Unidos, 37; 34-928-763-835), men-only resort complex dedicated to naked cruising and sexual freedom, opposite the Yumbo Center. Comfortable, well-equipped bungalows and studios, naked dark room, slings, glory holes. satellite TV with porn channel, pool, bar/cafe and cinema area. Daily, weekly, monthly or yearly memberships from just €10 for non-guests. Sunday afternoon free BBQ, Sunday and Wednesday night "Sexxx Party."

BeachBoys Boutique Resort (Av. Touroperador Vingresor, 6; 34-649-019-985), luxury men-only gay resort, 20 minutes from C.C. Yumbo, near dunes, 12 unique bungalows, each with city theme: Berlin, London, New York, Paris, etc. Private terraces overlook clothing-optional pool, bar, suptropical gardens; heated jacuzzi, massage, plasma SatTV, kitchens, WiFi. Also with BeachBoys Playa (Av. de Alemania, 15).

Birdcage Resort (Calle de Egipto 10; 49-893-815-1778), men-only gay resort close to Yumbo Center, rich breakfasts, pool, whirlpool, sundeck, tropical garden, relaxing music, Wellness Spa, and trained massage therapists.

Bungalows Tenesoya (Av de Tenerife 18; 34-928-765-071), 12 one and two-bedroom/living room kitchenettes for gay men; pool in garden area, stereo and TV.

Club Torso (Av Touroperador Kuoni 46; 34-928-948-519), men-only 12-bungalow gay resort, clothing-optional pool and Jacuzzi, buffet breakfast, bar/kitchen; walk to dunes or bars.

Gay Bungalows Artemisa (Av Estados Unidos 29; 49-610-8794-9085), men-only comlex, 28 bungalows/kitchenettes near Yumbo Center; clothing-optional pool, bar drinks and snacks, self-catered or with breakfast.

Gay Bungalows Paso Chico (Av Estados Unidos 39; 34-928-730-023), men-only gay bungalow self-catered rental complex, six apartments, clothing-optional pool.

Gay Hotel Aqua Beach Bungalows (Av. Estados Unidos, 43; 34-928-987-950), men-only resort opposite Yumbo Center, 23 bungalows with 1-2 sleeping rooms, kitchens, Satellite TV, WiFi. Clothing-optional pool and two Jacuzzis, pool bar drinks and snacks, open-air gym.

Grand Hotel Residencia (Av del Oasis 32; 34-928-723-100), 94-room luxury seaside hotel, prestigious chefs' restaurant, piano bar/ terrace, pool/ spa.

Hotel Neptuno (Av Alféceres Provisionales, 29), just north of Yumbo Center, gay-friendly 171-room resort hotel, 18+ adult-only, SatTV, WiFi, pool, terrace, balconies, restaurant, karaoke bar, gym/fitness, steam/sauna, spa and massage.

Hotel Nayra (Calle Irlanda 25; 34-928-093-711), modern adults-only resort rooms, pool and pool bar, buffet restaurant, gym, massage services.

Los Almendros (Av de Francia, 3; 34-928-761-688), gay and lesbian resort bungalows near Cita Center, tropical garden, clothing-optional pool, Jacuzzi and sauna; gym, bar, restaurant/lounge, WiFi.

Petit Hotel Natura (Calle Las Adelfas 6, San Agustin; 34-928-987-985), beautiful adult-only complex on the coast at San Augustin, five minutes by taxi from Playa del Ingles. Tropical oasis natural gardens, heated pool with bar, Jacuzzi, sun deck and bar, roof terrace overlooking the sea. Studios, apartments, kitchens, WiFi, satellite TV, bistro meals, buffet breakfasts.

Rainbow Golf Bungalows (Touroperador Finnmatkat 6; 34-928-587-308), gay men-only boutique resort bungalows by the 18-hole Maspalomas Golf course, also near Meloneras Golf; 21 units, reasonable prices, clothing-optional heated pool, Jacuzzi, gym, satellite TV, WiFi, massage.

Seven Hotel & Wellness (Av Touroperador Matkatala, 2; 34-928-140-032), four-star hotel for gay men, pool, bar, breakfast buffet, massage service, pet-friendly; Vista Bonita private apartments with terraces; Atlantic Sun Beach apartments,

Tropical La Zona Gay Bungalows (Av Sargentos Provisionales 18; 34-928-773-342), gay men's kitchenette units, TV, stereo, DVD, WiFi; large clothing-optional swimming pool, Jacuzzi, gym, gardens, cafe-bar and fetish-equipped cruising area.

Villas Blancas (Av de Tjaereborg, Campo de Golf; 34-928-502-841), gay men-only resort, 30 villas and bungalows with kitchen, satellite TV, internet; two clothing-optional pools, restaurant/bar, sauna, massage, excursions.

The GayMaspalomas website can book you into these and other gay resorts, including: Aqua Beach Bungalows apartments for gay men, with terraces, pool, gardens and free WiFi; Artemisa Gay Bungalows with 28 units at the center; and Paso Chico, with 6 poolside bungalows, across from the Yumbo.

The Yumbo website lists several gay-friendly resorts, including: Atlantic Sun Beach 15 apartments pool and solarium between Cita CC and the beach; Seven Hotel & Wellness with 24 luxury rooms, pool, XXL Jacuzzi, pool bar, restaurant and wellness faclities by the golf course; and Vista Bonita, 20 duplex apartments with tropical garden pool, Jacuzzi, and bar on the south coast of Gran Canaria, in Sonnenland.

The Rui hotel group has two large luxury hotels at the edge of the Maspalomas Dunes -- on each side of the gay beach and cruise area: Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas and the Hotel Riu Palace Oasis. The Corallium Dunamar Hotel overlooking Playa del Inglés offers luxury accomodation from the Lopesan Hotels group.

Dreamhomes (Av Tirijana 11, Edificio Taidia; 34 928 779 078) offers complete property services and well-informed assistance with local investments. They boast extensive experience in all aspects of property purchases --and with their suprisingly cheap prices, your dream home could be closer than you think.

Home Sweet Home offers holiday-letting services in Playa del Ingles, with a range of hundreds of apartments and rooms. Options include rooms in lavish shared accommodations with pool and WiFi, or self-contained apartments. Even those with the most basic facilities have pool access and a balcony.

CLOSED: Let Me Take You (Dr Domingo Hernández Guerra 25), gay accommodations; island center bar lounge café; Island tours and airport transfers.

 

Shopping/ Services

Gay Travel Team (Eusebio Navarro 6, Vecindario), Gay hotels/resorts, cruises, events bookings, travel services/tours, airport transfers.

Hot Garage (Yumbo, 315 - 321, Av de Tirajana at Av Alférez Provisionales), unisex shop, underwear, erotic DVD videos, toys, cruise cabins.

Namaste Spa Experience (Av Alfereces Provicionales 22, near Hotel Neptuno), wellness center; therapeutic, anti-stress, sport, Shiatsu, Ayurvedic, Thai, four-hands and Tantra/sensual massage/therapies. Also sunbeds and luxury skin treatments.

Why Not (Yumbo, 3rd level, 331-2), men's fashions/ underwear, brands include ES Collection, Addicted, Desigual, Virtual, Olaf Benz.

For more stores see the website of Yumbo Centre.

 

Check Out the Capital

Set between two bays with beautiful beaches, on the northeast coast of the island, the city was founded by the Spanish in 1478. Rich in cultural and historical heritage, especially in Vegueta, the oldest part of town, it has a cosmopolitan feel without being as touristy as Maspalomas. The distinct Canarian culture is perhaps best experienced at one of many cafes and restaurants; also in the streets during Carnaval Las Palmas celebrations, held just before Lent. Vela Latina Canaria regattas and the Lucha Canaria, similar to Japanese sumo wrestling, are two more annual events to check out. Around 10 museums of history and modern art can also be found here, as well as many shops and restaurants.

The Gran Terraza Lolita Pluma (Parque Santa Catalina 7) is a Las Palmas landmark, literally a grand terrace cafe named in homage to a local colorful character who once fed street cats and sold chewing gum to tourists, in the park that faces here.

Restaurante Clandestino (Calle Doctor Miguel Rosas 8), Las Palmas cuisine in the harbor area from 1pm daily, gay-friendly atmosphere; steak, seafood, pastas, tempora.

Sauna Portugal (Calle Portugal 37, Las Palmas), men's club on two levels, Finland and steam saunas, free cabins and darkroom, bar and massage services.