Maspalomas is as gay as it gets! The resort town on the Spanish island of Gran Canaria is a well-known gay mecca, famous for its year-round sunny climate, its full-on nightlife centered around the world's only gay shopping and bar complex, flamboyant parties like Carnaval and Pride, its plethora of gay resorts, men-filled beaches, and its action-packed sand dunes. In short, it's the ideal gaycation location for those looking to just let go and have some old-fashioned fun in the Spanish sun. To be real, you don't go to Maspalomas to sightsee; however, that doesn't mean you can't come up for air now and then from the thriving gay scene and take a look around all that the beautiful island has to offer.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels & Resorts in Maspalomas
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Maspalomas
5. Restaurants and Cafes
6. Maspalomas Gay Bars and Parties
8. Maspalomas Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Beaches in Maspalomas
10. Gay Events in Maspalomas
11. Day Trips from Maspalomas

General Tips

Though just off the coast of northern Africa, the Canary Islands are part of Spain and enjoy year-round warm weather. Maspalomas is well known as a gay-friendly destination, with its Summer Pride event attracting over 100,000 people. The warm weather in Maspalomas makes it a particularly inviting destination for those looking to enjoy some sun in the winter or spring, when most European destinations are still waiting to warm up. If you're looking to avoid the tourist crowds, you are best visiting at any time except between May to September or when there isn't one of their many huge parties, such as Pride, Winter Pride, and Carnaval in March — which in Maspalomas is basically another Pride party, only with more costumes.

As for where to stay, it really comes down to how much you want to be in the action. All of Maspalomas's gay nightlife revolves around the Yumbo Center, with many accommodations nearby, conveniently located within easy staggering distance of the bars. However, those seeking a respite might instead choose somewhere further down towards the beach or a resort outside of the center altogether. There has been some reaction to mass tourism within the Canary Islands, so be sure to be on your best behavior with the locals so as not to fan the flames.

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Transportation & Airport Transfer

The easiest way to get from the airport to your hotel is by taxi, which will cost about 30€. You can also pre-book a private transfer for roughly the same price. If you’re on a budget, there is local bus service (route 66) from the airport. It stops at both Playa del Ingles and ends at Faro de Maspalomas (the lighthouse), which is the main touristic area of the city where many hotels are located. The one-way bus fare is 4€.

Once you arrive in Maspalomas, you can get around by bus or taxi. The island of Gran Canaria is generally inexpensive, so taxi rides for short distances are probably much more convenient than trying to get your head around the bus system.

Gay Hotels & Resorts in Maspalomas

There are plenty of gay accommodations in and around Maspalomas. The gay beach is great for catching a tan, but having a clothing-optional pool right next to your room is also convenient for lazy days, as the beach can be a bit of a trek. Either way, you're spoiled for choice when it comes to gay-friendly accommodations in Maspalomas.

Luxury

Hotel Riu Palace – This five-star hotel isn't specifically gay but it is very gay-friendly. What’s more, it's right up in Maspalomas’ famous sand dunes themselves—like some sort of luxurious oasis mirage. They have two huge pools surrounded by palm trees on a sun deck filled with sun loungers and parasols. Furthermore, the complex is adult-only, with no screaming children to shatter the calm. The 350 rooms are as spacious as you’d expect from a five-star establishment, containing large balconies or terraces, ceiling fans, and bathrooms with walk-in showers. Riu’s restaurant serves both buffet breakfasts and dinners from live cooking stations and a late-night bar is a great place to get a little Dutch courage before heading out into town, and Riu has its own entertainment, including live music and themed shows. Finally, there’s a gym and a wellness center spa, where you can sweat out those toxins in a steam room or book a beauty treatment to keep you looking fresh for the party.

Mid-Range

Hotel Nayra – An adults-only hotel located in Playa del Inglés. This hotel features an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. It offers a 24-hour reception, and there is also a bar and buffet restaurant on site. It’s located right across the street from the Yumbo Center, and Playa del Inglés Beach is a 15-minute walk away.

Axelbeach Maspalomas – The most famous gay hotel chain has a location in Maspalomas, featuring 92 modern apartments distributed over 4 floors. Its huge pool is a great place to take in the local talent and/or relax in its charismatic hut-like sunbeds, made to be especially accommodating for couples. The complex also sports a gym, its own bar, and an outdoor relaxing area designed exclusively for you to feel the Axel cool, beach-like atmosphere. It’s also—as you would expect—right in the action, just around the corner from the Yumbo Center and 1.5 km from Playa Ingles, the gay beach.

Seven Hotel & Wellness – A gay men-only hotel with a heated outdoor saltwater pool. It's a little outside of the center at a unique location overlooking Maspalomas’ huge golf course in a sea of greenery, making it a perfect retreat for those who like a little breathing space between their indulgences. Each room includes a furnished porch, and the property features the Abora Restaurant.  As the name suggests, “wellness” is Seven Hotel’s focus, and it has a particularly impressive gym, spa lounge, and relaxation area with masseuses on hand to offer a range of massages, including head, hand, full body, and even a couples massage. Its defining feature, though, is its large heated outdoor saltwater pool, offering a soothing alternative to the beach with a particularly large hot tub alongside it.  Their Abora Restaurant also serves great Mediterranean food—meaning that, if you so choose, you don’t have to trek into town for a late lunch.

Budget

Birdcage Gay Men Resort and Lifestyle Hotel – This cozy 4-star resort offers body treatments, a sun deck with hammocks, hot tub, and a clothing-optional pool surrounded by tropical gardens. All rooms provide a private terrace, minibar, and refrigerator, and a satisfying breakfast is available each morning. For guests with day trips planned, the resort offers packed lunches. The vibe is peaceful despite being only 5 minutes’ walk from the Yumbo Centre.

Atlantic Sun Beach – Apartments for gay men only, featuring an outdoor pool, sun terrace, and gardens. It's aptly named as it’s located right by the gay beach—just a one-minute walk. In contrast to the busy, bar-filled center, it’s nestled snugly in a more residential area—if any area can be called truly residential in Maspalomas, that is. The apartments are for gay men only and each has a private balcony or terrace to enjoy a hungover breakfast on. The rather homely interior comes with a living room featuring a sofa and TV, and a kitchen area with a ceramic stovetop and fridge. Atlantic Sun Beach also offers bicycle and car rental services, should your adventures take you out into the island.

Paso Chico – A great budget option offering private bungalows with a clothing-optional pool, located right across from all the gay nightlife. This small property is owned by a friendly German couple and provides plenty of space, with a separate bedroom, kitchen, and living room. The personal outdoor patio in front of each bungalow is perfect for relaxing with your morning coffee or having an evening cocktail before a night out.  There’s no reception area, and the stay is self-catering, which really sets it apart as a home away from home more than a hotel—giving you the option of associating with the other guests as much or as little as you choose.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Maspalomas

Sightseeing isn’t usually the main focus for most people on a trip to Maspalomas. Nonetheless, there are a few things to do beyond partying and soaking up the African sun.

The Sand Dunes – Have yourself a taste of the Sahara Desert, all within easy retreating distance from the town. These gently undulating dunes are a protected nature reserve and make for a scenic walk along the island's southern coast. They also happen to be one of the most famous cruising grounds in the world!

Camel Safari -If you're looking for a hump of a different kind, however, riding a camel is a fun way to explore the rolling sands, rocky ridges, and rugged landscape of the Maspalomas Sand Dunes. Book tour →

Gay Boat Tour – Perhaps the best thing you can do to enjoy Gran Canaria is to take a private gay yacht tour to a secluded beach on the southern side of the island with a friendly, charming gay captain. This company offers an all-day trip on the boat, time spent on the beach and provides tapas and quality drinks. You can also snorkel, swim and even see dolphins or whales along the way. The trip leaves from Puerto de Mogan and heads to Guigui Beach, an often-empty black sand beach with the occasional hippie laying around. Book tour →

Naked Boat – Join the hottest guys for a secret boat party where nothing stays on. Naked Boat is a party for gay men who would like to have a different kind of afternoon than traditional boat parties. Discover a new experience with great company, meet new friends and partners. What happens on the Naked Boat, stays on the Naked Boat. It includes a free bus to the boat and back, open bar throughout the trip, watersport activities, Canarian lunch, live DJ, electronic music and an open minded environment! Book Tour →

Take a Surfing Class – Learn to surf with perfect weather, perfect waves and with highly experienced, fun and qualified instructors in small groups. Surf Canaries Surf School is based at the foot of the sand dunes of Maspalomas in Playa del Inglés. Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes

LoLa – Here name is LoLa, but she isn't a showgirl, she's a chic, contemporary restaurant specializing in modern Mediterranean cuisine. Conveniently situated in the bustling Yumbo Shopping Center, LoLa creatively blends flavors from both land and sea, showcasing an exceptional selection of fresh seafood dishes alongside vegetarian-friendly fare. To keep the dining experience vibrant and seasonal, LoLa refreshes its menu every three months, ensuring guests enjoy innovative dishes made from the freshest ingredients available.

Wapa Tapa – A family-run tapas restaurant and bar located in the heart of the Yumbo Centre. They offer an imaginative mix of quality Spanish and international tapas, along with a balanced selection of Spanish wines at competitive prices.

La Palmera Sur – Fine dining in Playa del Ingles with a creative Canarian Spanish-Asian menu. It shouldn't work, but it does! The menu features innovative dishes that blend local ingredients with international influences, complemented by an impressive wine list. The stylish décor and ambient music enhance the dining experience.

Bollywood Indian Masala – A top-rated Indian restaurant with delicious traditional meat dishes as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

Samsara – An ambient Thai/Moroccan fusion restaurant featuring unique statue-filled decor and one-of-a-kind dishes. Outside, enjoy a stunning view of the Maspalomas Dunes.

Maspalomas Gay Bars and Clubs

Maspalomas has huge amount of gay nightlife venues and almost all of them are located in The Yumbo Center. We’ve listed a sample of the places below, but it might just be best to take a stroll around Yumbo and play it by ear.

Parrots Gran Canaria –If you’ve visited Sitges, you may recognize this bar. With modern decor, outdoor seating, and colored ambient lighting, Parrots offers around 50 different cocktails.

Adonis Bar – An indoor/outdoor bar featuring standing tables and relaxed seating on the terrace. While welcoming to all, it primarily caters to Germans.

Terry’s Show –A local favorite featuring talented Spanish drag performers. The show is considered more authentic than many others in the Yumbo.

Sparkles – Gran Canaria’s drag shows are a must-see, similar to Las Vegas residency shows but on a smaller scale. Sparkles offers classic British-style drag performances that emphasize humor and raunchiness over beauty and acrobatics.

Ricky’s Cabaret – The longest-running cabaret bar in Maspalomas. In addition to fabulous drag shows, they offer karaoke every night for those feeling inspired to sing.

Mykonos – A bar with disco-pop music, video projection screens, a dance floor, and a cruising area with cabins. Closes at 3:30 am.

Tubos – Plays pop and Top 40 hits. Closes at 3:30am.

Mantrix – The main gay dance club in the Yumbo Center, featuring a cruising area and darkroom. It opens at 2:00 am and stays open until 6:00 am.

Six Pack Zone – If you don't fancy one of the big clubs, you get six for one at Maspalamos’s infamous Six Pack Zone in the Yumbo center. During summer and big events like Winter Pride, Yumbo’s six main bars create an outdoor “super club,” with DJs blasting EDM and a lively crowd filling the courtyard. Join in, six-pack or not!

XXX Naked Boat – The XXX Boat Trip and The Naked Boat join together during Fetish Week and Winter Pride for a crazy afternoon dancing to the beats with a live DJ, meet new friends, and enjoy the beautiful coast of Gran Canaria. A perfect way to enjoy your day! It includes a free shuttle bus to the port of Puerto Rico, open bar with beer, cocktails and soft drinks throughout the trip, Canarian food and paella!

Maspalomas Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that the Yumbo Center is full of cruising bars. If the dunes don't call to you, maybe these will!

The Factory -The largest fetish cruising club in Maspalomas, located at the back of the Yumbo Center. It’s open every night until 3:00 am, with a relaxed dress code (except for naked Sundays). Expect two floors of action, including glory holes, slings, cabins, a labyrinth, St. Andrew’s Cross, an SM Zone, wet areas, and more.

Cruise Bar – A bear and leather bar featuring cabins, passages, mazes, slings, a porn video room, glory holes, and two darkrooms.

Tom’s Cruising Bar – Named after Tom of Holland, this popular spot is for anyone looking for fun. It hosts a range of ages, offering cabins, glory holes, slings, and an exclusive smoking area.

Sauna Portugal – Located close to the beach, this popular sauna has a steam room, cabins, glory holes, and a small bar spread over two floors. A private cabin is included in the entrance cost.

Gay Beaches in Maspalomas

Kiosk Number 7– About a quarter of Gran Canaria’s 236 km of coastline is beaches. The gay beach is located at between the Maspalomas lighthouse and Playa del Ingles. You can arrive there in about 15-20 minutes walking along the shoreline from the lighthouse or through the dunes from Riu Hotel, where you’ll find occasional cruising. Once you arrive, there are plenty of cheap loungers (around €3) and umbrellas that you can rent for the day or simply sprawl your towel out along the spreading sand. Sunbathe with or without your bathing suit, like most gay beaches, it’s your choice. On a very windy day you may just want to opt for your hotel pool, as the blowing sands can be brutal.

Gay Events in Maspalomas

Maspalomas Carnival – Every party in Maspalomas is Pride levels of epic and Carnival is one of the best. Centered around the Yumbo Centrum, a hub for LGBTQ+ nightlife, the carnival features colorful parades, live music, and the renowned Drag Queen Gala. Every year has a theme and getting a cosume that fits immerses you in the mood. The week afterwards Bear Carnival caters specifically to the bear community, offering over 40 events of its own, including pool parties and cruises. Dates: March 19–29, 2026 (theme superheros).

Maspalomas Gay Pride – One of the first gay pride events of the European season, held every May. The celebration includes a giant street parade in Playa del Inglés (seriously, its huge), performances by international artists, dance parties, pool parties, and boat trips. Centered around the Yumbo Centrum, the island's LGBTQ+ hub, the festivities offer both free and ticketed events, including themed pool parties like “Please Disturb” at Axel Beach Hotel and the “Wet & White” party at Amadores Beach Club. Dates: March 19–29, 2025.

Maspalomas Winter Pride – When one Pride simply isn't enough head to Maspalomas in November. Just like in summer it's a week-long program of events, including live shows with international artists, pool parties, boat excursions, and the highlight—the Pride Walk parade. Notable performers for 2025 include Vengaboys, Kate Ryan, and East 17. Dates: November 10-16, 2025.

Day Trips from Maspalomas

Climb Roque Nublo – Take a scenic drive around Gran Canaria, and you’ll find many lookout points with stunning views. Roque Nublo offers a mild 20-minute hike that ends at impressive rock formations, perfect for photos.Book tour →

Bodega Los Berrazales – The Agaete Valley of Gran Canaria is the only place in Europe where coffee is naturally grown and is an interesting place to learn about local produce. As you head through the valley, you’ll catch nice views of white painted houses clustered together along the mountainside. While there, take a tour at Bodega Los Berrazales to learn not only about their coffee crops, but also about the 40,000 bottles of wine they produce a year and the many other things grown onsite like grapes, oranges and bananas. On the tour, you get to try three wines accompanied with Serrano ham, cheese, coffee and sponge cake. Book tour →

Gran Canaria Island Tour – Experience all of Gran Canaria in a day on a tour of the island. Make your way out to the heart of the island to see beautiful natural areas, magnificent viewpoints, and traditional villages, with a stop for a homemade picnic lunch along the way. Book tour →

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