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.

You can download the Gay Maspalomas guide for free. Just provide your email address and we’ll email you a PDF.

Download the Guide

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. Choosing one of the many gay-friendly accommodations in Maspalomas will ensure a wonderful stay during your holiday.

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 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. The complex includes a pool, gym, bar, and a relaxing outdoor area designed to offer the signature Axel cool atmosphere.

Seven Hotel & Wellness – A gay men-only hotel with a heated outdoor saltwater pool. Each room includes a furnished porch, and the property features the Abora Restaurant. The beach and Maspalomas Dunes are about a 20-minute walk, while the Yumbo Center is a 10-minute walk away.

Budget

Birdcage Gay Resort – This cozy resort offers body treatments, a sun deck, and an outdoor pool. 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.

Atlantic Sun Beach – Apartments for gay men only, featuring an outdoor pool, sun terrace, and gardens. Each apartment has a private balcony or terrace. They also offer bicycle and car rental services.

Paso Chico – A great budget option offering private bungalows with a 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.

Search Apartments on misterb&b

Sightseeing & Activities in Maspalomas

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're also rumored to be a popular cruising area… or so we've heard.

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 – A contemporary restaurant offering modern Mediterranean cuisine. The menu changes every three months. Casual fine dining located in the Yumbo Shopping Center.

Wapa Tapa – A 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.

Tavolo14 – A traditional Italian restaurant serving homemade pasta and pizza. Enjoy delicious pasta dishes, fresh salads, and seafood.

La Palmera Sur – Fine dining with a creative Spanish-Asian menu. The ambiance, modern decor, and friendly service make a meal at La Palmera Sur memorable.

ABRASA – Specializes in high-quality meat cuts from Spain, Uruguay, and Argentina. The charcoal grill imparts wonderful flavor to the meats, served with homemade French fries, Canarian green peppers, and herb butter.

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 see which place looks the most interesting to you.

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 – Gran Canaria hosts one of Spain’s biggest Carnival celebrations, usually held in February or March, depending on the year.

Maspalomas Winter Pride – Every November, Winter Pride is celebrated in one of Spain’s most gay-friendly destinations. The event features live shows in the Yumbo Center, the heart of the gay nightlife scene.

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, performances by international artists, dance parties, pool parties, and boat trips.

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 →

Visit 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 →

Note: Some of these links are affiliates which means using them won’t cost you any extra but we do receive a small commission for each referral. You're not obligated to use them but we appreciate it if you do. Thanks in advance for supporting this site if you choose to use our link!