GRAN CANARIA - CANARY ISLANDS - SPAIN

This is an island which basks in sub-tropical sunshine for 12 months of the year and although officially part of Spain, Gran Canaria is located off the coast of north-west Africa, making it Europe’s most southerly and sunniest outpost. The island boasts 236 km of coastline, of which 60 are made out of beaches. Those 60 kilometres consist of 150 beaches, of which 50 are with beds and umbrellas, in other words 'tourist populated'.

And there really could be no better setting than this sun baked mecca for Gran Canaria’s unparalleled gay scene. For those of you yet to sample the myriad delights of this quintessential holiday island, you’ll find it useful to know that the gay scene is located down South in the resort of Playa del Ingles, with in excess of 40 gay venues catering for almost every conceivable taste. And, with temperatures which oscillate in the summer months between 26 ºC and 28 ºC (79 – 82 °F), often exceeding 30 °C (86 °F), and in the winter months between 22 ºC and 24 ºC.
 

A little bit about Playa del Ingles

The epicentre of the scene is in the Yumbo Centre which by day is a nondescript shopping centre selling all sorts of tourist tat souvenirs but by night metamorphoses into a teeming mass of unabashed gaydom. Early evening sees most people heading for one or more of the terrace bars on the ground floor: these include Pub Nestor, Bar Ibiza, Café Latino, Hummel Hummel and more, and are an ideal starting-off point for the long night ahead. If you love drag then head along to Café Labelle, Ricky’s or Centre Stage, where you can join the staff and a lively collection of campsters in belting out a selection of classic old show tunes.

As night draws on, you might well fancy a bop on the dance floor in which case, you can head on up to one of the Yumbo’s various dance bars. You simply must spend some time at Heaven, which is associated with the famous club of the same name in London and by far the Yumbo’s largest venue. For a more intimate dance venue, popular top-floor club XL which often provides sexy floor shows and always plays great music.

Naturally the Yumbo is a busy busy place so don’t take out more money than you need (there are loads of cash machines here), leave your passport and all other important documents in the safe in your accommodation and don’t take lifts from strangers. It’s easy to get a cab from outside the Yumbo 24/7, and these are very inexpensive and all are officially licensed.

Gran Canaria isn’t only about the Yumbo and there are many many other gay venues in Playa del Ingles. There are miles and miles of glorious beaches to enjoy. The main beach at Playa del Ingles is probably best avoided (rather straight and very busy, most of the time) so it’s best to strike out for the beaches at Maspalomas. If you’re staying in Playa del Ingles, head down the Avenida de Tirajana and walk through the arch at the hotel Riu Palace. From there, you might like to head for the beach by Bar Number Seven which is pretty much 100% gay (very male orientated) The walk to this part of the beach takes about a quarter of an hour, but if you are a guy, be prepared to be waylaid as you trek across the famous dunes and one of the world’s most famous cruising grounds.

The majority of our suggested accommodation is located in Playa del Ingles itself, within easy walking distance of the Yumbo and the beach. You may choose, however, to stay in the neighbouring resorts of Maspalomas or Playa Meloneras: these areas are quieter and more peaceful, and the cab ride into town will cost round about €5.00.
 

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