Location Details - Women Only Winter Sun - Gran Canaria

24th November - 1st December 2007

 

THE ISLAND: Only 47km / 29 miles wide, the highest point of this circular island is accredited to Pozo de Las Nieves in the centre, a peak standing at 1,949 m / 6,431 ft above sea level. The capital of the island is "Las Palmas de Gran Canaria", although generally referred to as simply "Las Palmas". This is a land which basks in sub-tropical sunshine for 12 months of the year and although officially part of Spain, Gran Canaria is actually located off the coast of north-west Africa, making it Europe’s most southerly and sunniest outpost. 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), and in the winter months between 22 ºC and 24 ºC, you can't come here and not get a suntan!

 

A little bit about Playa del Ingles

     

 

PLAYA DEL INGLES: We have already warned you that the culture vultures amongst you may find your holiday lacking in content. Arriving from the airport heading south, it seems like a concrete jungle has been built in the middle of a desert with the ocean at one side. Actually that is exactly what has happened. Please don't expect to find a typical Spanish village full of charm and tradition here with the elderly whiling away their siesta playing canasta. If it is important to you to get out and about and to experience a little of island life, then you can hire a car and explore the island at leisure. Talking of Leisure, night life happens late here. After a lazy day around the pool or on the beach, or in your hire car, if you still have the energy to party, then bear in mind things start to heat up in the clubs and bars around 11pm and go on until the early hours. Drinks prices vary considerably from bar to bar, but all have one thing in common - measures of spirits are normally large, and it’s easy to end up drinking more than you realise.

Gran Canaria isn’t only about the Yumbo of course. There are miles and miles of glorious beaches to enjoy. The island boasts 236 km of coastline, of which 60 km are beach. Those 60 kilometres consist of 150 beaches, of which 50 are considered 'touristic' with the usual array of sun beds, parasols, pedalo's and banana boat rides, cafes and bars. About 30 beaches are Naturist beaches.

BEACHES: The main beach at Playa del Ingles is rather straight and one of the busiest. It's a 'fun-and-sun' beach offering all sorts of leisure and sports activities such as jet-ski, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and many, many more fun providing things to do. Basically, whatever you feel like doing... you'll find it here! Should you get tired of the beach, there is an attractive pedestrian promenade for a nice and distracting stroll. The Paseo Costa Canaria is lined with lush tropical flora and luxurious villas and it runs all along the beach linking the Playa de las Burras with the  Maspalomas dunes.
 

       

WATER PARKS: Gran Canaria loves water parks. Aquasur, with it's 130,000 sq. meters is the biggest water park in Gran Canaria, it opens from 10.00 hrs in the morning and provides fun for each and every one of you with the most amazing aquatic entertainments. Located near Maspalomas, this water park is opened all year round. Its pools alone cover an area of 5,300 sq. meters and it boasts 33 slides and 13 fun attractions such as Surf Beach, Congo River, Crazy Race, Kamikaze, Rapids, Winder, Aquamania, Twister... just to name some of them. Mamut and Adrenalina are two new super attractions, which were only recently opened. Self-service restaurants, a pizzeria, coffee bars, shops, changing rooms, extensive garden areas and free parking are some of the facilities you will find here. Opening hours: everyday from 10.00 to 18.00 hrs

SHOPPING: If you like shopping, you're going to love Gran Canaria! Great for leather wear and designer clothes at discounted prices. Look out especially for the locally produced arts and crafts on sale from 'musea' and other outlets - even from bars and cafés! The Local Markets are a must for those seeking bargains of all descriptions and for purchasing fresh produce. For quality souvenirs made on Gran Canaria also look out for FEDAC shops which are government funded outlets where local artisans can sell their wares.

Some bigger shops and stores may be closed on Sundays in but the general opening hours are 10.00 till 20.00, with a few taking the customary siesta between 13.30 and 16.30. Supermarkets are usually open between 10:00 till 22:00, although in the major tourist resorts they are often open from 08:00 till midnight. There are ATMs (automated cash machines) all over the resorts and, as in other countries, guard your PIN number. Credit cards are accepted in most major outlets and as always, just because you are on holiday, there is no reason not to be vigilant.

SCENE: The epicentre of the scene is in the Yumbo Centre which by day is a nondescript shopping centre selling all sorts of the usual tourist 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. Don't forget your personal drinks pass to Jackie's Bar, the popular Lesbian bar.

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 in general, be as sensible as you would at home. It’s easy to get a cab from outside the Yumbo 24/7 to various places on the island, and these are very inexpensive and all are officially licensed.

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