Gran Canaria

Maspalomas is located in the south of Gran Canaria. For decades, the place has been one of the most important queer travel destinations in Europe. Because the island is located off the coast of Africa, the climate remains mild even in winter, and the scene is therefore active all year round. When you think of queer Gran Canaria, you almost automatically think of this place.

Trendy district

The heart of the queer scene is the Yumbo Centrum, a multi-storey shopping center in Playa del Inglés right on the border with Maspalomas. During the day, the complex with its shops and restaurants looks quite inconspicuous. In the evening, on the other hand, almost the entire gay nightlife is concentrated here. Around the Yumbo and in neighboring Playa del Inglés there are also numerous hotels and bungalow complexes that are specifically aimed at queer guests. Because accommodation, beach and nightlife are close together, the distances are short.

Nightlife

Bars, cafés and clubs are lined up over several floors in the Yumbo Centrum, so that the selection can hardly be exhausted in one evening. Drag shows are part of the fixed program and are considered a trademark of the place. The action starts rather late and lasts deep into the night, with the upper levels usually filling up after midnight. From the quiet restaurant to the loud dance floor, there is something for almost every taste without having to leave the district.

Beaches

Maspalomas beach is known for its extensive sand dunes, which are designated as a nature reserve. Behind the dunes lies the traditionally queer beach section. It has long been considered a meeting place for the community and also includes a nudist zone. The numbered beach entrances provide orientation; the relevant areas can be reached via a longer footpath through the dune landscape. If you like it less secluded, you will find wide, well-equipped beach sections along Playa del Inglés.

Best time to visit

Because the temperatures rarely fluctuate much, Gran Canaria can be visited practically all year round. The winter months are particularly popular, when Central Europe freezes and the island offers mild bathing weather. Two dates stand out: the Maspalomas Winter Pride in spring and the Carnaval, which marks the island in February. There is more going on in these weeks, at the same time prices are rising and accommodation is booked out early.

Arrival

The international arrival point is Gran Canaria Airport (LPA) near Las Palmas in the northeast of the island. There are numerous direct flights from German-speaking countries, especially in the winter season. From the airport to Maspalomas it is about 30 kilometers to the south, which can be covered in about half an hour via the GC-1 highway by rental car, bus or taxi. In the resort area itself, you can easily get around on foot or with short taxi rides.

Safety & LGBT Rights

Gran Canaria is part of Spain, and Spanish law is one of the most advanced in the world when it comes to protecting LGBT people. Same-sex marriage and adoption have been possible for years, discrimination is prohibited by law. Maspalomas is considered open and relaxed, couples holding hands are part of the usual picture in the resort area. Away from the familiar zones, as everywhere, a normal amount of attention is recommended, for example on the way home at night.