Gay Maspalomas

This Gay Maspalomas guide will show you why you should visit, which hotels to book, where to have fun, and many more exciting secrets about having authentic gay fun on Gran Canaria island.

About Gay Maspalomas

First, Maspalomas is a viral gay winter escape in Europe since the weather is beautiful year-round. It’s also one of the best gay destinations in Spain because of its unbeatable atmosphere and relatively exotic setting!

The peak season is from December to February when snowbirds from Northern Europe swamp the island, but most younger gay tourists head here for the hotter months from April to September.

Like mainland Spain, every hotel and most bars here are LGBT-friendly, so there is no need to be concerned about this issue. However, for those who are interested – there are more gay hotels here than almost anywhere else on Earth, so why not try them?

And then there is the famous Yumbo Centrum Shopping Center, one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in Gran Canaria and a stronghold of gay nightlife, dining, and shopping. It is such a juggernaut that there are very few queer establishments outside of the Yumbo, making a night out here much more accessible.

Overall, Maspalomas’s gay scene is one of the most vibrant and exciting we have encountered anywhere in the world, and we are confident you will not be disappointed.

No matter what you are looking for, you can find it in Gay Maspalomas.

What to See and to Do in Maspalomas

On the sunny southern coast of Gran Canaria, Maspalomas is famous for its golden sandy beaches and high-end hotels. Whether you’re keen to make the most of the sun, sea, and sand or visit the area’s excellent tourist attractions, here are some top things to do in Maspalomas.

Notes:

If you’d like to learn more about local attractions, we suggest reading our related article.
However, if you are hungry, you can also check out our article about the top sites on Gran Canaria Island.

Maspalomas Gay Beaches & The Dunes

Now it’s time to talk about Las Dunas de Maspalomas! You’ve heard about and seen many photos of these dunes. Spectacularly scenic. Walk through them before leaving the island.

The Maspalomas gay beach is called Kiosco Beach Number 7 and is an absolute must-visit. Filled with guys wearing sexy swimsuits, it’s one of the most carefree and friendliest gay beaches I’ve ever visited.

There are two points from which you can reach this area. If you prefer a route walking along the shore, grab a Taxi to Plaza del Faro and walk east. You will pass various pockets of areas with beach chairs.

If you prefer a little hike through the dunes (a little steeper but nothing crazy), go directly to the main entrance, due south of Playa del Inglés. The beach is downhill from this point, so walking from Playa del Inglés and strolling the shore is easier.

Maspalomas Dunes Cruising

Is cruising happening in the dunes? Anyone who hasn’t been to Maspalomas wonders? The truth is, yes. But it may vary on the time of day and day of the week.

Maspalomas dunes cruising isn’t a full-on herd of men. It’s more like a few individuals nestling themselves into a secluded spot, remaining visible enough to invite a stranger over.

Ultimately, there’s no harm in trying your luck! Maybe a sexy jockstrap will catch the attention of passersby! Keep your expectations in check, though.

©hellocanaryislands.com

Maspalomas Gay Bars

Maspalomas has many 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 be best to stroll around Yumbo and see which site looks most interesting.

Parrots Gran Canaria, similar to the one in Sitges, has modern decor, outdoor seating, and colored ambient lighting. The menu offers about 50 different cocktails.

Adonis Bar is another indoor/outdoor bar with standing tables or more relaxed seating on the terrace. It is welcoming to all but caters to Germans.

Bar Diamonds – another place with a big outdoor terrace on the ground floor of the Yumbo Center.

Drag shows

Drag shows in Gran Canaria are like the residency shows of Las Vegas, with a slightly smaller budget and a lack of celebrity status. Still, they’re a hit, and they’re a must. The Yumbo Centre in Maspalomas is the center of gay nightlife with gay bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafes. Here, you’ll find quite a few drag shows with various acts focusing on comedy, lip-syncing, and even live singing in some cases.

Terry’s Show is a local favorite with talented drag performers. It is perhaps more authentic than many others in Yumbo.

If you’re looking for something erotic, you should visit places like Sparkles or Ricky’s Cabaret. More importantly, British-style drag is focused on humor and much less on beauty or performance.

Maspalomas Gay Clubs and Parties

There are three gay clubs, all located right next to each other on the 4th floor of the Yumbo Center. People often crowd out onto the walkway in front of the three venues.

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

Tubos – plays pop and Top 40 hits – closes at 3:30 am.

Mantrix – is a famous dance club with a cruising area and darkroom. It is the leading gay club in the Yumbo Center. Usually doesn’t open until 2 am but stays open until 6 am.

Maspalomas Gay Saunas

The Bunker is the central Maspalomas gay sauna and cruise bar with a darkroom basement. It’s the go-to spot for a little more “fun” after some dancing. They charge a cover at the door of about ten euros.

If there is a sizable crowd in the Yumbo Centre, Bunker will be open with a good group.

Before cruising, ensure you have a pair of sexy underwear or a jockstrap!

©yumbocentrum.com

Gay Maspalomas other Cruising Bars

Below is a small sample of gay cruising bars in the Yumbo Center. You can also find more places like Bunker Bar, The Hole, and The Box.

Basement Studios – The only gay holiday resort in Gran Canaria dedicated to naked cruising and sexual freedom! Basement Studios, run by gay men for gay men and has a multilingual staff, offers a relaxed yet stimulating holiday experience.

Cruise Bar Jumbo is a bear and leather bar with multiple cabins, passages, mazes, slings, a porn video room, glory holes, and two dark rooms.

Bunker Bar – Open every night of the week from 10.30 pm. Bunker offers something for everyone: three floors of dark rooms, cabins, play zones, and slings. Well, you get the idea. It is a hard-core fetish / no-limits sort of place where you can be sure to find something to keep you up all night long. A complimentary drink is included with every entry.

Tom’s Cruising Bar – you will find people of all ages here. They offer cabins, glory holes, slings, an exclusive area for smokers, and more.

Maspalomas Gay Events

Since Maspalomas is a substantial gay holiday destination in Europe, the island holds many gay events yearly. Aside from Maspalomas Pride, there are several themed gay holiday weekends on the largest Canary Island.

First, we’ll discuss Maspalomas Pride weeks and then mention some other fun local gay parties.

Carnival of Las Palmas

Carnival has only one thing in mind: the Maspalomas sun. One of the most famous Carnivals in Spain, this fabulous event is held each February. It has many surrounding circumstances, including a Queen Gala and a Drag Queen Gala.

The main parade is viewed by 200,000 people every year, along with its six-kilometer route across the city. Expect plenty of wild gay parties, camp fun, sold-out hotels, and not get much sleep.

©gaymaspalomas.com

Maspalomas Pride Events

Maspalomas hosts two annual pride events that are super popular with international travelers.

Gay Pride Maspalomas is conveniently scheduled in May before pride season ramps up in the rest of Europe. Winter Pride Maspalomas is in November.

Suggestion: Be cautious when looking at the official Maspalomas Pride events because some are far from Playa del Inglés, which is the top place to stay during Maspalomas Pride.

Bear Carnival Maspalomas

Bear Carnival is another famous bear week in Maspalomas. It is a week of organized events usually held toward the end of March.

Bear Carnival is branded as Europe’s biggest bear event. Furthermore, their events generally include a welcome barbecue, a neon-beard party night, a speed dating night, a toga party, and sex parties at the Maspalomas gay sauna. So, bring your best gay party gear and some sexy underwear!

Fetish Week Maspalomas

Well known for its cruisy aura and nudist beaches, the Gay Maspalomas plays host several hot exclusive parties in key Yumbo Centre bars and clubs over ten days during Fetish Week. Formerly “Fetish Week,” the event changed its name to Fetish Pride in 2022 as part of a more inclusive program. Events will culminate in the election of the annual Mr. Fetish Gran Canaria.

How to get to Gay Maspalomas and how to get around

Getting to Maspalomas by plane is the most convenient way. The nearest airport to Maspalomas is Gran Canaria (LPA).

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 a local bus service (route 66) from the airport. It stops at both Playa del Ingles and Faro de Maspalomas (the lighthouse), the city’s main tourist area where many hotels are located. The one-way bus fare is 3 to 5 euros.

Once you arrive in Maspalomas, you can get around by bus or taxi. The island of Gran Canaria is generally affordable, so taxi rides for short distances are much more suitable than bus rides.

Notes:

We use Skyscanner to find the best deals.
We use Ommio to find the most suitable deals to move around.

Gay Maspalomas: Where to Stay

Accommodations in Maspalomas range from cheap bungalows to chic hotels. Vacation rentals in Maspalomas are also an option. Here are some popular Maspalomas gay hotels and other highly-rated recommendations.

Playa del Inglés is the central gay area of Maspalomas, and many travelers prefer to book hotels here. Staying near Yumbo Centre is particularly popular for convenient access to local gay nightlife.

While browsing Playa del Inglés hotels, the most important considerations are proximity to Yumbo Centre and the availability of a private or community pool.

While it’s easy and inexpensive to get around by taxi in Maspalomas, walking to gay bars and clubs is more convenient. Here are a few popular Maspalomas gay hotels and other highly-rated recommendations.

Here are some excellent gay accommodation offers for you. So check it out.

©queerintheworld.com

Hotel Nayra – Adults Only

Hotel Nayra Adults Only is in Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria. This property features an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. Couples particularly like the location — they rated it 9.4 for a two-person trip.

Gay Paso Chico – Gay Men Only – apartment

Paso Chico is in the center of Playa del Ingles and is aimed at gay men. A sun terrace with loungers surrounds an outdoor swimming pool.

Each bungalow features a furnished terrace and a kitchen equipped with a stove, microwave, kettle, and fridge. There is a living room and a double bedroom with a king-size bed.

Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas – Adults Only

Facing the beachfront, Hotel Riu Palace Maspalomas—Adults Only offers 5-star accommodation in Maspalomas. It has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and garden. With a terrace, the 5-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar or a meal in the restaurant.

Bohemia Suites & Spa – Adults Only

The adults-only Bohemia Suites & Spa offers large rooms without balconies with balconies or terraces. It is 200 m from Playa del Inglés Beach. It features one freshwater outdoor pool, one outdoor saltwater pool, and two outdoor jacuzzis.

Tajinaste Beach Gay Men Only

Set 500 m from Playa del Ingles Beach, 1.8 km from Playa de Veril, and 2 km from Playa de las Burras, Tajinaste Beach Gay Men Only provides accommodation in Playa del Ingles. This beachfront property offers access to a balcony.

AxelBeach Maspalomas

AxelBeach Maspalomas is one of the popular gay hotels conveniently located near Yumbo Centre. It’s one of the older Axel Hotels locations. Still, it attracts a massive gay crowd during popular gay events.

Barceló Margaritas

Barceló Margaritas is also a top choice. The recently renovated property features ultra-modern amenities and an effortlessly chic design.

In addition to the tranquil outdoor pools, Barceló Margaritas has a glass-walled gym, sauna & spa facilities, plenty of garden space, and private outdoor cabana beds.

Hotel Ritual Maspalomas

Hotel Ritual Maspalomas is another notoriously popular adults-only gay resort in Maspalomas. It’s conveniently located directly next to Yumbo Centre, too.

Gay Maspalomas tip: Visit lovely Pirgas village

©Barcelo.com

Sightseeing & Activities in Maspalomas

Here, we’ll show you some exciting tours you can attend during your perfect Gay Maspalomas vacation. But if you’d like to learn more about the island and the city, please check out our related articles.

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 and time spent on the beach and provides tapas and quality drinks. You can also snorkel, swim, and even see dolphins or whales. The trip leaves Puerto de Mogan and heads to Guigui Beach, an often-empty black sand beach with the occasional hippie lying around.

Naked Boat – Join the hottest guys for a private boat party where nothing stays on. The 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, and 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, an open bar throughout the trip, watersport activities, a Canarian lunch, a live DJ, electronic music, and an open-minded environment!

XXX Naked Boat – Special edition XXX Naked Boat: united stronger. The XXX Boat Trip and The Naked Boat join during Fetish Week and Winter Pride this year. Spend 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, an open bar with beer, cocktails, and soft drinks throughout the trip, Canarian food, and paella!

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

Visit the Sand Dunes – Don’t miss the chance to visit the dunes of Maspalomas. These gently undulating dunes are a protected nature reserve that looks like a dazzling corner of the Sahara Desert.

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