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Maspalomas Gay Travel

wolfyy’s Maspalomas gay travel guide to hotels & where to stay, gay bars, beaches, & local gay events.

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The Gay Travel Experience: Maspalomas, Gran Canaria

Strangers run up to each other on the gay beach in Maspalomas joking and laughing under the island sun. This is one of my fondest memories of visiting Gran Canaria, the perfect example of how people in Maspalomas embody every sense of the word carefree.

Winter Pride 2018

Maspalomas is among the most popular gay travel destinations in the world. With beautiful weather year-round and a short flight from Europe, it’s also a convenient warm-weather winter gay getaway for Europeans.

Pride flag
Maspalomas gay dunes

There are actually two gay pride events every year in Maspalomas. I visited during Winter Pride in 2018, which takes place in early November. 

Maspalomas gay dunes

I made more gay friends during my visit to Gran Canaria than any other destination or gay pride that I’ve been to. Since then, these friends have turned into long-term buddies and travel partners!

Gay vacationers in Maspalomas are talkative and so outgoing! There are fewer groups of men who are closed off to making new friends. It was such a nice change from the usual gay pride vibe. 

maspalomas dunes gay area
Winter Pride 2018
Pride flag

Gran Canaria is the largest of the Canary Islands. You will surely find rainbow flags and gay resorts everywhere. Take note that Maspalomas is a town completely occupied by tourists. There are not too many local Spaniards to be found, as I’ll mention below.

Gay Maspalomas: Hotels & Where to Stay

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

Maspalomas gay resorts

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

Maspalomas gay resorts
Canary Islands gay traveler

While it’s easy and inexpensive to get around by taxi in Maspalomas, being within walking distance to gay bars and clubs is definitely more convenient.

Canary Islands gay traveler

Accommodation types in Maspalomas range from resort/bungalow style rentals to chic hotels. Vacation rentals in Maspalomas are also an option, but they’re not necessarily any more popular than the plethora of fairly priced hotels.

Here are the Maspalomas gay hotels along with some other highly-rated recommendations.

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, but still continues to attract a massive gay crowd during big gay events.

maspalomas ritual gay hotel
maspalomas ritual gay hotel
Maspalomas gay resort

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.

Maspalomas gay resort

I stayed at a Ritual Hotel while in Torremolinos and thought it was super fun! I’d definitely try the location here.

Barceló Margaritas

Barceló Margaritas is the top choice of a friend of mine who travels to Gran Canaria every year. The property was recently renovated, now featuring ultra-modern amenities with an effortlessly chic design.

Maspalomas gay hotel

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

Maspalomas gay travel
Maspalomas gay hotel

Eó Maspalomas Resort

I stayed at Eó Maspalomas Resort. It’s a comfortable, simplistic hotel with the perfect two-level layout to share with a friend.

Maspalomas gay travel

Having the swimming pool and personal patio made my stay very relaxing.  It’s also only a 3 to 4-Euro cab ride from Yumbo Centre.

More Maspalomas Hotels I Recommend

Here are a few other fantastic hotels and gay resorts in Maspalomas that are all adults-only, highly rated, and located near the local gay area in Playa del Inglés.

Maspalomas gay resort

Tajinaste Beach Gay Resort

Hotel for gay travelers in Playa del Ingles

Corallium Dunamar

Bohemia Suites Maspalomas

Bohemia Suites & Spa

Hotel Nayra

Hotel Nayra

Accommodations Farther from Playa del Inglés

If you’re not concerned with the gay bars and parties in Yumbo Center—or Playa del Inglés in general—there are plenty of other beautiful hotels and resort options along Gran Canaria’s coast.

beachfront hotels

Tons of resorts in La Playa de Arguineguín are highly-rated. This area is a beach town only a ten-minute drive west of Playa del Inglés.

gay Maspalomas
beachfront hotels

A bit farther west, accommodations in Playa Cura are truly majestic and many have spectacular views.

gay Maspalomas

Maspalomas Gay Travel Experiences

Yumbo Centre is the hub of all nightlife. But, let me tell you a few more things about it. Firstly, the center is sort of like a “New Orleans Bourbon Street meets Bangkok’s gay district.”

Maspalomas gay beach

Everyone socializes at tables outside or they just grab drinks and wander! Physically, Yumbo is not pretty. It’s just a spot to get wild and have some fun!

Maspalomas gay beach
Spain pride event

Also, the setup of Yumbo Centre is sort of “walled-in.” Everything faces inward, which I love. You enter through various stairwells and passageways.

Spain pride event

High-end restaurants are mostly within the higher-end hotels and resorts. Food is decently cheap here in the Canary Islands, but the convenience stores are not.

Eating meals out is a good bet. There are a few run-of-the-mill Chinese and Indian restaurants close to Yumbo Centre.

Maspalomas Gay Beaches & The Dunes

Now it’s time to talk about Las Dunas de Maspalomas! I’m sure you’ve heard about and seen many photos of these dunes. Spectacularly scenic, do not leave the island without walking through them. 

las dunas de maspalomas gay

Head toward the Maspalomas gay beach and take tons of photos. You won’t want to forget these dunes! Watch out for a few areas that have cacti, as the little burrs can hurt and be difficult to remove.

las dunas de maspalomas gay
maspalomas gay beach

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

Maspalomas gay dunes area

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.

maspalomas gay beach

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

Maspalomas gay dunes area
maspalomas gay beach dunes

The beaches in Maspalomas are beautiful, and the water is warm enough to swim in most of the year. Most people don’t swim during the coldest couple of months since drying off can be chilly.

maspalomas gay beach dunes

At the Kiosco Beach Number 7 gay beach, lounge chairs are free. Most people just spread out on the sand though. There is a small cash-only bar as well, so bring your Euros. 

Maspalomas Dunes Cruising

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

maspalomas dunes gay cruising

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 just visible enough to invite a stranger over.

maspalomas dunes photo spot
maspalomas dunes photo spot
maspalomas dunes gay cruising

Ultimately, there’s no harm in trying your luck! Maybe a sexy jockstrap will catch the attention of passerbys! I’d say to keep your expectations in check, though. 

best areas of maspalomas

Maspalomas Gay Bars

There are so many gay bars and clubs in Maspalomas to choose from in Yumbo Centre. One of my favorites is Mykonos Bar, where I made friends who I am still close with today. 

They have a fun outdoor terrace with an indoor-outdoor feel, another reason it’s one of the more popular spots. You have to check it out!

maspalomas gay bar

Otherwise, most of the fun is just exploring the dozens of gay bars in Yumbo. Wide-open terraces and cabaret bars pack in thousands of gay men.

maspalomas gay bar
yumbo center

If you are visiting during a Maspalomas pride event, the crowd at the gay bars drastically changes around midnight. Earlier in the night, you’ll find an older European audience. Hang around a little later and things get wild with a primarily 25 to 35-year old crowd.

yumbo center

Bunker Maspalomas Cruising Club

Bunker is the main 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 Euro.

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

Before you go cruising, make sure you have a pair of sexy underwear or a jockstrap to wear!

Maspalomas Gay Events

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

Maspalomas gay event
maspalomas winter pride
Maspalomas gay event

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

Maspalomas Pride Events

Maspalomas hosts two pride events each year, which are super popular with international travelers.

maspalomas winter pride

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

I had an absolute blast at the T-dance during Winter Pride. This party was in an indoor-outdoor bar overlooking the ocean at Playa de las Meloneras.

Maspalomas Winter Pride party
Winter Pride parade maspalomas
Maspalomas Winter Pride party

Be cautious when looking at the official Maspalomas Pride events because some of them are quite far from Playa del Inglés, which is the top place to stay during Maspalomas Pride. I purchased one ticket to a beach party but it was so far away we decided not to go.

Winter Pride parade maspalomas

Bear Carnival Maspalomas

Bear Carnival is another hugely popular bear week in Maspalomas, typically held toward the end of March.

Bear Carnival is branded as Europe’s biggest bear event. Their events typically include a welcome barbecue, a neon-beard party night, speed dating night, a toga party, and sex parties at the Maspalomas gay sauna. 

Make sure to bring your best gay party gear and some sexy underwear or jockstraps!

Fetish Week Maspalomas

I would love to go to Maspalomas Gay Fetish Week the next time I visit the Canary Islands. The photos from past events look great and it’s one of the best gay fetish events in Europe. Many of the gay resorts will participate in the overall fetish week themes.

Maspalomas gay fetish week
Maspalomas gay fetish week
Maspalomas summer fiesta gay parties

All the proceeds for Fetish Week typically go to a local HIV/AIDS charity. Learn more on the Maspalomas Fetish Week Official Website.

Gran Canaria Summer Fiesta Events

With events all throughout August, there’s no excuse to miss Maspalomas Summer Fiesta! The end-of-summer gay event program starts on August 1st and finishes on August 31st.

Maspalomas summer fiesta gay parties

Summer Fiesta Maspalomas has literally everything from wine tastings and free scuba experiences to their famous “Please Disturb” gay cruising party.

Looking for more circuit parties? Check out these circuit party events around the world to see productions being hosted in one of your travel destinations.

Maspalomas Gay Travel Tips

Local Taxi Cabs

Taxi cabs in Maspalomas are trustworthy. Of all the taxis I took, none of them tried to rip me off. They are extremely cheap as well. Most don’t speak much if any English, though.

best areas of maspalomas

Knowing the name of the road where you are going is best, especially if your hotel isn’t well-known. The cabbies are honest guys, so tip them well!

Is Gran Canaria Spanish Speaking?

Many travelers assume that because the Canary Islands are occupied by Spain, that there is a lot of local Spanish life around. This is not exactly the case.

Spanish is the official language of the Spanish Canary Islands, but there isn’t much “Spanish culture” per se. This is simply because the island mainly caters to tourists.

languages spoken in Maspalomas
languages spoken in Maspalomas
best areas of maspalomas

In general, it’s easy to get around using only English. The only reason you might want to learn some Spanish would be to talk to any of the Spaniards that will be visiting!

Babbel subscriptions are super cheap and their app makes learning some language basics easy. The most you’ll pay is $14 per month! Plus, it gets even cheaper if you choose a multi-month package.

gay travel canary islands

Pack Your Tropical Vacation Essentials

Before you head off to paradise, check wolfyy’s useful list of what to pack for tropical destinations. You’ll find my favorite waterproof gear, lightweight clothing ideas, rain gear, and tons more.

Getting to Gran Canaria Airport from Playa del Inglés

One of the many Gran Canaria public buses can take you directly from the airport to Yumbo Centre. It is only 3 Euros or so, a much better deal as opposed to the normal 50-Euro ride.

getting to Maspalomas
getting to Maspalomas
gay travel canary islands

Playa del Inglés is not near the airport, so the bus is definitely worth it. You can grab a cab locally once it lets out at Yumbo.

Las Palmas Airport Lounge Access

The Sala Galdos lounge in the Las Palmas airport is huge. I spent a couple of hours here before my flight and it was so relaxing. If you have the chance, you should do the same!

Priority Pass offers 10% off annual memberships, which you can use in so many airports worldwide, including Las Palmas. It’s more than worth it if you take a few international flights per year.

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Explore more of Spain with wolfyy’s gay travel guides to major cities like Barcelona and Madrid.

Or, head to the south of Spain and experiences Andalucian destinations like Seville, historic Cádiz, or the gay resort town of Torremolinos.

For more inspiration, explore wolfyy’s full collection of gay travel guides.


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