Gran Canaria Gay Friendly EN

Open minds throughout Europe found in Gran Canaria unlimited respect and beauty, mainly down to the attitude of the Gran Canarian inhabitants who go by their “live and let live” tag. For this reason, it is a place where the LGTBI community can really feel at home.

More information at the Tourist Website

www.grancanaria.com/gayfriendly

The choice of accommodation on Gran Canaria is as varied as its wonderful, ever-changing landscapes. All kinds of hotels, bungalows and apartments abound, and are proud to be considered gayfriendly, both around the coastal areas as well as the island’s green and mountainous interior, many of which offer a wide range of exclusive accommodation.

Gran Canaria has cemented its reputation as one of the most popular LGTBI paradises in all Europe. It is the so called “Miami Beach of Europe” and a must for all who want to take advantage of eternal spring all year round, just a few hours by plane from all the major cities on the old continent. The island attracts visitors from all over Europe who come over to enjoy temperatures ranging from 18º to 25º the whole year round.

Gran Canaria is a safe place to come to, where respect and tolerance allow for harmonious coexistence between residents and visitors. The standout gay tourist area, Maspalomas, is the best exponent of common ground for over one hundred and twenty different nationalities living there, among which the gay community is clearly visible, considered to be one of the most appreciated strengths of our holiday destination.

Temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 the whole year round

Gran Canaria Tourist Board Triana 93 35002 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Tel: (+34) 928 219 600 Fax: (+34) 928 219 601

www.grancanaria.com www.bloggrancanaria.com

But top of the bill of what’s on offer for the LGTBI community is still the beautiful golden sandy beaches at the south of Gran Canaria. All of them are bathed in calm oceans, with transparent water, marine life packed with unique species, within a carefully preserved natural reserve. With the added attraction of nudist bathing, much appreciated by this clientele, and a “chiringay” drinks hut on hand, to while away the long hours of beach fun.

The beaches to the north are a little off the beaten track, but are by no means less attractive. Here visitors can find smaller fishing enclaves tucked away at places like Agaete at the Puerto de las Nieves.

In the capital city, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the night comes alive around Parque Santa Catalina, Triana shopping district and Vegueta historical and foundational quarters.

The capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, also to the north, is keen to show off its own pride and joy: the cosmopolitan beach of Las Canteras, a long urban stretch of beach that drapes the city with bathers and surfers: it is the the home for the island’s international tourism, and also has an attractive historic town centre which should not be missed.

Alongside this is the added attraction of the non-stop and wide ranging cultural activity organized on the island.

International Classical Music Festivals, Opera and Dance, Theatre Circuits and open air Concerts are held all year round, whether it be January or August.

However, Gran Canaria is not just sun and beach. Glorious landscapes in the middle of the island, typical picturesque villages and towns such as Arucas, Teror, Tejeda, Artenara, Gáldar, as well as steep cliffs such as those at San Nicolás de Tolentino, volcanic craters like Bandama, ravines at Guayadeque, rocks and monoliths worn away by erosion such as Roque Nublo and Bentaiga, make it a real continent in miniature.

The Drag Queen Gala of Las Palmas Carnival in February, Maspalomas Pride in May, Freedom Festival in October and Winter Pride in November are the most relevant events for LGTBI tourists on the island.

Yumbo Shopping Centre in Playa del Inglés has more than 200 commercial units, and it is not really a gay-only venue, although it is well-known all over Europe as a LGTBI night hotspot. During the day, the centre is a popular shopping place, with some stores especially geared for the LGTBI community. And when the night falls, it becomes the main artery of Playa del Inglés gay night scene.

But first, you will need energy. The good weather allows for al fresco dinners, sitting at any of the terraces, surrounded by visitors of all the nationalities you could think of.

Gran Canaria one of the most popular gay paradises in all Europe

Enjoy a great choice of daytime leisure activities, as well as night time ones, both at the tourist areas of Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas and up at the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which lays on an endless choice of terrace bars, bars, pubs and discoteques. Here the fun and music, together with the liberal atmosphere, forge its “rhythm never stops” label, and is another of the island’s great attractions.

El Centro Comercial Yumbo one of the major European centres for gay nightlife

Glorious landscapes in the middle of the island