LGBTQ Tourism in the Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are a reference point for LGBTQ tourism. Not just because of their fantastic beaches that are full of colour and have the best climate in the world all year round, but also because of their extensive gay-friendly offer. Accommodation, bars, nightlife and a wide array of island events are dedicated to the LGBTQ community. Lots of plans and options for enjoying an unforgettable stay.

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A Climate of Pride - Canary Islands
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A Climate of Pride
A Climate of Pride
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Gran Canaria and Maspalomas

Gran Canaria is one of the most important LGBTQ destinations in the world. Beaches, relaxation, nightlife and a great climate every day of the year, all with a clear epicentre: Maspalomas, an area with loads of exclusive accommodation for the LGBTQ community. 

But Gran Canaria’s offer isn’t just limited to hotels and resorts. The Yumbo Centrum is also a must-visit. It’s the first shopping centre in the world dedicated to gays and lesbians and has more than 200 gay-friendly establishments.

If you want to enjoy the beach, Maspalomas is the place for you. With almost three kilometres of golden sand dunes, this stunning beach is also home to one of the largest meeting points for the LGBTQ community in the area around beach bar number seven, with a fantastic atmosphere for some fun next to the sea.

 There are many events for this group in Gran Canaria, some of which are world famous, such as Gay Pride Maspalomas, in May, which starts the global Pride season; Winter Pride, the last Pride of the year, in November, which can be held here thanks to the fantastic temperatures in the islands; the Drag Queen Gala; and many other themed events and pool parties, both at discos and other recreational spots, such as at exclusive gay hotels.

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The best gay-friendly beaches

Although it’s true that any beach in the Canary Islands can be enjoyed in peace, some of them are unmissable for the LGBTQ atmosphere.

Along with Maspalomas, Gran Canaria has other gay-friendly beaches, such as Montaña de Arena, with its boho vibe; Las Canteras beach, which is very close to the gay district in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria; and Playa del Inglés. In Fuerteventura, virgin beaches like Corralejo, Sotavento and Cofete are worth a particular mention. In Tenerife, Tejita Beach is the LGBTQ beach of choice and a must-see, and the nudist town of Charco del Palo, in Lanzarote, has a wide array of natural pools where you can relax, unwind and enjoy.

These are just a few of the places that stand out due to their LGBTQ atmosphere, but everyone is welcome in the Canary Islands on all of the more than 500 beaches.

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Carnivals and Drag Queens 

These are without a doubt some of the most important and well-known events in the Canary Islands, festivities that are celebrated in every city, with a fantastic atmosphere that’s perfect for having a good time.

The most famous and popular carnivals are the ones in Tenerife and Gran Canaria. In the former of the two, the most important part of the festivities is the ceremony where the queen of the carnival is chosen. In Gran Canaria, however, the main event is the Drag Queen Gala, which is also celebrated on almost every other island in celebration of the global LGBTQ community.

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Nightlife in the islands

Varied, top-quality, safe nightlife. The Canary Islands are a fantastic place for letting your hair down by day or by night. The archipelago is one of the must-visit hotspots on the European LGBTQ nightlife circuit, with lots of places to enjoy theme nights, shows and parties. Somewhere to have fun without hang-ups in a modern, international environment.

 

 

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Exclusive LGTBQ Accommodation

The Canary Islands are known for being one of the tourist destinations with the most extensive offers for the LGBTQ community, with lots of top-quality gay-exclusive accommodation, establishments created exclusively with LGBTQ people in mind. That said, you can find all sorts of accommodation on all eight islands, not just LGBTQ-exclusive, but LGBTQ-friendly and adult-only too. And even if you can’t find any accommodation of this type, the open nature of the islanders and the inclusive atmosphere in the Canary Islands will mean that all options are viable.