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Maspalomas Beach
(photo courtesy Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria)


Maspalomas Sand Dunes
(photo courtesy Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria)


Surfing near Maspalomas
(photo courtesy Patronato de Turismo de Gran Canaria)


Diving off Gran Canaria
(the fish pictured is a marbled electric ray and the
photo - courtesy Davie Academy - was taken at
the
Arguineguin Reef)



Gran Canaria has some excellent restaurants
(photo courtesy Restaurant Bali)



Bar-Rendezvous is one of the many
places in the Yumbo Centre where
you can relax with friends.

(photo courtesy Bar-Rendezvous)


Tourist Office Web Site


Festival del Sol: International
 Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
 

 

 

Accommodation in Gran Canaria



 

 

 

 

 

 

GranCanariaGay.com Tips

 

 

 

 

Gran Canaria
International Dialling Code: 0034
(Currency mentioned on this page is Euros €, with approx UK Pounds)
XE.com Personal Currency Assistant for current conversions

Last updated:  Friday October 10,  2008

IMPORTANT NOTE: A number of travel companies in the UK targeting the gay and lesbian traveller have gone out of business or have lost their "bonding" schemes in recent weeks.  For your protection, make sure that the company you book with is part of the "ATOL Protected" scheme, which guarantees repatriation at no extra cost should an airline or other company go out of business while you are abroad.  Additionally, the ATOL scheme guarantess you money back if you have paid and have yet to travel.  Additionally, it is best to make payment using a major credit card - debit cards provide no protection.


Gran Canaria is one of the "gayest" places on earth and certainly rivals Key West and other resorts in the USA.  It is Europe's hedonistic haven of homos, famous for the Yumbo Centre and infamous for the sand dunes at Maspalomas which has been described as "a Saharan cruising ground which you just can’t avoid if you decide to attempt the twenty minute stroll to the gay beach by bar number seven."

The island itself is roughly the size of Greater London, with Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in the north the principle town.  The island has excellent beaches and in the centre the mountains reach 6,000 feet. The main "gay" area is in Maspalomas/Playa del Inglés

Climate:  Sub-tropical.  Described by USA Today as "one of the (places) with the best climate in the world". In summer, the 'trade winds' keeps the temperature down to a comfortable level.  Sun factor is high.   Average maximum temperatures range from 28ºC in August to 22ºC in December and January.   Sea temperature is around 22ºC in summer and 18ºC in winter.  Click here for current in Las Palmas weather from The Weather Channel.

Shopping:  While not strictly a "duty free" area,  prices are often up to 30 per cent cheaper than on mainland Europe, especially on perfumes, cosmetics, tobacco, alcohol and, to a lesser extent, electronic apparatus and motor vehicles. Beware of "fake" designer clothes. Also note that Customs "rules" are the same as for a foreign (non-European Union) country when returning home - so 200 cigarettes etc. maximum!

There are shopping areas in all the towns and cities on the island, although one finds the biggest number in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, one of the most notable being the traditional and bustling shopping area of Triana, where you can admire all the historic buildings that house an enormous variety of shops on their ground floors.

El Corte Inglés is the main department store in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria - the "Selfridges" of Gran Canaria

Yumbo Centre:  Forget any architectural values of this concrete pink monster in Playa del Inglés!  It's what is inside that really matters. By day it is just a normal sort of shopping area, with everything from cafés to banks and loads of "touristy" stuff.  But at night, it transforms into a huge gay entertainment centre with the 30 or so gay bars and clubs all competing for your attention (your Euros really!) by turning up their sound systems.  You will find so-called leather bars (a leather wallet seems to qualify), places for the "pretty things" and  those who think they are pretty, and everything in between.  Note that in the listings below, the floor level is given in international numbering (ground floor in UK is 1st floor in Gran Canaria)

 indicates a gay establishment
* indicates an establishment listed below is not gay

Have you anything to say about Gran Canaria?  Perhaps you have knowledge of one of the listing below and would like to give your view. Or you may think we should list somewhere  Send us an email and we will include your thoughts


Gay Information
( Pride : May each year)

Festival del Sol: 2nd International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival - Annual Event in January


Local Gay Magazines

  Gay Granca.  Now ceased publication


Weddings and Blessings

  Celebrations.    website
A Celebrations event is the perfect choice for any couple that wants to make their big day a memorable experience and there is no where other than Gran Canaria.


Churches

  St. Sebastian's Church, Gran Canaria. Contact details on website
St Sebastian's Inclusive Church in the Canaries is a vibrant, open and welcoming Christian fellowship that offers a warm welcome to all people.


Hotels and Villas

* Club Hotel Riu,   Maspalomas.   ( 928-56-30-00   website
An "all inclusive" resort hotel with more than 600 en-suite rooms.  All meals and local alcoholic drinks are included in the price, along with the free use of many of the hotel's sports and recreational facilities which include three swimming pools.  Situated on the beach very close to the dunes.  Gay-friendly.

  Club Mancha, 18 C/Irlanda,  Playa del Inglés.  (  (UK +44) (0)134 231 9152  website
A new (opened in March 2007) exclusively gay "resort" a stone's throw from the Yumbo Centre.  Self-contained bungalows contain satellite television with DVD player, microwave oven and at a small extra charge room safe. Bungalow costs from around €60 (£41) a night

  Club Tucanes,  2 locations in Playa del Inglés (both adjacent to Yumbo Centre) and one in Maspalomas.  ( 928-76-05-58   website
A bungalow for one or two costs from €52 (£35) to €100 (£67) a room a day, depending on season. Self catering. All units have bedroom, separate living area, kitchenette and private bathroom as well as a private terrace with patio furniture.  Club Tucanes Playa is currently closed for a "makeover" and will reopen in early September 2007 - Club Tucanes Beach Boys is unaffected (added July 2007).  Exclusively gay

  Club Vista Bonita, Maspalomas.  Book through London office ( ( 0208-421- 9382)  website
20 well-furnished duplex apartments with a living room,  a kitchen with breakfast bar and  a downstairs toilet. The lounge area opens out onto your own private, fully furnished patio. Upstairs, you’ll find the bedroom with fitted wardrobes and either twin beds or a double bed, and a fully fitted bathroom. Price is around £285 for two weeks (per person, based on two sharing). Self catering.  You have to provide your own flights to Gran Canaria.  Exclusively gay.

Eugenia Victoria, Avda. de Gran Canaria, 26, Playa del Inglés.  ( 928-76-25-00.  website
Sample price, based on 2 adults sharing for two weeks in July €1,120 (£755).
Majority of hotel guests are gay

  Pasion Tropical. Calle Las Adelfas 6, Playa del Inglés.  ( 928-77-01-31  website
A resort with "personality" where you can get away from mass tourism.  The nightlife of Play del Inglés is just 5 minutes away by taxi.  Studios from €76 to €85 (£51 - $57) per day per studio, depending on season.  Apartments from €85 to €99(£57 - £66) per day per apartment. Prices include continental breakfast and use of all facilities. Not included are transfers to/from airport or use of safe boxes.  Exclusively gay

* Paraiso Golf 7.  Maspalomas    website
A luxury bungalow in Maspalomas that sleeps up to six.  Recently extended and refurbished by private English owners.  Set in a private complex of 15 bungalows (with private complex pool), Paraiso Golf 7 is in a quiet residential area, but close to Playa del Inglés, the Yumbo and the Dunes. For those who want the "quieter" holiday, with perhaps some golf at the nearby club.  From £350 a week (as at January 2008).  Full details on website.  Gay-friendly.


Clubs/Bars

  Bar Rendezvous,  Yumbo Centre (1st floor - ground), Playa del Inglés.   website
Formally Bar Ibiza, the Rendezvous is now owned by British ex-pats Adam and Dave.    As for the name Bar Rendezvous, simple really, it is a meeting point where you can relax with your friends and make new ones while listening to background music and watching videos, both on the new large projector screen on the inside back wall or on the small plasma screen on the terrace.  Open every day from 19.30 until late.  Free Wi-Fi internet.

  Detox Retox,  Avenida de Tirajana 9, Playa del Inglés. ( 928 767 459  website
Stylish gay bar just five minutes from the Yumbo Centre.  Open daily from 6.30pm to 2am (closed Mondays) for spirits, cocktails, wines, beers and coffee etc.

  Heaven,  Yumbo Centre (3rd floor), Playa del Inglés. (  928-77-17-30   website
One of the most famous gay nightclubs in the world!  Things don't get going until after midnight, but the party continues until breakfast time. Drinks promotions and stage acts.  Closed on Sunday and Mondays in winter.

  Jackie's Bar, Yumbo Centre (first floor), Playa del Inglés.  website
The only lesbian bar in the Yumbo.  Gay men are always welcome!  The perfect place to relax, chill out, watch the world go by, dance, party, meet friends old and new, watch music DVDs, or taste one of their "infamous cocktails".

  Pub Nestor,  Yumbo Centre (first floor), Playa del Inglés. (  928-76-62-66   website
Landlords Barry and Stuart owned Nestor for 14 years, but in the summer of 2004 they retired, with Holger taking over.  No fears about this becoming a "German" bar as the new owner intends to keep it "English".  Every Wednesday Sunday Miss Beverley Hills is the host for the quirkiest gay game show on the island - "Open The Box" - that raises money for local AIDS charities. and Open daily from 7pm to 2.30 am.

  Adonis,  Yumbo Centre (first floor). 
Very popular bar for the youngish

  Cruise, Yumbo Centre (second floor)  (  928-76-34-53    website
Gran Canaria's best leather bar opened in June 1994.  Opens from 11pm to 6am daily.

  La Belle Showbar, Yumbo Centre (ground floor)  website
Drag cabaret.  Open nightly from 9pm.
Paul has pointed out that the link to the La Belle Showbar website no longer works so this has been removed.  It could be that the establishment has now closed down, or has a new name. 
Rick emailed on June 9, 2005 to say that La Belle Showbar is still in business.  "It is running as strong as ever," he wrote.  By that we assume he had a great time there in Graham's establishment!


Restaurants and Cafés

Gran Café Latino,  Yumbo Centre (first floor)  (  928-76-12-66
A café with a Latin touch that is popular with the younger crowd.

La Candela, Yumbo Centre (second floor).  (  928-77-23-80
Spanish and Italian cuisine.  Open from 6.30pm to 12 midnight

* Mambo Nº 5, Avenida de Trajana 3. 

Plaza,  Yumbo Centre (first floor)  (  928-76-72-57
English café.  Open 10am to 7pm

* Restaurante Bali, Avenida de Tirajana, Plays del Inglés.  (  928-76-32-61  webpage
A touch of Bali on Gran Canaria.  Authentic Indonesian cuisine and decor. Comprehensive wine list.  Menus and prices are on website. Open from 12.30pm to 4pm and from 6pm to 12 midnight. 

Valentine's,  Yumbo Centre (second floor)  (  928-77-06-48
Open daily, except Mondays) from 7.00pm to 1am


Bookshops/Video

  DG's Pride Shop, Yumbo Centre (first floor)  (  928-14-80-04
Sex shop with toys, videos and DVDs

  Man's Garage, Yumbo Centre (4th floor).  (  928-77-30-86
Sex shop with videos, DVDs.  Open 12 noon to 7pm and 8pm to 3am

  Underground, Yumbo Centre (first floor)  (  928-76-74-19
Sex shop.  Open  6pm to 2am


Fitness/Massage

MuscleRob, Playa del Inglés.  ( 636 90 30 09  website
Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Masseur in Playa del Inglés. The following services are offered:   Sports Massage, Swedish and therapeutic massage, Indian face and head massage, deep tissue massage, relaxing anti-stress massage and back/shoulders/back treatment.  Studio or home/hotel visits.  Massage from €30; personal training from €150 for five session of one hour each..


Saunas/Bathhouses

  Construction,  CITA Centre (basement), Playa del Inglés.  (  928 76 84 76  website
Open daily from 6pm to 4am.  Admission €15, which includes one free drink.

  Heroes, Yumbo Centre (4th floor) Playa del Inglés.  (  928 77 47 70  website
This new sauna (opened May 2007) is the largest on Garn Canaria, boasting over 350 square metres full of features dedicated entirely to your pleasure and enjoyment.  All the usual features and free private cabins.  Open 4pm to 4.30am (Sundays to Thursdays) and  6am (Fridays and Saturdays). Admission €12.  Click HERE for a free entry coupon courtesy GranCanariaGay.com.

  Sauna Nilo, Centro Commercial Nilo, Playa del Inglés.  (  928 76 54 64  website
Open daily between 20:00 and 02:00.  Features include a sauna, steam room, 14 private rooms, cinema room, massage, bar.  Entrance €12, with room €17, VIP room €22 (note price increases 2007)

  Sauna Portugal, C/ Portugal 27, Las Palmas ( 928 227 284  website
Open daily 4pm to midnight.  Entrance €12 (Wednesdays €8).  Under 24, €8 with passport or drivers licence.  Free buffet on last Saturday of the month.


Things To Do

* Dive Academy (for postal address see website)  (  928-73-61-96 (or 696-76-03-96 mobile) website
Dive Academy is a 'Padi' 5 Star IDC Center and Gold Palm Resort. Its also Europe's most southerly dive centre. Learn to dive here - beginners welcome and the Academy has its own large and private training pool. For the experienced, scuba diving from a boat or from the shore are available.   Gay friendly.

  Gay Catamaran Boat Trips (  928-76-62-66  website
Hello sailor!  Fancy a camp day out at sea?  Exclusively gay and all-day boat trips every Friday.  Cost is €45 (£30) which includes a hot buffet lunch and as much beer, sangria or soft drinks as you can handle.  Book at Pub Nestor.

  Gay Beach.  Maspalamos (about halfway along the dunes towards Playa del Inglés). Look out for "Hut 7". You will know when you are there - and there is a "rainbow" flag flying, if you take your eyes off all the "all-over" suntans!

 

 

Please Note that information is given "in good faith" and UK Gay News cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies.  Comments are the personal views of contributors. Please email any corrections to editorial@ukgaynews.org.uk.  All prices are approximate and are given in currency of the country (a rough guide in UK pounds is also indicated, but currencies do fluctuate).  Click here for  XE.com's personal currency converter for online current conversions.