Gay Maspalomas: our LGBTQ+ guide

Maspalomas is an especially welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travellers, and that atmosphere extends well beyond any one neighbourhood. But the heart of its gay scene is in Playa del Inglés, around the Yumbo Centrum, with its bars, clubs and shows. There are also several gay resorts nearby, while the famous Kiosco Beach No. 5 is the main beach gathering spot.

What we love about Maspalomas is the sense of freedom and openness you feel everywhere. Gay couples, families, groups of friends and travellers from all walks of life share the same spaces without anyone batting an eye. That easy mix, rather than an exclusive bubble, is a big part of its appeal for us. And of course, we still love going out at the Yumbo: we've had great nights there on every visit.

Don't just focus on the Yumbo's bars and clubs: check the events calendar before your trip. Between Pride celebrations, carnival, themed parties and large concerts, sometimes free, there's often something happening. After several visits, we can say these events are well worth experiencing, even if you're not planning a night out clubbing.

The Gay Naked Boat is a men-only gay catamaran excursion off the coast of Gran Canaria. Spend a few hours enjoying the sun, the sea and a relaxed atmosphere. It's clothing optional, so keeping your swimwear on or taking it off is entirely up to you. Different packages are available, including drinks and a light buffet depending on the operator.

We honestly had such a laugh! The atmosphere is friendly, free-spirited and pressure-free. What we liked is that everyone can enjoy the experience their own way: just sunbathe on deck or be a little more adventurous. As they say, 'what happens on the boat stays on the boat' 😉. A fun and unusual way to experience another side of Gran Canaria's gay scene.

The excursion usually starts with a bus transfer from São Tiago to the harbour. On the bus, you'll receive a wristband indicating whether you're open to more adventurous encounters or would rather just relax. It's a useful way to communicate preferences, although consent always comes first! Several operators offer these trips, often once a week, so check the schedule, packages and meeting point before booking.

During the day, Yumbo Centre is a fairly ordinary open-air shopping centre spread over several floors, with shops, restaurants and terraces. After dark, it becomes a major hub of gay nightlife in Maspalomas. It's not exclusively gay, but many of its bars cater to LGBTQ+ visitors, alongside clubs, drag shows and cruising venues.

Let's be honest: Yumbo is a little kitsch, and it's not exactly the prettiest place around. But that's part of its charm! We like wandering around without a plan, getting lost between floors, stumbling upon unexpected bars and exploring the different atmospheres. Whether we're out for a drink, a show or to meet people, we always find somewhere we enjoy.

We suggest arriving in the early evening, as the centre starts coming to life, to scout out the bars before the night gets going. Make time for a drag show: it's a great way to enjoy Yumbo's playful atmosphere! Check the events calendar too: during Pride, Halloween and other celebrations, the central square sometimes hosts stages and outdoor performances.

Rainbow Golf is a small men-only gay resort in a quiet part of Maspalomas, Gran Canaria. Its bungalows have terraces and kitchenettes and surround an outdoor pool. The resort is clothing optional, so nudity is welcome but not required. There is also a hot tub, a bar and a paid laundry service. Yumbo Centrum is roughly a 10–15-minute walk away, while Faro 2 is about five minutes away for groceries. Bikes, scooters and cars are options for getting around Maspalomas.

We've stayed at Rainbow Golf several times and still love the atmosphere. It's genuinely relaxed, the other guests are friendly and we quickly feel at ease. The staff are lovely too, always smiling and happy to help. The clothing-optional approach adds to that easygoing feeling. The bungalows are simple but reasonably well equipped, including a small kitchen for preparing meals. We also appreciate the peace and quiet while staying fairly close to the livelier side of Maspalomas.

We recommend asking for a bungalow on a corner or along the outer edges of the resort. They tend to be more spacious and usually get better natural light. It's a small detail that can make a real difference, especially if you're planning to stay for several days.