Maspalomas pride in Gran Canaria, is one of the world’s most famous prides and is incredibly popular with the gay community and the Maspalomas Pride dates have been announced for 2024.
Maspalomas Pride will take place from the 2nd of May through to the 14th of May 2024. The Pride itself is one of the largest in Europe and will be celebrating its 22nd year.
Maspalomas Pride, often referred to as Maspalomas Gay Pride, is an annual LGBTQ+ pride festival and celebration held in Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, which is part of the Canary Islands, Spain. This event typically takes place in May and is one of the largest and most well-known Pride festivals in Europe.
Maspalomas Pride features a variety of activities and events, including parades, concerts, parties, cultural performances, and more. It serves as a platform to promote LGBTQ+ rights, celebrate diversity, and raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues. The festival attracts both local and international visitors who come to participate in the festivities and show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The Maspalomas Pride celebration is known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, making it a popular destination for LGBTQ+ travelers from around the world. It provides an opportunity for people to come together, express themselves, and enjoy a sense of community and acceptance in a beautiful and welcoming setting.
Maspalomas is a popular tourist destination located on the southern coast of the island of Gran Canaria, which is part of the Canary Islands.
The Canary Islands are an autonomous community of Spain, and they are situated off the northwest coast of Africa in the Atlantic Ocean. Maspalomas is known for its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and vibrant tourism industry. It’s a part of the municipality of San Bartolomé de Tirajana on the island of Gran Canaria.
When you’re planning an international relocation as a member of the LGBT+ community, there are additional things to think about besides job opportunities, housing prices and public transport. LGBT rights can vary greatly from country to country, and even within regions that are ostensibly friendly towards LGBT+ people, you can still find some cities more welcoming than others.
If you’re getting restless and looking for your next big adventure, the good news is there are plenty of amazing cities all over the world that are as LGBT-friendly as they are a winning expat pick. To help inspire and inform you, here are ten of the best.
1. Berlin, Germany
Germany scores highly in a number of expat living charts, known as a country that offers a high quality of life, economic stability and a good level of disposable income. The capital city, Berlin, happens to also be a lively and artistic LGBT+ haven.
Pride weeks every summer and an impressive range of gay nightlife spots are just the tip of the iceberg in Berlin, an incredibly liberal city that is known for its ever-changing street art and innovative vegan cuisine. Often described as one of Europe’s most tolerant cities, this is a place where you can truly be yourself, no matter who you are or how you identify.
Germany protects the rights of LGBT+ citizens in work and in housing, as well as in marriage, adoption and other crucial areas, and Berlin is a vibrant hub for the community.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Denmark was the first country in the world to legalise same-sex partnerships, and is described by Lonely Planet as being the ‘most gay-friendly place on earth’. Within that, Copenhagen boasts Europe’s oldest openly gay bar, and the city’s slogan is ‘Love of freedom, freedom to love.’
Soon to be the host of WorldPride in 2021, expats moving to Copenhagen can expect a great work-life balance as well as a warm welcome. Denmark is also a country which prides itself on sustainability, as well as inclusivity, so if you’re working on your carbon footprint this could be the choice for you.
3. San Francisco, USA
You may already be familiar with the Castro District, which is known as one of the first-ever openly gay neighbourhoods in the USA. That’s just one part of this colourful LGBT+ hotspot, where you can see rainbow crosswalks and monuments to icons like Harvey Milk.
San Francisco remains one of America’s most forward-thinking cities to this day, and while not every city in the USA is equal, this is one destination where you can feel confident your rights as an LGBT+ individual will be upheld and defended.
While life in San Francisco can be expensive, wages are also higher than you’ll find in other major cities – and with the city playing home to a melting pot of expats from all over the world, you’re sure to find a way to fit right in.
4. Santiago, Chile
Chile might not be the first place that springs to mind when you’re contemplating an international relocation as an LGBT+ person. However, Santiago has come a long way since the turn of the millennium, and the city now offers a strong LGBT+ culture and an impressive host of gay venues and events to enjoy.
Lauded by some as the LGBT+ capital of South America, Santiago offers ample opportunity for expats looking to teach English, provided you have a reasonable understanding of the Spanish language. It’s a safe city with a low cost of living, surrounded by beautiful scenery and offering great public transport.
5. Gran Canaria, Spanish Canary Islands
The gay scene in Gran Canaria’s Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles is hard to beat wherever in the world you might look. With numerous Pride festivals taking place throughout the year, this is already a number one vacation destination for gay travellers from all over the world – but it’s also a good spot if you’re planning on a permanent relocation.
If you can pin down a job contract lasting a minimum of three months, you can get fully-fledged resident status in Gran Canaria without much trouble. Though you’ll need to organise your own global healthcare plan in the meantime, as Spain does not provide free healthcare for non-residents. Despite this, settling in permanently is relatively easy compared to most destinations.
6. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Amsterdam is famous all over the world for being a city which accepts and promotes ‘fringe’ lifestyles in many forms, so it should come as no surprise to hear that it’s also a destination proud to support and champion LGBT+ people.
In addition to regular Pride events, thriving gay nightlife venues and a host of resources and organisations that newcomers to the area can take advantage of, Amsterdam also offers easy cultural acclimatising for western expats. With English widely spoken, job opportunities in a range of industries, and late-opening shops and restaurants, adjusting to a new life in the Netherlands shouldn’t be a struggle.
7. Reykjavik, Iceland
Iceland was the first country in the world to elect an openly gay head of state, and was one of the first places to legalise same-sex partnerships and marriages. Not just a country which fiercely defends the equal rights of all inhabitants, regardless of sexual orientation or gender, Iceland is also known for its stunning scenery and frequent opportunities to witness the Northern Lights.
Reykjavik, in particular, offers an incredibly high quality of life to its residents, with a low unemployment rate and booming tourism sector. Register for free with an employment agency to have the best chance of securing a role before your move.
8. Auckland, New Zealand
New Zealand is proud to have been the country which elected the world’s first out transgender MP, Georgina Beyer, as well as having continuously elected a steady stream of out and proud MPs to parliament in the last few decades.
While Auckland’s LGBT nightlife scene isn’t as loud and lively as some cities on this list, local attitudes to the community are such that venues simply don’t feel the need to segregate themselves, in many cases. You’ll find a safe and welcoming night out regardless of whether a bar is labelled as LGBT+ or not.
New Zealand appeals to many expats because of its natural beauty, from volcanoes and beaches to rainforests and waterfalls. Move to Auckland and you’ll find a thriving economy with diverse employment opportunities, from fin-tech and software companies to jobs in hospitality.
9. Antwerp, Belgium
Antwerp Pride attracts around 50,000 visitors each year, hardly a surprise in a country which has always been at the forefront of defending LGBT+ rights. This cosmopolitan city has been multicultural for centuries, and remains a welcoming hub for expats moving from all over the world.
Half of the population here speaks at least three languages, so while it’s a good idea to fine-tune your language skills in order to truly feel like a local, you can get along by speaking English and/or Dutch alone.
10. Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, Toronto and Calgary are all incredibly popular destinations with expats who are looking for good job opportunities and a great quality of life. Across this tolerant country, it’s hard to pick the best LGBT+ destination, but Vancouver, in particular, is a brilliant choice if you’re keen to find a growing LGBT community where you can easily settle in.
Described by Conde Nast Traveller as ‘Canada’s most gay-friendly city’, Vancouver is also a safe and spacious city that puts you a stone’s throw from beautiful natural sights and boundless outdoor activity opportunities. The best known ‘gay neighbourhood’ is Davie Village, but you’ll find it’s safe to be yourself wherever in the city you choose to move.
Gran Canaria has long been a sort of gay mecca in the middle of the Atlantic ocean, off the coast of western Africa.
Over the years a number of gay / bisexual only hotels and resorts have cropped up on the tiny Island, making it one of the most gay-friendly destinations on the planet. Gran Canaria is one of the go-to gay travel destinations.
Most of these resorts are on the southern end of the Island, near Maspalomas and, no doubt; you will have heard of the Yumbo Centre, where most of the Island’s gay bars and drag shows are located.
Maspalomas is easy to get to from the Island’s only airport. You can either hire a car or get a cab to your hotel. Some hotels and resorts even offer an airport shuttle. Of course, Gran Canaria is served by numerous airlines from the UK, and you can get great deals on flights to Gran Canaria from the likes of Ryanair, EasyJet, Jet2.com and Norwegian.
So what about the gay hotels? Are there any and should you stay at one?
Our editor and chief, Jake Hook recently made a case for staying gay when on holiday, but the short answer is yes. You should definitely try it.
There are many gay exclusive resorts on Gran Canaria, most of them located in the Maspalomas or Playa del Ingles area of Gran Canaria.
Roma, 13, Playa del Ingles, Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, 35100, Spain,
A 15 room hotel in Playa Del Ingles, catering to gay men. Clothing is optional at this resort, and it is pet-friendly, although you will be required to pay an additional 19.00 EUR per night. Breakfast is available at a surcharge of 8.00 EUR per person. It does offer free WiFi.
The hotel has a pool and is located close to the beach. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: C/. Timple 5 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 765 877 Web: www.bungalowsartemisa.com
This property is located in the Playa del Ingles and is close to the Yumbo centre, the beach is a half a mile walk, while the dunes are a near 2-mile trip. Each one-bed bungalow offers a dining area and a kitchenette. Breakfast is available to purchase. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: Avda. Tour Operator Vingresor, 6 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 772 096 / (+34) 649 019 985 Web: www.beachboysresort.com
A highly rated gay only resort in Maspalomas. The dunes are an 11-minute walk away, and the Yumbo centre is under 30 minutes walk away. The location has just 12 apartments ensuring an intimate feel. There is free WiFi. Clothing is optional. Breakfast is available at a surcharge. Also available are lunch and dinner, if you don’t want to cater for yourself. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: C/. Egipto 10 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 764 722 Web: www.birdcage-resort.com
The Birdcage Resort is a four-star property in the Playa del Ingles area of Gran Canaria, which means its close to the Yumbo Centre and a 20-minute walk away from the beaches. There is free WiFi offered, and clothing is optional around the poolside. THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Address: Avda. Touroperador Kuoni 46 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 760 051 Web: www.clubtorso.com
Club Torso is just a short walk to the beach and 10 minutes from the infamous dunes. The property is clothing optional, and each bungalow comes with free WiFi and a kitchenette. Breakfast is served (as an extra), and there is free parking close to the location.THEGAYUK.com has not yet reviewed this location.
Los Almendros
Address: Avda. Francia 3 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 761 688 Web: www.losalmendros.es
Address: Avda. Touroperador Finnmatkat 6 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 161 718
Rainbow Golf is a clothing option, gay men’s resort in Maspalomas. It’s a twenty-minute walk from the famous dunes of Maspalomas beach, and the Yumbo centre is a 28-minute walk. There are 21 self-catering apartments, but food, including breakfast, is available for purchase. The location offers free WiFi, and there is free parking available. The hotel does offer an airport shuttle priced at 35.00 EUR. THEGAYUK.com has not reviewed this hotel yet.
Calle Touroperador Matkatala, 2, Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Gran Canaria, 35100, Spain
One of the only 4 star hotels on the Island that caters for gay men. There are free WiFi and parking at the location. There are 24 guest rooms, and it is located near the beach. Again the airport offers an airport shuttle (38 EUR), and there is a free shuttle to the beach. This is an optional clothing location. Breakfast is charged at an extra 10 EUR per day. Read THEGAYUK’s full review of Seven Hotel and Wellness.
Address: Avda. de Tirma 20 – 35100 Playa del Inglés – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 773 342 Web: www.tropicallazona.com
This 25 room property offers free WiFi and a fitness centre / work out room. There is also a bar. The Yumbo centre is a short walk away. The accommodation is self-catering and offers a fridge, toaster, kettle and microwave. The location is clothing optional. THEGAYUK.com has not reviewed this hotel yet.
Villas Blancas
Address: Avda. Tour Operator Tjaereborg s/n – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 770 122 Web: www.villasblancas.com
Address: C/. Carmen Laforet 1 – 35100 Maspalomas – San Bartolomé de Tirajana Telephone: (+34) 928 140 032 Web: www.vistabonita.es
A popular gay-only resort in Sonneland, which is a drive away from the beach (30+ minute walk) and Yumbo centre (40-minute walk). There are 20 self-catering apartments. The hotel offers an airport shuttle as parking is extremely limited. You can reserve parking with a 5 EUR a day charge. Breakfast is available (surcharge). This is an optional clothing hotel, and there is free WiFi. Read THEGAYUK’s full review on Vista Bonita.
Every year, Gran Canaria plays host to one of the biggest LGBT+ pride events in Europe.
adamkontor / Pixabay When is Gran Canaria Pride 2018?
In fact, it’s so proud there are two, Summer and Winter.
The summer pride on the incredibly gay-friendly Gran Canaria takes place in from the 3rd to the 13th May. Nearly 100,000 people turn up to celebrate gay pride on the tiny island of Gran Canaria. Gran Canaria is a four and a half hour’s flight from the UK and remains one of the most popular getaways for the British LGBT+ community.
Next year’s pride will take place from the 2nd to the 12th of May 2019.
Winter pride takes place on the 5th till the 11th November 2019. This winter pride will be the fifth annual event and is one of the largest winter prides in Europe.
Want to book a hotel at the gay exclusive location, check out our listings here.
There can’t be many tourist destinations which encompass so many different landscapes and diverse geographical features, cultural blends and range of exciting holiday activities in such a small area. Gran Canaria may have a diameter of only 50km, so it is safe to say that this island is compact and bijou, but that just makes it easily navigable. And with this “miniature continent” having everything from long golden beaches and dunes of rich sand to green ravines and picturesque villages, volcanic uplands and ports, you won’t have to travel too far for the next change of pace or scenery. It also blends the best of Spanish colonial architecture and ultra-modern hotels, all under the rays of an African sun.
Gran Canaria also has a very liberated attitude towards gay and lesbian tourism and there is a very vibrant scene to be found here especially with gay hotels such as Vista Bonita by MOW Hotels, catering specifically for rainbow flag flying tourists.
Vista Bonita sits at the heart of the Gay Resort community of Maspalomas, in the lively commercial region along the southern coast. Vista Bonita is an apartment hotel (with an upstairs and downstairs) with a very social scene going on around the heated pool and sauna, well worth catching happy hour at the pool bar and a world away from the tourist trap of Yumbo Centre (pretty much the outdoor shopping centre that the name suggests) and its bad drag shows and even worse the food.
Gay apartment hotels in Gran Canaria such as Vista Bonita can afford you the perfect combination of privacy and freedom to structure your break the way that you see fit and the convenience of having everything close to hand, the onsite supermarket being a useful touch especially for your fully equipped kitchen. If cooking on a break is not your thing then the pool bar caters to all of your breakfast, lunch and thirst quenching needs. One drawback in the area is car parking which can cause a bit of stress but this is easily avoided if you arrange your parking with the hotel €5 a day as of May’18.
Obviously the icing on the cake of any hotel stay is the staff and here the housekeeping team are always friendly, seemingly loving the environment that they work in, and it is almost worth staying to see there smiles as well as the extremely helpful and gorgeous Monica managing reception, not only brilliantly accommodating in her role and suggesting the best restaurants but I’m sure can be a lot of fun to share a few cocktails with on the hotels rooftop.
(C) KOPAZ / TWITTER
Away from the hotel, there is much to do and a walk along the seafront of the exclusive Meloneras area will reveal a range of bars, cafes and restaurants and also KopaZ, a hidden gem of what I would describe as the only gay outdoor tapas pub in Meloneras. KopaZ has fantastic views of the ocean from its elevated decks, the tapas prepared are humble and delicious with hints of South American and German influences and there is a great selection of drinks to be tried. Service is always friendly and unhurried and the location itself is discreet and away from all the tourist traps. It makes for the perfect place to lunch and wait to watch the sunset sipping on a glass of sangria.
And if it is perfect views that you are looking for then the 360° Restaurant is a must for dinner. Situated on the 8th floor (but feeling much higher) at Bohemia Suites & Spa Hotel, as the restaurant name suggests, it offers all-round panoramic views of the ocean and dunes and offers an exquisite dining experience both via its tasting menu or a la carte options. With live music and the company of attentive restaurant ambassadors, this is a great and stylish way to end the day as the night draws in.
Maspalomas is a beacon for LGBT tourism, sitting both comfortably alongside mainstream venues and attractions but also catering specifically and brilliantly for the gay scene in Gran Canaria, there is even an annual gay pride event and a number of boat parties and other activities to explore. The perfect destination and the perfect time to hit the sun, grab yourself a twenty-five year old…scotch and bottoms up!
I shelved travelling to Gran Canaria for many years because I had horrors of being surrounded by youngsters on their first holiday along with every other restaurant serving a full English Breakfast.
I would have probably been close to that dread if it wasn’t for the tranquillity of The Seven Hotel & Wellness – Gay Only. After a comfortable 4 hour flight from London to Las Palmas airport (LPA), it was a smooth 25-minute drive to the area of Maspalomas.
When I arrived, I began to ponder the undeveloped surrounding areas and wondered where the ocean was hiding. All the rubble from the airport journey was left behind and forgotten about as soon as I walked through the resort doors and confronted with the dramatic backdrop of the island’s impressive mountains, endorsed by deep blue clear skies. This gay resort in Gran Canaria has perfectly set itself in a surprising picturesque landscape. You might find it a struggle to leave the grounds especially when you’re spoilt by attentive staff, spacious raindrop showers, 24hr access to the sauna, heated outdoor Jacuzzi, loungers inside the pool and of course temperatures reaching a steep 25 degrees (Nov ‘ 17).
With a somewhat struggle, I managed to pull myself away from the resort and took a 5-minute drive to the ever so talked about Yumbo Centre. The Yumbo Centre is not an area, it’s not a village, it’s not an attraction, it’s an exasperated outdoor shopping centre that looks as though it can’t be bothered. Don’t go searching for authentic Spanish food at Yumbo (or anywhere in the area), having spoken to some of the locals the general consensus is that they don’t have to improve Yumbo or renew the area as tourists settle for the wreck and continue to flock in and out each week. I wonder how many gay tourists would return to Yumbo Centre after leaving the island? So when it comes to choosing where to spend a few precious days on a winter break, food is almost as high in my priorities as sunshine. Not in a Michelin restaurant sort of way – but with local restaurants more in mind. Where can I eat well – and affordably?
After seeing what was on offer at Yumbo, I was extremely content with my dining option at Abora Restaurant a Dégustation experience every night in the good company of the staff, guests and the mountains all without the high prices that such an experience can fetch. The oceanfront lined restaurants in Meloneras was an eye opener for not settling on Yumbo as a gay hotspot Gran Canaria. The word of mouth – Restaurante Borneo was a high point of my trip, home cooked food with care and attention also where else in the world can you get kisses and hugs from the fantastic Chef.
All the gay bars are in the Yumbo Centre and opened every day with the majority of them starting to peak evidence of life past midnight. Many of the gay guests at The Seven Hotel opted to socialise at the resort bar, exchanging stories and laughs among gay travellers from Sweden, Italy, Germany, UK, Russia, France and USA.
Seven Dos:
Accept that this is part of Spain even though it doesn’t feel like it should be
Stay in a Suite at The Seven Hotel & Wellness and opt for half board
Spend half a day in Las Palmas and get an overview from the Sightseeing bus tour
Hire a car (if only to do your airport to hotel transfers – very inexpensive )
Avoid Yumbo Centre and take a long walk on the sand dunes or book a massage
Have a glass of something and people watch in the Meloneras area
For a real understanding of what makes Gran Canaria tick start by deciding if you want to retreat or not – whatever you choose it will be worth the trip and a Grand Canary-On!
If you’re looking for a gay stay in Gran Canaria then Vista Bonita should be on your priority list.
Gay-only vacations aren’t for everyone. The thought of staying in a gay hotel or gay apartment might not be to everyone’s taste – it wasn’t mine until I stayed at Vista Bonita near Maspalomas in Gran Canaria – and then my opinion changed. We ended up visiting twice – in one year.
Vista Bonita is a set of simple but perfectly formed one bedroom apartments set around an outdoor pool on the outskirts of Maspalomas and around a 2-mile walk or 10-minute cab ride to the gay epicentre of Yumbo.
Gran Canaria, which is located a hundred and fifty miles off the north-west coast of Africa, has long been accepted as one of the most gay-friendly holiday spots in the world, and with all-year round good weather it’s just a four and a half hour flight from the UK, you’re pretty much-guaranteed sunshine.
English is widely spoken and the locals are incredibly friendly and accepting.
Vista Bonita offers two styles of apartment, although they are all essentially the same floor plan. You have a standard duplex and the deluxe. They both offer a living room and equipped kitchenette as well as a first-floor bedroom. Each apartment has two toilets – and one which comes with a bath/shower. All have terraces overlooking the swimming pool or the lush gardens towards the back of the complex.
The deluxe duplex offers the extras including a welcome fruit selection and alcohol. There are other extras as well.
A word to the wise and an insider tip. Although a pool view might seem nice (in fact it can be at times very interesting – because some guests take full advantage of a clothing optional acceptance) it can be very noisy – especially at night when those who have partied at Yumbo for too long come back and think it’s a great idea to start a pool party at 3 AM. Although this is not permitted by hotel management, it did happen almost every night we stayed on our second visit. So ask for a room in the garden section – which is further away and offers a little more privacy.
Flight time from the UK around 4 and half hours- with legacy and low fare carriers all serving the Island.
First ever LGBT Tennis Open to stage in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria 9th – 11th October 2015.
Dark nights getting you down? Well, it’s still not too late for you to sign up and join some Autumnal sporting fun in the sun.
This October the outdoor clay courts of the Open Gran Canaria Tennis Club, Las Palmas will host the first ever LGBT Tennis Open seen on the Island.
This year’s exciting launch tournament is a pre-event for Gran Canaria to host annual GLTA (Gay and Lesbian Tennis Alliance) Tournaments with all of the associated backing and glitz. GLTA is a global organisation, with some 8 million players and Martina Navratilova as the front figure.
A maximum of 70 men and women of all nationalities will compete in five different categories over the course of three days. The opening ceremony and first rounds take place Friday, 9th October, culminating in the Grand Finals, awarding of trophies and evening dinner event Sunday 11th October.
The event is set to be friendly and welcoming. Places are still available but limited and cost:
1 event: 25 euros
2 events: 35 euros
Dinner party event (open to players and non-players): 20 euros
Event co-organiser Magnus Welin says, “We know that there is a demand for LGTB tourists visiting the Island to meet and play with other LGTB players. May it be tourists or local residents of Gran Canaria and neighbouring Islands. Therefore not only are we staging this exiting first tournament but we are also founding a LGBT tennis club where tourists and locals can hook up and play at weekends.”
As this is the first LGTB tournament and a new concept that includes both the local LGTB community and tourists of all nationalities our work is receiving good interest. However we’d like to spread the word wider and particularly encourage more Transgender players to take part both in this October’s event and going forward. We are already planning for the 2016 tournament. This will be held at the Maspalomas Tennis Centre Club.’
As part of the launch players will also enjoy a complimentary tour of Gran Canaria to allow them to enjoy the beauty of the Island’s green valleys, mountainous ranges and azure coasts. In addition several gay resorts in Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas are also offering some players four night’s accommodation free of charge, prior to the tournament. With a possibility to meet new friends and relax before the competition starts the LGBT Tennis Open Gran Canaria is the perfect antidote to the Winter Blues.
To find out more and book your place to play visit the LGBT Tennis Open website:http://www.lgtbopengrancanaria.com/ Key Facts:
Venue: Open Gran Canaria Tennis Club, Street Ventura Doreste s / n corner, Jamat, Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain (928 91 75 35) www.opengrancanaria.com
When: The LGBT Open Gran Canaria will be played on 9th, 10th and 11th October. Matches start Friday 9th October. Awards and trophy ceremony scheduled approx. 16.00hrs Sunday 11th October.
Entry deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2015 11:59 PM (GMT +00: 00). The LGBT Open will consist of five GLTA categories: OPEN, A, B, C and D both in Singles and Doubles, male and female format. Registration Fees:
1 event: 25 euros
2 events: 35 euros
Dinner party event (open to players and non-players): 20 euros
Court Type: 6 clay courts for OPEN, A, B, C and D categories
Accommodation:
The organisers of the LGBT Tennis Open Gran Canaria have agreed special rates with Hotel Bed & Chic. The hotel is approximately 30 minutes from the Gran Canaria Open Club and is close to the fabulous city beach of Las Canteras:
Hotel Bed & Chic: standard room € 49.00, double standard € 45.50; superior room € 52.50, double superior room € 49.00; € 67.90 Junior Suite, Double Junior Suite € 60.90. Breakfast 10 € / person. www.bedandchic.com Transport
Public bus line number 47 takes just 30 minutes from the Hotel Bed & Chic to the Gran Canaria Open Club.
It’s totally fabulous to explore different gay scenes when travelling. You can dance the night away to some truly camp-tastic tunes, or cruise the darkrooms for Mr Right Now. Perhaps you want to enjoy feathers and frills at a drag queen cabaret show? We’ve looked at some of the best gay hotspots in Europe to suit everyone’s needs.
Benidorm, Spain
CREDIT: piquetsebtotal CC0 Public Domain / pixabay
The Benidorm gay village can be found in the Old Town area of this popular Spanish holiday resort. The gay part of Benidorm’s Levante beach sits in front of the Don Cesar café, and is a great place to tan before a night out with your best pals. 7th Heaven has been a popular gay bar for years and has an excellent reputation for making tourists and locals feel welcome. This is a fab bar for an early drink, and the relaxed atmosphere is ideal for meeting new people. Cabaret lovers will enjoy a night at Mardi Gras, with top performances from Miss Stella Artois, plus an excellent Cher tribute act. Younger LGBT crowds can be found at the Mercury nightclub, which is famous for its pumping dance music and buzzing atmosphere. This club is for real party animals only, as the doors don’t even open until after midnight.
Playa del Inglés, Gran Canaria
CREDIT: MonicaVolpin CC0 Public Domain / Pixabay
Make your way to the Yumbo Centre for all the gay action you’ll need; this place is like a shopping centre bursting with gay bars and nightclubs. Those of you who love drag queen acts will feel at home in Sparkles Show Bar. Enjoy hilarious cabaret shows and maybe some audience participation too if you’re lucky! Meanwhile, Coco Loco is great for the younger gays who want to dance and enjoy a cheeky flirt (in the hope of starting a holiday romance). There’s also a terrace to cool down on, if it all gets a little hot and sweaty inside. Babylon XL club is for those who really want to party ’til the sun rises. Enjoy laser shows, sexy male dancers and of course the obligatory darkrooms.
The Algarve, Portugal
CREDIT: Peter Etchells
LGBT-friendly bars and nightclubs are scattered everywhere in this southern region. Boémio Disco is the oldest gay club in the Algarve and can be found next to the Ponte Velha Bridge in Portimão. Boémio Disco also offers free Wi-Fi, which is ideal if you want to log into Grindr as you dance and sip a cool drink. When you’re not dancing the night away, relax on one of the most beautiful beaches in southern Portugal, the Praua da Rocha, and check out all the guys in their tight speedos. Another club in Portimão is Loft by Pride; which is considered by many to be the best gay club in the Algarve. Then there’s Fame Bar which can be found on the busiest street in Albufeira, a popular holiday resort within the Algarve region. Finally, if you fancy one last boogie before the flight home, check out Heaven Club near Faro airport.
Amsterdam, Holland
The most famous gay area is Reguliersdwarsstraat Street. So how about starting your evening in style here at the Amstel Fifty Four Club, one of the oldest gay bars in Amsterdam? You can join in with raucous groups singing along to the jukebox and belt out your favourite tunes. Afterwards, move onto Club NyX, which is one of the biggest gay discos in the city and promises you a wild evening. Named after the Greek goddess of the night, the club is spread over three floors, each playing a different style of music. If you’re camper than Alan Carr and David Walliams put together then mince your way to the Exit Café next door. This small nightspot is decked out like a mountain ski bar and is full of young, cute Dutchman. So what are you waiting for? Squeeze into that tight t-shirt, spray on the glitter and say hi to the locals!
Paris, France
(c) TheGayUK
No list would be complete without a mention of the world’s most romantic city, Paris – a quick hop away from the UK, Paris is reachable by air, train and sea. A bustling gay scene and more romantic walks than you can shake a stick at. Plenty of gay bars await you in the Marais district in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. You’ll find lots of gay friendly bars and restaurants – and no one will bat a eye if you hold your lover’s hand in public – ah gay Paris!
