How has Gran Canaria become one of the most important gay resorts in the world?
Maybe because we offer what your everyday tourist normally looks for, along with something else; an attitude of “live and let live” that makes the Grancanarians an open and welcoming people.
Gran Canaria offers a whole ocean of beaches, that add to its natural attraction of a mild, benign climate, allowing you to enjoy the sea all year round. The best known beaches, at Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, are located at the south of the island and boast a Natural Dunes Reserve that makes them truly unique.
Moreover, the throbbing nightlife goes on all year round in the Playa del Inglés tourist area, as well as in the island’s capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. In Gran Canaria there are an endless number of pubs y discos to listen to great music and have fun in.
The Yumbo Shopping Centre at the Playa del Inglés is not in itself a gay world, although it is considered throughout Europe to be one of the major gay night spots. During the day, this shopping centre is a popular place to find great bargains and buy articles specially adapted to the LGBT community. And as night falls, it turns into the gay night hot spot in the Playa del Inglés. But first you need to build up your energy. The fine weather allows you to sit out at a terrace bar for your evening meal, in the company of other tourists of all possible nationalities imaginable.
In the capital, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, nightlife revolves around the Santa Catalina park, the Triana St. comercial area, and the colonial district of Vegueta. You will have the chance to “snack out” with tapas, at all kinds of open air terrace bars, any month of the year.
The cultural activity is ongoing and very varied. There are all kinds of festivals twelve months of the year, offering everything from classical music, to opera, dancing, theatre or open air concerts.
Although if special mention must go to one event on the island, this without doubt would be the Carnival, celebrated between the months of February and March. The Carnivals at Las Palmas and at Maspalomas are well known throughout Europe. The Drag Queen Galas are, year after year, the major event of the Carnival and a must see for fun loving enthusiasts.
The streets at the Playa del Inglés also host the parade on Canary Gay Pride Day, a celebration that is famous within the European calendar, and yet another perfect excuse to visit Gran Canaria again.
