The Spanish island is one of the most LGBTI-friendly places on the planet…
If you haven’t already visited Gran Canaria, you’ve heard of it by reputation. The Spanish island is one of the most LGBTI-friendly places on the planet and its gay scene is unmissable.
The third biggest of Spain’s Canary Islands is also one of the most beautiful. Sitting northwest of Africa, the destination is known for its stunning black lava and white sand beaches.
Naturally, this makes Gran Canaria one of the most popular spots for Jet2holidays, the UK’s second biggest tour operator. We asked the winner of Which? Travel Brand of the Year to help round up the most amazing things to do and best places to stay.
What to do in Gran Canaria
Visit Pride
This will be especially useful during Gay Pride 2019. Held from 2 May to 12 May in Maspalomas, this ten day event sees the streets filled with revelers, parades and parties.
But if you can’t make it out for summer pride, the Maspalomas Winter Pride keeps the party going from 5 to 11 November. This way you can still enjoy 100% of the fun, with spectacular international live performers, but it’s just a few degrees cooler.
The gay scene
Jet2holidays includes the support of a customer helper in their package, but if you’d prefer to take the island on alone, you’re in luck. There are amazing gay nightclubs everywhere, but you’ll struggle to find a higher concentration of them than in the Yumbo Centre. Alongside jewelry stores and clothes shops, dance havens and cruising bars alike light up the place.
If soaking up the sun is more your thing, head to Playa Del Ingles. More specifically, you’ll want to go to Kiosco Beach No 7. This gay part of the beach is always fun, whether you want to lounge about or drink while catching rays.
Watch films under the stars
For something slightly more low key, the Moonlight Cinema provides all the makings of a perfect date night. Choose the night with your favorite film, then sit back, sip on cocktails, lounge on sofas, and soak it all up with the night sky above you.
See the sand dunes by camel
There’s a unique way to see the beautiful natural reserve of the Maspalomas Dunes: by camel! It’s a really special way to see everything from the mountains in the distance to the blue Atlantic ocean, and you’ll get to do it atop a truly magnificent beast.
The most famous carnival in Spain
One of the biggest parties the country has to offer, people from all around the world descend on Gran Canaria for the Carnival of Las Palmas. The main parade is 6km long and viewed by 200,000 people every year. It also hosts the Queen Gala and Drag Queen Gala, two events so glamorous you’ll have to see it to believe.
Where to stay
Now the agenda’s sorted, you’ll need somewhere to rest your head. This is where Jet2holidays can help: the friendly, customer-focused brand has a fantastic range of 2-5* hotels, all of which are ABTA and ATOL protected. So whatever your needs, you’ll be able to find something – like one of these.
Axel Beach Maspalomas
Close to the Yumbo Centre, this adults-only hotel is a hit with the LGBTI community. The sleek complex offers spacious rooms, sports facilities, and a pool with a bar. When you’re not exploring the lively area that’s within a stone’s throw of the hotel, you can splash about at their regular pool parties. (FYI, Maspalomas is just a 21 minute car journey from Gran Canaria Airport, which Jet2holidays flies to from London Stansted, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, East Midlands, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Belfast.)
Hotel Nayra
Recently renovated, this four star hotel takes sleek, chic and sexy to the next level. Just minutes from Playa Del Ingles, it doesn’t just have an ideal location, but also great rooms, a chilled out bar, and a pool bar to boot.
Corona Blanca
This spot has one of the best locations of the bunch. It sits moments from the Kasbah Centre, meaning you’ll never be too far from all the action, while the Playa Del Ingles is a short walk away. But it also acts as a calm stop amidst the hustle and bustle of outside, boasting a serene pool and comfy rooms.
Don Gregory by Dunas
This elegant building is perfect for those looking for something extra-special. Overlooking the beach, it not only gives you direct access to it, but gives you great views from their restaurant terrace. This also means you can enjoy the whole range of amazing seafood restaurants and cafes nearby. Or if you prefer to stay in, the infinity pool is a dream.
Gold by Marina
Relaxed, minimalist, and modern, Gold is the ideal base camp for your Gran Canaria trip. There’s a gym, two freshwater pools, a rooftop terrace with a whirlpool, and loads of areas to relax in. Then once you’re ready to peel yourself away from this oasis, the Playa Del Ingles is just a short walk away.For more information about Jet2holidays, visit their dedicated page on Gran Canaria.
Jet2holidays is a client of Gay Star News.
All of Jet2holidays packages include flights with 22kg baggage allowance, hotels and transfers, so there’s less time spent stressing and more time enjoying everything Gran Canaria has to offer.
by Tom Capon
Source – Gay Star News
