Gran Canaria’s official tourism site, which has a section called “Proudly Gran Canaria”, describes the island as the international icon of LGBTQ+ tourism. Here is what it says, and what it means for a stay in Playa del Inglés.
Is Gran Canaria LGBTQ+ friendly?
The official tourism site says that since the 1960s the island has been one of those places in Europe with the greatest respect for diversity, where people can be themselves free from prejudice, and that it has become the international icon of LGBTQ+ tourism.
Where is the gay area of Gran Canaria?
In the south, around Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas. The official site names the Yumbo Centre in Playa del Inglés as the epicentre of the island’s LGBTQ+ nightlife, and says the area around Maspalomas, with its dunes, beach and nightlife, drew LGBTQ+ visitors from all over Europe.
The Yumbo Centre
The Yumbo Centre opened in the 1980s and, according to the official site, has become the epicentre of LGBTQ+ nightlife in Gran Canaria. It has open-air terraces, live drag shows, bars and discos. It is also the main venue of Maspalomas Pride.
Maspalomas Pride
The official site says Maspalomas Gay Pride was set up in 2001 and is one of the most important events for the European LGBTQ+ community, with shows, parties, concerts and cultural activities. It adds that over 200,000 people pass through Yumbo during the Pride. The organisers give 3 to 9 May 2027 as the dates of the next edition: see our Maspalomas Pride 2027 guide.
Winter Pride
Winter Pride Maspalomas runs from 2 to 8 November 2026, with the Hotel Abora Catarina and the Yumbo Center among its venues. Read our Winter Pride 2026 guide.
Carnival and the drag gala
The official site describes the Drag Queen Gala as one of the most successful events of the Gran Canaria Carnival. The Maspalomas Carnival 2027 is set for 2 to 14 March: see our Carnival 2027 guide.
The dunes and the beach
The official site says that, in just a few years, the area around Maspalomas became a place of freedom, drawing LGBTQ+ visitors from all over Europe with its dunes, its beach and its nightlife. Nudism takes place in designated areas of the beach: read our beaches guide, and please keep to the marked paths in the dunes.
Where to stay
Moon Dunes is a proud LGBTQ+ friendly apartment, and everyone is welcome. It is two minutes’ walk from the Yumbo Centre, with your own space, a full kitchen and a loggia that faces the garden and two pools. See the gay-friendly apartment page, the apartment or book direct and save up to 15%.
Last checked: 7 October 2026. Dates and programmes can change, please confirm them on official sources.