Gay Beach Maspalomas: Gran Canaria is without a doubt the number one gay-friendly Canary Island. It’s no coincidence that I’ve been eight times for regular vacations, including multiple summer prides and winter prides.
For a complete overview of the island, see my Gay Gran Canaria Travel Guide.
I always feel incredibly welcome in Gran Canaria, and it firmly sits in my top 10 gay travel destinations.
When it comes to gay beaches, Gran Canaria never disappoints.
Most visitors head straight to the gay beach in Maspalomas, which is truly the gay heart of the island. For me, it’s the biggest and most fun gay beach I’ve experienced.
It also happens to be the official Maspalomas nudist beach, which is probably one of the main reasons it organically became the gay beach!
Read on to find out exactly how to get there.
Where to Find Maspalomas Gay Beach
One of Gran Canaria’s main attractions is the vast Maspalomas sand dunes, and this is exactly where the gay beach is located.
However… finding it isn’t always straightforward!
The dunes span over 1,000 acres and are a protected nature reserve. You can easily spend hours wandering the marked walking trails, so bring plenty of water and be prepared to get a little lost.
Along the beachfront you’ll find a series of small kiosks serving food and drinks, each numbered.
The Maspalomas gay beach is located at Kiosk No. 5.
Walking Routes to Kiosk No. 5 (Maspalomas Gay Beach)
You’ve got three main approaches for reaching the beach:
1) Via the Riu Palace
This is the most popular and fastest route—around 25 minutes from the Riu Palace Hotel to the seafront.
Head to the Riu Palace by foot or taxi. Walk through the large archway leading you into the dunes. Once you reach the dunes, bear right and follow the wooden posts that loosely guide you toward the beach. During Pride season, it’s even easier—just follow the groups of gays heading the same way!
2) Via Playa del Inglés Beach
Access Playa del Inglés Beach via Calle Des Lunas, then simply walk along the seafront until you reach Kiosk 5.
This route takes around 45 minutes.
3) Via Maspalomas Lighthouse
You can also take a taxi to the lighthouse and enter Maspalomas Beach from there.
The walk takes about 30 minutes. This route is used less often since it’s further from the main tourist areas. If you’re staying in Playa del Inglés or central Maspalomas, route 1 or 2 will be your best bet.
What facilities are there at Maspalomas Gay Beach?
The gay beach itself is really busy and has a good atmosphere with the kiosk selling alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and snacks creating a beach party vibe.
There is a toilet available, and plenty of sun loungers to hire for a reasonable price.
You can also take your own snacks, drinks, some large beach towels, your smallest speedos (or nothing!) and enjoy the beach for free!
I have been to many gay beaches around the world but have to say that so far the gay beach in Maspalomas has been my favourite. It is the biggest, busiest and has the best atmosphere! I hope you enjoy it too!
If you have not booked any accommodation yet take a look here at your options. Especially around pride, accommodation books up in advance.
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