Gay Benidorm Travel Guide: Benidorm has a thriving gay scene and is a popular gay travel destination in Spain. In this Gay Benidorm travel guide I will share the best gay bars, where to stay, what to do and where to find the nearest gay beach.
You can broadly split Benidorm into two. One half is the New Town, where you will find the clubbing strip which is cheap, tacky fun at its best, and doesn’t claim to be anything else!
The second half is the Old Town which took me by surprise. The Old Town, although just minutes away, is very different to the New Town. The Old Town is much more traditional, picturesque, has some incredible tapas bars, and most importantly for this article, is where you will find Benidorm’s gay bars!
Read below for a full guide to gay Benidorm, its gay bars, beaches, and more.
Is Benidorm Gay Friendly?
Yes, Benidorm is a very gay friendly and Benidorm’s gay scene actually goes all the way back to the 1960s, when its first gay bar, called Gay Bar Pretex opened.
Since then, Benidorm’s gay scene has grown throughout the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Town. There are many small gay bars and a few clubs scattered around which can easily tempt you into a bar crawl.
Where is the Gay Area in Benidorm?
The gay area of Benidorm can be found in the centre of the Old Town. This is where you will find the gay scene in Benidorm.
The majority of the gays bars in Benidorm’s Old Town are centred around the Calle Cuatro Esquinas and Calle Santa Faz. On my first visit, I was happily surprised to see so many gay bars!
Benidorm Gay Bars, Clubs and Cafes
Benidorm has over 30 gay bars, most located within a few streets in the Old Town.
The majority of the gay bars in Benidorm are quite small and friendly, with outdoor terraces on the street which are perfect for people watching.
You aren’t going to find huge clubs, but there are a few places that have a dancefloor so later on in the night these are more akin to a gay club than gay bar.
Best Gay Bars in Benidorm (Shortlist)
Spirit
Spirit is one of the most popular gay bars in Benidorm’s Old Town with a mix of tourist and locals. With outdoor seating to settle into your night and then music until late!
DiscoMar & Company Bar
A small and friendly gay bar in the old town of Benidorm. If you are looking for somewhere social, check this one out.
Bar 69
A great option to take you from the daytime into the evening. Bar 69 is open from 11am each day and describes itself as COCKTAILS, CHAOS AND CONFIDENCE!
Kafee Klee
This is one of Benidorm’s longest running drag cabaret bars. This is a small gay bar so reservations are encouraged, look out for their resident drag queens!
Bears Bar
A popular gay bar in Benidorm catering to the bear crowd.
More Gay Bars in Benidorm (Full List)
Brief Encounter
Like many gay bars in Benidorm, this is another small bar. Head here for a cocktail or two!
Jimmy’s Bar
Jimmys is a self named bar, by Jimmy. It is a small and intimate gay bar, popular with an older crowd.
Sensations
A gay bar that loves to play music videos of the best divas. Like many other gay bars, this is a small and friendly spot.
Eagle Bar
The infamous Eagle brand, known as a popular cruising bar in Benidorm with the leather crowd.
Other Venues
The list goes on and on, other gay bars you might want to add to your plan include Le Tucan, Kings Bar, Babylon and Harbour View.
Best Gay Clubs in Benidorm
For the best gay clubs in Benidorm, head to the following:
People Pub Benidorm
This is spread over two floors with a dance floor downstairs, and has drag shows most nights.
Bar Mercury
This has one of the larger dancefloors and multiple areas to explore. Attracts a mixed crowd including those who want to dance the night away!
Gay Bars by Category
Best for drag shows
- Kafee Klee
- Babylon
Best for cruising
- Bears Bar
- Eagle
- Hades Club
Best for starting the night
- Company Bar
- Bar 69
- Jimmy’s Bar
Best for partying
- Spirit
- Escape
- Peoples Pub
Gay Café Bars in Benidorm
There are a few places that double up as gay bars and cafes or restaurants. Check out:
- Royal Queens Bar – This is a bar/restaurant.
- Caspers – Café and lounge bar so you can grab food earlier on in the day including vegan and gluten free options. They also have drag shows at 10pm.
- ReFuel – This is a gay café bar located closer to the beach so you can enjoy sea views with your cocktail.
- El Papagayo – This cafe bar offers creative cocktails, happy hours and drag shows later in the evening.
- 69’s Not Just Burgers – for healthy breakfasts and wicked burgers with a private roof terrace that holds up to 14. Located in the Old Town of Benidorm (Calle San Miguel) open now and everyday from 10am.
- Now Cafe Bars
- Cafe 23 – Ran by Dan and Dino. Cafe 23 is currently opening Saturday 12-5 due to restrictions imposed and based in the middle of the old down on Calle de los Quatre Cantons.
My best advice is just to wonder from bar to bar and see where the night takes you!
Benidorm Gay Beaches
Benidorm does not have an official gay beach as such, however like everywhere, certain beaches draw the gay crowd together. Check out:
- Raco del Conill – This is considered to be the closest thing to a gay beach and that is likely due to the fact it is a nudist beach. However, it is 6km away from the town centre.
- Levante – One of the best blue flag beaches around, in high season you may find the gay crowd hanging around near Don Ceser Café.
- Poniente – This is a 3km long beach and given the old town is where the gay scene can be found, the gayest end of the beach is near old town close to ReFuel café.
- Mal Pas – A small, quiet beach popular with locals.
For more gay beaches around the world, check out these gay beaches in Europe.
Benidorm Gay Events
Benidorm Pink Weekend
Benidorm Pink Weekend runs for 4 days in May and invites you to come and paint the gay town pink!
Expect themed parties, talent shows, drag shows and the main party atop the castle in the Old Town. Oh, and don’t forget to wear pink!
Benidorm Gay Pride
Benidorm Pride is a week-long festival held in September and has been growing each year.
Similar to Pink Weekend, expect lively parties throughout the week, including a white party at Mirador de Castillo.
The main event not to miss is the pride parade itself. It runs along Levante Beach and finishes with outdoor performances from local DJ’s and artists.
Benidorm Gay Saunas
Benidorm has one gay sauna called H20. It is open 3pm-9pm Monday to Friday, Sundays opening hours are 1pm to 9pm.
The venue offers a range of facilities and relaxation areas.
Entry includes a drink of your choice
Address: Calle de Tomás Ortuño, 46, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante
Benidorm Gay Hotels/Gay Friendly Hotels
Like the rest of Spain, you do not need to worry about a hotel being gay friendly. Spain is a very gay friendly country and we would be shocked if you ever had a problem in a hotel in Benidorm.
Listed below are a few hotel options in Benidorm that are very close to the gay scene so you do not have to walk far. We would also always recommend staying in the Old Town vs the New Town in any case!
- Hotel Roca-Mar – This hotel is right in the heart of the gay area and easy walking distance to Levante and Poniente beach. You can easily stumble back after a night out!
- Hotel Boutique Villa Venecia – If you are looking for something 5* near the old town then check out this beautiful boutique hotel.
- Hotel RH Royal – Adults only – Personally, we love an adults only hotel. The pools are always a lot more relaxing! This hotel near the old town also has a jacuzzi on site.
I never knew what was on offer in Benidorm for gay travellers. If you are looking for a cheap week away, with some beach time and fun gay nightlife then Benidorm might be for you!
Make sure you also check out my gay guide to Torremolinos – another coastal Spanish town with a booming gay scene!
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