Gran Canaria

Considered by many to be the archetypal gay holiday destination, the sub-tropical island of Gran Canaria plays host to a twelve-months-of the- year scene which is unlike that found anywhere else in the world. No surprise, then, that more of you go here than anywhere else and, if the past few years are anything to go by, the island’s number one position in the U-Gay league table seems set to remain unchallenged for a good while yet.

Of course, an all-year-round scene needs all year- round good weather, and Gran Canaria’s superb location in the Atlantic, just off the coast of north-west Africa, means that you’re unlikely to have any worries on that score, while the huge variety of holiday accommodation available means that you’re bound to come across something which appeals not only to your tastes, but also to your budget.

The gay scene – and therefore the accommodation featured is located in the southern resort of Playa del Ingles and its quieter neighbour Maspalomas. This part of the island used to be known primarily for its beautiful beaches but, in more recent years, it’s the preponderance of gay venues which really makes the place stand out.

Most gay venues are located in the Yumbo Centre. Now, if you were unfamiliar with the Yumbo and you happened to stumble across it during the day, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was just another area of a Spanish holiday resort knocking out cheap tourist tat, electronic equipment and duty free fags. And you’d be right. However, once the sun starts to tuck away her beams and the cloak of night begins to descend, a quite amazing transformation takes place.

Shutters are raised, chairs and tables are arranged on terraces, sound systems are cranked, and then – as if by magic – more than forty gay venues appear for your amusement, delight and delectation.

Now, part of the fun of visiting the Yumbo for the first time is discovering your own favourite haunts, so don’t expect to find an exhaustive list of venues here, but it’s more than likely that you’ll start off your Yumbo evening at one of the ground floor terrace bars such as Nestor, Bar Ibiza, Café Latino or Hummel Hummel. These are terrific places for chatting with friends old and new, enjoying the occasional cabaret and showing off your lovely tan, before – possibly – mustering up the energy to move on.

Where, of course, you move on to is purely a matter for yourself and what you’re into: dyed-in-the-wool campsters are bound to enjoy throwing themselves into the glitz and glamour of Ricky’s or Centre Stage, with regular sing-alongs to famous old show tunes something of a tradition, while those who have remembered to pack their best dancing trousers might well slide into one or more of the Yumbo’s dance bars, which include Mykonos and Tubos, as well as the famous Heaven, open just a couple of years but already a favourite. For a more intimate dance experience, try XL on the top floor, an excellent venue which has a dance floor and regular strip shows!

Now, we don’t want you to think that the gay scene starts and finishes in the Yumbo. Yes, the Yumbo has by far the largest concentration of gay venues, but that takes nothing away from some of our other favourites, notably Detox Retox. This popular bar, located just underneath the Tenesor apartments, is a firm favourite with our guests and. Prices are good, the service is excellent and, what’s more, the boys have done a terrific job kitting the place out. Similarly, the Cita Centre (opposite the Los Almendros) is beginning to develop its gay credentials with quite a few places opening down in the basement.

Aside from recovering from the night before, you’re likely to spend much of your day shopping or sunbathing. The shops in Gran Canaria are not the smartest in the world, but great for electronic equipment (cameras, portable DVD players etc), leather goods and booze (duty free, you see) while for relaxing in the sunshine you’ll either hang around your accommodation or head for the beach. There are miles and miles of glorious beaches to enjoy. The main beach at Playa del Ingles is probably best avoided (rather straight and very busy, most of the time) so it’s best to strike out for the beaches at Maspalomas. If you’re staying in Playa del Ingles, head down the Avenida de Tirajana and walk through the arch at the hotel Riu Palace. From there, you might like to head for the beach by Bar Number Seven which is pretty much 100% gay and where it’s fine to get your kit off.

The majority of our accommodation is located in Playa del Ingles itself, within easy walking distance of the Yumbo and, for that matter, the beach. You may choose, however, to stay in the neighbouring resorts of Maspalomas or Playa Meloneras: these areas are quieter and more peaceful, and the cab ride into town will cost round about 5 Euros. Hiring a car, of course, allows you to explore the island at will (Las Palmas is a beautiful, historic city and there are some exquisite little inland towns and villages) but bear in mind that drink driving regulations are as strictly enforced as they are in the UK, and also that it can be a bit of a pain to park.

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