Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Volcanic dunes, coastlines surrounded by cliffs, and breathtaking natural scenery. This is the lovely island of Gay La Palma, home to several ecological gems.
Gay La Palma, also known as “isla bonita” (beautiful island), is the greenest of the Canary Islands. The island’s ecological treasures and outstanding landscapes will astound you, which range from lush forests to sheer cliffs concealing beaches of black sand.
The island, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, features a plethora of protected natural regions, including the Caldera de Taburiente National Park inland. The volcanic lava that flows all the way down to the sea has formed a low, rocky shoreline with little bays hidden between sheer cliffs.
A tradition of La Palma is rich in handmade textiles, cigar production, and other handicrafts. The island’s gastronomy, with indigenous cheeses and wines as the stars of the show, has earned the destination the Saborea la Palma label.
The natural treasures and aesthetics and culture of this island add to the very much thriving gay scene. Gay La Palma holds nothing back when it comes to being one of the top gay destinations on the planet. From bars to clubs to the beach, gay La Palma will leave you surprised at every turn. We knew Spain was liberal with gays since the late 70s but La Palma is very much progressive it seems surreal.
In this article we will cover...
Top Attractions in La Palma, Spain
The island brims with amazing sights and attractions from which you can know more about the city or simply look in awe at the amazing landscapes and natural ambiance. Here are some of the top picks.
Playa de la Veta
Playa de la Veta is a stunning beach in La Palma, in the Canary Islands, Spain. This picturesque beach is a popular tourist destination and attracts visitors from all over the world.
Playa de la Veta is its crystal-clear waters and golden sand. Towering cliffs and lush vegetation surround the beach, offering you breathtaking views of the ocean and the island’s natural beauty. The warm waters of the Atlantic Ocean are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities.
The island of La Palma has a long and fascinating history, and the beach is surrounded by several historic sites, including the ancient city of Santa Cruz de la Palma and the nearby town of Los Llanos de Aridane. you can also explore the island’s unique natural beauty, including the famous Caldera de Taburiente National Park and the island’s famous vineyards.
Proís de Candelaria and Cueva Bonita
Proís de Candelaria is a natural park with stunning landscapes and scenic views. Its diverse landscapes include laurisilva forests, rugged cliffs, and beautiful beaches. You can go on hiking trails, birdwatching, and even enjoy water sports. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including rabbits, lizards, and endemic species of birds.
It is a stunning cave with a rich history and unique rock formations. The cave has several chambers with unique rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites. You can take guided tours of the cave and learn about its history and geology. The cave is also an ideal spot for adventure sports like spelunking and caving.
Both Proís de Candelaria and Cueva Bonita offer a unique and memorable experience. They provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and offer a chance to connect with nature.
Caldera de Taburiente National Park
Caldera de Taburiente National Park is a stunning nature reserve. This park is a major tourist attraction, offering you an unparalleled opportunity to explore the breathtaking beauty of La Palma’s rugged volcanic landscape.
One of the standout features of Caldera de Taburiente National Park is its namesake caldera, a massive volcanic crater that provides stunning views of the island and surrounding ocean. You can hike around the caldera’s rim, taking in the panoramic vistas and admiring the lush vegetation that covers its interior.
The park is also home to a variety of other natural wonders, including towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine forests that are home to a diverse array of flora and fauna.
The park is home to several historic sites, including ancient agricultural terraces and traditional Canarian villages, that offer a glimpse into the lives of the island’s indigenous people. The park is a popular destination for stargazers, as it is one of the few places in the world that is free from light pollution and offers unobstructed views of the night sky.
Volcán de San Antonio is a volcanic mountain on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. This impressive geological formation is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island, attracting thousands of visitors every year.
The major draw of Volcán de San Antonio is its spectacular beauty. Standing over 2,000 meters tall, the volcano offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the ocean beyond. You can hike to the summit of the volcano, where you can admire the views and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
Another feature of Volcán de San Antonio is its rich cultural and historical significance. The volcano has been a source of fascination and inspiration for the indigenous people of La Palma for centuries and is closely associated with many of their beliefs and traditions.
Roque de los Muchachos is a breathtaking natural landmark. This unique and captivating rock formation has become a major tourist attraction, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
The standout feature of Roque de los Muchachos is its unique and dramatic appearance. This towering volcanic rock formation rises dramatically from the surrounding landscape, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the ocean beyond.
You can hike to the top of Roque de los Muchachos, where they can admire the breathtaking views and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.
The rock has been a symbol of strength and resilience for the indigenous people of La Palma for centuries and is closely associated with many of their beliefs and traditions. The Roque de los Muchachos is home to several historic sites, including ancient stone carvings and ruins, which offer a glimpse into the island’s past.
The cave is known for its stunning natural beauty, and its geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone and the opportunity it offers to explore the hidden depths of the volcanic landscape.
These formations are formed over thousands of years, as water from above filters through the rock and deposits minerals. The result is a mesmerizing display of color and texture that visitors will not find anywhere else.
Besides its geological wonders, Cueva de Las Palomas also holds historical significance. The cave was once used by the indigenous people of La Palma as a place of worship, and it is believed to have been an important site for the island’s early settlers. Visitors to the cave can see evidence of these early human settlements as rock art and other artifacts.
Visitors to Cueva de Las Palomas can take guided tours of the cave, led by experienced guides who will take them through the different chambers and explain the geological and historical significance of the site. The tours are suitable for visitors of all ages and are a great way to learn about the island’s rich history and geology.
It is one of Gran Canaria’s jewels and is regarded as one of the best urban beaches in all of Europe. This beach, which is in the center of the island’s principal city of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, offers outstanding natural beauty and a wide range of amenities to make our day as enjoyable as possible.
Its length of over three kilometers makes it perfect for strolling or hiring a hammock and relaxing in the sun. Sporty people can surf on the end of this long beach to experience the excitement of the waves or explore the rich sea bed by snorkeling and scuba diving.
Bosque de Los Tilos
The forest is home to a diverse range of vegetation, including endemic species of laurel, heather, and ferns, as well as a variety of bird and animal life. You can enjoy a stroll through the forest and take in the sights and sounds of the native flora and fauna.
Within the forest is the Los Tilos Waterfall, a breathtaking waterfall that cascades down the cliff face and into a lush pool below. You can take a scenic hike to the waterfall, stopping along the way to take in the stunning views and snap pictures of the lush landscape.
Besides its natural beauty, Bosque de Los Tilos is also of significant historical and cultural importance. The forest has been designated as a National Monument because of its unique geological and botanical features, as well as its rich cultural heritage.
Fuencaliente de la Palma is a beautiful and historic town on the island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. This charming and picturesque destination is becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction, offering a glimpse into the traditional culture and way of life of the island.
Its picturesque setting is the charm of this attraction. The town is nestled between two magnificent volcanic craters, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the ocean beyond. You can stroll through the town’s narrow cobblestone streets, admiring the charming architecture and well-preserved historic buildings.
Another draw of Fuencaliente de la Palma is its rich cultural heritage. The town has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the island’s first settlers, and is closely associated with many of the island’s traditions and customs. You can learn about the town’s history by visiting its museums and historic sites, or by taking a guided tour led by a knowledgeable local guide.
Gay-Friendly Hotels in La Palma, Spain
La Palma being on one of the most liberal islands in the world means that a friendly environment is guaranteed. There aren’t any gay hotels in La Palma, but that does not mean they do not cater to queer folks.
Needless to say, there are also hundreds more hotel and hostel options in La Palma if none of these suit your desired budget, facilities or area – but these are the best hotels according to other gay travelers and us. Whatever your needs are, La Palma has you covered.
The Hotel Hacienda de Abajo ☆☆☆☆
The Hotel Hacienda de Abajo results from the painstaking restoration of a seventeenth-century sugar plantation estate and is in the historic district of Tazacorte on the island of La Palma, the most significant agricultural region in the Canary Islands.
It has received official recognition for its originality by being named the first emblematic hotel in the Canary Islands. The hotel is blessed with a warm atmosphere and abundantly starry nights. It is surrounded by a landscape of lush flora, welcomed by a coastline lapped by an ocean of clear and brilliantly blue waters, and embraced by a coastline.
And here, in this idyllic setting, a collection of structures that served as the center of thriving trade between Flanders, Andalusia, and the West Indies now open their doors to you with the warmest of welcomes. These structures house priceless art collections and magnificent gardens filled with rare botanical species.
Sol La Palma is the ideal hotel if you wish to enjoy a few great days on a vibrant Canary Island. positioned close to the magnificent Puerto Naos beach and the port of Tazacorte. a hotel with outstanding amenities and services, such as a gorgeous pool by the water.
There are excellent possibilities for amusement and recreation, such as spending the day looking at the stars in the hotel’s astronomical observatory. a trip where the sky is reachable. The volcanic island of La Palma is full of natural treasures and is recognized as a Biosphere Reserve. It is in a genuinely exceptional natural setting.
You explore this intriguing island while taking use of Sol La Palma’s first-rate amenities. The resort complex created with the nearby Sol La Palma Apartments is the ideal site for your best-ever sun-filled vacations in the Canary Islands. It’s bright and comfy accommodations, delectable cuisine, swimming pools, and more.
All fans of the outdoors, peace, tranquillity, adventure sports, and astronomy should travel to Isla Bonita. The Parador de La Palma is the ideal location to discover all of its hidden corners. The Parador de La Palma is the ideal location to explore every inch. Santa Cruz de la Palma, the island’s capital, and the airport are both nearby.
With its white walls and wooden balconies, the Parador is a structure constructed in the traditional Canary Islands style. Its expansive gardens include over 70 species, including some native species like dragon trees, Mount Teide bugloss, and surges. It also features a swimming pool with breathtaking views of the Atlantic.
The Paradores’ rooms are the ideal fusion of contemporary design and amenities. Each room offers the best views in locations you’ll want to visit again and again, as well as comfort and elegance in the design and furnishings.
Centrocancajos is an apartment building with recreational amenities that is on a coastal bluff in Brena Baja and has views of the ocean and mountains of La Palma. Each apartment has a separate living room and dining room, as well as a kitchenette that is completely furnished. Views of the sea or pool can be seen from the balconies. Each apartment comes equipped with cable TV as well.
On-site parking is free, and the front desk is staffed around the clock to assist with vehicle rentals and sightseeing. On the sun deck by the outdoor pool, visitors can unwind. Along with self-catering options, the aparthotel has a bar and snack bar on site where visitors may unwind with drinks and snacks all day.
La Palma’s Hotel Castillete is an ideal location for both business and pleasure travelers. The hotel provides high-quality services and amenities to meet each guest’s specific requirements. The hotel offers free WiFi in every room, a 24-hour front desk, a family room, vehicle rental, and laundry service.
Each guestroom is tastefully decorated and fitted with functional conveniences. The hotel provides a range of recreational options. Your stay in La Palma will be unforgettable thanks to the friendly welcome and beautiful setting of the Hotel Castillete.
Apartamentos Oasis San Antonio ☆☆
Besides being close to Las Cancajos beach, Apartamentos Oasis San Antonio Apartments are also just four kilometers from Santa Cruz and the airport. The 68 one-bedroom apartments each contain a single bed and a couch bed in the living room, so they may accommodate up to three adults.
With stoves, refrigerators, and microwaves, each apartment has a separate dining room. Some rooms feature terraces or balconies, while others have views of the ocean. Satellite color TV is available in every room.
There are accessible rooms available. An outdoor swimming pool and garden space are highlights of Apartamentos Oasis San Antonio Apartments. The Lambada Beach Bar, La Palma Diving Center, and Astro La Palma Museum are all nearby attractions.
Gay Nightlife in La Palma, Spain
La Palma has an amazing gay nightlife with a few gay bars and a few more gay-friendly ones. Everyone is treated fairly and respectfully to ensure the only thing you have to complain about is having too much fun.
Gay and Gay-Friendly Bars and Clubs in La Palma
Sparkles is known for its variety of drag show comedies. You will get a good laugh when you visit this bar. The drinks are moderately priced, so you won’t be sour when you accidentally spill a glass or three from laughing so hard.
An iconic bar in the gay shopping center- Yumbo. It opened in doors in 2013. Apart from the drinks and music and dancing, Funny boys have something different. Their shows are interactive, which makes you feel you are in the spotlight. It is a beautiful scene and you just have to check it out.
Diamonds, in the heart of Yumbo in the Square Bar, have been a landmark LGBT owned and run business for 26 years and is pleased to be one of the original Maspalomas Pride creators. Since November 1996, the bar has been noted for its ample servings, friendly environment, and live entertainment.
Bar junior is a quaint, gay bar that draws in a large crowd within its cozy walls. The drinks are cheap here and the music never pauses. They are open from dusk till early morning.
This bar is a gender-neutral gay bar that is small but very accommodating. This gay bar is also near the beach, and it’s designed with a red-themed interior decor and has alfresco tables on a pedestrianized street.
A trendy gay bar that has its doors open to all audiences in the center of La Palma. They are pretty chill in the afternoons, but at night; they are things get more interesting with DJ parties and events that guarantee an outstanding night.
Gay Map Of La Palma
Finding it hard to envisage where everything is in La Palma? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, massages and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!