Queer travel expert Jack Kenworthy turns 250+ city adventures into your guide for safe, vibrant, and inclusively fabulous global journeys.
Gran Canaria – one of the most famous holiday locations on the face of the planet and a to-die-for location for both queer travelers. If you’re looking for a flavorful, unique, and amazingly queer-friendly tropical paradise to spend your time off or special moments, this is the perfect place.
This amazing, idyllic paradise is best known for its long stretches of excellent beach and black lava slides, but there’s a lot more to the depth of its landscape than just what lives along its coast. Not only is the energy of districts such as Las Canderas and Maspalomas famous for their welcoming and all-inclusive nature, but these regions are also home to a thriving, ever-growing, and intensely engaging queer scene.
The gay energy of Gran Canaria is one of the strongest out of any place in the entire world, and thus, is it beyond logical that queer travelers from all around the globe favor the island as both a meeting place, a party hub, and a unique location to feel included in the fun.
The island’s amazing weather, paired with its dedication to making every single traveler that sets foot on its beaches feel incredibly welcome, creates a positively intoxicating atmosphere, and the various towns and friendly tourist areas of the island capitalize upon this to the finest and brightest degree.
No matter whether you like spending the night dancing, partying, and hanging out with new friends from all across the world, spending quiet time by yourself or with your significant other, or walking along the long beaches and playing some sport, the lot of it is here and open for access.
The shine doesn’t die down when it comes to gay accommodation and gay hotels in Gran Canaria, either. Much to the contrary – the island is an absolute beacon of all-inclusive queer accommodation and has a healthy mix of gay-specific hotels and resorts to choose from based on how you like to stay while abroad.
There are very few other places on this earth that have such a direct approach to catering to queer crowds, and if you book a gay-catering accommodation location anywhere, this is undoubtedly one of the best places to do so.
Safety and inclusivity are guarantees, and the extras, added as cherries on top of the cake pan from direct sea views, beach and party access, and round-the-clock service sure to make you never want to leave and return to the outside world again.
So what on earth are you waiting for? The fabulous gay paradise of Gran Canaria isn’t going to experience itself! If you’re ready to experience one of the world’s most famous queer paradises, and if you’re itching to pack your bags for some sweet, sweet beach fun, then enough with the teasing, and let’s get on to the true excitement – exploring the top ten best gay hotels in Gran Canaria that money can buy!
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Starboys Resort
Gran Canaria is nearly the world’s king of queer accommodation, so it makes sense that we’re starting with one of the best and most colorful out of all the gay hotels on the island.
This amazing resort, centrally located in the heart of Maspalomas, stands out amongst its fellows in several conventional ways – such as having one of the only in-house bars in its neighborhood and one of the only locations in the city to include hot tubs in its rooms – but it also has so much more to it than one might think.
One of the most interesting and different things offered by the Starboys Resorts is its camel rides out into the Dunes of Maspalomas – conducted daily, and truly one of the most magical non-queer experiences that you can hope to have on the incredible island of Gran Canaria.
As this location’s name might imply, the Starboys Resort is men-only and inherently queer, so if you’re looking for a place with a relaxing, comfortable atmosphere that isn’t afraid to shake things up with gay social vibes and a few interesting extras that truly make you appreciate how special and unique the island of Gran Canaria is, then this is certainly the place for you.
There’s even an in-house restaurant perfect for taking the time in the evening to enjoy something to eat or grab something quick in the morning when you’d rather be exploring the city of Maspalomas than searching for breakfast.
Villa Adler
The Villa Adler Gay Only hotel may be a little smaller than the expansive Starboys Resort that came before it, but that doesn’t mean that it’s any less impressive in practice or less famous within the circle of LGBTQ+ travelers. The reviews for this comfortable, stylish, and, most importantly, incredibly queer place of accommodation are through the roof, and once one starts to appraise its state as a hotel, it’s easy to see why.
There’s an excellent breakfast on offer every morning to get your day started the way that it should be, an expansive pool on site for lazy days spent lounging in the water alone to relax or with others for fun, and – of course – a strong web of connections between the Villa and the gay bars, clubs, and other hotspots nearby. However, one needn’t even venture out to have a great time thanks to the hotel’s excellent poolside bar.
Although other locations on this list have larger grounds, more inclusive services, and more vibrant nightlife, The Villa Adler wins out in one important factor most of all: the quality of its rooms and design as a whole.
There’s nearly no other place on the entire island of Gran Canaria where you can find common and private spaces that are as well-kept and comprehensive as those belonging to this hotel, and that, coupled with the Villa Adler’s incredibly LGBTQ+-central atmosphere, makes it worthy of a place of pride on this list.
Paso Chico Resort
It only took one regular hotel for us to return to Gran Canaria’s standard – large, flamboyant, and incredibly queer resort hotels!
Also known as the Gay Paso Chico, this colorful urban resort is the perfect queer-centric location for both couples and single travelers to have the time of their life -surrounded by likeminded people, provided with excellent beach views, and placed within reaching distance of just about every single queer corner of Gran Canaria.
A wide range of gay bars and clubs are within a minute or less of the Paso Chico’s front doors, and if that wasn’t enough for you, there’s also the resort’s very own restaurant, bar, and pool ensemble for that perfect in-house atmosphere of lively music, drinks, and even events.
There’s no need for you to plan or pay for while staying at the Paso Chico thanks to its helpful and honestly quite affordable accommodation plans, and no added responsibilities or things to worry about except making sure that you lay back the best you can so that you fully soak in your well-earned summer rest.
Everything about this location screams queer catering, from its advertisement and booking plans online to its atmosphere and lively nightlife. Complimentary Airport shuttles to and from the nearby international airport are on offer for extra convenience, and if that wasn’t enough, there are also kitchens in every single one of the Paso Chico Resort’s rooms so that you can remain independent and capable while enjoying your time abroad.
Vista Bonita Gay Resort
Known in full as the Vista Bonita LGTBI Resort, this dazzling resort is the perfect example of how queer-focused the island of Gran Canaria is and how vibrant and exotic it can get as a location.
Suppose Gran Canaria’s sunny, party-going, and cultural reputation hasn’t won you over already. In that case, the sheer number of resort-style areas on this list should be enough to push you over the edge of realizing just how sunny, summery, and beachy this place is – especially when it comes to the Vista Bonita.
Boasting three well-earned stars and a reputation that betrays just how much it deserves a full five, the Vista Bonita is entirely dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community – specifically gay men – and making every guest that it welcomes feel as home as possible.
Some of the on-paper benefits of staying at the Vista Bonita Gay Resort include its excellent location and proximity to the beach, balconies, and its wide range of relaxation amenities.
The number of the latter consists of a fully-outfitted spa, a sauna, hot tubs, an outdoor pool, kitchens in all private rooms, and – perhaps most important and convenient of all – an airport shuttle service to take you to and fro from the international airport without having to hire your car or navigate public transport.
There’s also a well-cultured restaurant, and if you want to spoil yourself while staying here, massage treatments are available, and bike rentals are on the side for casual rides through the city.
Artemisa Gay Bungalows
Just like one could say for the Vista Bonita Gay Resort that came directly before it on this list, the Artemisa Gay Bungalows is one of the most holiday-central queer establishments that Gran Canaria has to offer and lives a step ahead of the competition in just about everything from price, services, and location.
The Artemisa Gay Bungalows continue this list’s trend of gay-exclusive and openly-marketed gay hotspots to a tee, spreading out its wings to offer a comprehensive queer experience without restricting itself to a niche. The greater field and atmosphere of Gran Canaria are very much part of Artemisa’s mission statement as a hotel, as is a strong dedication to quality and restful accommodation.
Feel like a space to share with your significant other or simply to put up your feet? That’s exactly what this location does best, thanks to the fact that it is made up of sound, modern, and snazzy bungalows rather than one larger building.
Where the Aqua Beach Bungalows, later on, this list, go into overdrive with the individuality of their private facilities and the intensity of its nightlife and party culture, the Artemisa focuses more upon aspects that are likely to be a hit with those who love spas, laying back by the pool, and generally just relaxing amongst the sun and coastal vibes.
There’s excellent food on offer, daily complimentary breakfasts, and a stylish, competent feeling permeates every aspect of the Artemisa Gay Bungalows’ staying experience.
AxelBeach Maspalomas
AxelHotel locations are nothing short of holy grails in the queer accommodation world, and the same is true regarding the spin-off AxelBeach set. It makes absolute sense that this heavily queer-influenced brand would foster a location in Gran Canaria, but while the gay-orientated nature of this location may come as no surprise, there’s still plenty about this hotel that will blow the socks off of even the most experienced and versed travelers.
The AxelBeach Maspalomas’ dedication to providing comprehensive service that delivers a massive bang for its buck to its guests goes wide and far. This hotel is truly a home run of queer-centered accommodation – bringing a spa, hot tubs, pet-friendly accommodation arrangements, a strong connection to public transport, and massive relaxation areas out under the amazing Gran Canaria sun to the table.
Breakfast is available every morning, as is the restaurant-catered dinner of an evening, but if you’d rather reach out into the center of Maspalomas for something special from any of the city’s excellent restaurants or hang out in one of its many popular queer hangout destinations, then this is one of the best hotels on this list to do so from.
The AxelBeach Maspalomas is located directly in the center of Maspalomas and has a wide range of culinary and retail offerings within easy walking distance. One of the city’s primary malls – the Centro Comercial Prisma – is just a kilometer away and boasts some of the best shopping on the island.
Rainbow Golf
Another top-shelf gay hotel in Gran Canaria, and another title that makes it very plain to see just how queer and deeply involved with the LGBTQ+ community this location is.
Located on the southernmost coast of the island, Rainbow Golf is a three-star hotel with excellent views, spaces, and even prices. The location is fully adult- and men-only, and – as we said above – there can be no doubting its inherent queerness.
Rainbow Golf provides a calm, relaxed atmosphere, plenty of food, and a platform to socialize with other queer travelers that is sure to launch you into excellent company.
There’s a poolside café and casual eatery to keep you well-pampered and fed during the day, a real restaurant for a fancy dinner of an evening, and room service to ensure you get what you need no matter where on the Rainbow Golf’s grounds you are.
Suppose food isn’t high up on your list of important factors when searching for fitting queer accommodation. In that case, however, you’ll be happy to know that there is also a massive pool on site, a spa, hot tubs out on the main deck, and a bar for you to relax by and watch the sun go down of an evening.
Just like the Vista Bonita Gay Resort that came before it on this list, Rainbow Golf is also kind enough to offer a fully complimentary airport shuttle service and thus allows its guests to arrive, unwind, and relax without added worries.
Hotel Ritual Maspalomas
Even though it is centrally located amongst some of the best parts of Maspalomas and its queer scene, the Hotel Ritual is the number one budget option on this list and does an excellent job of using what it has and maintaining an impressive service record nonetheless.
The Playa del Inglés that the Hotel Ritual calls home is famous for its wide range of bars, clubs, and party venues, and as such, if you’re looking to make every dollar in your wallet last for as long as possible while remaining in touch with things, or if you value practicality over shiny looks, then this is the place for you.
The Hotel Ritual is officially LGBTQ+ friendly, and – on top of that – it has an impressive array of positive reviews backed up by its long history of service to the community. There are no disappointments in store regarding the design and the offerings of the Hotel Ritual itself, either.
This location is incredibly vibrant, well-designed, and comfortable, including its very own cocktail bar, outdoor pool, seating area, and elegant socialization spaces that are perfect for chatting with and enjoying the company of like-minded travelers from around the world.
There’s also free breakfast on the menu every morning to give your day an excellent, energetic start. Regarding the individual rooms, you can rest assured that you’re in for a comfortable, spacy ride with direct views of the North Atlantic.
Aqua Beach Bungalows
Gay, loud, and party-orientated, this excellent two-star location comes with an impressive bang and is sure to leave memories that will last for a long, long while after its guests have returned home.
Although it is just as queer and fabulous as any of the other top-shelf locations that came before it, the Aqua Beach Bungalows follow after their namesake in the fact that the site consists of separate but incredibly comfortable buildings rather than a single structure.
This allows for a more decentralized and social culture to seep into the atmosphere of the Aqua Beach Bungalows, and this Is the exact reason why the party events and general night scene of the hotel are as excellent as it is.
The individual bungalows of Aqua Beach are large, private, and armed to the teeth with luxurious and convenient extras such as full kitchens, attentive room and laundry services, and – most important of all – internal hot tubs for that private moment of relaxation that you’ve been waiting all holiday to enjoy alone or with your special someone.
Evenings are when the Aqua Beach grounds truly get going, and the main pool is the place to be for any of the hotel’s exciting events, queer hangouts, or lively parties. Summer never ends here, and you can bet that this is the perfect place to get that summer vibe and get in touch with Gran Canaria’s very best tourist locations without leaving queer comfort behind.
Atlantic Sun Beach
Simple, functional, friendly, and convenient are all qualities that the Atlantic Sun Beach Hotel embodies to the fullest, all for an incredibly decent price. This sunny beachfront hotel has one of the best locations on this list and a direct line of access to one of Gran Canaria’s best party districts.
Although the Atlantic Sun Beach as a hotel itself may seem a little plain on the surface and perhaps lack the overload of character and queer atmosphere that the other gay hotels on this list have manifested, we promise that there is a colorful gay hotspot beneath the white, practical exterior.
Not only is the Atlantic Sun Beach officially marked as queer-friendly, but it has also hosted several gay events in the past on behalf of the colorful nightlife and party scape of Gran Canaria and is very much a part of both the local queer community and the LGBTQ+ community as a larger whole.
You might think that the Atlantic Sun Beach would be relatively expensive to stay at thanks to its location, proximity to important areas of the city, its pool, and its free airport shuttle offer, but that would be quite thankfully wrong, as this location contests well with the Hotel Ritual earlier on this list for the position for the most affordable hotel on this list.
There are even full kitchens in every room, and what screams value more than excellent amenities and a strong connection to local culture?
Gay Hotel Map Of Gran Canaria
Feeling a bit lost while planning your journey to Gran Canaria? No worries, darling! Our detailed LGBTQ+ tailored map is here to guide you. We’ve pinpointed all the vibrant gay-friendly bars, exhilarating clubs, extravagant parties, cozy hotels, relaxing saunas, and soothing massage parlors to ensure you find the perfect spot.
And these aren’t just any spots; we’re talking about the creme de la creme of locations in the heart of the city’s vibrant gay scene. Think panoramic views, easy access to nightlife, and all the amenities to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
But hold on to your feather boas! These hot spots are fabulous; they vanish quicker than a drag queen’s five o’clock shadow. Don’t delay; book now to secure the best deals and locations. Remember, the early bird catches the best deals in Gran Canaria! So, pack your rainbow flag, and get ready to experience the ultimate gay-friendly holiday in Gran Canaria.
