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One of the biggest draws in Gran Canaria is its booming gay scene centred around Playa Del Ingles and Maspalomas, although Las Palmas the capital does reasonably well for a few gay clubs, internet cafes, bars, and saunas (check out Sandra Lumumba's Gay Guide to Las Palmas and Gran Canaria to the right - it's magic) . It's a crackin' scene here to rival the best (including Blackpool's northshore!) with the Maspalomas Gay Pride celebrations held annually every June (see link right for this year's details), plus the magic maze that is the Yumbo Centre. The central focal meeting point, gay and straight bars, clubs, saunas, sex shops and general whoppin' it up.
Numerous gay owned bars, restaurants, saunas and clubs offer a warm welcome to gay and lesbian visitors, with a choice of gay run excursions available too and gay friendly accommodation. Gran Canaria's Maspalomas and Playa Del Ingles really do get credited as number one top Gay resorts. Check out the many weblinks right offering superb gay guides to Gran Canaria, with listings of the many gay bars, saunas, clubs and excursions. There's a superb gay and lesbian International film festival held here in Gran Canaria annually, centred in Playa del Ingles and Las Palmas. Other Canaries resorts have much work to do to catch up with the free and easy gay and straight party vibes that both the city of Las Palmas and the resorts of Maspalomas and Playa del Ingles offer!
The numerous gay guide weblinks to the right are superb in-depth tours of both Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas - John's independent gay guide is particularly popular - check out his recommendations for restaurants, bars, gyms and so on - and Astabgay's guide to Playa del Ingles has some good links (tells you about Blackpool's superb gay scene too on this site!). Sandra's gay guide to Las Palmas is well worth a perusal too. Locating yourself in Playa del Ingles is to be closest to the party hub, namely the Yumbo Centrum (see weblink gay guide to Yumbo to the right). This rather plain looking shopping centre by day (with bazaar type stalls, perfumes and electricals at tax free prices) comes alive at night, offering a huge selection of gay bars, clubs and restaurants.
Nightlife frolicks kicks in around 7-8pm in Playa del Ingles, the top gay resort in the Canaries and beyond. The Maspalomas Sand Dunes is a popular night time cruising ground alongside the Yumbo centre - Yumbo has about 50 gay bars and clubs which should be enough for even the most wild party-goers. Gay and straight mingle at Yumbo, and a number of Drag acts are usually on the menu. Center Stage Bar in Yumbo is particularly popular for Drag Shows. Check out too the Cita Centre, just a short 10 minute walk from Yumbo - there are selection of chic gay cafes and bars here including Detox Retox (weblink right) and the Rainbow Cafe. Chaps Leatherbar and Construction Sauna are also here at CITA in the basement.
Maspalomas is a little quieter as a base, and there are a number of exclusive gay accommodation complexes available here. All are within easy reach of Yumbo by taxi or walking (across the dunes). As well as one of the best gay resort vibes here in Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas, you've all your typical resort attractions including a great golf course, numerous watersports with everything from paragliding and jet skiing, miles of golden sandy beach and tons of Gran Canaria excursion choices including jeep safaris, camel rides, Gran Canaria grand tours, day trips to Las Palmas and catamaran trips. Many exclusively gay excursion tours are offered too. Check the links right for details.
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