Tips for Gay Lifestyle and Travel in Spain

Gay Lifestyle in Spain

Spain has always been a melting pot of different cultures inevitably forcing a tolerance among its diverse citizens. With same-sex marriage legalized since 2005, it's politically one of the more progressive countries in southern Europe. Though it's a gay-friendly country as a whole, these are some of the best gay-friendly destinations Spain

Spain is one of the easier countries to visit as a tourist, thanks to the friendliness of its people. But a lot of people don’t realize just how easy (and enjoyable!) it is to visit Spain. I think that’s what makes it such a popular choice. But be careful: once you visit Spain the first time, you’ll want to return. There’s so much to this country than Madrid or Barcelona, so much more than paella and tapas, so much more than hunky men and flawless flamenco dancers. Spain is as diverse as anywhere else (probably more so), but it’s also quite surprising as a travel destination. That’s what keeps tourists coming back for more, whether it’s on annual holidays to the beach, on cruises, or city breaks to Spain’s sexiest cities.

Culture In Spain

It’s got to be the culture. The people are often friendly and patient. The food is fresh and flavorful. The cities are lively with frequent festivals, open spaces (and plazas—so many plazas!) and navigable public transport. The weather is desirable—some of the best sunshine available in Europe, year-round. It’s hard to not tire of a place so welcoming, so friendly and so approachable.

Even for those with limited (or non-existent) knowledge of the Spanish language, the country can still be quite accessible. Learn a few words before traveling and you’ll find the locals more than happy to help you even with the language barriers.

Gay-friendly Cities in Spain

1. Madrid

Madrid is truly the heart of Spain’s gay culture with an estimated LGBT population of 500,000 of the city’s overall 3 plus million inhabitants. Though Chueca is the official gay neighborhood of the capital, it’s quickly noted that the gay community spills into the rest of the city and there is no need to concentrate in one district. Madrid is not only one of Spain’s most gay-friendly cities, but it’s arguably one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in Europe as a whole. Its Pride parade alone is Europe’s largest with over 2 million participants each year.

2. Barcelona

Barcelona is Madrid’s constant competitor city in not just tourism, sports and culture, but also as a gay-friendly destination. It’s gay district Eixample, or more commonly referred to as Gaixample, is where you’ll find the typical gay bars, clubs, shops, restaurants, and gay-friendly hotels. One of the main things this city has that its rival doesn’t is a beachfront complete with gay and nude beaches, Platja de la Mar Bella being the more popular. Also of note in Barcelona is its circuit party reputation with the Circuit Festival as a highlighted annual event since 2008.

3. Benidorm

A coastal city located in the Alicante region of Spain, Benidorm’s gay scene includes more than fifty gay bars and locales ranging from hotels, saunas and resorts to bars, restaurants and sex shops. It celebrates its own Pride in September each year and unlike Madrid and other Spanish prides, its official Pride Party is free. It also hosts two big music festivals, Low Cost Festival and Electrobeach. Levante Beach is probably the city’s most popular and Raco Conil is the gay/nude beach that requires a vehicle to reach.

4. Sitges

Just a 40 minute train ride south from Barcelona, Sitges is a small town of about 27,000 inhabitants with a lot of Spanish charm catering to gay clientele. Though the whole of the town feels like the gay district, the specific gay bars are located in the Old Town area where nightlife is most notable on Calle Montroig. Nightlife here goes all week long in the summer and town even boasts its own gay pride weekend which is going on its fourth year this June. Last year’s turnout of over 40,000 people promises this year to be another great event. The beaches, of which there are seventeen, are also a main attraction along with its beautiful coastal town. All are gay-friendly of course though Platja de la Bassa Rodona is the main gay beach and there are also Platja d'Aiguadolç and Platja dels Balmains which are the nude beaches.

5. Maspalomas

For the gay-friendly island destinations of Spain, Maspalomas in the Canary Islands is a choice spot. Playa de Inglés is the main watering hole of gay life in Maspalomas. The Yumbo Centre, open since 1982, is where you’ll find all the best gay bars, clubs, and accommodations. Main LGBT events in Maspalomas are Gay Pride, Carnival, and German Carnival held in November. 

Food in Spain

Really anywhere would do! Spanish cuisine is so unique and special. Thanks to so many different influences over the past thousand years, from the Moors in the south to the French in the north, the food choices can be overwhelming. There’s so much more to Spanish food than just paella and tapas! In the Basque region, especially around San Sebastian, pintxos are the norm—small plates similar to tapas, but often more hearty. Paella originates in the region around Valencia, where rice is grown right along the seaside—perfect for the combination of saffron-flavored rice with seafood and meats. Granada and the south has many more Arabic-flavors thanks to the influence from the Moors who occupied the territory for almost 1,000 years. Catalunya is also known as a food hotspot with famous Catalan dishes like crema catalana and patatas bravas. My favorite Spanish foodie cities however are: Seville, San Sebastian, Valencia and Barcelona.

Hotel in Spain

1. Hotel Cram

Located in the heart of Barcelona’s main gay village, Hotel Cram is just a few minutes’ walk from some of the city’s best gay bars and clubs.

Behind the 1892 façade are modern air-conditioned guest rooms that feature the latest technology including free WiFi and large LCD TV.

The hotel has an excellent rooftop bar and swimming pool. Don’t miss the delicious appetizers, tapas and ‘informal cuisine” served in the 7th floor Ànemos Restaurant & bar that has panoramic views of Barcelona.

A consistently popular choice on Travel Gay Europe.

2. Axel Hotel Barcelona

The ‘hetero-friendly’ Axel Hotel Barcelona and Urban Spa offers 105 chic, modern Mediterranean-styled rooms, two bars and “Bench”, an affordable haute cuisine restaurant.

The popular rooftop ‘Sky Bar’ is a destination in its own right, and the Wellness Club 33 offers 500 m² of water zones, spa treatments, massages and personal fitness training.

The Axel is just a short walk from the most popular gay bars and clubs in Eixample and is less than 10 minutes’ walk from city centre. Naturally, the concierge has a wealth of knowledge of everything gay about the city.

A great choice for gay visitors, but at a premium price compared with similar quality hotels in the area.

3. Neptuno Gran Canaria

An exceptionally popular hotel with gay travellers. The Neptuno Gran Canaria is located directly behind the Yumbo Center, the island’s main gay nightlife.

The hotel offers comfortable, air-conditioned room, with satellite flat screen TV, electronic safe, minibar, coffee & tea maker, free WiFi and a balcony. There is a heated swimming pool (open October to April), sauna, Finnish bath and gym. The restaurant’s good food makes the half board option a popular choice.

Neptuno offers a shuttle service to the beachfront which it is about a 15-minute walk to Hut 7.

4. THB Los Molinos

A popular choice with gay travellers for decades. The ‘adults only’ THB Los Molinos is located in a nice, quiet part of Ibiza Town, about a 15-minute walk from the nightlife.

The air-conditioned guest rooms, that have been recently refurbished, feature satellite TV, free WiFi and a safety deposit box. Many have balconies with gorgeous views overlooking the sea.

The hotel has a very nice pool and sun terrace, set within mature tropical gardens with excellent views of the sea and Figueretas Beach, along with an indoor pool and small gym. There is a secure underground car park and a number of cafés across the road that serve good food all day long.

5. Hotel Calipolis Sitges

The Calipolis is one of the larger beachfront hotels in Sitges with 170 rooms, most of which have excellent views overlooking the gay section of the beach.

The air-conditioned rooms feature satellite TV, private terraces and free WiFi. If you fancy a break from the beach, then the hotel’s private pool and sun terrace is a great place to relax.

Sitges’ main gay bars and clubs are just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel (as is the railway station if you fancy a night out in Barcelona). Often full, so book early for peak season.

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