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Spain has become the leading European destination for gay, lesbian and transgender travel. Its people and climate, its beauty and diversity, and its progressive legislative framework are the perfect platform for gays and lesbians. The country that inspired Spain’s most famous 20th century, Federico García Lorca and internationally acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar attracts now a 72 percent of American gays who travel on vacation.

The Canary Islands are especially receptive place of gay tourism. But in addition to gay community, the subtropical beauty, the white sand beaches and the all-the-year spring-like climate make this unique archipelago a genuine paradise for anyone who desires to escape and relax.

Spain is internationally known as one of the most exciting countries in the world for the gay community. In fact, Some Spanish cities are considered gay paradises. Places such as Gran Canaria, Ibiza, Benidorm, Torremolinos, Sitges and especially Chueca, in Madrid, are top gay destinations.





The law allowing gays and lesbian to marry, adopt children and enjoy all the same freedoms and rights as heterosexuals was passed four years ago. Since them an undoubtedly tolerance has been spawned in Spain. And now the country has some of the most popular gay centers in Europe and some of the most enlightened laws regarding the rights of homosexual.

Gays, lesbians and transgender people are free to cruise well-known gay quarters, parks, sand dunes and beaches of the country’s major cities and most popular coastal resorts without being bothered. In many areas with flourishing gay communities, visitors can pick up maps and booklets detailing all cruising areas and gay-friendly bars, restaurants, saunas and night places.

In some of the more cosmopolitan spots –such as Barcelona, Madrid and Ibiza- sexuality isn’t an issue when it comes to having a night out.

The Spanish tourism industry offers the gay community a wide range of new and varied products. Leading travel companies such as Halcón, Barceló, Marsans, Travelplán, Viajes El Corte Inglés, Air Europa, Avis, Turismo de Madrid, and many others have incorporated special offers for gay travelers.

Madrid’s Chueca district is the largest recipient of gay tourists in Spain. It has become a fashionable area among gay community. A clear example of this neighbourhood expansion is the arrival of big brands that want to establish in this area. During the day, the visitor can walk and attend friendly local that extend across its streets. It is said that Madrid has the best gay nightlife in Europe. During the Gay Pride parade Madrid is visited by 3 million gay guests.

Another country’s top spot is the seaside town of Sitges, 35 kilometres south of Barcelona, along with an area of Barcelona known as L’Eixample. In the south of Spain, Torremolinos is one of the Costa del Sol's favoured gay haunts, as well as the Campo de Sol nudist beach at Malaga.

The Canary Islands are especially receptive place of gay tourism. The main islands for gay tourism are the Gran Canaria and Tenerife, although there is a small community in Fuerteventura and Lanzarote. Twin spots of Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria, have become the biggest gay resort in Europe. This island has specific Gay friendly beaches, hotels and plenty of bars.

Canary Islands: Seven heavenly islands, seven worlds in Europe

Surrounded by the crystalline waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the Canary Islands are a unique archipelago in the world. They are Europe’s sunshine. Its diversity, subtropical beauty, and white sand beaches, make this European destination a genuine paradise inviting anyone to escape and relax. Its spring-like climate (with a year-round temperature of 71.6 F) lasts twelve months a year.

The Canaries are seven truly spectacular worlds. These islands (El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote), also known as “Fortunate Islands”, seduce the visitor with an exceptional range of tourism options. Among them, you will find the best accommodation and top quality leisure and cultural activities.




Immense white dunes, crystal-clear waters, lunar landscapes, forests, secret bays with brilliant black sand, volcanoes, golden-sandy beaches, and the flavor of little villages that hold their historical and cultural heritage, their fiestas and gastronomy... all this is as simple as it exquisite.

Visiting the Canary Islands takes less than a four-hour flight from the European capitals and two from mainland Spain. From the United States, daily flights to Tenerife make the Canary Islands more accessible. The Spanish-owned Air-Europa airline started a weekly service from Miami to Tenerife in June 2008. Air-Europa offers a flight on Saturday from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Tenerife’s North Airport (TFN), aboard a 299-passenger Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Deeply marked by their volcanic origins, and with a population of 1,7 million inhabitants, the Canary Island are considered the southernmost part of Europe. They are located at a distance of 160 miles from the West African coast between the subtropical and temperature zones. Their 932 miles of coastline are extremely diverse.

Fuerteventura has the largest beaches, being the majority untouched and deserted. Lanzarote’s coves, set between cliffs, with its black sand, are truly unique. The south of Tenerife offers suitable beaches for the whole family.





Don’t forget enjoying the beautiful spots as the Maspalomas Dunes, the fishing port of Mogán and the Andén Verde Cliffs, as well as the sheer cliffs and dark beaches of El Hierro, La Palma, and La Gomera.

The Canaries are also the perfect place to get close to nature in a more active way: trekking, para-gliding, golf, sailing, and water sports like skiing, kayaking and surfing.

Due to their exceptional conditions, the Canary Islands are the setting for world windsurfing championships. In addition, scuba diving enthusiasts can have the experience of exploring the volcanic seascapes of the ocean floor.

We shouldn’t forget that the Canary Islands possess an incredible historical and cultural heritage. Its cities are deeply rooted in the guanche civilization (the ancient inhabitants of the island), but also include Andalusian, Portuguese, and American influences. Their historic quarters contain any number of colonial structures. An excellent example is San Cristóbal de La Laguna (Tenerife), which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The artistic legacy left by César Manrique on the island of Lanzarote is also of great interest to visitors. Jameos del Agua, Mirador del Río, and Jardín del Cactus are all must-sees.

For nature lovers, numerous paths cover the main protected areas, including the Cañadas del Teide (Tenerife), Timanfaya (Lanzarote), Caldera de Taburiente (La Palma), and Garajonay (La Gomera) national parks.





Festivals of all kinds fill the calendar with such important events as the Canary Islands Womad Festival or the Festivalito - the La Palma International Digital Cinema Festival.

Another pleasure is the islands’ high quality traditions: stewed, fried or grilled, Atlantic fish take on added nuances with the addition of "wrinkled" potatoes and green dipping sauce. The traditional recipe book also includes tasty dishes such as gofio, rabbit al salmorejo, sea urchin, and watercress soup.

Last, it is worth to note that many tourists stop in the Canary Islands in their Atlantic cruises. Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and Santa Cruz de Tenerife ports offer a large variety of activities to make their travel an unforgettable experience.