Gay Cruising Areas in Gran Canaria
Looking for some mischief in the sand dunes?
Gran Canaria is one of the top gay travel destinations in Europe, known for its vibrant party scene at the Yumbo Centre and a wide selection of hotels catering to LGBTQ+ visitors.
If you're looking for excitement beyond the confines of Grindr, Gran Canaria is one of the best gay cruising destinations in the world. The perfect weather, expansive dunes, and steady flow of gay holidaymakers make it ideal for cruising.
Your gay cruising dreams really do come true in Gran Canaria. Just remember to bring sunscreen and take a double dose of PrEP. Read on to discover the best cruising spots and what to expect.
Maspalomas Dunes
By far the most famous cruising spot on the island, the Maspalomas Dunes are legendary among the gay community. The sprawling, golden dunes stretch out for miles, offering an Instagrammable yet discreet setting. The dunes are located between Playa del Inglés and the Maspalomas Lighthouse, with plenty of spots for both sunbathing and cruising.
The cruising hotspots are generally located toward the back of the dunes, away from the busier tourist areas. Most activities happen near Beach Kiosk 7, which is known as the gay beach area. The sand dunes behind the kiosk provide a maze-like environment, perfect for those looking for a bit more privacy. While cruising can happen throughout the day, it typically picks up in the late afternoon and early evening as the sun sets and temperatures cool.
Tip: The dunes can be vast and overwhelming at first, so it’s worth scouting the area before diving in. Make sure to bring water, sunscreen, and maybe a friend if it’s your first time.
Playa del Inglés Beach and Promenade
Just down from the Maspalomas Dunes, Playa del Inglés Beach also has its fair share of cruising spots, particularly near the promenade. The beach is known for its relaxed vibe, and toward the far ends, you’ll often find pockets of gay men. While not as secluded as the dunes, the farthest areas of the beach near the cliffs can offer more discreet opportunities for cruising.
By night, the cruising moves away from the beach and toward the darker areas of the Paseo Marítimo, the promenade that runs parallel to the coastline. The streets near the beach tend to quiet down after midnight, allowing for some low-key nighttime cruising.
Cita Shopping Center
Located just a short walk from Playa del Inglés, the Cita Shopping Center is an unexpected but popular spot for late-night cruising. This kitsch 70s relic is home to bars, restaurants, and some adult shops, but it’s the dark corners and bathrooms of the shopping center that attract those looking for quick encounters. Such encounters fall under the category of cottaging more so than cruising, for the nitpickers out there.
Cruising and cottaging typically picks up in the early hours after the bars and clubs have closed. Keep an eye out for people heading toward the quieter sections of the mall. Though less scenic than the dunes or beaches, Cita offers a convenient indoor cruising experience, especially when the weather isn’t favorable.
The Yumbo Centre
No guide to gay cruising in Gran Canaria would be complete without mentioning the Yumbo Centre. As the epicenter of the island's gay nightlife, the Yumbo Centre is home to dozens of gay bars, clubs, and saunas. While most of the cruising takes place in the many cruise-y venues within the center, it’s not uncommon for some action to spill out into the more secluded corners of the building, especially in the later hours of the night. One could argue that the Yumbo Centre is a giant cruising area.
