Pierre Salducci
Europe’s number 1 gay destination is coming back to life after 18 months of near-closure. Located in the Canary archipelago, Gran Canaria is the largest and busiest of the seven islands, it is located just in front of the African continent, a stone’s throw from Western Sahara.
Spanish possession for already 5 centuries, Gran Canaria is part of the European Union but with a special status, it is a free zone exempt from many taxes so that certain products such as gasoline, alcohol, perfumes or cigarettes are 20 to 30% cheaper there than in continental Europe.
And as if that weren’t enough, the temperatures here are summery all year round, with highs of 30º nearly every day of the year in the southern half of the island.
Since the 1970s, Gran Canaria has become the number 1 gay destination in Europe, well ahead of its Spanish competitors such as Sitgès, Torremolinos or Barcelona, mainly thanks to its exceptional climate which makes it an ideal holiday destination in all seasons. The epicenter of gay tourism on the island is located in Maspalomas, a seaside resort that hosts hundreds of gay and gay friendly businesses, dozens of gay hotels and resorts, and hosts events throughout the year. parties for the LGBT community such as Gay Pride, Winter Pride, International Carnival, German Carnival or Festish Week. Everything here is reminiscent of a sort of gay Las Vegas.
After more than 18 months of virtual closure following the coronavirus crisis, the seaside resort has suddenly experienced a resurgence of activity since November 2021 and many shops have reopened as if by magic. An upturn highly appreciated by traders, tourism professionals and holidaymakers themselves who could no longer wait for a return to normal.
It must be said that the health situation has been particularly well managed on the island and that the epidemic has always remained under control. Today, the situation is stable and it is enough to show a vaccination certificate or a recent PCR test to be able to enter and stay in the territory. There is no curfew or travel restriction.
To come to Gran Canaria from Montreal or Quebec, there are several possibilities. No route is direct but several are quick and easy, such as starting with a flight to London, Brussels, Paris or Amsterdam and then connecting to Gran Canaria, or choosing a direct flight to Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga) and finish with a regional flight to Gran Canaria. The destination airport is Las Palmas (LPA).
For more information, it is possible to consult the site Ici Gran Canaria (in French) or the gay guide to Gran Canaria: Dunas Map (in English). To chat with locals and meet people, all you have to do is become a member of the “Gay Men Maspalomas” group on Facebook. It’s free and it’s private!