The Best Gay Beaches in Spain

Spain is home to some of the world's best gay beaches

Spain is one of the best gay beach destinations on the planet. From the glamorous shores of the Mediterranean to the volcanic beaches of the Canary Islands, Spain’s gay and gay-friendly beaches are world-renowned. Unlike the uniform stretches found in many countries, Spain’s 8,000 kilometers of shoreline transitions dramatically from the wild, rugged beaches of Galicia and Asturias, through the golden expanses of the Mediterranean, to the volcanic black sands of the Canary Islands. Many Spanish beaches seamlessly integrate with promenades (paseos marítimos) where local life unfolds naturally alongside tourism, with families gathering for late-night dinners at chiringuitos (beach bars) and elderly locals playing pétanque in the evening light.

Sitges – The Mediterranean’s Gay Riviera

Sitges, a charming seaside town just 40 minutes from Barcelona, has earned its reputation as the gay Riviera of the Mediterranean. For decades it’s been a magnet for LGBTQ+ travelers, beloved for its golden beaches and bohemian-meets-luxury vibe. The heart of the action is Platja de la Bassa Rodona, the town’s main gay beach located right in the center, adjacent to the landmark Hotel Calipolis​.

This 285-meter stretch of sand is usually one of the busiest and most upbeat spots in Sitges – by midday in summer it’s filled with toned bodies on rented loungers and eyes roving from one toned body to another. Music drifts from the nearby Pic Nic beach bar, and vendors stroll by selling coconuts or mojitos. All are welcome here (you’ll see straight allies and curious families too), but there’s no mistaking the rainbow flags and the predominantly LGBTQ+ crowd. A short walk west along the coast brings you to Platja dels Balmins, a smaller clothing-optional cove.

Beyond the sun and sand, Sitges is a great little town to explore. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade to find boutique shops and art galleries, or enjoy a leisurely lunch of seafood paella and sangria at an oceanfront restaurant. Come nightfall, the energy shifts to Sitges’ famous “Street of Sin” (Carrer Bonaire and Joan Tarrida), where trendy gay bars and clubs like Parrots Pub and Queenz keep the party going until the early hours. Yet, despite its party credentials, Sitges maintains a relaxed vibe – days begin with cafe con leche at a plaza cafe and might end with a quiet moonlit walk on the beach.

Luxury Hotels in Sitges: Pamper yourself at the ME Sitges Terramar, a 5-star seafront hotel at the quieter end of town known for its chic design and beach club service​. They offer Bali beds and cocktail service on a semi-private slice of beach, perfect for splurging in style. Another excellent option is the Hotel MiM Sitges, a modern boutique property (co-owned by a famous football star) which is eco-friendly and just steps from the gay beach and nightlife. Don’t miss dining at Villa Verdú in the hills for a romantic dinner with panoramic views of Sitges, or booking a tasting menu at Casa Hidalgo for Catalan cuisine.

Ibiza – Beach Glamour and Electro Beats

The Balearic island of Ibiza is synonymous with summer glamour and clubbing, and it also boasts some of Spain’s best gay-friendly beaches. Chief among them is Playa Es Cavallet, located in the Las Salinas national park area on Ibiza’s southern tip. Es Cavallet is the island’s officially designated gay beach, with a long clothing-optional section and dunes that have hosted generations of free-spirited beachgoers​. At the far end of this white sandy beach you’ll find Chiringay, the legendary gay beach club and restaurant that’s been serving up chilled cocktails and fresh Mediterranean cuisine for over 30 years​.

By afternoon, the scene at Chiringay is lively – music playing, sangria flowing, and a friendly crowd dancing or flirting by the water. It’s the place to see and be seen. Despite the party reputation, Es Cavallet also offers pristine natural beauty: the sea here shifts between shades of aquamarine and deep blue, and you can spot Ibiza’s old town silhouette on the horizon. Arrive early to claim a sun lounger, then spend the day alternating between swimming in the warm sea and socializing on the sand. Another gay-popular spot on Ibiza is the Figueretas Beach in Ibiza Town, which, while more urban, is flanked by gay-friendly hotels and cafés – a nice option if you want a quick beach fix right near the nightlife.

Where to Stay & Dine in Ibiza: Indulge at the Ibiza Gran Hotel, a five-star art-filled hotel in Marina Botafoch where you’re close to the upscale harbor restaurants and clubs. It has a fabulous spa to recharge after a night out. If you prefer a quieter luxury retreat, 7Pines Resort Ibiza has cliffside suites and an infinity pool overlooking Es Vedrà island. For dining, Ibiza has everything from beachside chiringuitos to Michelin-starred venues. Try La Paloma in the countryside for farm-to-table delights under the stars, or STK Ibiza for a modern dinner party vibe. And if you spend the day at Es Cavallet, make a reservation at Chiringay’s restaurant for a late lunch – their seafood and Ibicenco dishes are delicious, enjoyed with your feet in the sand and a view of the sea.

Maspalomas, Gran Canaria – Dunes, Fun, and Luxury in the Canaries

The golden dunes of Maspalomas stretch to the Atlantic Ocean – a natural backdrop to Gran Canaria’s famous gay beach area. On the far southern coast of Gran Canaria lies Maspalomas, a destination that’s practically pilgrimage-worthy for LGBTQ+ beach lovers. It’s not just a beach – it’s a vast desert by the sea, with windswept sand dunes (a nature reserve) rolling out to meet the Atlantic. Among these dunes is the path leading to Kiosk #7, the rendezvous point for the gay beach. This area is internationally famous for its gorgeous, expansive setting and its lively atmosphere​.

You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see rainbow parasols and a crowd of gay sunbathers stretching out in both directions. The beach itself is clothing-optional, and many take advantage to work on that all-over tan. Despite the remote feel (no hotels or buildings are visible from the gay section, only dunes and ocean), you won’t be lacking comfort – the Kiosk #7 beach bar serves cold drinks and snacks, and you can rent sun loungers for the day​. It’s the perfect place to mingle: expect a friendly, diverse mix of visitors from all over Europe. A dip in the ocean here is especially refreshing, knowing you’re swimming along one of the continent’s most celebrated gay beaches.
What makes Maspalomas truly special is how it combines this natural beach haven with a resort town full of amenities. Just inland from the dunes are the restaurants, shops, and nightlife of Playa del Inglés and Maspalomas town. By late afternoon, many beachgoers stroll or take a short taxi back to their hotels to primp for the evening.

It should be noted that Gran Canaria doesn’t have the luxury credentials of Ibiza but it’s impossible not to include it on a Spanish gay beach guide. That being said, there are some excellent high-end hotels in Gran Canaria.

Upscale Resorts & Activities: Gran Canaria’s south coast is dotted with luxury resorts. For an adults-only, design-forward experience, check into Bohemia Suites & Spa in Playa del Inglés – its rooftop restaurant and bar offer panoramic views of the dunes you sunbathed on by day. Another top pick is the Seaside Grand Hotel Residencia, a 5-star property in Maspalomas with private terraces and impeccable service. During the day, if you seek a break from the beach, consider a private sailing trip along the coast or a relaxing afternoon at the nearby Maspalomas Golf Club. And for a special dining experience, make a reservation at Calma Chicha, one of Playa del Inglés’s fine dining restaurants.