LGBT+ travel

Spain's LGBT+ hotspots

Spain: Gran Canaria, Sitges & Madrid travel photo — Spain: Gran Canaria, Sitges & Madrid · photo from the Waymark library

Across the countryLegal and broadly acceptedChecked 22 October 2026 · FCDO updated 12 August 2026

The FCDO calls Spain generally tolerant and progressive. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2005, and trans people can change the sex on their documents without surgery. It has more gay resorts in easy reach of UK airports than anywhere else.

Legal and broadly accepted
Legal, but conservative attitudes
Illegal or prosecuted
Illegal; death penalty possible

RatingLegal and broadly accepted

Emergency number112

Official advice updated12 August 2026

Areas covered7 on this page

For UK LGBT+ travellers, Spain is hard to beat: cheap, frequent flights, winter sun in the Canaries, and prides that run from May to September. The only real cautions are standard nightlife ones: GHB spiking and strong drinks.

Where to go

Maspalomas & Playa del Inglés, Gran CanariaLegal and broadly accepted
Europe's winter gay capital, centred on the Yumbo Centre. Year-round sun.
Sitges, near BarcelonaLegal and broadly accepted
A pretty seaside town with a big gay beach scene.
Madrid: ChuecaLegal and broadly accepted
The heart of Madrid's scene and home of MADO.
Torremolinos, Costa del SolLegal and broadly accepted
Spain's original gay resort, with its own pride.
Barcelona: EixampleLegal and broadly accepted
The 'Gaixample' bar district, and the summer Circuit Festival.
IbizaLegal and broadly accepted
Mixed clubbing island with long-standing LGBT+ venues.
BenidormLegal and broadly accepted
A busy gay scene in the old town and its own pride.

Dates for the diary

3–9 May 2027
Maspalomas Pride
A week of pool parties and a parade in Playa del Inglés.
June (TBC)
Sitges Pride & Torremolinos Pride
Both usually held in June.
Late Jun–early Jul (TBC)
Madrid Pride (MADO)
In 2026 it ran from 25 June to 5 July, with the parade on 4 July.
August (TBC)
Circuit Festival, Barcelona
In 2026 it ran from 1 to 9 August.
Sept (TBC)
Benidorm Pride
Usually in early September.
November (TBC)
Winter Pride Maspalomas
Gran Canaria's second pride week.

Dates marked TBC have not been announced yet. Check the organiser before booking.

Before you go

Book pride week accommodation early, as Maspalomas and Madrid sell out months ahead.
Watch out for GHB spiking at clubs. Buy your own drinks and keep them in sight.
Emergency: 112.

Official advice: FCDO travel advice for Spain: Gran Canaria, Sitges & Madrid

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Questions people ask

When is Gran Canaria Pride 2027?

Maspalomas Pride 2027 is scheduled for 3–9 May 2027.

When is Madrid Pride 2027?

Dates haven't been announced yet. It's usually in late June and early July. In 2026 the parade was on 4 July.

What is the most gay-friendly place in Spain?

Maspalomas on Gran Canaria, Sitges, Madrid's Chueca district and Torremolinos are the best known, along with Ibiza and Benidorm.

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Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.