Featured Gay Friendly Hotels in Spain

TWO Hotel Barcelona by Axel

Axel Hotel Barcelona

AxelBeach Maspalomas

Axel Hotel San Sebastian

AxelBeach Ibiza

The Ritz-Carlton Abama

Welcome to the Pinnacle of Luxury in Tenerife

Axel Hotel Madrid

Gay Spain

Planning a trip to Spain?

Why do LGBTQ travelers love Spain? What’s not to love in this country that is the sunniest in all of Europe! With cosmopolitan cities like Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, and Malaga, a tour of these destinations are a must!

Let Voyemo be your personal travel consultant to Spain. Their bespoke tailor-made experiences can include special touches like your own personal photographer, yoga and fitness teacher, or even a personal chef.

Gay Guide Spain

Spain is a diverse nation sharing the Iberian Peninsula along with Portugal at the western end of the Mediterranean Sea. Spain also includes 17 different autonomous regions which make Spain a very diverse cultural melting pot.

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is home to the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and Palacio de Cristal shown below:

Photo Credit:  Palacio de Cristal, Alvevision Co.

Spain is the nation with the second-largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, just after Italy, plus the largest number of World Heritage Cities such as The Alhambra in Granada shown in our cover photo above or Güell Park in Barcelona shown below:

Photo Credit:  Denise Jones on Unsplash

Spain is deemed an exotic nation in Europe due to its welcoming people, relaxed way of living, cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and world-renowned folklore and festivities. In addition to many places worth going to see are Spain's vibrant capital Madrid, the lively coastal city of Barcelona, the storied "Running of the Bulls" at Pamplona, major Andalusian cities with Islamic architecture, like Seville, Granada, and Córdoba, the Way of St. James and the idyllic Balearic and Canary Islands.

Photo Credit:  Johan Muchet on Unsplash

What do you want to discover?

What's the Gay Scene Like?

Best Time to Visit Spain

Top Things to See and Do in Spain

MUST DO: Attractions & Activities

MUST EAT: Gay-Friendly Dining

MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Travel Safety Tips 

Local Expert: Gay Scene in Spain

Spain is among the most gay-friendly destinations in the world which is why a Spain getaway is a must for LGBTQ+ travelers.  It's also a top destination for Pride Festivals and with progressive LGBTQ rights, you can feel comfortable showing your pride in Spain!

Photo Credit:  Hector Martinez on Unsplash

While you're there, be sure to try learning Spanish if you don't already know how to speak the language.  Everything sounds friendly in Spanish!  There are plenty of places in Spain that are exciting but you will want to check out the gay scenes in Madrid and Barcelona for sure.  Madrid is in the center of the country and it's very easy to get around.  Where is Barcelona?  It's located closer to France on the Northeastern, Mediterranean Coastline and is uber-gay-friendly and fun!

Photo Credit:  Richard Hewat on Unsplash

Best Time to Visit Spain

The Best time to visit Spain would be between the spring and fall, May - September. During these times of the year, the weather will be perfect to lounge around in its vast beaches and explore its welcoming communities. If you want to visit while the crowds are low, visiting in March or after September would be ideal to ensure you have a quieter and less crowded experience.

Photo Credit:  Alfonso Puerto on Unsplash

Top Things to See and Do in Spain

MUST DO Spain Attractions & Activities

Spain has some of the most beautiful beaches that face the Mediterranean. Also, for the history buff, Spain has a lot of famous architecture and historic sites that will make the visit worthwhile. Below are some of the most beautiful architectural marvels and breathtaking places to visit. 

1.  Sagrada Familia - Barcelona - The church of the sacred family was established in 1892 and is one of the most famous and elaborate architectures around.  MUST DO:  Walking tour of Antoni Gaudi Architecture.  His story of how he became the most famous Catalan Modernist architect is mind-blowing.

Photo Credit:  Ken Cheung on Unsplash

2.  Granada: The Alhambra - With marble fountains, lofty halls, pomegranate gardens, and intimate baths, this castle overlooking the city of Granada is a must-visit for people that want to experience what luxury would be to a king.

Photo Credit:  Dimitry B on Unsplash

3.  Toledo - Located just 44 miles south of Madrid, this charming town will transport you to historic times with its historic architecture, complex mix of cultures, and a stunning scenic view of the Tagus river.

Photo Credit:  JHE 116 on Unsplash

4.  Costa De Sol - Provincia de Málaga - Located in the most southern part of Spain, this beach town offers 300 sunny days a year. So you can rest assured that the sunny beach days will be ready when you arrive. 

Photo Credit:  John Fornander on Unsplash

5.  Güell Park - Barcelona- An artistic architectural attraction that is made up of vibrantly colorful mosaic pieces that adorn the structures of the park. Take in the whimsical color combinations and see what this park has to offer.

Photo Credit: Derek Story on Unsplash

MUST EAT Spain Gay-Friendly Dining

Spain is world-famous for its cuisine. Its cultural melting pot has influenced the food that Spain is famous for. While visiting, you hear the term “Tapas”. “Tapas” are small plates, almost like an appetizer, being served at a table. You are encouraged to have a few or make an entire meal from it. Aside from the Tapas, Spain has other famous dishes that it's known for such as: 

• Paella -  One would say that it is Spain's most famous dish, which comes from the Valencia region. Paella is a rice dish that could have chicken, sausage, shrimp, or other meats and veggies. Saffron is used in this dish which gives its unique taste and famous golden color. 
• Papas Bravas-  A tapas favorite! Potatoes that have been fried in olive oil, a spicy Pimenton (A spicy Paprika seasoning), and stock. 
• Tortilla Española - This well-known Spanish dish, known as a Spanish Omelet” has sauteed eggs, slow-fried potatoes, and onions at its base that can be filled with different meats to create a filling dish. 
• Gazpacho- A chilled and flavourful tomato style soup that is popular in the summer months 
• Gambas al Ajillo - A popular tapas dish made up of shrimps sauteed in olive oil and garlic. 

Photo Credit:  Denis Schmidt on Unsplash

MUST VISIT: Spain Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife

Both Madrid and Barcelona are known for their LGBTQ+ communities and nightlife. In Madrid, the “Chueca'' neighborhood is known for its party scene and also its friendly welcoming neighborhood. Chueca has restaurants, book stores, saunas, bars, and clubs. It's completely normal for bars to fill up and spill into the streets. Also, the nightlife is known to go on until the early hours of the morning. So if the nightlife calls your name, Madrid is the place for you. 

Photo Credit:  Mike Swigunski on Unsplash

Barcelona, on the other hand, also has a vibrant nightlife scene and neighborhood as well beautiful beaches and even a gay beach! The neighborhood of “Gayxample” is where you will find the bars, clubs, bookstores and cafes, and saunas.  It still has a big nightlife scene that will guarantee to entertain and entice you. Beyond the gay district, you will also find the gothic quarter that you can get lost in and explore the architecture and history that it has to offer. While Barcelona has slightly smaller gay nightlife than Madrid, it definitely makes up for it with the beaches, gay beach scene, and gorgeous architecture. 

In the end, depending on what type of vacation you are looking for, both Madrid and Barcelona will be able to cater and accommodate you in whatever parting or relaxation you desire.

Travel Safety Tips

As mentioned, Spain is very welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. Both Madrid and Barcelona have communities that have gay bars, book stores, clubs, and beaches. While visiting these varied destinations - whether in the city, by the sea, or in the mountains, it's good to always be mindful of the environment around you. Be smart about what you carry around with you. Lock up any valuables in the hotel's safe, try not to carry too much cash on hand, and always ask the concierges about areas that one should avoid. Following some easy precautions will make for an unforgettable trip.

Photo Credit:  Marc Rafanell Lopez on Unsplash

Destinations within Spain