During the dark days of the repressive Francoist dictatorship in Spain (1936-1975) when there was extreme hostility towards homosexuality, the Canary Islands were a popular place to exile people who broke social rules and were perceived as being “different”. Gran Canaria has always been a beacon of tolerance, which is why it has mushroomed into the gay haven it is today. There's always something happening in Gran Canaria, which is why we love it! It is 365 days of complete fabulousness, with gay events taking place throughout the year. We certainly rate Gran Canaria as one of our favourite gay holiday destinations in Europe as well as one of the top gay travel destinations in the world. Part of the Canary Islands archipelago, this teeny unassuming Spanish Island, located just 93 miles (150 km) off the northwestern coast of Africa (between the Moroccon and Western Saharan waters). Gran Canaria is one of the gayest places in the world. Picture a 4-storey giant shopping centre full of gay bars, shops, clubs, drag bars, restaurants… basically, a colossal gay playground! This is the Jumbo Centre, the beating heart and soul of Gran Canaria's gay scene.
