The Canary Islands offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy beaches with a mild climate and a vibrant LGBTQ life during the coldest months of the year.
Winter can be grey, never-ending and gruelling in certain parts of the world. This is why we all need to flee the cold and fly to warmer climes from time to time. Grabbing a sunny getaway in the bleak midwinter and restocking with vitamins enables everyone to see life through fresh eyes.
Spending hours on the beach, enjoying a snack on a terrace underneath a palm tree or going out on the town: what's the correct choice? Whether you prefer one or all of these, the archipelago's the perfect destination!
Why visit the Canary Islands in winter?
Because the archipelago's temperature rarely drops below 20 degrees, hence the fact it has become the ideal destination to flee from the European winter and enjoy the best climate in the world. It doesn't matter which island you choose: Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, La Palma, La Gomera, El Hierro, La Graciosa and Gran Canaria in winter: all offer sunshine and a warm climate during the coldest months of the year.
LGBTQ-friendly events in winter
Yes, the Canary Islands are LGBTQ-friendly in their own right. But the good weather in winter means it's even more appealing to pay them a visit. There's the business of wearing fewer clothes, being outdoors and showing off your tan without having to wrap up warm. So, yes, the winter offers an endless range of activities designed for the LGBTQ community in the Canary Islands.
First we have legendary celebrations in Gran Canaria, such as Maspalomas Winter Pride, the Freedom Festival and the Maspalomas Carnival. These events attract thousands of people from all over the world to celebrate diversity in an atmosphere of respect and freedom. Winter Pride particularly is a spectacular event that combines parties on the beach, outdoor concerts and cultural activities spanning various days in November. If at the end of this anyone's still eager to enjoy the archipelago during the final days of the year there's the Freedom Festival. A unique way of ringing in the New Year, counting down the seconds at Yumbo Centrum and dancing at 20 degrees centigrade. Finally, the carnivals of the islands' various municipalities are famous for being the last word in openness and inclusivity, with their Drag Galas playing the starring role. Particularly outstanding is the gala at the Las Palmas Carnival, the longest running of all and with its own unique flavour.
The Canary Islands in winter: more than sun and sand
Spending part of winter on one of these marvellous islands means not only enjoying sunshine and beaches. Though many people come for this, the archipelago offers so much more, especially to those who seek outdoor adventures or moments when they can completely switch off. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, La Graciosa and Fuerteventura are perfect for discovering beaches, volcanic landscapes and spectacular walks. La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro on the other hand offer a quieter atmosphere, ideal for immersing yourself in unspoilt nature, hiking or enjoying star-filled skies. Whichever island you choose, the Canary Islands are the perfect destination for any kind of traveller.
LGTBI-friendly life
One of the great advantages of spending a spell in the archipelago is that all its islands offer an extremely warm welcome to the LGBTQ community. In places like Maspalomas and Playa del Inglés, in Gran Canaria, you'll find many LGBTQ-friendly hotels, apartments and bungalows, designed to make you feel right at home from the very first moment. But it's not just Gran Canaria that's outstanding in this respect. Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Lanzarote also have a wide range of LGBTQ accommodation and leisure offerings, as well as an inclusive and respectful attitude across the length and breadth of the islands. In Gran Canaria, the iconic Yumbo Centrum is the only leisure centre in the world dedicated exclusively to LGBTQ consumers, and is the epicentre of the island's nightlife. With a large number of bars, discos and restaurants, this location is infused with energy until the early hours of the morning. And while Gran Canaria stands out, the spirit of respect, diversity and freedom is evident in all the islands, making the Canaries the ideal destination for enjoying holidays in a safe and free atmosphere all year round.
In short, there's no better place for leaving the low temperatures behind and enjoying a spectacular ambience. The Canary Islands: Who mentioned winter?
