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Spain is an amazing country to visit as a gay traveler. Firstly for its rich offerings of Western history. Secondly because it’s one of the most culturally liberal, LGBT-friendly countries on Earth. You can party your face off in Ibiza or walk with faith on a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago. The entire country is known for its laid-back attitude, with dinner often served as late as midnight.
Considering Spain was a dictatorship in the 1970s, it’s gone through an amazing metamorphosis to become what may be the most gay-affirming destination in the world. Nearly 90% of the population is totally cool with ‘los homosexuales’.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Spain has been full of gay hot spots since Roman times. Today, Madrid and Barcelona are among the most gay-welcoming cities in the world. Outside Barcelona, the resort town of Sitges is gay across the board. If you live to dance and club and party, Ibiza is the island where DJs are gods. And let’s not forget Gran Canaria – it’s as gay as islands get. There’s even a gay bar at the end of the very Catholic Camino de Santiago. Suffice to say, Spain is pretty damned gay.
Gay Villages
Madrid: Chueca
Barcelona: Eixample (aka ‘Gay-zample’)
Sitges: Literally the entire town is one gay village…
Pride and Gay Events
Madrid Pride: Annually in June
Barcelona Pride: Annually in June
Sitges Pride: Annually in June
LesGaiCineMad: Madrid’s LGBT film festival
Circuit Festival: Barcelona’s enormous dance party
Best Gay Bars
Madrid: Rick’s a popular place to grab drinks early in the night
Madrid: Bears Bar for furrier guys
Madrid: LL Bar features nightly drag shows
Madrid: Medaigual appeals to a mature crowd
Madrid: El Bulldog has broad appeal
Barcelona:Punto BCN has served the gaybourhood for years
Barcelona: Plata Bar for cocktails and people watching
Barcelona: Bacon Bear Bar for burly fellows
Best Lesbian Bars and Events
Lesbians rejoice! Spain is one of the best places in the world for lady-focused nightlife.
Barcelona: Aire Chicas has a list of events for women put on by the Arena group
Madrid: Escape is a female-focused nightclub that goes until 6AM
Ibiza: Velvet is a lesbian party weekend held every May
5. Sagrada Familia
Under construction since 1822, this Barcelona basilica was the swan song of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. If in the city make a point to seek out his other famous buildings.
4. The Alhambra
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Alhambra is a 9th century castle and fortress located in Granada.
3. Mallorca
This Balearic Island, and its capital of Palma, is known for its Moorish remains, modern culture and beach resorts.
2. Royal Palace
See how Spain’s monarchy lived their best life in Madrid. It’s really quite something, and opulence is an understatement.
1. The Camino de Santiago
This famous pilgrim route is just as popular with nature enthusiasts and hikers as it is with Christian pilgrims. It takes you through Galicia, Spain’s lush green north, where you can stay in local manor houses and ‘casa rurals’. If you complete the final one hundred kilometres, you’ll even receive a certificate verifying your pilgrimage.
Best Time to Visit: Given how sweltering the centre and south of Spain can get, not to mention the throngs of tourists, spring and fall are an ideal time to visit Spain. Up north in Galicia, where we hike the Camino de Santiago, the climate is cooler thanks to the ocean. This makes it an ideal summer destination.
Electricity: Type F sockets
Time Zone: Western European Time and Central European Time (UTC, UTC+1)
Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: As part of the European Union’s Schengen Area, Canadians and Americans do not need a visa for stays less than 90 days, but ensure your passport is valid for six months. There may be exceptions. Click here for more info.
LGBT Rights in Spain
Considering Spain was a dictatorship in the 1970s, it’s gone through an amazing metamorphosis to become what may be the most gay-affirming destination in the world. Nearly 90% of the population is totally cool with ‘los homosexuales’.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Illegal
Lesbian Spain Travel
Spain has been full of gay hot spots since Roman times. Today, Madrid and Barcelona are among the most gay-welcoming cities in the world. Outside Barcelona, the resort town of Sitges is gay across the board. If you live to dance and club and party, Ibiza is the island where DJs are gods. And let’s not forget Gran Canaria – it’s as gay as islands get. There’s even a gay bar at the end of the very Catholic Camino de Santiago. Suffice to say, Spain is pretty damned gay.
Gay Villages
Madrid: Chueca
Barcelona: Eixample (aka ‘Gay-zample’)
Sitges: Literally the entire town is one gay village…
Pride and Gay Events
Madrid Pride: Annually in June
Barcelona Pride: Annually in June
Sitges Pride: Annually in June
LesGaiCineMad: Madrid’s LGBT film festival
Circuit Festival: Barcelona’s enormous dance party
Best Gay Bars
Madrid: Rick’s a popular place to grab drinks early in the night
Madrid: Bears Bar for furrier guys
Madrid: LL Bar features nightly drag shows
Madrid: Medaigual appeals to a mature crowd
Madrid: El Bulldog has broad appeal
Barcelona:Punto BCN has served the gaybourhood for years
Barcelona: Plata Bar for cocktails and people watching
Barcelona: Bacon Bear Bar for burly fellows
Best Lesbian Bars and Events
Lesbians rejoice! Spain is one of the best places in the world for lady-focused nightlife.
Barcelona: Aire Chicas has a list of events for women put on by the Arena group
Madrid: Escape is a female-focused nightclub that goes until 6AM
Ibiza: Velvet is a lesbian party weekend held every May
Best Places to Visit in Spain
5. Sagrada Familia
Under construction since 1822, this Barcelona basilica was the swan song of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. If in the city make a point to seek out his other famous buildings.
4. The Alhambra
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Alhambra is a 9th century castle and fortress located in Granada.
3. Mallorca
This Balearic Island, and its capital of Palma, is known for its Moorish remains, modern culture and beach resorts.
2. Royal Palace
See how Spain’s monarchy lived their best life in Madrid. It’s really quite something, and opulence is an understatement.
1. The Camino de Santiago
This famous pilgrim route is just as popular with nature enthusiasts and hikers as it is with Christian pilgrims. It takes you through Galicia, Spain’s lush green north, where you can stay in local manor houses and ‘casa rurals’. If you complete the final one hundred kilometres, you’ll even receive a certificate verifying your pilgrimage.
More Info
Best Time to Visit: Given how sweltering the centre and south of Spain can get, not to mention the throngs of tourists, spring and fall are an ideal time to visit Spain. Up north in Galicia, where we hike the Camino de Santiago, the climate is cooler thanks to the ocean. This makes it an ideal summer destination.
Electricity: Type F sockets
Time Zone: Western European Time and Central European Time (UTC, UTC+1)
Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements, there are no immunizations needed for entry. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, consult with your doctor or a travel medical clinic. Out Adventures cannot provide vaccination recommendations.
Visas: As part of the European Union’s Schengen Area, Canadians and Americans do not need a visa for stays less than 90 days, but ensure your passport is valid for six months. There may be exceptions. Click here for more info.
