Spain has some of the most progressive attitudes toward gay people in Europe. Not only do gay and lesbian couples enjoy the same marriage rights as heterosexual couples, but they also have the same rights for adoption. In the big cities, like Madrid and Barcelona, there is no sexual discrimination allowed and gay people are a visible part of the community. Gay couples can walk freely hand in hand without fear of harassment. The same is also true in smaller seaside towns like Sitges, where gay and straight couples mix freely without any issues. This is not the case, however, in the more traditional small villages of Spain where the Catholic religion still holds sway.
Most Spanish cities have a gay scene and a number of gay bars. The main areas of interest for gay tourists, however, are the cities of Madrid and Barcelona, the town of Stiges and the island of Gran Canaria.
In Madrid you'll find over 40 gay clubs and bars catering to all tastes, plus a number of saunas. Barcelona's nightlife is a little more sedate than Madrid's, but it still has over 30 bars to choose from. It is on the coast so you also have a gay beach to visit in the summer months.
A little further down the coast you'll come to the town of Stiges, which has become a hub for gay tourists in the summer months looking to relax by the beach. Gran Canaria is a Spanish island located off the western coast of Africa which has been popular with gay tourists for decades. The gay scene there is located in the Yumbo Commercial Center and every year the island sees its own pride event take place in May.
Spain plays host to many gay events during the year. The most famous include the Madrid gay pride event known as Orgullo, which regularly attract hundreds of thousands of revelers every year. The event takes place every year during the first week of July and features street parties, culminating in an extravagant parade of floats and performers. A month later Barcelona holds its own week-long gay celebration known as Circuit Festival. Taking place every August, the festival features a week of parties and fiestas held in an array of nightclubs, beach bars and waterparks.
The best time for gay travelers to travel to Spain is during the summer months. In early July you'll find Madrid busy with its pride celebrations, while in August Barcelona gears up for its Circuit Festival. These months are the hottest in Spain, with Madrid seeing average temperatures of 88 degrees F and Barcelona hitting highs of 82 degrees.
If you want to stay away from the big cities of Madrid and Barcelona and their annual parties, and are looking for something a little more provincial but every bit as gay, then head to Torremolinos. The holiday resort town is located on Spain's southern coast of the Costa del Sol and benefits from year-round sunshine. Its gay area, known as La Nogalera, has undergone a face-lift with a major renovation program and is home to over 20 bars and clubs.
