Considering Spain was a dictatorship in the 1970s, it’s gone through a fantastic metamorphosis to become what may be the most gay-affirming destination in the world. Nearly 90% of the population is 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 worldwide. 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 it to say, Spain is pretty damned gay.
Gay Villages in Spain
Madrid: Chueca
Barcelona: Eixample (aka ‘Gay-zample’)
Sitges: Literally the entire town is one gay village…
Pride and Gay Events in Spain
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 in Spain
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 guys and admirers
Sitges: Bears Bar for the fuzzier fellows
Sitges: BITCH Bar – Man Bar – XXL features 3 bars in 1
Sitges: Vertigo Dance Bar to bust out your dance moves
Best Lesbian Bars and Events in Spain
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. 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.
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 its best life in Madrid. It’s quite something, and opulence is an understatement.
1. Sagrada Familia
Under construction in 1822, this massive Barcelona basilica was the swan song of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. If in the city, seek out his other famous buildings.
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 is an ideal times 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)
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: Based on the entry requirements for Spain, there are no other vaccinations needed. To determine if you should take preventative measures to reduce the risk of illness, you should consult your doctor or a travel medical clinic, as 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.
Last updated on August 21, 2023. Disclaimer: The information provided was accurate at the time of publishing, but cannot be guaranteed.
