3* Atlantic Sun Beach

Gold by Marina has long been popular with LGBTQ+ travellers because it gets several things right at once: the Yumbo is about five minutes away, Playa del Inglés beach is similarly close, and the hotel itself feels stylish without becoming too formal. It’s adults only rather than specifically gay, but the atmosphere is very comfortable and relaxed, with two pools, regular music around the main pool and a second, quieter area when you’ve had enough socialising. Breakfast runs until midday — an extremely sensible policy in a resort where clubs can still be busy at breakfast time. GayMapper tip: a great couples’ choice if you want a stylish mainstream hotel but still intend to spend plenty of nights around the Yumbo.

Hotel Ritual Maspalomas puts you virtually beside the Yumbo, making it very easy to build your holiday around Gran Canaria’s gay scene without spending half the night waiting for taxis. This is an LGBTQ-focused, adults-only hotel with a much livelier personality than the small men-only bungalow complexes. The pool is the social heart of the property, with events and pool parties at times, and there’s also a designated nude zone. Rooms are unusually spacious, with large terraces and a choice between junior suites and apartments with kitchens. GayMapper tip: a strong option if nightlife and a sociable atmosphere matter more than disappearing somewhere quiet and secluded.

If your Gran Canaria plans revolve around the Yumbo, MUR Aparthotel Buenos Aires makes things almost absurdly easy: the entrance is only around 20 metres away. You can head back to the apartment between the afternoon terrace bars and the late-night clubs without turning it into an expedition. The accommodation is apartment-style rather than full hotel service, with kitchens, living areas and balconies, which makes it particularly useful for longer stays or anyone who doesn’t want to eat every meal out. There’s also a pool when spending the afternoon horizontal seems more appealing than sightseeing. Playa del Inglés beach is around a 10–15 minute walk away, and buses for other parts of the island stop nearby. GayMapper tip: one of the best-value choices if gay nightlife is the priority and you want the freedom of an apartment rather than a conventional hotel room.

AxelBeach Maspalomas - Apartments & Lounge Club - Adults Only is one of the more sociable options close to the Yumbo, and usually attracts a lively mix of gay travellers from across Europe. The Yumbo is around five minutes away on foot, so nights out require almost no planning. During the day, much of the action moves to the pool and Sky Bar, with DJs and events adding a bit more energy than you’ll find at the quieter bungalow resorts. Accommodation is apartment-style, giving you a separate living area and kitchenette rather than just a bedroom. GayMapper tip: particularly good for solo travellers and groups of friends who want plenty of opportunity to meet people and the nightlife right around the corner.

Sol Barbacan remains one of our favourite Gran Canaria choices because it works brilliantly for a longer holiday. You’re only a few minutes from the Yumbo, but the large gardens and bungalow areas give the place a surprisingly relaxed resort feel. You can choose between apartments in the main building or bungalows dotted through the gardens, with the latter giving you a private rooftop sun terrace. Multiple pools — including an adults-only one — make it very easy to spend a lazy day here before heading into the Yumbo later. It’s a mainstream resort and welcomes families too, but the location and spacious accommodation have made it consistently popular with gay travellers. GayMapper tip: an excellent all-rounder if you want nightlife close by but also enough space and facilities to enjoy a proper resort holiday.

Tajinaste Beach Gay Men Only is a small apartment complex tucked between the Yumbo and Playa del Inglés beach, so you don’t have to choose between nights out and easy days by the sea. There are only a handful of apartments, giving the place a much quieter and more independent feel than the big resorts. Each has its own kitchen and living space, while the shared pool and terrace provide somewhere to relax without much fuss. The Yumbo is around a ten-minute walk away, and the beach is even closer. GayMapper tip: a good fit if you prefer a small, low-key men-only stay and are happy looking after yourself rather than wanting full hotel service.