5* Riu Palace Maspalomas

Birdcage Resort Gay Lifestyle Hotel is the more indulgent end of Playa del Inglés’ gay-resort scene, combining an intimate men-only atmosphere with a tropical setting only a short walk from the Yumbo. The gardens and clothing-optional pool area feel nicely secluded despite the central location, while rooms and suites have much more individual character than you’ll find in most of the big resort hotels. Breakfast on the terrace and attentive, personal service are both a big part of the experience here. GayMapper tip: one for a special trip if you want a boutique gay hotel, personal service and the Yumbo close enough to walk to.

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.

Atlantic Sun Beach - Gay Men Only gets a particularly good balance between beach and nightlife. Playa del Inglés beach is only around 100 metres away, while the Yumbo is close enough to walk to when the evening gets going. The small men-only complex is much calmer than staying directly beside the clubs, with apartments arranged around gardens and a pool. Naturism is allowed, and the overall feel is relaxed rather than party-driven. Each apartment has its own kitchen and balcony or terrace, so this also works well if you’re staying for more than a few nights and appreciate a little independence. GayMapper tip: a great choice if you want a gay men’s stay with both the beach and Yumbo accessible, but prefer somewhere peaceful when you come home.

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.

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.