Reds Club

After a day soaking up the sunshine on Maspalomas gay beach, there's one particularly tempting reason to stop at the Cita Centre on your way home: Café Wien. This legendary gay-friendly café is famous for its generous slices of homemade cake, excellent coffee and welcoming atmosphere, attracting generations of visitors who have turned an afternoon treat into a holiday tradition. Located on an upper terrace of the shopping centre, Café Wien is particularly popular with German-speaking visitors, although its wonderfully mixed crowd gives it an international feel. The display of cakes is the main attraction, with classic European favourites and tempting daily choices making it almost impossible to choose just one. It can get busy in the late afternoon, but that's part of the fun. A Gran Canaria institution that proves gay holidays aren't all about nightlife.

When the Yumbo's terrace bars start getting quieter, Mykonos is one of the places where the party continues. This hugely popular gay music bar occupies an upper level of the centre, attracting a predominantly younger international crowd with pop anthems, commercial dance music and an atmosphere that's particularly energetic in the early hours. Large video screens, colourful lighting and a lively dance area create a proper clubbing atmosphere, while the sociable crowd makes it easy to meet people between songs. There's also a separate men-only cruising area for visitors seeking something more adventurous. Mykonos is particularly appealing if you prefer mainstream pop and familiar dance hits to serious electronic music, and its location beside Mantrix makes it an easy place to begin the late-night part of your evening.

For a night of German and Dutch party music with plenty of singing along, Macho Macho is one of the most entertaining stops in the Yumbo. This longstanding gay-friendly bar has been welcoming visitors since the 1990s, with a wonderfully informal atmosphere that makes it easy to join in the fun. The soundtrack is the main attraction, with a lively selection of Schlager, Dutch favourites and familiar party anthems encouraging guests to sing, dance and enjoy themselves. The crowd tends towards mature visitors, particularly from Germany and the Netherlands, although everyone is welcome. There's outdoor seating for relaxing between dances, while the friendly staff and enthusiastic regulars create a sociable atmosphere. A fun alternative to the electronic music and commercial pop dominating some of the neighbouring clubs.

For a friendly, relaxed drink with a distinctly European atmosphere, Adonis is one of the Yumbo's most established gay bars. Occupying a comfortable terrace in the Six Pack area, it attracts an international crowd, with a particularly loyal following among German visitors. Adonis is the sort of bar where attentive service and good conversation are the main attractions. The drinks menu includes cocktails, German beers, coffee and refreshing non-alcoholic options, making it equally appealing for an early-evening stop or a leisurely night with friends. Its terrace is ideally positioned for watching the colourful parade of people exploring the Yumbo, while the atmosphere is generally calmer than the neighbouring party bars. A good choice for mature visitors and anyone who prefers a sociable evening without loud music.

For the final stop on a big night out in Gran Canaria, Mantrix is the Yumbo's best-known gay nightclub. Located on the upper level beside Mykonos, this longstanding favourite attracts an enthusiastic international crowd for electronic music, dancing and the kind of late-night atmosphere that keeps going long after the surrounding bars have closed. Mantrix doesn't really get going until the early hours, with resident DJs playing commercial house, dance remixes and energetic club tracks through a powerful sound system. The spacious dance floor is the main attraction, drawing visitors who want to make the most of every minute of their holiday nightlife. Expect a predominantly younger crowd, plenty of flirting and an atmosphere that becomes increasingly lively towards dawn. It's the obvious choice for anyone who isn't ready for bed just yet.

For a serious cruising experience in the heart of the Yumbo, Strong Construction is one of Gran Canaria's best-established men-only clubs. Located on the ground floor of the centre, this spacious venue has a distinctly industrial atmosphere, with dark interiors, dedicated cruising areas and a sociable bar where visitors can relax before exploring further. The facilities include private cabins, darkrooms and different areas for meeting other men, attracting an international crowd with a wide range of ages and interests. Unlike the more conventional gay bars nearby, Strong Construction focuses firmly on cruising rather than music or entertainment, making it particularly appealing for visitors who know what they're looking for. Admission charges and locker arrangements apply, so check the current entrance policy before visiting. It's busiest later in the evening, especially during major Pride and fetish events.