Explore Gay Benidorm.

Gay Benidorm.

What's it really like?

Among Spain’s many coastal resorts, Benidorm is a rare thing: as popular with British and European tourists as it is with Spaniards looking for a relaxed time in the sun, it manages to preserve a surprising amount of local charm alongside the hotel blocks and the shot bars.

If you’re from the UK, you probably know Benidorm from the ever-popular TV show of the same name, which depicts the town as a destination for boozy Brits who want to party all night and wake up the following morning to a full English breakfast in their all-inclusive hotel. This type of tourism is very much a part of Benidorm, and this is a great place to come if that’s exactly the type of thing you’re looking for.

But there is definitely more to the place. Nestled in the Old Town, you’ll find picturesque squares, longstanding local bars filled with old timers, a thriving Basque-inspired foodie culture, and everything you could want from an authentic Spanish town.

Luckily for us, the Old Town is also home to gay Benidorm’s impressive gayborhood. Over thirty bars and clubs are grouped together in a very small area, making for some of the best gay pub-crawling on the Spanish coast. It’s a mix of laid-back terraces and more clubby, cruisey bars, so there is something for everyone. Just head down to Calle Quatro Esquinas or Calle Santa Faz after dinner (which, in Spain, is around 9 – 10 PM) and let the night run its course.

Aside from the generous selection of gay Benidorm cruise bars, there are also two gay saunas in Benidorm. H2O is the larger one, with modern facilities and a handy location about 5 minutes from the main gay area. JJ Private Bar-Sauna is located a little further away from the city center and is frequented by mature guys, mostly locals and expats.

There is not an official gay beach, but as always, there are a few local spots that are especially popular with an LGBT crowd. The gayest is Raco del Conill, a nudist beach that sits about 6km outside of town – a taxi is the best way to reach it. Alternatively, the central beaches of Levante and Poniente each have their own gay corners – look for Don Cesar cafe in Levante and Refuel Cafe in Poniente, both near the Old Town.

Benidorm’s gay pride takes place every September, bringing the summer Pride season to a close in style. During this time, the town gets significantly gayer, especially as the peak season families and (straight) party groups have mostly returned home. This is a great time to come, with great weather, quieter hotels, and plenty of gay partying and entertainment.

Most visitors to Benidorm spend their days nursing their hangovers by the pool or the beach, but there is plenty on offer for more those who want something more active. You can try your hand at various watersports, go souvenir shopping at a local market, or even go for a day trip at one of the nearby regional wineries. For thrill-seekers, Benidorm is also home to Spain’s largest waterpark, Aqualandia, and a theme park, Tierra Mitica.

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Benidorm's Gay Nightlife

Benidorm gay bars scene is built on the casual, sit back, relax, and hang out vibe. The bars don’t have any attitude, and everyone is welcome. Tourists are made to feel incredibly welcome, and many come away claiming to have made life-long friends even after a single night out.

There aren’t any fixed schedules for entertainment, but a few bars, Brief Encounter and Betty Boo’s have the occasional drag show. The bars are all located on two parallel streets in Benidorm’s gay village in Old Town: Carrer D’Alacant and Carrer de Santa Faç. As they’re all so close, competition is fierce, and prices reflect that.

Cruise bars with dark rooms are popular in Benidorm, and there are two that have been there for decades: Bear’s Bar and Kuma Bar Benidorm.

Most of the bars in gay Benidorm are cash only, so be prepared before you head out.

Brief Encounter

A Fun Vibe in the Gayborhood

Molino Benidorm

Drag, Cabaret and Go-Go Boys

Spirit Bar

Dance the Night Away

Play.

Gay Saunas, Cruising & Massage

Three of Benidorm’s gay clubs are located in the gay village area of Old Town, within walking distance of each other: Bar Mercury, Spirit Bar, and New People. The other two are located 1 km away; New Incognito is west, and Molino is north.

Cruising is common in gay Benidorm bars and clubs, and three of the five gay nightclubs have dark rooms and porn videos playing.

Most clubs in gay Benidorm are cash only, so be sure to visit an ATM on the way.

Copper Private Club

The First Fetish Cruising Club in Benidorm

H2O Sauna Benidorm

The Only Gay Sauna in Benidorm

New People Benidorm

Dance and Cruise in the Gay Village

Benidorm's Gay-Friendly Hotels

If you are in the mood for classic Benidorm party vibes, stay on the bustling Levante side; if you like something quieter, Poniente is more chilled-out beach.

Gay Benidorm hotel options can feel like a mass of nondescript all-inclusive resorts catering to British families, but there are gems if you know where to look. Many hotels have freshened up their interiors with sleek modern designs in past years, and there are several lovely boutique options. In the more traditional old town, you’ll find old-fashioned independent hotels, all offering very good value right in the middle of the gayborhood.

4 Popular Upscale Resorts

HOT LIST

10 Best Hotels in Benidorm for Gay Travelers

Tours.

Benidorm's Best Tours and Activities

Segway Thrills: Glide Through Benidorm’s Hot Spots and History

Kick off your Segway adventure in Benidorm with a quick training session before cruising through the city’s mix of modern glam and old-school charm. Glide past the City Hall, bullring, and the spots where legends like Julio Iglesias began—no better way to see this buzzing resort.

2 hours
$47 USD
Jeep Adventure to Guadalest and Algar Falls: Costa Blanca's Wild Side

Hop in a rugged 4x4 and cruise through Costa Blanca’s stunning landscapes on a full-day trip to Guadalest and Algar Falls. Experience panoramic views, chill in crystal-clear waters, and take a dip in natural pools. Plus, stop in Guadalest for tapas and town charm. Pure adventure, no filter needed.

7 hours
$73 USD
Gay-Friendly Electric Bike Tour: Ride Through Benidorm, La Cala & Villajoyosa

Hop on an electric bike and cruise through Costa Blanca’s hottest spots—Benidorm, La Cala, and Villajoyosa. Glide past vibrant streets, scenic beaches, and colorful coastal homes, with a pit stop at the Valor Chocolate Museum for a sweet treat. Effortless, scenic, and totally Insta-worthy.

4 hours
$47 USD

Guide.

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Gays and the Law

As a whole, Spain is a very tolerant country of homosexuality. In fact, a 2013 study found it to have the highest rate of homosexual acceptance (88%) of all countries polled. Despite having only recently emerged from a troubled history of fascism, the country developed progressive gender and sexuality laws very quickly and is now amongst the best in the world for LGBT rights.

Gay Benidorm is a popular tourist resort and a historically gay-friendly place – the first gay bar in town opened in the 60s, when the country was still under fascist Franco rule. Gay visitors are openly welcome and should not face any hassle, especially within the Old Town.

Better2Know Benidorm is the most convenient place to get a test in town. Better2Know are a well-established chain of private clinics across Spain, with efficient and bilingual service. That said, as a private clinic, prices are relatively high. A 28-day HIV test costs €125 and a full STI screen €295. A taxi to central Malaga takes about 20 minutes, or there are regular direct bus services from Torremolinos.

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