Homosexual Scene & Etiquette & Nudism

Topless sunbathing in Lanzarote is common on beaches and around hotel and apartment pools. Full nudity, however, is offensive to Lanzaroteños. There are, nevertheless, some beaches where nudity is tolerated. The best-known location in Lanzarote is the Papagayo beach area, just to the east of Playa Blanca. Here you’ll find several small bays and coves, namely Playa del Papagayo (the largest), Playa de las Mujeres and Playa de Mola. There is also the purpose-built nudist resort of Charco del Palo (near Mala village on the northeast coast) with accommodation, restaurants and bars, shops and private beach facilities.

Beach ware is not appropriate when visiting churches.

Lanzarote’s homosexual scene is not as obvious, as it is – for example – on Gran Canaria. There are not many gay-oriented bars and pubs or accommodation, yet Lanzarote is the perfect place if you are looking for somewhere special to go with your partner.

On the Internet you will find a few Spanish gay and lesbian sites. The most comprehensive is www.guiagay.com but it is in Spanish only.

If you wish still further information, you may want to write to 'Colectivo de Gays y Lesbianas da Las Palmas, Apartado de Correos 707, 35080 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria'. They can provide you with information about gay groups on all the Canary Islands.