The spectacular Spanish island of Tenerife is a potpourri of cultural and natural beauty. It is home to Spain’s highest peak, white-sand beaches, quaint ancient towns, and some of the best LGBTQ revelry grounds in the world. The gay-friendly island, along with its neighbor Gran Canaria, is famously home to some amazing gay bars and clubs. The laidback island has long been a favorite with gay holidaymakers looking for a great sun-sand-sea-and-sex holiday. They’ve also driven up the demand for gay hotels in Tenerife. Today, they range from party-oriented eclectic places to beachfront luxury accommodations.
Not for nothing is Tenerife one of the most welcoming gay-friendly islands in the world. It has a fabulous LGBTQ scene spread across the easternmost Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Costa Adeje, and Los Cristianos in the south, and the capital Puerto de la Cruz in the north. The island boasts a wealth of gay beaches, right from Playa Troya and Playa de la Tejita in the south to the cruisy Playa Martiánez in Puerto de la Cruz. The massive open-air swimming complex of Lago Martianez has an unofficial gay section. Plus, Tenerife hosts one of the grandest carnivals in the world, the Carnival Of Santa Cruz De Tenerife. It is particularly known for its inclusivity and even hosts drag queens. What’s more, Tenerife has its own version of Pride, the ARN Culture & Business Pride which promotes the growth of LGBTQ culture.
It’s no wonder that Tenerife has tons of choices for gay-friendly hotels for every kind of LGBTQ traveler. Check out the top 11 gay hotels in Tenerife and choose an amazing base for your Spanish island vacation.
Table of contents
- Playaflor Chill-out Resort
- Red Level Gran Melia Palacio de Isora
- Boutique Hotel San Roque
- H10 Conquistador
- Hotel Barceló Santiago
- Endless Summer House Hostel
- Villa Maspalmeras
- 4Dreams Chimisay
- Hotel Troya
- Hotel Botánico and The Oriental Spa Garden
- Europe Villa Cortes GL
- Get Some Culture in Tenerife:
- Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Tenerife:
- Best Gay Saunas in Tenerife:
Playaflor Chill-out Resort
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The adults-only, gay-friendly Playaflor Chill-Out Resort is the ultimate playground on the dazzling Playa de las Americas. The resort channels an excellent seaside vibe with a blinding-white building with beautiful pops of blue. It’s a great value accommodation perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation by the ocean.
Playaflor offers spacious apartment units with bedrooms, kitchenettes, and living areas as well. Some of them boast balconies and patios with great views of the ocean which is perfect for enjoying your morning cuppa. Playaflor boasts of an equally amazing set of amenities. A serene Buddha statue sits right by the sun-kissed outdoor pool with white sun loungers and is the very picture of serenity. Furthermore, the famous eponymous ‘chill-out’ terrace bar is peppered with lots of seating space and potted plants. The breezy space enjoys amazing views of the ocean and is a gay hotspot of sorts, making it a great place for meeting cute locals.
If that wasn’t enough, Playaflor sits right across from the fabulous gay beach of Playa Troya. Plus, the Babylon Disco Gay Club is right across from the resort.
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Red Level Gran Melia Palacio de Isora
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LGBTQ travelers looking for an exclusive lap of luxury in Tenerife will find the Red Level to be suiting all their decadent needs. The adults-only, gay-friendly boutique hotel lies within the Gran Meliá Palacio de Isora hotel grounds, but that’s where the commonalities end. The Red Level boasts of its own staff, colonial-style reception, and even entrance.
A chrome-and-glass lobby with exposed brick walls, leather seats, and modern art is as understated as chicness at its best. The lobby opens onto the landscaped gardens and pool, which is Europe’s longest saltwater hotel infinity pool. Luxurious Balinese beds, sun loungers, and parasols make the pool a tranquil tropical oasis. Combine it with a steady stream of poolside drinks and snacks, and the Red Level pool is easily one of the best spots on the island. Moreover, as a Red Level guest, one even has priority booking at the spa. Food hankerings are taken very seriously as well. The day begins with a hearty breakfast served on the poolside terrace. What’s more, complimentary tea/coffee is served all day and an open evening bar sees unlimited servings of spirits, wines, and beers.
Rooms at Red Level are equally exclusive in their design and character. British hues like olive green and ochre set the stage for luxuriously stylish touches like mahogany shelves, designer lamps, and mood lighting. The bathrooms are similarly luxurious, with soaker tubs and mosaic tiling. We recommend the oceanview rooms with whirlpool tubs on the balcony for the jet set.
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Boutique Hotel San Roque
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LGBTQ couples looking for a romantic getaway away from the hustle and bustle of Tenerife’s main spots will find nothing better than the Boutique Hotel San Roque. The gay-friendly hotel is tucked away in the town of Garachico, which itself is nestled beneath a cliff. San Roque lies right in the center, a street away from the rocky promenade overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. From here, Puerto de la Cruz is a half-an-hour drive.
The baroque hotel is housed in a restored two-story manor house from the 18th century. An open, large courtyard sits in the center in traditional Canarian style, and original features like wooden floors and ochre walls have been retained. Modish aspects include designer furniture and contemporary art, which make for elegant digs. The relaxation space consists of a rooftop solarium as well as a gorgeous courtyard swimming pool. Also, a poolside, made-to-order breakfast is the best way to start off a heavenly day in Tenerife. The same poolside transforms into a romantic restaurant in the evening, serving Mediterranean and Canarian cuisine. Post dinner, curl up with a nightcap on the chairs in the courtyard and feast your eyes on a starry sky.
The 20 rooms at San Roque are traditionally Tenerifian in design and character. Set around the main courtyard, each room blends vibrant Canarian blue and teal hues with contemporary art and plush furniture. For a truly luxurious sojourn, upgrade to the Tower Suite atop the watchtower with its own rooftop solarium terrace with sweeping views of the Atlantic ocean.
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H10 Conquistador
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Gay travelers looking for the perfect beachfront accommodation should look no further than H10 Conquistador. The gay-friendly hotel lies right on Playa de las Americas. To top that, the gay scene at Costa Adeje with the spectacular Fiji Beach Club is barely a 10-minute drive. The hotel’s bi-level lobby has workspaces, multiple lounge areas, and an attractive lobby bar. The place is decked out in a refreshing tan-and-white color scheme. Scandi-style egg chairs and giant white ottomans make for absolutely comfy seating. The beach-meets-rustic chic look is completed with wicker chandeliers and seagrass area rugs.
However, H10’s long list of amenities is the one to watch out for. The freeform pool with Balinese beds and sun loungers is the place to relax. A chill-out area with gorgeous views of the ocean is a great place to, well, chill out. Couples can indulge in a soul-soothing treatment at the sensual, adult-only Despacio Thalasso Spa. The only pilates studio in Playa de las Americas is right next to the spa. The open-air game room and outdoor playgrounds are great for teaming up with adventurous and social travelers and making new friends. What’s more, evening activities include live Caribbean music and flamenco dancing.
Albeit relatively small in space, the rooms at H10 Conquistador are well-designed with contemporary art and hi-tech mod-cons. In the highest-level Privilege rooms, guests have access to the sixth-floor Privilege lounge with a hot tub, roof terrace, loungers, and even a la carte breakfasts.
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Hotel Barceló Santiago
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Cacti-filled gardens, smoked glass, and volcanic stone set the tone for the chic gay-friendly Hotel Barceló Santiago. The largely glass-walled hotel offers what is possibly some of the best views in all of Tenerife.
Rooms exude seriously amazing oceanic vibes and are dressed in papaya, silver, and ice-blue shades. The spacious and sexy rooms also have verandahs with partial or complete views of the ocean. Travelers looking to splurge should upgrade to the corner junior suites with a slew of mod-cons, bathrobes, and views of both Los Gigantes and la Gomera.
When it comes to amenities at Barcelo Santiago, travelers have heaps of options. Two infinity swimming pools, one of which is heated during winter, make for the best relaxation space on the property. Lounge on the sunbeds and enjoy views of the turquoise ocean punctuated by La Gomera and the Los Gigantes cliffs. Those looking for rejuvenation can book massages at the spa and wellness center in the basement. Gym rats will find a small gym right next to it. What’s more, guests don’t have to look too far, even for evening entertainment. The hotel hosts themed concerts and shows at the Theater Bar.
Hotel Barcelo Santiago is ideal for those looking for stylish digs for their Tenerife vacation. It’s also perfect for intrepid enthusiasts who want to explore Tenerife’s best attractions, including Tiede National Park, Los Gigantes, and Cueva del Viento.
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Endless Summer House Hostel
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LGBTQ budget travelers looking for value-for-money gay hotels in Tenerife will love Endless Summer House. The adults-only hostel is located in the heart of the beautiful Costa Adeje and is just a short walk from the gay beach at Playa Troya. Plus, the famous Siam Park waterpark is just 10 minutes from the hostel. If that wasn’t enough, the southwest coast of Tenerife, where Costa Adeje lies, is the natural habitat of pilot whales and dolphins. Don’t miss an opportunity to go on this wonderful 2-3-hour whale-watching tour and explore the gorgeous southwestern coast of Tenerife.
Guests have the options of both dorms and private rooms, all equipped with mod-cons, work desks, and even terry towels and bathrobes. Endless Summer House is a fantastic place to meet new people. A TV/leisure room is perfect for doing some reading or catching up with fellow guests. The charming garden area and the terrace are great for lounging around. The well-stocked communal kitchen is great if you want to make your own meals or even indulge in cooking sessions with cute fellow travelers. There’s even a free, buffet-style breakfast to get you started for the day. Plus, the hostel hosts weekly barbeque parties, which is a great way of mingling with people. What’s more, for-rent cars and bicycles are extremely useful for exploring the gorgeous Costa Adeje.
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Villa Maspalmeras
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Gay travelers looking for a men-only relaxing hideaway in Tenerife should look no further than the gay-only, adults-only Villa Maspalmeras. The gorgeous villas are located in the village of Cuesta de la Villa, which is a 15-minute drive from the capital Puerto de la Cruz.
The Spanish-style villa is truly a retreat and is surrounded by 200 sq. meters of beautifully manicured gardens. The clothing-optional area around the heated swimming pool is perfect for relaxing and steamy first impressions. It also offers stunning views of the Orotava Valley, Mount Teide, and the ocean. The garden and terrace with alfresco seating are perfect places for striking interesting conversations or curling up with a cuppa or a book. Guests can work out in the fitness room, which is also an ideal spot for meet-cutes. There’s even a guestroom with a TV to lounge around simply.
The units at Villa Maspalmeras are both ensuite and self-catered, and guests are allowed a run of the villa kitchen. What’s more, overnight guests are also allowed, which is great after a day of cruising fun at Playa Martiánez in Puerto de la Cruz.
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4Dreams Chimisay
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LGBTQ travelers looking for budget accommodation in the heart of the capital, Puerto de la Cruz, will find the gay-friendly 4Dreams Hotel Chimisay perfect. Albeit a little dated, the hotel is one of the best gay-friendly hotels in Tenerife for exploring the gay scene in Puerto de la Cruz. It’s a five-minute walk from some of Tenerife’s best gay bars, like Despato and Habasko. Plus, the gay cruising beach Playa Martianez is just 15 minutes away.
A quaint hallway with mauve carpets, low-tiled ceilings, and potted plants greets travelers, amping up what is a slightly drab hallway. However, the rooftop terrace with umbrellas, sunbeds, and striking views of the city is an excellent relaxation space. There’s even a small pool that will bode well for those who like a swim in cold waters. For a small fee, guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast with a spread of cold and hot items. Rooms keep it simple with basic mod-cons, white-painted wooden beds, and mauve bedspreads that channel the hotel’s color scheme. Higher-floor rooms even have balconies with great mountains and ocean views. For those on a tight budget, the 4Dreams Hotel is ideal.
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Hotel Troya
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LGBTQ water babies looking for value-for-money beachfront accommodation with exciting water-based fun in Tenerife will love the gay-friendly Hotel Troya. The hotel lies opposite Playa Troya, which offers many thrilling water activities like the Fly Fish. If you’re also keen on exploring at the same time, we’d recommend this hour-long, guided jet-ski tour of the southern coast of Tenerife. In fact, there’s a poolside gate at the hotel which has direct access to Troya beach.
A retro facade holds within its folds the most modern slew of amenities available under the sun. The 11,000-sq-.feet-huge spa is decadent to the hilt, complete with Turkish and Roman baths, a sauna, and what-not. It even has glowing violet lights, making for a psychedelic ambiance as you relax every cell in your body. A sleek sun terrace with sofas, sunbeds, and Balinese beds is ‘the’ space to relax on the property. The well-equipped fitness center works well for gym rats, and the hotel even offers yoga, Zumba, and water aerobics classes. There is even a plethora of rooftop sports facilities available too. The large pool is great for a swim before grabbing a drink and some delish finger food at the pool bar.
Guests can choose rooms across four categories – Standard, Family, Club Alexandre, and Junior Suites. Private furnished balconies, a set of hi-tech mod-cons, and soundproofing are a part of all rooms. Upgrade to Club Alexandre or Junior Suites to enjoy perks like minibars, free slippers and bathrobes, and Nespresso coffeemakers.
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Hotel Botánico and The Oriental Spa Garden
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Discerning LGBTQ travelers looking for old-school luxury will find it in the luxuriously charming Hotel Botánico and the Oriental Spa Garden. This gay-friendly, refined sanctuary is located right opposite the historic, eponymous botanical gardens in Puerto de la Cruz.
Built way back in 1975, the hotel is a place of utter tranquility and features majestic artwork and plush carpeting. True to its name, the hotel boasts stunning, manicured gardens that feature a huge pond with turtles, koi carp, and black swans. There’s also a herb garden and a heavenly outdoor pool in the same place. Tree-shaded sitting areas are peppered all over and are the perfect contemplation and relaxation spaces on the property. The spa is another story and is nestled in Asian-themed gardens around a lagoon-style pool. Clearly, one begins to feel relaxed here even before the treatments begin. Apart from these, Hotel Botanico also boasts of a lovely piano lounge, billiards room, gym, and a putting green. Also, the day begins with an ambrosial buffet breakfast by the pool.
Rooms at the hotel ooze similar laidback-luxury vibes with floor-to-ceiling windows, heavy drapes, and floral upholstery. For the best experience, book a room with balconies that have views of Mount Teide. This is why it’s also one of the 11 Best Hotels in Tenerife.
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Europe Villa Cortes GL
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Modern five-star luxury comes to Playa de las Americas in the form of the gay-friendly Europe Villa Cortes GL. The hotel sits on the ‘golden mile’ of Playa de las Americas, facing the blue waters of the North Atlantic ocean. For young LGBTQ travelers with deep pockets, this is one of Tenerife’s most luxurious gay hotels.
Designed in typical Mexican hacienda style, the hotel boasts of the most vibrant set of colors – tangerine, vermilion, and marigold with splashes of fuchsia. Ibero-American artifacts are peppered all over the patio gardens and fountains. The hotel radiates a romantic courtyard effect with its Arabic-tiled roofs and wrought-iron balconies. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even a mock-Mayan temple with a Catholic chapel at the top. On the other hand, modish features include the massive swimming pool with cascades and mock cliffs, making it also one of the 11 Best Hotel Pools In Tenerife. The Balinese beds and sun loungers around the pool, the terrace, and the manicured grounds are perfect relaxation spots. Besides, the luxuriant wellness center will soak away any remaining stresses.
If that wasn’t enough, rooms at Europe Villa Cortes GL go a step further in channeling the luxurious vibe. Mahogany furniture and funky art make the room regal and contemporary at the same time. Royal blue and crimson accents make up the comfy soft furnishings, including the sleep-inducing bed. To top it all, the room is spacious to boot.
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Get Some Culture in Tenerife:
- Tenerife Pride: The ARN Culture and Business Pride are what Tenerife Pride is officially known as. The five-day festivities unite the LGBTQ, cultural, and business worlds with multiple events. These include film series, literary conferences, exhibitions, and concerts.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Tenerife:
- Babylon Disco Pub – This gay club has great vibes, a DJ playing foot-tapping music, and weekend camp drag shows.
- Agua de Coco – An extremely gay-friendly bar with a gorgeous-looking staff and perfect for meet-cutes.
- Despanto – This fun gay disco bar in Puerto de la Cruz’s gay neighborhood boasts of a gorgeous boy crowd.
- Anderson Gay Pub & Show Bar – This gay bar has been somewhat of an institution in Puerta de la Cruz’s gay scene.
- Bar Habasko – This gay bar in Puerto de la Cruz boasts of fabulous cocktails.
- Magic Lounge Bar – The magic never spots at this amazing musical-themed gay bar in Playa de las Americas.
- Galeón Lounge – This gay club in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has sexy go-go boys and sultry-themed nights.
Best Gay Saunas in Tenerife:
- Sauna Stonewall – This gay sauna in Playa de la Americas has video rooms, glory holes, and a dark room with a maze. The steamy fun is found in the jacuzzi, and Turkish bath.