The Best LGBTQ Bars in Tenerife

Part of the super gay-friendly and ‘opened-minded’ Playaflor apartment complex in Playa de las Americas, this Moroccan-styled bar is a popular pre-party hang out largely thanks to its huge outside terrace and relaxed atmosphere. Drinks prices are also very reasonable, and they serve a decent menu of cocktails and snacks.

Due to the accident at Butterfly Club in 2017 (collapsed dance floor), the club’s entire team moved to Babylon Disco Gay Pub located just south of Troya Beach in Playa de las Americas. Expect a fun-filled atmosphere packed with humour, bright colours and glitter – as well as some great performances by drag queens, dancers and other performers. There’s also a dark room, cabins, and a cruising area for hook-ups.

Established in 1982, the landmark Anderson Gay Pub & Show Bar is certainly one of the more seasoned of its kind. It’s located in the heart of the gay area of Avenida Betancourt y Molina in Puerto de la Cruz on the island’s north coast. Visitors can sit back and enjoy a drink while watching a range of cabaret shows, including drag queen shows, go-go dancers and male strippers. The atmosphere is fun and friendly, and there’s a cruising area in the back.

The biggest LGBTQ-friendly disco pub in Puerto de La Cruz, Despanto offers great cabaret shows and DJs playing dance-floor fillers until late. Admission is free, and there are regular themed parties – this is also one of the island’s busiest gay-friendly bars, so expect late-night, up-for-it crowds.

The Galeón Lounge is a small and popular LGBTQ bar in the heart of Tenerife’s capital Santa Cruz. Expect regular themed parties with shows, go-go dancers, and regular live DJs playing house and trance music. The dance floor certainly isn’t huge, but the vibe is buzzy and welcoming to all.

A small and cozy gay bar run by German owner, Frank, in Puerto de La Cruz’s gay strip. Catering to a slightly older crowd, the atmosphere is friendly but more sedate that most, with low-level music, a small outside terrace, and plenty of repeat customers.

This gay-owned café and wine bar is located in Puerto de la Cruz, and makes for a fine place to relax with a glass or two of local wine. While the owners are certainly passionate about wine, there’s also a decent cocktail list and an excellent menu of light dishes.