History of LGBTQIA+ Life in Benidorm 🌈

The LGBTQ+ history of Benidorm is a story of quiet beginnings blossoming into a vibrant, international symbol of diversity and inclusion. What started as a discreet retreat during difficult times has evolved into one of the most gay-friendly destinations in Southern Europe, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world.

When did Benidorm’s LGBTQ+ scene begin?

While Spain in the 1950s and 60s was far from tolerant, Benidorm offered something rare: sun, anonymity, and foreign tourism. These elements created an unusually open atmosphere compared to many other Spanish towns. By the late 1970s, with the rise of international tourism and the end of dictatorship, Benidorm’s first LGBTQ+-friendly bars began to quietly emerge.

👉 Fun fact: Pioneering venues like People Bar and Casper’s in the Old Town became early safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.

The 80s and 90s: Music, Visibility, and Community

As democracy and civil rights took hold, Benidorm’s LGBTQ+ visibility grew. The Old Town (Casco Antiguo), especially Calle Santa Faz, developed into the heart of the gay scene—a role it continues to play today.

🎶 In the 1990s, Benidorm was known for its lively nightlife, drag shows, and pop music parties, creating a welcoming atmosphere that attracted LGBTQ+ travelers from across Europe.

21st Century: Pride, Progress, and Open Celebration

Since the early 2000s, Benidorm has moved from being simply tolerant to becoming a flagship for inclusive tourism. Events like the Benidorm Pride Festival, launched in 2011, have grown to attract over 20,000 attendees annually. Other events like the Pink Weekend add even more colour to the calendar, combining live music, themed parties, and culture.

📍 Today, Benidorm proudly stands alongside Sitges, Ibiza and Torremolinos as one of Spain’s top LGBTQ+ destinations.

What makes Benidorm special for LGBTQ+ travelers?

• Welcoming atmosphere all year round

• Wide range of LGBTQ+-friendly hotels and services

• A thriving gay nightlife scene with bars, clubs and live shows

• Iconic Mediterranean beaches with a laid-back vibe

• Signature events like Benidorm Pride and Winter Pride

Did you know?

• Benidorm was one of the first places in Spain to allow bikinis in public, thanks to a controversial but visionary decision by mayor Pedro Zaragoza in the 1950s.

• The city is often listed among the most inclusive destinations in Europe for LGBTQ+ tourism.

• Benidorm Pride is known for being intimate, friendly and full of Mediterranean charm, offering something unique compared to larger pride events.

🌈 Come Write Your Own Chapter in Benidorm

Today, Benidorm doesn’t just welcome the LGBTQ+ community—it celebrates it with pride. Whether you're here for the sunshine, the nightlife, or the sense of belonging, this corner of the Mediterranean is a place where you can truly be yourself.

👉 Planning your trip? Check out our LGBTQ+ guide with must-visit bars, events, hotels, and experiences designed just for you.