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SOCIALISING • CITA CENTRE • NIGHTLIFE
Gran Canaria Swingers Bars & Nightlife
Gran Canaria's best-known swinging bars are clustered around the Cita Centre in Playa del Inglés, making it easy to move between venues as the evening unfolds.
For many visitors, this is the highlight of the day. People meet over drinks, catch up with friends from previous trips and get to know new faces. Then they decide whether to continue to another bar, head to one of the clubs, or just enjoy another relaxed evening in good company
The bars are where Gran Canaria's social side really comes alive. Understanding how the evening unfolds, where each venue fits and what makes them different will help you get far more from your first night.
In This Guide
Jump to the section that interests you most, or read from start to finish.
01. A typical evening ➞
See how the night unfolds
02. Cita Center ➞
Discover where evenings begin
03. Main bars ➞
Compare the three main venues
04. MEETING PEOPLE ➞
Learn how people mingle
05. DRESS CODE ➞
See what to wear
06. TIPS ➞
Make the most of your evening
01. A Typical Evening
Most evenings in Gran Canaria follow a similar rhythm, but there's no fixed schedule.
People arrive at different times, move between bars throughout the evening and often make spontaneous decisions about what happens next. Understanding that relaxed flow helps you know when to arrive and what to expect.
8:00 - 9:30pm
Dinner & Drinks
Most people start with dinner before making their way to the Cita Centre.
Some places we like include El Poncho, Marco Polo, Wapa Tapa, Allende 22, and Palmera Sur.
9:30 - 10:00pm
Finding the Atmosphere
Visitors gradually arrive throughout the evening.
People order their first drinks, recognise familiar faces from previous holidays and begin moving between the different bars to see where the best atmosphere is developing.
Don't worry if the bars seem quiet when you arrive. Between 9:30pm and 11:00pm the atmosphere can change remarkably quickly as more people arrive from dinner.
10:00pm - Midnight
Conversations & Connections
This is when Gran Canaria's nightlife really comes alive.
The bars become noticeably busier, conversations become easier and many people settle into the venue that best suits their mood before deciding what they'd like to do next.
After Midnight
The Night Continues
Some people head downstairs to one of the clubs.
Others stay in the bars, return to their hotel or continue the evening elsewhere with people they've met.
No two nights are exactly the same, and that's part of Gran Canaria's appeal.
02. The Cita Centre
Where Gran Canaria's Evenings Begin
If you've never visited the Cita Centre before, your first impression may not be what you expect.
Built in the 1970s, it feels dated during the day and can look surprisingly quiet. Once the bars begin to fill, however, it becomes the centre of Gran Canaria's swinging nightlife.
It's not the building that people remember. It's the atmosphere and the people they meet there.
the bars
The three main swingers bars are all on the upper level, within a minute or two of each other.
That makes it easy to wander between venues during the evening, have a drink in more than one place and see where the best atmosphere develops.
You don't need to commit to one bar for the whole night. Moving around is part of the Gran Canaria experience.
the clubs
Most of the swingers clubs are directly below the bars.
If you decide to continue your evening, there's no need for taxis or long walks. You simply head downstairs.
Our Gran Canaria Clubs Guide explains what to expect once the bars begin to empty later in the evening.
EVERYTHING ELSE
Most of the Cita Centre has very little to do with the lifestyle scene.
There are restaurants, cafés and shops throughout the complex, but once you've found the bars and clubs, you'll probably spend most of your evening in this small corner of the centre.
OUR RECOMMENDATION
Planning your evenings?
See who's visiting Gran Canaria during your trip and arrange to meet before you arrive.
03. Main Bars
Plan B
Gran Canaria's largest and busiest lifestyle bar, with an international crowd, its own dance floor and one of the easiest places to meet people in the Cita Centre.
For many visitors, this is where their first evening begins.
It's larger than the other swingers bars, with plenty of seating, its own dance floor and a steady flow of people arriving throughout the night.
If you're wondering where to start, we'd normally recommend Plan B. Even on quieter evenings there's usually enough going on to get a feel for Gran Canaria's nightlife, and as the atmosphere builds it becomes one of the liveliest venues in the Cita Centre.
Atmosphere
By around 10:30pm you'll notice people constantly moving between the bar, seating area and dance floor. Rather than staying at one table all evening, people circulate, stop to chat and gradually become part of the atmosphere.
If you're hoping to meet other people, Plan B is usually the easiest place to do it. Conversations often begin over a drink before continuing elsewhere later in the evening.
Plan B is run by Sascha, who previously owned the iconic Black Bulldog Bar, and Ely. He has a knack for turning every bar he runs into the hottest spot in the Cita, and the staff here are part of the party rather than just serving drinks. The girls even coordinate their outfits every night.
Music and Cocktails
Music and CocktailsUnlike the other bars, Plan B has its own dance floor with a resident DJ. The music gives the venue energy without making conversation too difficult, so you can move between chatting, dancing and relaxing without feeling like you're in a full nightclub.
Many people spend part of the evening here before deciding whether to head downstairs to one of the clubs after midnight.
The cocktails have a reputation of their own, getting bigger, bolder and more flamboyant every season. Think fruit, sweets and flashing lights, all in the same glass.
Who You'll Meet
You'll hear plenty of different languages during the evening. Visitors come from across Europe, alongside regulars who return several times each year.
Most people arrive as couples, small groups, or single men, and initially keep to themselves. As the evening progresses, though, the atmosphere becomes noticeably more social. Single men are welcome in limited numbers and can sit anywhere in the bar.
Expect
• The busiest swingers bar in the Cita Centre.
• A broad international mix of couples and singles.
• Music throughout the evening with a separate dance floor.
• A relaxed atmosphere that becomes livelier as the night goes on.
• Plenty of people beginning their evening before moving on to the clubs.
Choose Plan B if...
Choose Plan B If...
• It's your first evening in Gran Canaria.
• You'd like the easiest place to meet people.
• You enjoy music and dancing without committing to a nightclub straight away.
• You're looking for the busiest atmosphere in the Cita Centre.
Our Recommendation
Our RecommendationIf you're only visiting one bar, we'd make it Plan B.
It offers the broadest mix of visitors, the liveliest atmosphere and the easiest introduction to Gran Canaria's nightlife. Even if you discover another favourite later in your trip, Plan B is usually the best place to understand how the social scene works.
Comeback Bar
If Plan B is about energy, Comeback is about conversation.
It's one of the Cita Centre's longest-established swingers bars, with a loyal following of returning visitors and an atmosphere that encourages people to slow down, relax and let the evening develop naturally.
Comeback isn't about loud music or a packed dance floor. Order a drink, settle in, and see where the night takes you from there.
Some visitors stay here all evening, while others move on to one of the busier bars once the atmosphere across the Cita begins to build.
Atmosphere
If you prefer conversation to dancing, Comeback is one of the easiest places to relax. The music sits comfortably in the background, there's plenty of seating, and nobody feels rushed. The bar staff are really friendly, and very fast to deliver drinks to your table. That's not by accident. The bar has been run for years by Richard and Angel, a Dutch couple who are always there in person, making sure the team looks after everyone properly. They also own Fun4All, the club just downstairs, and a sex cinema.
As the evening progresses, you'll notice people drifting between tables, recognising familiar faces from previous holidays and gradually becoming more sociable after the first drink or two.
Music
Expect upbeat MTV background music rather than a nightclub atmosphere. It's lively enough to give the bar energy without competing with conversation, making it easy to spend time chatting before possibly deciding where to head next.
Who You'll Meet
You'll meet a mixture of returning visitors and first-time guests, with particularly strong Dutch and British communities alongside some other visitors from across Europe. Single men are allowed in limited numbers, but have specific seating set aside for them rather than being free to sit anywhere in the bar.
Many regulars have known each other for years and often greet familiar faces as they arrive, but newcomers are very much part of the atmosphere. If you're friendly, it's easy to become involved in conversations as the evening unfolds.
Expect...
• A relaxed, conversation-first atmosphere.
• Plenty of returning visitors alongside first-time guests.
• Comfortable seating and background music.
• An easy place to begin your evening.
• A loyal crowd that returns year after year.
Choose Comeback If...
• You prefer talking to dancing.
• You enjoy a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.
• You'd like to ease into the evening rather than jump straight into the busiest bar.
• You appreciate venues where great staff and regular visitors help create a welcoming atmosphere.
Our Recommendation
Comeback is an excellent first stop if you enjoy taking your time.
It's one of the easiest places in the Cita to settle into the evening, have a drink and start chatting. Even if you eventually move on elsewhere, it's a great introduction to the relaxed social side of Gran Canaria's nightlife.
Hotspot Bar
If you're looking for the most modern surroundings in the Cita Centre, Hotspot stands apart from the other lifestyle bars.
Its stylish interior and quieter atmosphere make it a good choice for couples who prefer conversation over crowds.
Hotspot feels different from the moment you walk in. With modern décor, comfortable seating and a cocktail lounge feel, it's the least traditional of the Cita's three main bars. It's also the least obviously a swingers bar of the three, which suits the couples who tend to gather here. The same owners run Crazy House, a beautifully styled restaurant 100m away in the Cita.
Many visitors stop here for a relaxed drink before exploring elsewhere, while others stay all evening because they prefer its calmer atmosphere.
Atmosphere
Hotspot is designed around conversation rather than constant movement.
Instead of people circulating around the room, most guests settle into comfortable seating with a drink or a cocktail and spend the evening talking. The atmosphere is quieter, more intimate and noticeably more reserved than Plan B or Comeback.
If you're looking for somewhere to flirt with your partner, chat without shouting and enjoy a slower pace, Hotspot does that exceptionally well.
Music
Music adds atmosphere without becoming the centre of attention.
Most evenings feature carefully chosen background music, while weekends often include a DJ, live vocalist or saxophonist. Even then, the volume stays comfortable enough that conversation never becomes difficult.
Who You'll Meet
You'll find an international mix of people, with both first-time visitors and returning guests. Hotspot has the same admission policy as Plan B, allowing a limited number of single men who can sit anywhere. In practice, though, the crowd tends to be almost entirely couples.
Unlike the more social atmosphere at Plan B, most people remain with the person or couple they arrived with rather than mixing throughout the room. That makes Hotspot feel more private, although conversations with neighbouring tables still happen naturally as the evening progresses.
Expect
• Modern, stylish surroundings.
• Comfortable seating and table service feel.
• A quieter, more intimate atmosphere.
• Live music or DJs on selected evenings.
• Less mixing between groups than the other bars.
Choose Hotspot if...
• You'd rather enjoy conversation than dance.
• You're looking for a stylish cocktail-lounge atmosphere.
• You prefer a quieter start to the evening.
• You'd like to spend time with your partner before deciding where the night takes you.
Our Recommendation
Hotspot is the best choice if atmosphere matters more to you than activity.
If you're looking for a sophisticated venue where you can relax, have a drink and enjoy good conversation, it's hard to beat. If you're hoping to meet lots of new people, however, Plan B or Comeback will usually be the better starting point.
Which Bar Should You Choose?
The good news is that you don't really have to decide.
Because all three bars are only a minute or two apart, most visitors end up visiting more than one during the evening.
Many people start at Comeback or Hotspot for a relaxed drink before moving to Plan B later, while others do exactly the opposite. Part of the fun is seeing where the atmosphere develops on any particular night.
A Fourth Bar Worth Watching For : Black Bulldog was one of the Cita's more iconic bars for several year. It's set to reopen in Winter 2026 under new management. We'll add a full review once it's back and we've had a chance to experience it for ourselves.
04. The Social Scene
How People Meet
How People MeetWhy It Feels So Natural
One of the biggest surprises for first-time visitors is how relaxed meeting people actually feels.
There's no expectation that you need to walk up to strangers or force conversations. Like the beach during the day, the bars encourage people to mix naturally as the evening unfolds.
It Usually Starts Slowly
Most couples arrive together, order a drink and spend a little time taking in the atmosphere.
Some quickly recognise friends from previous visits, while others simply settle in and watch the room gradually come to life.
There is no rush, and no expectation that anything needs to happen immediately.
Conversations Develop Naturally
Most conversations begin by chance.
You might find yourselves standing next to another couple at the bar, sitting at neighbouring tables or chatting after recognising someone from the beach earlier that day.
As more people arrive, the atmosphere becomes increasingly social and introductions become much easier.
05. Dress Code
What People Wear
One of the first things you'll notice is that there isn't really a dress code.
You'll see everything from shorts and T-shirts to elegant evening wear, with every style somewhere in between. Some people dress up for the occasion, while others arrive straight from the beach. Both are completely normal.
The swinging scene in Gran Canaria is relaxed and remarkably accepting. You'll also see everything from glamorous dresses and heels to leather, PVC and fetish-inspired outfits, particularly later in the evening or before heading to the clubs. Nobody stands out simply because of what they're wearing.
The only real advice is to wear something that makes you feel confident. If you'd like a little more guidance, our What to Wear to a Lifestyle Club guide covers the basics in more detail.
For Women
Many women enjoy dressing up for the evening, but there's no expectation that you should.
Little black dresses, summer dresses, miniskirts, clubwear, heels, sandals and lingerie-inspired fashion are all common, particularly later in the evening. Others keep things much simpler.
The important thing is feeling comfortable and confident rather than trying to match anyone else's style.
For Men
Men often dress more casually than women.
Smart shorts, polo shirts, lightweight shirts and jeans are all common, especially in the warmer months. Some make more of an effort if they're planning to visit the clubs later, but formal clothing is not necessary.
If you're comfortable, you'll almost certainly fit in.
A Few Simple Tips
• Dress for the warm evenings rather than a formal nightclub.
• Spare, comfortable shoes are a good idea if you'll be moving between venues.
• Bring a light layer if you're visiting during Dec, Jan & Feb.
• If you're planning to visit the clubs later, it's common to dress a little more adventurously.
Our Advice
If you're standing in front of the mirror wondering whether you've dressed appropriately, you're probably overthinking it!
Gran Canaria has one of the most relaxed and accepting lifestyle scenes in Europe. People notice confidence far more than they notice what you're wearing.
06. Our Experience With Gran Canaria's Bars
We've spent countless evenings in the Cita Centre over the years, and it's still one of our favourite parts of a Gran Canaria trip.
Not because every night is unforgettable, but because the atmosphere is so easy to enjoy. You never quite know who you'll meet, where the evening will lead or which bar you'll end up spending most of your time in.
The Bars Are The Experience
One thing that often surprises first-time visitors is how much of the evening is spent in the bars.
People chat, laugh, move between venues and catch up with friends before anyone even thinks about heading to a club.
For many visitors, that's the highlight of the night.
Every Bar Has Its Own Personality
Although they're only a short walk apart, Plan B, Comeback and Hotspot each attract a slightly different crowd.
That's one of the reasons we rarely stay in just one place. Half the fun is wandering between them, seeing where the atmosphere feels right and stopping wherever we're enjoying ourselves most.
Some Of The Best Evenings Are The Unplanned Ones
Some nights we've ended up in a club.
Other nights we've spent hours talking in the bars before heading back to the hotel with no feeling that we'd missed out.
Gran Canaria doesn't reward having a fixed plan. It rewards being open to whatever the evening brings.
Our Final Thoughts
The bars are where Gran Canaria's lifestyle community comes together each evening.
You might be catching up with friends from previous visits, meeting people for the first time, or just enjoying a drink after a day on the beach. Either way, the bars are an easy and welcoming place to spend an evening.
If you're visiting Gran Canaria for the first time, don't think of the bars as somewhere to pass through on the way to the clubs.
Think of them as one of the destination's biggest attractions in their own right.
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