Valencia is preparing to host the XII edition of the Gay Games from 27 June to 4 July 2026, bringing a global celebration of equality, diversity, and inclusion to the Mediterranean city. As the first Spanish host city in the event's history, Valencia will take centre stage internationally while showcasing Spain's ongoing commitment to inclusion, diversity, and cultural exchange. Launching during during Pride Month, the Games will bring together sport and culture in a week-long programme open to participants of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities.

Held every four years, the Gay Games is an international sporting and cultural event built on the principles of participation, inclusion, and personal best. Unlike traditional competitions, there are no qualifying criteria, reinforcing its core ethos that sport and culture should be accessible to everyone.

More Than 30 Sports Across the City

The 2026 edition will feature more than 30 sporting disciplines taking place across venues throughout Valencia, from aquatic sports, athletics and basketball to fencing, volleyball and football. Alongside these, visitors will also have the opportunity to discover regional sporting traditions, including colpbol and pilota valenciana, highlighting the destination’s local identity within an international framework.

A Cultural Programme at the Heart of the Games

Beyond sport, the Gay Games Valencia 2026 will present an extensive cultural agenda designed to celebrate creativity and diversity. Music will play a leading role, with festivals dedicated to bands and choirs, alongside visual and performing arts, theatre, and film. The programme will also include art exhibitions, a photographic marathon, literary events, fashion, and video mapping, as well as a series of commemorative tributes and celebrations throughout the week. This strong cultural dimension ensures the Games extend far beyond competition, creating an inclusive festival atmosphere across the city.

Opening the Games in Spectacular Style

The Games will officially open on 27 June 2026 with a large-scale ceremony at the Ciutat de València Stadium. The event will feature the traditional parade of international delegations and the lighting of the official flame, alongside live performances from a line-up of Spanish artists including Mónica Naranjo, Soraya Arnelas, Suri, Fruela, and Choriza May. The opening ceremony is set to be one of the defining moments of the Games, reflecting Valencia’s reputation for spectacle, creativity, and bold cultural expression.

The Gay Games Village

Throughout the event, the Gay Games Village will act as the heart of the Games — a central hub where participants and visitors can meet, relax, and experience a daily programme of entertainment and activities. Designed to encourage connection and cultural exchange, the Village will host performances, social spaces, and informal gatherings, offering a shared environment for visitors from around the world to come together.

Taking place at the end of June, the Games coincide with international Pride celebrations, further reinforcing Spain’s position as a leading LGBTQIA+ travel destination. Valencia’s blend of historic architecture, modern cultural venues, and Mediterranean coastline provides a distinctive backdrop for the Games, while its accessible layout allows visitors to experience both the event and the wider destination with ease.

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk.

Spain is set to take centre stage in global sports tourism with two landmark events that will attract thousands of international visitors and reinforce the country’s reputation as a top destination for sports enthusiasts.

Madrid Formula 1 Grand Prix

From 2026, the Spanish Grand Prix will move to Madrid following a historic agreement with IFEMA MADRID. The all-new circuit will combine street and non-street sections, stretching 5.47km with 20 corners and a projected daily capacity of over 110,000 fans. Located just five minutes from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, the venue will be one of the most accessible on the Formula 1 calendar, with direct connections via Metro, train, and city lines. This development marks a new era for motorsport in Spain, promising world-class racing and an unforgettable fan experience.

Tour de France in Barcelona

Meanwhile, Barcelona will make history in July 2026 as the official starting point of the Tour de France, the world’s most elite cycling event. While the city has featured in the competition before, but never as the starting point, it’s an honour that underlines Catalonia’s passion for cycling and its focus on sustainable mobility. On 4 July, the opening stage will take off from Fòrum and finish at Estadi Olímpic, while on 5 July the second stage will commence at Rambla Nova, Tarragona, and conclude at Estadi Olímpic. By hosting this historic event, Barcelona solidifies its role as a premier sports destination and an attractive choice for international tourism.

Ahead of travelling to Spain and its islands, visitors should check the requirements of the European Union’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) which is gradually being implemented across the destination:

https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees

For all press enquiries contact Jessica Harvey Taylor on Jessica.harvey@tourspain.es or the Spanish Tourist Office’s PR agency LOTUS on spain@wearelotus.co.uk

Sports tourism is a booming trend this year, with increasing numbers of holidaymakers travelling either to watch or participate in sporting events. With pleasant temperatures and an abundance of historic sites of interest throughout the Marathon course, Mallorca’s capital of Palma is a picturesque destination for travellers seeking an active and cultural break this Autumn.

The popular Palma Marathon Mallorca will return this year on 20^th October 2024, with a number of local hotels offering special marathon packages which include registration, race transfers and accommodation. There are three race options to offer participants flexibility, with a full marathon and half marathon beginning at 8am and a shorter 10k race starting at 8:45am.

Fair weather runners can enjoy this marathon which benefits from Palma’s privileged climate, seeing average temperatures of 20°C during October. The Palma Marathon route is one of the most picturesque in the whole of Europe, traversing through the historic Old Town. Runners will follow the route past the city’s most beautiful landmarks such as the medieval ‘La Seu’ Cathedral, and along the seafront promenade.

Those visiting for the Marathon are encouraged to enjoy the local hospitality during their visit, with a range of events preceding the race day, including a breakfast run at 10am on Friday 18^th October and an epic lunchtime pasta party on Saturday 19^th October for runners to load up on carbs before the big race. Following the race, runners will be offered a complimentary massage service to soothe tired limbs before heading to the event ceremonies and evening after-party in the beachfront Mega Park in Playa de Palma, just 10km away from the historic centre.

The Region of Murcia receives 300 days of sunshine a year and is an ideal spot for active travellers. Travellers can enjoy a game of tennis in many areas of the region, including at the recently renovated La Manga Club, which is one of Europe’s premier sport and leisure destinations. The Racquets Club has undergone an exciting transformation to upgrade facilities and install a state-of-the-art fitness hub and padel centre.

Whilst in the region, travellers can continue the adventure by going on treks through the Sierra Espuña Nature Park, Murcia’s prime ecotourist destination or a relaxed walk along the stunning beaches of Calblanque. The Mar Menor is one of Spain's most appreciated racecourses, with its warm, shallow waters and its mild temperatures, visitors can enjoy the sunshine and nautical sports 365 days a year. The Costa Cálida, also offers some of the best cycling trails in the country. One of the most coveted routes both starts and finishes in Los Alcázares, a coastal spa town near the Mar Menor, providing a variety of terrain and scenery as well as being suitable for cyclists of all fitness levels. 

The Region of Murcia is well connected to the UK, with frequent departures from 10 airports to Murcia International, including from London Luton (departing twice weekly). 

Every year, the Balearic Islands host a range of impressive sporting events, which see professionals and amateurs arrive from all over the globe to compete in and spectate a range of disciplines. From Palma de Mallorca’s famous tennis championship and Menorca’s King’s Cup to the Ibiza Marathon and Formentera Ultra Swim, the sun-kissed Balearic Islands provide the perfect setting for sports enthusiasts to test themselves against the best! Read on for the tourism board’s pick of the most anticipated sporting events on the archipelago in 2024.

Mallorca

Challenge Mallorca Triathlon (19 October)

Challenge Mallorca Triathlon is a middle-distance race across several of the most scenic parts of the island. Beginning with a 1.9k swim across the stunning Torà Beach, the first part of the challenge is followed by a 90k bike ride between historic coastal towns and the foothills of the Serra de la Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The race then finishes with a 21k run through the coastal town of Paguera. Additional events run alongside the main triathlon to cater to different abilities, including a relay option and a separate shorter course for youngsters. https://challenge-mallorca.com/

Menorca

Compressport Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls (3-5 May)

The Trail Menorca Camí de Cavalls is well-known as one of Europe's longest, most formidable, and stunning trail runs. Featuring six diverse courses ranging from 27 km to an impressive 185 km, participants will navigate the challenging landscapes of Menorca along the historic "Camí de Cavalls" coastal path. Originating over 300 years ago as a strategic defence measure by the British, the route features sandy beaches, scenic viewpoints, and formidable slopes, pushing runners to test their limits. The Menorca 360° challenge encapsulates a gruelling test of endurance, allowing a maximum timeframe of 40 hours to complete this comprehensive circumnavigation of the island. www.illesbalears.travel/en/menorca/events-compressport-trail-menorca-cami-de-cavalls

Ibiza

Ibiza Marathon (13 April)

The Santa Eulalia Ibiza Marathon will return for its seventh edition this April, with a record number of over 3,000 participants already registered for three different distances: the 12km, the 20km and the marathon. This year, the number of international participants exceeds 65% of total participants, who will also be able to enjoy a Runner’s Fair, parallel activities and a #RunAndFeel party exclusively for runners. www.ibizamarathon.com

Formentera

Ultra Swim (1 June)

Ultra Swim Ibiza 2024 is a swimming challenge between Es Pujols, Formentera and Santa Eulària, Ibiza. The epic challenge invites participants to swim 30km of semi-open water between the two towns and is a true test of endurance for hard-core outdoor swimmers. The race, organized by Club Náutico de Santa Eulalia, has run for over ten years, and attracts hundreds of competitors and spectators every year thanks to the crystal-clear waters surrounding Formentera.

www.clubnauticosantaeulalia.com/en/

Vías Verdes are old disused railway lines that have been recovered and reconditioned for use by walkers and cyclists. They provide an environmentally friendly way of travelling through Spain to discover its culture and landscapes, connecting cities to the local countryside. There are over 117 routes with over 2,900 kilometres of Vía Verde all over Spain and, in 2022, five new routes were opened in Ciudad Real, Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country, La Coruña, Murcia and Tarragona. 

The expansion of these Greenway networks aims to provide a way to discover Spain's region at a slower pace whilst keeping active on foot or by bike. Thanks to their accessibility, easiness and safety, with almost no slopes and far from motor traffic, they are especially attractive for any person who wants to discover the natural environment and the cultural heritage of the towns and territories they cross. There is an accessible guide available that provides detailed information and maps that show which routes are suitable for those with reduced mobility.  

A new Vía Verde, La Costera Sur Greenway, has opened in the region of Murcia.  La Costera Sur Greenway, that has been disused since 2008, is 8.5km long and follows the abandoned section of the old Madrid-Cartagena line. The route begins at the outskirts of the city, near Huerta de San Benito and passes through the districts of Los Garres, San José de la Vega, Beniaján, Torreagüera and Los Ramos, travelling between the Dolores and Alquerías neighbourhoods, east of the City of Murcia.  Along the route, travellers will wind their way through fields of orchards and olive groves, enjoying mountain views, and also have the opportunity to discover the culture and gastronomy of the urban areas. 

The Trenillo de la Calzá Greenway, in Castilla La Mancha, has been renovated and opened by the Argamasilla de Calatrava Town Hall. Its path winds through holm oaks, fields of almond and olive trees along  the narrow-gauge railway that once linked Valdepeñas with Puertollano. The upper part of the trail passes settlements from the bronze age and the Sala de los Moros (Iberian burial mound) and the lower navigates Roman settlements and past the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Hope chapel.

The Añorga-Errekalde-Lasarte Greenway, located in the Basque Country, was renovated by the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa. The Urgull and Igeldo mountains are the backdrop of the trail and it follows the Oria river valley to La Concha, Ondarreta and Zurriola beaches. It allows visitors easy access to the old town of Donostia-San Sebastián, San Salvador church, the comb of the Wind sculptures, San Telmo museum and Tabakalera (the International Centre for Contemporary Culture) among many other points of interest. 

More than 26 km of the old Santiago-A Coruña railway line has been recovered to form the Compostela-Tambre-Lengüelle Greenway. It is a fantastic route to explore by bike or on foot in A Coruña. The Oroso - Cerceda section of this Greenway has been renovated by the Oroso, Ordes, Tordoia and Cerceda city councils as well as the A Coruña Provincial Council. The trail passes by many cultural points of interest such as the churches of San Miguel de Gándara in Oroso and Roman site of the castro de Casanova. 

Finally, the Delta de l´Ebre Greenway, located in Tarragona, Cataluña was opened by the City Council of l´Aldea. It visits sites such as the Coetera de Ravanals, a site of Cultural Interest, the Hermitage Tower, Candela Tower, Burjassénia Tower and Vinaixarop Tower.

For more information visit here and accessible routes here. 

Surf your way along the Costa Verde

The north of Spain has a long and varied coastline which means that, on one of the many picturesque beaches, you are guaranteed to find waves. There are always a few safe bets, Mundaka in The Basque Country, for example, is renowned worldwide for its huge left waves. There are are surfer havens dotted all the way along the coastline: Playa de Vega, Xagó and Rodiles in Asturias are well known for their great waves as well as their beautiful, mountainous backdrops.

This time of year the swell is bigger, better, stronger, more consistent, and needless to say the water is a lot less crowded. The temperature is a little fresh, but it’s nothing that can’t be solved with a wetsuit. After a day’s surf, make sure to enjoy the delicious, fresh seafood that each of these coastal regions has to offer.

Bike around La Palma

The terrain of the lesser known Canary Island, La Palma, is a paradise for avid mountain bikers in search of unique and exhilarating trails. The landscapes of the smallest island in the Canarian archipelago range from dense pine and Laurel forests to volcanic mountainsides and unspoiled coastlines, and provide a variety of trails for everyone, from beginners to more experienced bikers.

La Palma is home to the Caldera de Taburiente, a massive volcanic crater surrounded by cloud-covered mountainous peaks. It boasts the world’s longest single trail that leads down to the sea. This time of year, the sky is still blue and temperatures average around 18 degrees…perfect for cycling. A hearty rabbit stew, or one of the many traditional seafood options from the Canary Islands, is the ideal way to finish a day on the trails.

Ski in Sierra Nevada

The ski season is in full swing, and the snowy mountain resort of Sierra Nevada in Andalucía is gearing up for another white winter. Just 27km from Granada means you can explore the mountains by day, and head back to the city in the evening to take full advantage of being so close to traditional Andalusian restaurants. The resort boasts over 115 runs and is Europe’s sunniest ski resort, with 80% of days having glorious sunshine. This means you can get that all-important Vitamin D that is certain to boost your mood mid-winter whilst covering over 100km of pistes.

You are just a bus ride away from Granada if you fancy a trip to the breath-taking Alhambra palace or there are a number of spa treatments available within the resort to ensure you fully relax and recharge after a long day of skiing.