MadBear Beach Party 2025 returns to Torremolinos on the Costa del Sol from August 8 through 18, 2025. What began as a small gathering of "bears" at the end of the Spanish summer has become one of Europe’s most anticipated masculine‑leaning pride events. Hosted by the team behind Madrid’s long‑running Mad.Bear celebrations, the beach edition fills ten August days with pool parties, bar crawls, club nights, boat cruises and laid‑back afternoons on the sand.
Across the first weekend visitors collect their party packs at Hotel Ritual, Torremolinos’ popular gay hotel, and mingle during a welcome party. Saturday brings the first of several pool parties at the hotel’s terrace — imagine hundreds of guys lounging around the pool, drinking beer and flirting as DJs spin house and disco. After dark, crowds head to La Nogalera, the town’s gay entertainment district, where venues like Aqua Emporio Club and Bunkker Club host themed nights ranging from classic house sets to fetish‑friendly sessions. It’s a high‑energy scene, but the vibe remains relaxed and friendly.
During the week the itinerary keeps everyone busy. Sunday features a boat party departing from Benalmádena marina — sunbathing on deck gives way to dancing with the Mediterranean breeze in your hair. Monday offers a sunset naked pool party on the rooftop of Hotel Ritual, a chance to shed inhibitions beneath the Andalusian sky. Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons move to Eden Beach Club in the Bajondillo area for free beach parties with surf beats and cocktails, while nights return to La Nogalera for more club action. Each day there is a window to pick up event packs and merchandise at Hotel Ritual, making the hotel the festival’s unofficial headquarters.
Later in the week, the schedule alternates between beach sessions and indoor events, culminating with the election of Mr. MadBear, where contestants compete on stage while the audience cheers them on. There are also specialized fetish parties for those who enjoy leather, rubber or jockstrap dress codes; though the focus is on fun rather than strict rules. On August 17 and 18 the pace slows slightly, giving attendees time to recover on the sand or explore nearby Málaga before the final blow‑out closing party, which usually runs until dawn.
Torremolinos itself is an ideal host. Once a modest fishing village, it evolved into one of Spain’s first queer‑friendly resorts in the 1960s and retains a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere. The seafront promenade stretches for kilometres alongside Playa del Bajondillo and Playa de la Carihuela; cafés serve seafood paella and cold sangria; and the Old Town’s narrow lanes hide family‑run tapas bars. The nearby city of Málaga, with its Picasso Museum and Moorish fortress the Alcazaba, is a short train ride away. Many visitors extend their trip to explore Andalucía, from the white villages of Mijas to the dramatic gorge of Ronda.
Because MadBear Beach falls in mid‑August, expect hot temperatures reaching 30 °C. Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water; the organisers provide shaded areas at events, but the sun is relentless. Accommodation sells out quickly, especially at Hotel Ritual and other gay‑friendly properties near La Nogalera, so booking early is essential. English and Spanish are widely spoken, and the local airport in Málaga offers flights from across Europe.
What sets MadBear Beach apart is its sense of camaraderie. The term "bear" in gay culture refers to larger, often hairier men, but at this event you’ll find people of all shapes and identities celebrating body positivity. First‑timers often comment on how welcoming the atmosphere is: strangers strike up conversations at the bar or on the beach, and seasoned regulars share tips on navigating the week’s schedule. The organisers also use the event to promote safer sex awareness and encourage respect for local residents.
If you’re looking for a party‑packed holiday that balances lively nightlife with relaxed afternoons by the sea, MadBear Beach Party 2025 delivers. Ten days of sun, music, friendly faces and endless opportunities to dance are waiting on the Andalusian coast. Check the official website for the full schedule and ticket information, and start planning your trip — August will be here sooner than you think.
