Portugal (and Spain?)

[NY Observer]

Do any of you guy have tips/suggestions on the gay and escort scenes in Portugal and Spain.

Any advise on where to go, who to see, etc. would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[Guest MrB]

NYO,

 

 

Definitely Barcelona any time of the year, Thermas sauna is a great place to pick up hunky Spanish and Brazilian guys at bargain prices, especially late afternoons is a really great time. The address is 46 Diputacion.

 

The weather makes saunas more appealing than the beach in winter, but in summer, try the beaches at Sitges.

 

Madrid can be great fun, too, but Barcelona is the best.

 

I have never been to Portugal myself.

 

Have fun!!!

[trilingual]

Observer:

 

See the previous thread on this subject in this topic. Barcelona really IS wonderful and worth as much time as you care to spend there. The Thermas is the best bath house with boys in Spain, almost as good as the Brazilian ones (see my world-famous review in the international escorts section). Diputació 46, get off at metro station Rocafort. Last time I was in BCN in 11/99 there weren't many Spanish guys at the Thermas. Mostly Brazilian and Moroccan. So far I haven't fallen in love with Moroccans, but I probably haven't met the right one yet! There was one blond Russian muscle god named Dima who was worth every kopeck, and then some! Going rate is about 5000 Pesetas ($30). There are also some huster bars to check out, like Espai Magic, at Sant Marc, 18 -20. Pick up a copy of Nois at the bars/bookstores. Excellent maps. Also ads for houses with boys like American Boys or Staus Chicos. I haven't tried those, but they seem to have been around for ages, which suggests some reliability. They advertise that they have rooms, so I guess they really are male brothels.

 

Madrid bath houses are rather sad, compared to the Thermas in BCN, but possible. Always try late afternoons for the busiest times. If that doesn't pan out, the guys are at the Black & White bar near the Chueca metro station starting around midnight. One thing for sure: wherever you are in Spain there are handsome guys to drool over! Shangay is the local gay bar rag, with ads and maps.

 

Lisbon, I understand, has picked up since I was last there some 10 years ago. The gay scene is largely, but not exclusively, found in the Bairro Alto. In one of the Brazilian web sites there was a mention of a sauna full of hustlers. I think it might have been the Spartacus - Largo Trindade Coelho, 2, Bairro Alto. You may need to see what the Spartacus Guide has to say. There also used to be a hustler bar, called the Xequemate, but I don't know if it's still in business. One thing about bars, etc. in Portugal: Often they look like private houses with blank doors. You have to ring the bell for admission. Kind of like a 1920's speakeasy! The city itself is wonderful. Reminiscent of San Francisco, with its hills (except we don't have any ruined castles on the top of ours), pastel colors, water, light, bridge, little trams, etc. People could not have been nicer. Cuisine is fascinating, with decadent desserts and excellent wines. Park yourself at a sidewalk cafe on the Rossio and watch the scenery move past. There is lots to see: this is the capital of the country which began the discoveries, and for a while had the largest and richest empire in Europe. But it's also tremendously atmospheric and a delightful city just to hang out in!

[NY Observer]

Thanks for the responses guys, that was very helpful. Not going for a few months, but figured I'd get some groundwork done.

[trilingual]

Checked one of the Brazilian web sites for any info. Supposedly the Grecus sauna, at r. do Telhal, 77 - 4º, is swarming with rentboys. I think I remember being by this place; it's in something like an apartment bldg., on the 4th floor. You have to ring the bell. Phone is 346-6259; you could try calling when you're there and see if anyone speaks some English who can answer some questions. The Spartacus is described as "putaria total," but in Portuguese that could mean whoring, or just total abandon. If you go, let us all know what you find!

[NY Observer]

Thanks Tri.

I am not that adventurous, as I will almost definitely be alone. I would much prefer to find a nice hot guy and have him back to my hotel room. But I may get brave, we'll see, I have a few months to think about it