Sam Sousouras, Dunas Map "Man of the Month" for October 2026
Having moved to Gran Canaria at 24, Dutchman Sammy Sousouras never looked back. After working across a range of gay venues in Maspalomas, he is now managing the popular StrandApotheke beach bar and has become a familiar face on the local gay scene. Sam is the Dunas Map Man of the Month for October 2026.
· Hello Sammy, could you introduce yourself as fully as possible? What are the most important things we should know about you?
- Hi there! I'm Sam, 42 years old from the Netherlands. Happily single and loving my dog. Started working in gastromics when I was 17 years old and still loving the job.
· How long have you been living in Gran Canaria? How and why did you start your journey here?
- I've moved to Gran Canaria in November 2008, roughly 18 years ago, at the age of 24. I had spent my holidays here with some friends one year earlier and fell in love with the island. I got in touch with a couple who already owned a bar in Yumbo CC. They contacted me after a year, and offered me a job in their bar, which I gladly accepted. I immigrated about 5 weeks later and somehow never left.
Since I already spoke Dutch, German and English, the step to move abroad made it quite easy. Learned Spanish on the way and even improved my other languages ;-)
· Tell us about the various jobs you had in Maspalomas before your current occupation.
As mentioned, I started working at a bar in Yumbo, which I really enjoyed doing. After about 4 and a half years, I was offered a position in a newly to-be-opened gay accommodation. In order to grow and explore my possibilities, I went on working the next 4 and a half years at the resort. During events I kept helping out working at the previous bar, which I always enjoyed.
Eventually I noticed that my place was behind the bar, so I returned to my previous job and stayed for the next couple of years.
· You are now working for the famous Apotheke Beach Bar. Could you tell us more about this position?
- I started my journey at the StrandApoTheke in November 2000, just during the Covid period, and have been welcomed in a great team of colleagues and guests. As often, people come and go. For the last three years I have been (co)managing the bar. Most sadly, my colleague, manager and friend, Norman, has left this world after a short illness. Together with the team, we try to keep up the good vibes and spirit to offer a safe and fun place for our guests.
Norman has been a very well known, loved and respected member of the community. One of the most known faces of the StrandApoTheke for many years.
He had an open and fun personality. Loved his attention for food and beverages and his devotion to his family, friends and guests. He sure knew how to throw a party and have a good laugh. He surely is missed by us all. Mach ́s gut mein Freund.
· The Apotheke bar is a true institution in Maspalomas, quite different from other bars in the area. Can you tell us about the bar's history and why it's been so successful for so long?
The bar was opened in 1990 by German couple Margot & Roland. With the help of their staff during the years, they had managed to lift the bar to an internationally known level. To me, the magic is that it is a place where everybody is welcome, no matter age, ethnicity, nationality, sexual preference... People seem to get along, have fun, and laugh together. Simply a pub feeling where you can be yourself and disconnect.
At the bar most people don't stay by themself very long. There's always someone to talk with and share a drink or two.
In 2015 they decided their work was done and leased the bar to the next-door neighbour restaurant, "El Velero". Even though many efforts were made to avoid major changes, over time, changes are inevitable. A couple of years ago the local inside has been extended, and since October last year there has been an outside terrace offering about 50 seats on the beach.
· Do you have a special recommendation or suggestion that people have to try or taste in the bar?
- The bar is most famous for the "orgasm" shot, or "Orgasmus" in German: Gran Canaria's honey rum (Ron Miel) with cream and cinnamon. Of course, the house-made German meatball, die Frikadelle, has been one of the top runners over the years, alongside the German currywurst. And yes, it's still Margot's old recipe. Although I'm pretty sure everybody will find something on the menu they would like.
· What kind of music do they usually play?
- The bar mainly plays German schlager music, that we tend to mix it with Dutch schlager (I know, it's not everybody's preference - love it or hate it LOL). But we also play disco and 80's music, as well as some sing-alongs. Sweet Caroline never gets old. Just "feel-good" music for a broader audience.
· You have been a Maspalomas resident for a long time now. What are the most significant changes you have noticed over the last few years, and what do you think of them?
Over the years, I have seen quite a few changes around me; they are inevitable. Some are for the better; some are not really that great. I guess it depends as well on personal experiences and feelings. When I moved to the island, smartphones still weren't around. You had to go out and speak to people, actually meet up somewhere or just go and experience that bar/restaurant and get carried away.
I really do miss the variety of small pubs, etc. Different venues with different personal characters. Maybe it's just me and I'm getting old ;-)
Would love to see events being less commercial again, supported by local businesses.
· Are you feeling optimistic for Maspalomas and gay tourism in Gran Canaria?
Very optimistic. Personally, I think that Gran Canaria is a very open, welcoming and safe place where you can enjoy holidays all year around, especially during winter. Just maybe not during the summer; it's too hot and no one wants to work! ;-)
Also, Gran Canaria offers a wide variety of things to do, there's something for everybody.
· Do you have any hobbies or activities outside of your work in Maspalomas?
I love to walk my dog, doing things around the house, enjoying the beaches and meeting up with friends. Now, I just need to travel a bit more... That's what holidays are for! I hate shopping.
· What are your favorite places or events in Maspalomas?
Any event is great, and I guess everyone has their favorite. For me, it would be the German Carnival on November 11th at the (gay) beach. I mean, so many different people just having fun, dressing up on a beach in November, trully unique.
And now, some personal favorites...
· What is the most beautiful trip you've ever been on?
> Thailand, hoping to add more trips in the future!...
· The type of music you listen to?
> I listen to almost all kinds of music, depends on the mood. Main preference would be rock, but really anything, from Spanish Tot 40 till heavy metal. Just don't put on reggaeton!
· The movie you like?
> Horror, thriller, action, or a good comedy.
· Which are the artists you follow?
> None, absolutely none.
· Some personalities who inspire you?
> A lot of people around me. Mostly honest and brave people.
· Some books to recommend if you like to read.
> Nope, not even a newspaper. Yet then, I barely watch television.
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