Popular Gay Towns in Greece

Greece is generally considered to be a LGBTQ+-friendly destination, and there are a few areas known for being more welcoming and popular among the LGBTQ+ community. Keep in mind that the situation may have evolved since then, so we recommend checking more recent sources for the latest information.

Mykonos

Mykonos is well-known as a popular LGBTQ+ travel destination. It has a reputation for being one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly islands in Greece, if not in the entire Mediterranean region. Mykonos is famous for its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with numerous gay bars, clubs, and parties. The island offers a lively nightlife with options for all preferences, from energetic dance clubs to cozy cocktail bars.

• Jackie O’ Mykonos: A famous and lively gay bar in Mykonos Town, known for its upbeat atmosphere, cocktails, and drag shows.
• Porta Bar: A trendy gay bar offering music, drinks, and a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ patrons.
• Babylon Mykonos: A popular gay nightclub known for its energetic dance floor, theme nights, and lively parties.
• Elysium Hotel Pool Bar: This bar, located at the Elysium Hotel in Mykonos Town, is a gay-friendly spot offering breathtaking sunset views, cocktails, and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Lola Bar: A stylish gay bar with a cozy ambiance, perfect for enjoying drinks and socializing.
• Icarus Bar: A long-standing gay bar known for its casual atmosphere and friendly staff.
• Galleraki Bar: A cocktail bar located on Little Venice, offering great views, drinks, and a relaxed vibe.
• Piano Bar: A charming bar with live piano music and a mix of gay and straight patrons.
• Kastro’s Bar: Located in Mykonos Town, this bar offers cocktails, music, and a cozy setting.
• Elysium Hotel Sunset Cabaret Show: The Elysium Hotel hosts a nightly cabaret show that’s a must-see for many visitors to Mykonos.

Mykonos boasts several beaches that are considered gay-friendly, where LGBTQ+ travelers often feel comfortable being themselves. Beaches like Super Paradise Beach and Elia Beach are known for attracting a diverse and open-minded crowd.  The island is generally accepting and welcoming of LGBTQ+ travelers. Visitors often report a sense of inclusivity and diversity throughout the island.

The island offers several gay-friendly and LGBTQ+-specific accommodations. Keep in mind that the status of hotels can change, and new options may have emerged since then. It’s always a good idea to verify the current information from recent sources. Here are a few hotels and accommodations known for being gay-friendly in Mykonos:

• Elysium Hotel: Elysium Hotel is one of the most well-known gay-friendly hotels in Mykonos. It’s located near the Mykonos Town and offers stunning views, a welcoming atmosphere, and hosts LGBTQ+ events.
• Geranium Gay Residence: This is a gay men-only hotel that offers a relaxing environment, a pool, and beautiful sea views. It’s located a bit outside the main town for added tranquility.
• Adonis Hotel: Adonis Hotel is a gay-friendly hotel situated near Mykonos Town. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and is within walking distance of the island’s famous gay bars and nightlife.
• Elysian Mykonos: Another gay-friendly option, Elysian Mykonos offers luxurious accommodations with a focus on relaxation and comfort. It’s located in a quieter area while still being accessible to the town’s attractions.
• Villa Varnali Small Boutique Hotel: This small boutique hotel is known for its personalized service and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere. It’s a bit away from the hustle and bustle, offering a more peaceful retreat.

The island also hosts various LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, such as parties and festivals. One of the most well-known events is the XLSIOR Mykonos, an annual international gay festival that attracts visitors from around the world.

Mykonos has a visible local LGBTQ+ community as well as a significant number of LGBTQ+ expatriates who have made the island their home.

Athens

Athens, the capital city of Greece, also has a growing LGBTQ+ scene and is generally considered to be LGBTQ+-friendly. The Gazi district in Athens is often considered the heart of the city’s LGBTQ+ scene. It’s home to many gay bars, clubs, and cafes, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors looking for LGBTQ+-friendly venues.

• S-Cape: A well-known gay bar and nightclub in Athens, offering themed parties, drag shows, and a vibrant atmosphere.
• Shamone Club: This club often hosted LGBTQ+ events, parties, and drag performances, creating a welcoming space for the community.
• Noiz Club: A popular LGBTQ+-friendly club known for its energetic atmosphere, themed parties, and diverse crowd.
• Alexander Sauna: While not a traditional bar, it’s a gay sauna located in Athens, providing a different kind of LGBTQ+ friendly experience.
• Big Bar: A cozy gay bar that was known for its friendly staff, relaxed ambiance, and various events.
• Iera Odos: This area in Athens is known for its LGBTQ+ friendly establishments, including bars, cafes, and clubs.

In addition to Gazi, you can find LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs throughout the city. These establishments offer a range of experiences, from laid-back lounges to lively dance clubs. Athens occasionally hosts LGBTQ+ cultural events, film screenings, art exhibitions, and discussions. These events contribute to a sense of community and visibility.

Athens Pride is an annual event that celebrates the LGBTQ+ community with a vibrant parade, performances, and various activities. The Pride Parade typically takes place in June and draws participants and spectators from all over Greece. Athens is home to several LGBTQ+ organizations and community groups that work to promote rights, acceptance, and awareness. These groups often organize events and provide resources for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Many hotels and accommodations in Athens are LGBTQ+-friendly, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and providing a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ travelers. While Athens is a culturally diverse and cosmopolitan city, it’s important to remember that attitudes and acceptance can vary among individuals. Generally, Athens is considered to be progressive and open-minded, but like any destination, personal experiences can differ.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, also has a growing LGBTQ+ scene and is becoming increasingly known for its LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere. Thessaloniki has a number of LGBTQ+-friendly bars, cafes, and lounges where locals and visitors can socialize and relax. These venues are often located in areas like Valaoritou, which is known for its nightlife.

The city occasionally hosts LGBTQ+ cultural events, parties, and discussions, which contribute to the sense of community and visibility within Thessaloniki. Thessaloniki Pride is an annual event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. The event typically includes a Pride parade, live performances, and various activities that promote LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.

Many hotels and accommodations in Thessaloniki are LGBTQ+-friendly, recognizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all travelers. Thessaloniki is home to LGBTQ+ organizations and community groups that work to promote LGBTQ+ rights, offer support, and organize events. These groups contribute to building a stronger LGBTQ+ community in the city.

Thessaloniki, like many urban areas in Greece, generally maintains an open-minded and progressive atmosphere. However, individual experiences can vary, and it’s always a good idea to exercise the same caution and awareness that you would when visiting any new place.

Lesbos (Lesvos)

Lesbos (also spelled Lesvos) is an island in Greece that has gained recognition as a welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers, particularly women-loving-women (WLW) tourists. Eressos is a village on the island of Lesbos that has become a hub for LGBTQ+ tourism, especially for women. It’s known for its inclusive and LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere. The village hosts the annual International Eressos Women’s Festival, which is a popular event attracting WLW travelers from around the world.

Lesbos, and Eressos in particular, has a history of being a gathering place for LGBTQ+ women. This has created a sense of community and acceptance on the island. Lesbos offers a variety of beautiful beaches and a generally relaxed atmosphere. While the LGBTQ+ scene is more prominent in Eressos, the island as a whole is often regarded as open-minded and welcoming to LGBTQ+ travelers.

The island’s connection to the poet Sappho, who lived in ancient Lesbos, has contributed to its reputation as a place with historical significance for LGBTQ+ women. The local population on the island is known for being accepting and welcoming of LGBTQ+ tourists. Many local businesses, including accommodations and eateries, are LGBTQ+-friendly.

In addition to the Eressos Women’s Festival, Lesbos hosts other events and gatherings that cater to the LGBTQ+ community. These events can provide opportunities for networking and socializing.

Crete

Crete, the largest Greek island, has a more subdued LGBTQ+ scene compared to some other destinations, but it still offers LGBTQ+-friendly spaces and an overall tolerant atmosphere. Chania and Heraklion are two of the major cities on the island and are more likely to have some LGBTQ+-friendly venues, bars, or cafes. These cities tend to be more cosmopolitan and open-minded due to their larger populations and diverse tourist influx.

While Crete doesn’t have a concentrated LGBTQ+ scene, there are beaches where LGBTQ+ travelers may feel comfortable being themselves. These beaches are typically located in tourist areas and are known for being more inclusive. Greek culture, in general, tends to be hospitable and welcoming. While smaller towns and rural areas on Crete might be more conservative, larger towns are likely to be more open-minded.

In some cases, private accommodations like Airbnb rentals might be LGBTQ+-friendly. It can be helpful to communicate with hosts beforehand if you have concerns about the environment. While the LGBTQ+ scene might not be as prominent as in other places, the younger generation is more open to LGBTQ+ topics and discussions.

Connecting with locals or LGBTQ+ travelers who have been to Crete can provide valuable insights into the current atmosphere and LGBTQ+-friendly establishments.