If you are wondering where to go for your next LGBT vacation, this “Mykonos—LGBT Travel Guide Tips!” article is perfect. Here, we will cover the basic information about gay Mykonos (in Greece). More specifically, where are the best hotels? What are the best beaches and clubs?
Let’s start, shall we?
Short introduction on Gay-Mykonos
Jackie Onassis and Grace Kelly made the island famous in the 1970s. Since then, gay people have flocked to Gay Mykonos, this infamous Greek island in the Aegean Sea. And it’s obvious why!
First and foremost, there are a lot of charming beaches. The second point is the desirable Mediterranean climate. Thirdly, there are plenty of luxury hotels. And finally, there’s the legendary gay nightlife that lasts from sundown to sunrise. It makes Mykonos a popular travel destination for queers who want to relax in style and get away from it all.
Like Bangkok or Ibiza, Gay Mykonos is one of the most notorious gay culture, nightlife, and hedonism epicenters. More importantly, all things can happen in Mykonos! A fabulous gay playground where gays tend to outnumber others, especially during the XLSIOR Mykonos International Summer Gay Festival.
While Greece may still be primarily a traditionally Orthodox country, Mykonos has changed its tune. For example, it has captured opportunity in the LGBT/Hetero party scene. As a result, most of Mykonos’s accommodations can now be considered gay-friendly. That’s why most local bars/clubs are open and welcoming.
Tip to explore the Mykonos island: For something completely different, away from the crowds, we recommend this authentic Mykonos tour.
Gay Mykonos Guide: The Essential Guide To LGBT Travel In Mykonos Greece
Attractions in Mykonos
Everyone has their taste. Besides beaches and nightlife, you will also find interesting places on the island. First, the quarter of Little Venice, the Windmills, and the church of Paraportiani are the main things to see on your stroll around Mykonos Town. Ultimately, do not miss boat excursions to Delos. It was once the mighty Greek city-state (polis). But now, it is an uninhabited island and an attractive archaeological site.
Little Venice
Little Venice is the most charming quarter of Chora, the capital of Mykonos Island. With colorful houses constructed right by the sea, it is a famous spot with vibrant nightlife and pleasant cafeterias.
The Windmills (Katom Milli)
The hill with the traditional windmills over Chora offers the best view of the picturesque village and port. More importantly, these windmills have been restored and have become the island’s trademark over the years.
Old Port of Mykonos
The Old Port of Mykonos is located in Mykonos town, just behind the famous Little Venice.
Peter the Pelican
Matoyianni Street
Matoyianni Street is the epicenter of the Chora—a happening place. You can stroll along with white houses, perusing souvenir shops, boutiques, jewelry stores, and much more by day. But if the hunger strikes, you could opt for a Souvlaki or gyros. Alternatively, you can sit at one of many taverns, which tend to be more reasonably priced here and more profound into the town.
Finally, many restaurants are at romantic spots in the evening, with oleanders climbing the walls and bars offering refreshments until the early morning hours.
Sailing Cruise to Delos
Escape the crowded beaches and head on a super-sailing luxury yacht for a fun day of drinks, food, and a view of Mykonos. You won’t be on dry land. A must-do is to visit the archaeological site of Delos. Explore the magical coves and beaches of the island of Rhenia and Delos and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the yacht. During the 7 hours of sailing, you can learn basic sailing skills, sail the boat, or enjoy the sun on the deck. At noon, enjoy a home-cooked lunch on board and prepare for a guided tour of the island of Delos and its archaeological site.
When we are talking about pretty beaches, Mykonos won’t disappoint you. Even more, it will surely spoil you. It offers a variety of beautiful sandy beaches. There’s a downside to it, however. Because of its popularity, almost all the beaches get incredibly crowded during the entire season. Nevertheless, things quieted down again in September.
Our tip: Best time to visit it is September and June.
Public transportation to the beaches
Buses head out to the most famous beaches in Mykonos around 9-10 pm, but if you want to visit the northern beaches that public buses don’t reach, you might consider hiring a car in Mykonos. Super Paradise and Elia are central to Mykonos’s gay beach scene. But there are also a few other options if you prefer something quieter.
Elia is a big sandy beach located 12 kilometers from the capital. It is the longest sandy beach in Mykonos. Above all, it is completely organized, offering many facilities, from taverns and bars to water sports facilities such as water-skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.
Previously, it was the most famous gay beach in Mykonos before Elia stole its crown. Today, the newly opened gay Jackie O’ Beach Club, with a pool overlooking the sea, makes this the ‘IT’ Mykonos gay beach again. While the gay/nude beach is relatively small, it has beautiful sand, dazzling turquoise waters, and sexy men sporting speedos or less.
Agrari Beach
Five minutes walk from Elia Beach is this secluded gay beach in Mykonos, with smaller crowds and away from prying eyes.
If you’d like to get to know more about Mykonos gay-friendly beaches, we recommend to read our related article Best gay beaches in Mykonos.
XLSIOR Mykonos International Summer Gay Festival
Forget everything you have heard; this is the worldwide benchmark in gay festivals! It is held annually during the last two weeks of August when over 30,000 gays flock to Mykonos to connect with the universal music language at this heaven on Earth party.
The XlSIOR Mykonos International Summer Gay Festival is worth planning a trip to Mykonos alone. It is a spectacular weeklong experience of open-air and outdoor parties, international DJs, attractive crowds, and an indulgent no-boundary atmosphere. We recommend it, especially if you want to experience that proper cosmopolitan gay climate. But, if this is not your thing, you should avoid these dates as hotels sell out months in advance, and prices soar!
Gay-friendly and Gay Hotels in Mykonos Greece
As a world leader in LGBT tourism, Mykonos offers enough hotels for every type of traveler. Therefore, all accommodation is gay-friendly.
Still, everyone likes to be surrounded by like-minded people. And as such, a few hotels in Mykonos stand out as places for gay travelers to stay! At last, they are grouped around the old town of Mykonos. But this should not be an issue because from here, there are the best connections to every corner of this charming island.
The following hotels in Gay Mykonos have all received a recommendation from gay travelers in the past. But of course, there are hundreds of other hotels all over Mykonos if these are not quite what you are looking for. Prices are higher in peak season, and the proclamation is confirmed. You get what you pay for here, and those iconic Mykonos balcony views and rooftop pools don’t come cheap.
The bottom line is, that Mykonos has everything, everything for everybody!
Gay Hotels In Mykonos
As mentioned earlier in this article, every hotel in Mykonos is gays friendly. However, we should state that only two hotels are exclusively gay. Let’s check them out.
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Elysium Hotel
The gay hotel Elysium boasts tasteful accommodations and a swimming pool with a spectacular panoramic of Mykonos town and the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Guests can use the hotel’s gym and hot tub.
Each guest room at the Elysium is fully equipped with air conditioning, a minibar, a safe, and satellite TV. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.
©Booking.com
Geranium Hotel
Unlike the Elysium, Mykonos’ other gay hotel is quieter and a bit further away from the action, so great if you’d prefer more privacy. It’s also aimed at gay travelers, so you’ll get a warm welcome (without so many wild parties!). The rooms are modern and clean; some even have a kitchen unit, so you can self-cater to get that extra alone time. The swimming pool area is chilled and attractive.
Other Gay-Friendly Accommodations and Hotels
©Booking.com
Oniro Mykonos
Oniro Suites feature luxury accommodations with air-conditioned rooms and a flat-screen TV in the Mykonos City district of Mýkonos City. This property provides guests with an outdoor pool.
Oniro Suites offer some rooms with sea views, and all rooms are fitted with a private bathroom with a shower and a flat-screen TV. All guest rooms have a wardrobe.
The accommodation offers a terrace.
©Booking.com
Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort
Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort is located right on the Agios Ioannis Beach; Mykonos Grand Hotel & Resort provides 5-star, boutique accommodation amidst cobbled paths overlooking Delos Island. It includes a health center and offers fine dining in stylish settings.
Rooms and suites at Mykonos Grand combine the cube-shaped Cycladic architecture with the restful interior décor. All units open to balconies or patios with sea, garden, or pool views. They have a satellite LCD TV, DVD player, and iPod docking station.
If you’d like to check out more gay friendly hotels, just take a look at our recommended article.
©Booking.com
Mykonos No5 Luxury Suites & Villas
Located in Kanalia of Ornos, Mykonos No5 Luxury Suites & Villas offer an outdoor pool and a sun terrace. It features self-catering and tastefully decorated accommodations with Aegean Sea views. All air-conditioned suites and villas of Mykonos No5 come with a balcony and a minibar.
©Booking.com
Hotel Adonis
Just a short walk from Mykonos’ town center and Little Venice and a 1-minute walk from Fabrika Square, the family-run Hotel Adonis provides a variety of spacious accommodations close to all the main attractions.
Hotel Adonis provides personalized customer service and a homely atmosphere. Guests are provided with comfortable rooms with free wireless internet, satellite TV, air conditioning, and a balcony.
©Booking.com
Aeolos Resort
At 800 m from Mykonos City Centre, Aeolos Hotel offers a large pool, hydromassage facilities, and elegant accommodation with free WiFi. Free airport/port transfer is also provided from 7:00 to 23:00.
The spacious and airy rooms are furnished with modern décor, while their balconies overlook the gardens or the pool. All rooms and suites are air-conditioned, including flat-screen, satellite TV, mini-fridge, hairdryer, and safe.
If you wan’t to find our more gay friendly hotels, check out our related article.
Mykonos is one of the Best European LGBT+-friendly destinations, so you would expect an incredible gay nightlife scene. Luckily, Mykonos does not disappoint!
Depending on your mood, you can find anything here, from a relaxed cocktail evening in an upscale bar to all-night raving parties surrounded by your queer family! More importantly, it’s one of Greece’s most desirable and expensive islands. That will cost you more than your typical gay beach holiday in Phuket, Punta Cana, or Puerto Vallarta.
The Mykonos gay scene here starts to get going when people head to the bars for the magical sunset; then, most bars and clubs are packed from midnight until early morning, with a mix of tourists and a few locals. For many gay bars in Mykonos, flip-flops and tank tops are the uniforms of choice – but some more upscale clubs and venues demand more.
Still, as Coco Chanel declared, “luxury equals comfort,” so don’t get too caught up, as plenty of t-shirts come off later in the night!
Tip: Our top advice for first-time and solo gay travelers in Mykonos is to take a gaily night tour to make the most of your vacation.
Gay Bars in Mykonos, Greece
Jackie O’ Town Bar
The Jackie O gay bar is a modern designer bar with a Greek feel and a large terrace for watching the sunset over the water; after dark, it becomes a great place to dance the night away; friendly staff, good music, and nightly Drag shows make this bar a must-try when in Mykonos.
Lola Bar
It is a trendy, buzzy spot with laid-back lounge details, some of the best cocktails on the island, and eclectic decor that matches the clientele.
Although the crowd is predominantly over the 40s, experienced gay travelers recommend Lola to people who want to make new friends since it provides a warm and enjoyable atmosphere that is difficult to resist.
Kastro’s Mykonos
A bar and restaurant are in the perfect spot for fabulous sunsets. Warm service, laid-back vibes, and some of the best food on the island (try the sea bass with broccoli and coconut puree). This is Greece as you imagined, and you will likely return night after night.
Why do travelers recommend it?
Firstly, because it is a little hidden gem. A perfect spot if you’re looking for a place to impress your 1st date! It’s one of the favorite spots for dinner or romantic drinks, primarily because of the backdrop of the Aegean Sea behind you.
Although not exclusively a gay bar, Kastro’s attracts a lot of gay couples who are looking for some time out. Lastly, the food at Kastro’s is also wonderfully delicious and worth trying out.
Note: If you want to learn more about the best gay-friendly hotels in Mykonos, try reading our recommended article, Gay-friendly accommodation in Mykonos.
Gay Clubs in Mykonos Greece
Jackie O’ club
Jackie O’s is a primarily gay, family-friendly beach club with a large pool, Jacuzzi, beachfront, and private Kaiki (traditional Greek fishing boat) for day cruises. Renowned Greek chef Christoferos Peskias leads the fine-dining yet casual Mediterranean restaurant with an all-day bar serving outstanding food and signature cocktails. Food and drink service extends to the pool, beach, and central lounge areas. Open all day until about 1:00 a.m. with festive nightly drag queen sets with shows starting at roughly 7:00 and 9:00 p.m. It is the original and sister property to Jackie O’ Bar in Mykonos Town, with an additional live drag show later in the evening. A currently under-construction hotel will also join the mix in 2021.
Babylon
Babylon is the most popular gay club of Mykonos, located next door to Jackie O’s. We always have a ball here – a lively, fun atmosphere continues until around 6 am. Inside there is a dancing area with drag shows and GoGo dancers. Outside, it has a beautiful outdoor terrace (complete with ocean spray!) where you can people-watch and gossip about who’s gone to the Church cruising ground next door!
During XLSIOR, Babylon hosts some of the best gay-themed parties. Whether you come to Babylon during XLSIOR or any other time, we guarantee you’ll have an enjoyable night out here!
@54 bar and a club
@54 Lounge Bar & Discotheque is the new kid on the block, opening its doors in 2014, and has become the place you must be seen in Mykonos with exclusive weekly parties and top DJs make for a good night out, don’t forget to enjoy the sunset with a glass of champagne from the terrace. Step inside and dance the night away when the day has turned to night.
Cavo Paradiso
It is THE famous mega-club of Mykonos and is often rated as one of the best in the world. It is located just above Paradise Beach (i.e., the beach on the west side of Super Paradise Beach), perched up high on a 150-foot-high cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. During the summer months, Cavo Paradiso hosts some of the biggest parties, which reminded us of some of the mega-club parties in Ibiza. The crowd is usually a mix of gay and straight guys – and those in between!
Note: Discover more gay friendly bar in our recommended article Leading gay bars and clubs in Mykonos.
Cruising & Gay Saunas in Mykonos
While the gay scene here is in full swing, the gay sauna scene in Mykonos is not as developed. For this reason, your options are minimal. Therefore, choosing another destination like Tel Aviv, Paris, Valencia, or Fort Lauderdale is better if it is essential to you.
While the designer gay hotel in Mykonos, Elysium, has free use of the hydro-massage room, sauna, and steam room, it is generally not that place. Gay hookup apps remain a favorite way of meeting, but you can try cruising in Mykonos around the Church of Paraportiani.
You can also visit the gay-popular Agrari and Elia beaches frequented by local and foreign guys. However, you might want to consider your private apartment in Mykonos.
Note: For beginners in Mykonos, solo, gay travelers, or LGBTQ travelers who want to make new friends quickly, we strongly recommend doing a gay night tour.
The conclusion of the “Mykonos – LGBT Travel Guide Tips!” article
We came to the end of this article hoping to have given you some helpful tricks and tips on what to do on this grand island. Of course, we also realize that we couldn’t cover all the areas that might be useful for you all. We encourage you to write your questions and feelings in the comments below. So we can help each other by sharing our experiences.
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Photo sources:
All the beach-photos were taken from Greeka.com.
All the Mykonos town and attraction photos were taken from Getty Images.
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