Top reasons to go to Mykonos for your next gay vacation

So, what are the Top reasons to go to Mykonos for your next vacation? And why we chose it?

Mykonos has been an Eden for LGBT+ tourism for the past few decades. Many gay travelers choose Mykonos as their summer destination as it offers gay hotels, bars, beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and parties until dawn! So, no wonder the island has become one of Europe’s ‘big 4’ gay-summer-resort-destinations, alongside Ibiza, Gran Canaria, and Sitges in Catalonia.

Despite Greece being an Orthodox Christian country with conservative traditions, Mykonos quickly embraced its big-spending LGBT+ visitors. Today, most of the island’s holiday accommodation is at least gay-friendly. In general, the locals are warm and welcoming, and thanks to decades of gay tourism, they are open-minded regarding the tourists’ sexual orientation.

Here are our picks.

©placesofjuma.com

Gay-friendly beaches

A stay in Mykonos isn’t complete without spending time on one of the island’s gorgeous beaches and swimming in crystal-clear waters. An intriguing point about Mykonos is that on most beaches, the right side of the beach is considered more ‘gay.’ However, if you’re looking to go to the most popular gay beaches on the island, then there are many to choose from.

Elia Beach

Known as the most popular and best gay beach in Mykonos, Elia Beach is the longest sandy beach in Mykonos. The beach offers a wide range of amenities, including sunbeds to rent, restaurants and bars, and water sports facilities such as water-skiing, paraskiing, and windsurfing. The beach can be accessed in 30 minutes by car from Mykonos Town, by bus or water taxi.

Super Paradise Beach

Once the only gay beach in Mykonos, it now welcomes everyone but remains particularly popular with the gay crowd. This beach is the place to be if you want to party all day and night! Head to the famous Jackie O’ Beach Club for delicious cocktails, light snacks, or food by the pool. From 4 pm on, the Super Paradise Beach Club comes to life and hosts some of the finest beach parties that go into the night. The beach can be accessed in 15 minutes by car from Mykonos Town, bus (15 to 30 minutes), or water taxi.

Paraga Beach

The smaller Paraga Beach may be the right choice if you want a calmer atmosphere. The beach has crystal-clear waters and provides sunbeds by the bar and a minimarket where you can purchase snacks, water, and beach items, including flip-flops and sunscreen. You can access it by bus from Chora or via private transport, private transfer, or car rental.

©secret-greece.com

Charming Mykonos Town (also called Hora)

In the small port of Hora, you will find humble fishermen’s boats with bright colors next to extravagant billionaires’ yachts. You can admire them while having a coffee on the terrace and watching the return of the fishermen to the fish market with Petros, the island’s mascot pelican. Or you can enjoy wandering in the labyrinth of picturesque streets, with countless taverns, souvenir stores, pretty houses with blue shutters and oleanders, tiny chapels, and luxury boutiques following one another.

On the west coast, Mykonos Town (also called Hora) is where most of the island’s 10,000 full-time residents live. The village is lively, with many restaurants, bars, cafes, art galleries, and retail shops. Most of Mykonos Town is closed to the traffic, allowing you to stroll down its winding cobbled alleys.

You can also enjoy high-end shopping at Louis Vuitton and Gucci or boutique luxury stores like Sketch Boutique and Rousounelos Luxury Watches.

While in Mykonos Town, check out Little Venice, a series of alleys that sit right against the seaside, offering beautiful sunsets and sparkling nightlife. Visit the famous gay-friendly Kastro bar and take a few shots from its terrace alley.

The town has several churches, including the gorgeous Panagia Paraportiani, one of the most photographed churches in the world. Another landmark is the famous windmills that sit above the harbor. You will also likely encounter Petros the Pelican, a friendly pelican who shuffles between the windmills and Little Venice.

©gaytravel4u.com

Vibrant nightlife

Mykonos comes alive at night. It is famous for its notorious nightlife, with plenty of gay bars and clubs to dance the night away. Whether you’re after a sophisticated cocktail while watching the sun go down or a bouncy club with house music, there is something for everyone; the most popular and best gay bars in Mykonos are in the center of Mykonos Town.

@54Bar & Sunset Terrace – Mykonos Town

Firstly, the bar’s terrace is the perfect place to start your evening with a cocktail to watch the sun go down. Later, you can enjoy the bar’s sleek interior and dance the night away. With various performances and events, you’re assured of having a great time!

Porta Bar – Mykonos Town

The Porta Bar is a chic gay-friendly bar and club near the harbourfront. Renowned for its tasty cocktails and welcoming climate, it has two bars and a little dancefloor. Performances there range from famous DJs to music that suits all tastes.

Lola Bar – Mykonos Town

This cheerful bar and cafe may be small, though it attracts a prominent (mixed/LGBT) crowd with upbeat tunes, welcoming service, and a comprehensive cocktail menu. With quirky decor and a unique ambiance, Lola’s is one of the island’s hidden gems!

Elysium Bar – Mykonos Town

The Elysium Bar is one of the finest gay bars in Mykonos to experience panoramic views at sunset while enjoying one of their delicious cocktails. They frequently organize themed nights with live DJs, drag queens, and shows.

Katerina’s Bar & Restaurant – Mykonos Town

This cocktail bar and restaurant is in Little Venice, the quaint area of Mykonos, with colorfully painted Medieval houses. With a terrace enjoying spectacular sea views, Katerina’s Bar & Restaurant is the perfect spot to sit and drink. Moreover, they serve freshly cooked Greek/Mediterranean cuisine with stress on seafood if you get hungry.

Kastro’s Bar – Mykonos Town

If you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe or somewhere to begin your evening, then Kastro’s Bar is a suitable option. They have proudly served tourists since 1976, with stunning views of the Mykonos Windmills. Specializing in fruit cocktails and fresh seafood, you can enjoy an authentic isle experience here.

Babylon – Mykonos Town

It is located next to Jackie O’s on the waterfront of the old harbor, near Paraportiani church and the gay cruising spot. Babylon has both indoor seats and an outside terrace with lounge seating.

If you sit next to the sea wall, be prepared for some sea spray from the occasional waves. It usually gets busy around midnight. So, arrive early to secure good seats.

Shows and themed events happen here in the summer. Music ranges from house, techno, progressive, acid jazz, and ambient. Some of the most popular gay parties are held here.

Xlsior

First launched back in 2009, the Xlsior festival has become one of Europe’s finest annual gay dance festivals. Every August, over 30,000 gay travelers arrive in Mykonos to enjoy international DJs and some of the greatest artists in the gay circuit scene. Highlights include the opening party at the Elysium Hotel, with numerous parties held at Cavo Paradiso, which usually continue onto Elia Beach.

©mlv.villas

Explore the Sacred Island of Delos

Tiny and uninhabited, Delos is a short boat ride from Mykonos. It is the center of the circle from which the Cyclades take their name and the cradle of Apollo, god of beauty, and his sister Artemis, goddess of the hunt. The most celebrated remains are the terrace of the Lions, whose originals are in the museum, the sanctuary of Apollo, where a colossal statue of the god once stood, and the old homes of Dionysus and Cleopatra. You should not miss the small Museum of Delos for its splendid collection of asses.