Said to be named after Mykonos, the grandson of the god Apollo, the Greek island of Mykonos is a legend in its own right. Situated in the Aegean sea, Mykonos, the most cosmopolitan of all the Greek islands, forms part of the Cyclades range together with Paros, Naxos, Ios and Santorini.
A Classic Village Feel
Gay Mykonos offers visitors an abundance of steep mountains giving way to low, rocky hills combined with superb beaches. The island is awash with colourful fishing villages peppered with small churches and windmills.
No building is higher than three floors. Motorways and traffic lights don’t exist, and there are no big supermarkets or department stores. With its intimate, village-like ambience, Mykonos town retains much of the character from its past during the day, while offering visitors a world class dining and nightlife scene in the evening.
Mykonos fulfils everyone’s idea of “the idyllic island escape”. All the clichés are here:
- The white-washed cubicle houses
- Gorgeous blue-green water
- Three gay beaches
- Beautiful people from around the world
- Oh, and, of course, glorious sunshine from May to October.
Super beaches, super boys, Mykonos has been a leading gay destination for decades.
Mykonos Gay History
Mykonos has always been a popular destination for gay travelers ever since the island’s glamorous jet set days of the 60’s. A small island nestled in the heart of the Aegean, Mykonos remains relatively un-spoiled by the ravages of mass tourism and retains an air of glamour and exclusiveness that just keeps us flocking back year after year. Gay and gay friendly hotels such as The Elysium with its Sunset lounge and Summer gay spectaculars & The Belvedere with its timeless elegance have put the island on the map of every discerning traveler.
You can’t help but notice the sheer number of gay tourists here, but no one would even dream of batting a well-plucked eyelid. Couples of every persuasion enjoy the cosmopolitan, refined atmosphere and stroll through the winding streets holding hands as the well behaved straights don’t seem to care. What could be more tranquil? Despite Mykonos having become a euphemism for ‘gay paradise’, it’s also popular with the straights. Thankfully they tend to be a more sophisticated crowd.
Getting Around
Mykonos Airport to Old Town
- Only a 20-minute flight from Athens (or 4 hour ferry ride), Mykonos attracts more than 100,000 visitors during peak season joining the fewer than 10,000 locals each year.
- Conveniently situated just a few minutes from Mykonos Town, the island’s airport is close-by. Book your airport transfer in advance. Don’t leave it to your arrival in Mykonos.
- Mykonos is a very small island. The main town (sometimes called Hora or Chora) can be traversed in about 15 minutes, so you need only ask the where a particular venue is; besides, most of the streets don’t have names and the natives are very friendly.
- The streets are a maze of narrow, winding alleyways – some only two to four feet wide, overhung with dazzling pink and purple blossoms. On every second doorstep sits a cat, gazing down serenely at passersby.
- If you want to stay in the old town, you should book your trip several months in advance. For a stay to remember, book your room at the Mykonos Townhouse.
Transport around the Island
- Those seeking a stress-free holiday are advised to hire your own transport.
- You can hire a jeep from around EUR 45 a day or a motor scooter from about EUR 35.
- Quad bikes are also very popular. We recommend, Mykonos on Wheels. Book your quad bike in advance to ensure you have one during the peak Summer season. Be aware that Mykonos has few major roads or traffic lights, so drive carefully!
- There are busses to the various beaches, but the queues in Summer can be quite long. If you don’t have transport, arrive for your bus early in the morning and plan to send the day at the beach!
Where to stay in Gay Mykonos?
From luxury hotels to charming guest houses and apartments, discover our top recommendations.
Stay in the old town, with epic views of the Mykonian Sunset.
The Gay Area in Mykonos
Unlike other destinations, the entire island of Mykonos is one big gay playground. The bars and clubs are centred around the old town, Chora. This is where most visitors tend to stay.
If you are looking for something really special note that many of of the 5 star hotels are located outside the main town, close to some of the island’s famous beaches. Also, many of the luxury villa options are located outside the old town.
- Taxis in Mykonos are rare, especially after dark, so try and stay as close to Mykonos Town (Chora) as possible. Some of the best 5 star hotels are located outside the town. Many offer regular shuttle services to and from the center. Season books out early (May to September) so book your hotel well-in-advance.
- Mykonos has a wide range of hotel styles and ratings, from chic affordable boutique hotels to ultra-luxury 5 star cliff-top escapes. Remember, this is one of the most popular destinations for young, hip and moneyed Europeans, so book early. Everyone is chasing the same rooms.
- At the top end of the scale consider the Mykonos Grand Hotel, with its stunning location on the beach of Agios Ioannis just 3 miles from Mykonos Town.
- Our favorite on the island is the Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge, a small property with stunning pool and stunning views of the town.
- The Hotel Elysium is an exclusively gay 4 star hotel with friendly atmosphere.
- For those seeking boutique style service, check out The Grace, located north of Mykonos town above the sandy beach of Agios Stefanos. Champagne breakfast served whenever you wake up!
When to visit Mykonos
- Peak Season is from June through to mid-September. The gayest time to visit is during Xlsior Mykonos, the annual Circuit Event in August. Those wishing for a more relaxing pace should visit during May and June and late September.
Mykonos View boasts Cycladic-style accommodation with views over the Aegean Sea or Mykonos Town with a swimming pool, a 24-hour lounge bar and a breakfast area with sun beds.
Alkyon Hotel is a 10-minute walk from Mykonos Town. It offers a swimming pool, and spacious rooms with balconies and stunning views. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.
Set on a hillside, just a 10-minute walk from the cosmopolitan Mykonos Town, and surrounded by nature, the Villa Konstantin offers amazing panoramic Aegean Sea views.
Gay Map of Mykonos
Town, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
The sophisticated Hotel Semeli is situated in Mykonos town, 500 m from Megali Ammos beach. It boasts tastefully decorated accommodation with sea, town or garden views, a sweet-water, heated pool with sun beds and a spa.
All rooms or suites at Semeli Hotel have a flat screen TV, seating area, marble bathroom and French doors with sea views. Whitewashed walls and a garden with geraniums and bougainvilleas provide the rooms’ exterior setting. Some units have an indoor or an outdoor hot tub.
Agios Elefterios, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
Featuring an
with and and al fresco dining, offers elegant, air-conditioned accommodation with balconies in the cosmopolitan Agios Eleftherios in .Overlooking the Aegean Sea and
or the hotel grounds, the airy guest rooms feature light-coloured furnishings and offer a refrigerator, satellite TV and air conditioning. Slippers and bathroom toiletries are included.Kaminaki, Mykonos 84600, Greece
Portobello Boutique Hotel is less than a 10-minute walk from the Old Port and boasts spectacular
over the Aegean Sea. It offers and suites with internet and a 32-inch LCD TVs with satellite channels.All of the rooms and suites at the Portobello Boutique hotel are air conditioned and many have either a balcony or a furnished terrace. They are fitted with a safety box, mini bar and hairdryer. Some rooms also have a second TV and DVD player. A villa with private pool and 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms is also included in the property.
This air-conditioned villa with pool is located in the center of Mykonos town and features 6 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, and a kitchen with a dishwasher. Offering free WiFi and free private parking,
This air-conditioned villa set in Mýkonos town has 12 bedrooms, and Boasts an outdoor pool and garden views, flat-screen TV, and a kitchen with a dishwasher. Free private parking available
Watch as sailboats and luxury yachts navigate Old Harbor at this modern-Cycladic home on the waterfront in Mykonos. Sip your morning espresso at the rustic-chic picnic table on the balcony BOOK NOW
Kostantis Town Suites is located right in the centre of town in the middle of all the restaurants and bars! 2 bedrooms with double beds and on-suite, bathrooms there is a lovely terrace for enjoining the sunsets
Catarí, Αγία Άννα, Mykonos, South Aegean 846 00, Greece
As you enter Catari you are surrounded in an atmosphere of a traditional Neapolitan trattoria serving authentic Italian dishes. Pizza and pasta are the specialty’s here and if you haven’t booked your table it’s worth the wait.
Bakalò, Λάκκα, Mykonos, South Aegean 846 00, Greece
Bakalo is located in traditional Mykonian house dating back to the 18th century, complete with a courtyard garden,
Niko's Taverna, Πλατεία Αγίας Μονής, Mykonos, South Aegean 846 00, Greece
It would be hard to find anyone that has been to Myknons that has not eaten at Nikos Taverna, the restaurant offers some of the best fish dishes on the island.
Agion Anargyron 1, 69 Paraportiani Church,Little venice,.
Kastro’s where you can start the evening and enjoy a cocktail while watching the famous Mykonos sunset. They also serve delicious food.
Paraportiani Waterfront Mykonos 84600, Greece
● Stylish bar for gays and friends with a popular sea-facing terrace
● Drinks and cocktails, music, and drag shows
Daily 19:00/20:00 – 05:00 (June–September)
Paraportiani Waterfront Mykonos 84600, Greece
● Whether you are looking for the perfect sunset spot to welcoming the evening in style ● Or spend the night dancing to the best house DJ's in Mykonos - The Jackie O' Yacht Club will dazzle you with new cocktail and champagne creations.
CENTER 84600 Mýkonos, Greece
● One of the most popular little gay bars on the Ireland and always full. ● Famous for its espresso martinis, a must have when here.
Daily 20:00 – 03:00 (mid-April – mid-October)
Mykonos Waterfront, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
● Gay-friendly cocktail bar with sunset terrace
● Occasional international DJs, drag queens, gogo dancers, or saxophone players
Daily 18:00 – 05:00 (mid-April – September)
Near Niko's Fish Taverna Mykonos 84600, Greece
● Music and cocktail bar for gays and friends
● Busiest between 24:00 and 02:00
Daily 21:30 – 05:00 (May – mid-October)
Gay Friendly Restaurants
World Famous Dining Awaits. During peak season, some restaurants require reservations a week in advance, so plan accordingly.
Greek food is world famous. There’s nothing better than trying a simple Greek salad, a slice of warm moussaka followed by some delicious Greek yogurt drizzled in honey, all al-fresco, on the beach in Mykonos.
There is a surprising range of cuisine available on the island from superb Italian restaurants (Catari Pizzeria) to delicious and world class sushi bars (we’re thinking Kuzina). If you need a quick bite. Souvlaki, also called Gyros, is the Greek equivalent of a hamburger.
In 1960, Mykonos was a small fishing village. Things have changed a bit since then, but it still does great fish. Check out the fish taverns by the old harbor. There are lots of tempting places to eat, with many restaurants set in lush, verdant gardens, overhung with flowering bougainvillea and grapevines.
Traditional Mykonos Restaurants
- Kounelas is next door to the Porta Bar. It’s a very small, almost hidden in the labyrinth of streets behind the port of old Mykonos Town. Simple but perfectly cooked fresh fish is the main attraction.Make sure you book a day in advance. Lovers of fresh-caught fish will enjoy eating alfresco at this lively local taverna.
- Mediterraneo, is next to the post office. A small, outdoor, northern Italian restaurant with plain tables and chairs. Exquisite cuisine at very reasonable prices, wonderful ambience and a late crowd – 10pm onwards. For serious foodies only.
- Nikos Taverna is a Mykonos institution with a large outside seating area with a huge variety of fresh fish. Reasonably priced and great fun, especially if you’re in a group. With a large outdoor seating area in a pretty and lively square behind the town hall, this inexpensive taverna is one of the most popular dining spots in Mykonos Town.
- Bakalo is located in traditional Mykonian house dating back to the 18th century, complete with a courtyard garden, the menu is made up of dishes served in a Greek household, recipes that mothers kept secret, this is a must visit if you want a taste of Greece in a relaxed setting.
High End Options
- Sea Satin Market is at the foot of the famous five windmills. A very expensive restaurant serving seafood. The location is all: waves crashing, floodlit windmills… food can be hit and miss.
- Interni is a contemporary and stylish restaurant and lounge in a lovely internal courtyard, hidden down a quiet alley off Matogianni Street. Its dramatic cactus-flanked staircase guarantees that celebrities are able to make a grand entrance. Expensive European fusion food.
Beach Side Fun
- At Nammos, think t-shirt and flip flops with exquisite Mediterranean cuisine made from the best ingredients, fresh fish, meat, and vegetables from local gardens, along with a wine list containing both Greek and international vineyards, all overlooking the beach.
Mykonos Gay Beaches.
World Famous Gay Beaches are one of the many attractions that have made Mykonos so famous.
Mykonos is surrounded by gorgeous beaches, many of which are very gay. But don’t expect to be able to stroll down to the soft white sands straight from a hotel. Most of the beaches are only accessible by taxi, bus or boat, which can be a cabaret experience in itself!
- The beaches of Mykonos are the island’s No 1 attraction. There are several ways to reach these beaches but the most fun way is by taking a bus to Platys Gialos (a nice beach in its own right) then boarding small boats to Paradise, Super Paradise, and Elia. You are guaranteed to meet lots of other travelers en route.
- Buses also go direct from the town to Elia and Paradise, via narrow, winding roads over rocky hills.
- Those seeking a stress-free holiday are advised to hire your own transport. Rent a quad bike and the entire island is yours to explore.
Pinky Beach
A touch of Luxury.
- Pinky Beach is located in Agia Anna Paraga. The beach club brings a welcome breath of fresh air to the Mykonos scene. Relax in the spacious VIP beds or take a front row position right by the water’s edge. The service is second to none, in fact, it is our favorite beach club on the island. Staff are attentive without being too fussy.
- Relax and enjoy a massage, take in the amazing view and chill out to the sounds of Summer. The restaurant at Pinky Beach is 5 star offering a superb menu and great wine list. Pinky beach is an expensive option for those on a budget, but if you do want to treat yourself to a day of pampering and luxury then this is the one place we recommend!
Elia Beach
The Busiest Gay Beach with popular cruising spot.
- Elia beach is the most popular beach for gay visitors to the Island. It is also one of the largest. The beach has great sand, sun beds and shades available for daily rent. As you look to the sea, the right hand side is gay. Look out for the rainbow flat. Beyond the sun loungers you will find a smaller bay where you will find even more gay sunbathers. It is also a popular nudist spot.
- Arrive early if you want to get a good sun lounge with a front view. Food and drink is not cheap, but of good quality. The bar and restaurant is at the other end of the beach, but the waiters are very handsome so you can have food delivered right to your sun lounger. Ordering from the beach staff and a nice tip will secure your seat the next day. There is a large open air beach restaurant located by the beach car park. The menu is full of delicious seafood and meat dishes, but it’s pricey.
- Elia Beach is quite in the morning. People tend to arrive by noon and leave from 5pm to 7pm.
- The best way to get to Elia beach is to hire your own car. It saves time, especially if you plan on visiting the beach a lot during your holiday. Alternatively take the bus from the Northern station. Buses leave from 11am daily.
- Stay close-by at the Arte & Mare Luxury Suites & Spa with luxurious sea-view suites, complimentary beach beds and umbrellas and a tasty breakfast served by the sea.
Agrari Beach
Relaxed, tranquil and nudist friendly.
- The next beach beyond the rocks of Elia, Agrari, is mainly straight, but you’ll sometimes find an overflow of gays there too. It is more secluded and less crowded, attracting gay sunbathers who are seeking a more relaxed ambiance.
- Agari beach is just a short 5 min walk from Elia Beach. There is a bar and a restaurant. Sun beds are also available.
- On the opposite side of the beach bar at Agrari beach, there is a passageway that takes you behind the normal beach area onto some rocks. When you hit the rocks walk up and away from the bar. The beach is busy all day, but things heat up late afternoon. What a surprise! There are lots of tight ravines where the real action happens. You’ll also find lots of nude guys waiting for it. Keep walking over the hill and you’ll reach a little bay with soft sand. Once you’ve left the ‘straight’ beach you can’t be seen any longer so nudity is fine.
- Want to stay near the gay beaches in one of the most idyllic settings in all of Mykonos. Check out the Royal Mykonian Hotel.
Super Paradise Beach
Legendary beach – more mixed as of late.
- Superpardise beach was “THE” gay beach in Mykonos for many years. Its popularity lead to it becoming more well known among straight visitors and today it is very mixed. It still has that cool vibe, has a nice beach bar and restaurant and plenty of sun loungers. The beach gets busy from lunchtime similar to Elia beach.
- Take a bus from the main bus station in Mykonos Town to Platys Gialos or Ornos. Then take the regular boat service to Super Paradise. Alternatively, take a bus from the main bus station in Mykonos Town to the nearby Paradise beach and walk along the path to Super Paradise. Alternatively, take a taxi, if you can find one.
Jackie O’ Beach, Super Paradise
Uber-gay, Great beds, service and poolside shows!
- The queen of the beach scene, the Jackie O’ Beach Club is owned by the guys behind the popular Jackie O’ dance bar by the old harbour in Mykonos. The beach club is located on the beachfront of Super Paradise bay, at the southern end of the island.
- Jackie O’ includes a large restaurant, open air bar, lounge area, Jacuzzi and pool. There is also a private massage service, DJ, music and drag shows. Reserve in advance.
XLSIOR Festival Mykonos, parties not to miss.
Xlsior is one of the biggest circuit events in Europe after Barcelona. The following parties are some of the biggest during the 8 day event. The calendar will be updated as new events are confirmed.
Gay Mykonos What to see and do!
There’s more to Mykonos than just the beach, so make sure you spend at least an afternoon exploring some of the island’s cultural offerings.
Mykonos is about 4 things – Eating, Sleeping, Sunbathing and Drinking. Mykonos is notorious for its serene tranquility during the day and buzzing nightlife in the evenings. Pack your best lube because Mykonos is all about getting tanned and getting laid.
That said, there’s some noteworthy sightseeing and several nearby islands to visit. Take a tour to the famous Delos ruins, enjoy a helicopter trip around the Island or take an excursion to nearby Santorini.
- Mykonos town is a classic example of Cycladic architecture with its narrow marble streets, tiny churches, whitewashed houses and bright painted doors and window frames.
- Visit the Panagia Paraportiani church, the town hall and the castle located above the harbor. Take a private tour and explore the town with a knowledgeable guide.
- One of the town’s most photographed vistas is the row of famous old windmills overlooking Little Venice. With distinctive thatched roofs and spindly sails, these windmills have been an island landmark since the 16th century. They were built in the days when Mykonos was a significant stopover on the sea-trade route between Europe and Asia, to grind wheat to make bread for passing sailors.
- After a day at the beach and before heading home for your shower, make sure you stop at one of the bars in ‘Little Venice’ for a ‘sundowner’ and watch the dramatic sunset reflected in the water. It’s very romantic.
- Those looking for some rich gay culture should head to The Mykonos Archaeological Museum. The museum has some interesting finds from nearby islands including a rather fetching torso of Hercules.
- Temperatures in July and August range from 86ºF (30ºC) during the day to 72ºF (22ºC) at night. Rainfall is almost non-existent in summer, but showers can be expected between October and April.
- The weather on the island is typical of all the islands in the region, which means that it is largely Mediterranean with the odd influence from North African climes. The temperate weather is fantastic for visitors and although the heat can be oppressive and quite overwhelming for those who aren’t used to it summer remains the most popular time to visit Mykonos.
- If you visit in the idyllic summer season – the hottest months are July and August – then expect the island to be extremely busy and the beaches packed. If you can bear to miss out on the fashionable season then the best times to visit the island are late spring and early autumn. May is a very pleasant month and by this time the water should have warmed up sufficiently for swimming. September is another gem and in early autumn the seas are almost as warm as in summer.
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