Mykonos is a gem in the middle of the Aegean Sea that has for years made it its pleasure to host the rainbow tourists. This Greek island has rightfully claimed its place among the seven best gay summer resorts in Europe, along with Ibiza, Gran Canaria, and Sitges. For many decades, after Jackie Onassis first popularized Mykonos with her stylish group in the seventies, the island has become even more of an oasis where gays can vacation, have fun, and generally not have to hide their orientation.
Greece, being an Orthodox Christian country, has always been quite conservative. However, Mykonos is welcoming of the LGBT clientele, which makes the travelers return to the island year after year. Mykonos is an ideal destination for gays and lesbians, with stunning sandy beaches and a pristine sea, an array of pubs and clubs, wild parties, and well-known events. Here, we are going to learn about the various aspects of the homosexual-friendly Mykonos, including the beaches that the gays and lesbians frequent, the clubs that the gays and lesbians can dance into, and the pride festivals they can attend.
Mykonos LGBTQ+ Friendly Beaches
Elia Beach
Every vacation to Mykonos means a visit to its famous beaches, and for any gay tourist, Elia Beach is the ultimate preference. Elia el,se well- known as the gay beach or the best gay beach on the island, is famous for being the longest sandy beach in Mykonos. Here visitors can sunbathe on the Mediterranean coast, swim in the warm sea with incredible blue color, and use all the services which are provided here. Sunbeds for rent, high-quality restaurants and bars, and many more make Elia the perfect place to spend your days on the beach.
For the daredevils, water sports facilities provide equipment for water-skiing, paraskiing, and windsurfing, among others. It is approximately 25 25-minute’ drive from Mykonos Town, and guests can organize a bus or water taxi transfer to the beach, making the location ideal for a day trip to Elia Beach.
Super Paradise Beach
For those who prefer more energy, Super Paradise Beach is the best option. Originally the only gay beach in Mykonos, today, it is popular among different audiences while still catering to the gay audience. This is a party animal’s beach of choice, and it is lively throughout the day and night. It is recommended to visit the Jackie O’ Beach Club, which offers unique cocktails and snacks right in the pool area. Towards the evening, Super Paradise Beach Club becomes one of the most vibrant and famous spots for beach parties on the island.
The parties start in the early afternoon and go on till the wee hours of the night; thus, Super Paradise is ideal for people who wish to dance as the sun sets and rises. The beach is more secluded and can only be reached by car, but there is a shuttle service from Fabrika to Super Paradise Beach Club, where the party never stops.
Paraga Beach
For those travelers who are in search of a less crowded beach, then Paraga Beach is the perfect destination to consider. Frequented by gay men, this area is less crowded and features aqua waters and fewer party-hearty types. Sunbeds are available for rent near the bar, and there’s a minimarket nearby offering food and drinks, as well as beach items such as sandals and sunscreen.
Paraga Beach is relatively quiet and this is the right place to be for couples who wish to relax and enjoy the Mykonian sun. Located 5 km from Chora, by bus or by car/taxi, Paraga Beach is one of the most convenient beaches that are also very quiet.
Mykonos LGBTQ+ Vibrant Nightlife
Mykonos Town: The Heart of the Action
At night, Mykonos becomes a vivid party island as its nightlife steals the show after dusk falls. Mykonos is indeed famous for its vibrant nightlife and hot parties and you’ll find a large number of gay-friendly bars and clubs in Mykonos town or Chora. Whether it is classy cocktails at a view deck as the sun sets or a dance club that plays house music, Mykonos has it all.
Must-Visit Venues
When it comes to the best way to start your evenings in place, it is recommended to visit 54 Bar & Sunset Terrace, which is located in The Town House Mykonos. This is an ideal place with a beautiful terrace to enjoy cocktails as the sun sets on the horizon. By night, they change into a modern disco where one can dance till the break of dawn. Porta Bar is a cool harbour front venue that provides two bars and a dancing area, which is known for its tasty cocktails and warm hospitality. People who like to play music will find it useful to have a variety, from jazz to upbeat house music.
Lola Bar may not be big but the uniqueness of its interior and furniture make this bar quite special. This is a bar and café with mixed clientele within the LGBT demographic, playing lively music and serving a vast selection of cocktails. At sunset, Elysium Bar is a great spot to take in the expansive views of the island. This club has themed nights with live DJs, drag queens, and shows to give clients an exciting night out in a trendy establishment.
For anyone wanting to get a feel of Mykonos Little Venice then Katerina’s Bar & Restaurant is ideal. It has a terrace with a view over the sea and dishes of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, which are prepared right on the spot – it is ideal for a date.
Pride Events in Mykonos: Xlsior Festival
Although Mykonos does not have an official pride parade, it offers the experience of a lifetime through the Xlsior festival. Starting in 2009, Xlsior has risen to be amongst the most famous gay dance festivities in Europe, and annually, over 30,000 tourists attend the island in August. This week-long event includes international DJs as well as some of the hottest stars from the gay circuit scene, and the crowd is truly electrifying and pervades the entire island.
The event begins with the opening night at the Elysium Hotel with a buffet and entertainment to signal the start of the entire week’s festivities. Most of the main events take place in Cavo Paradiso, which is among the most famous clubs worldwide, featuring perfect sound and amazing views. They extend well into the following day, and in some cases, participants take the revelries to Elia Beach, which doubles as a dance floor with the sand as the floor. So for the gay travelers who want to get the best of Mykonos’ gay nightlife, going to Xlsior during the event is strongly recommended.
Conclusion
Universal acceptance: Mykonos is the epitome of an LGBT-friendly travel destination – beautiful landscapes, pulsating nightlife, and friendly people. From the long golden beaches of Elia to the heart-throbbing discos of Babylon, the island offers facades of gay travel and tourism. Whether you dream of quiet sunbathing on the sandy shore or wild non-stop dancing, whether you are alone or accompanied by your lover, Mykonos is effectually gay-friendly.
When you are planning to take a vacation, it might be a good idea to follow the thousands of other gay travelers who have fallen in love with Mykonos. Whether you are grooving at Super Paradise Beach, staring at the stars, sipping cocktails at the sunset bar in Little Venice, or simply lounging in the warm Mediterranean sun at Elia Beach, you will understand why Mykonos is now associated with the best of gay travel. So gather your belongings, pack for adventure, and get ready to make lifelong memories on this enchanted Greek island paradise.
