Greece
Mykonos is Greece's legendary island of sun, sea, and hedonism — a whitewashed Cycladic paradise that has been a top LGBTQ+ destination for decades. The island's famous gay beach at Super Paradise, the nightlife of Mykonos Town (Chora), and the beautiful combination of Greek island beauty with an international party atmosphere make it a bucket-list destination for queer travellers, particularly in summer.
Mykonos has been a queer haven since the 1970s, when it became a favourite escape for gay men from Europe and North America. Today it is unambiguously one of the world’s top LGBTQI+ destinations. The action centres on Mykonos Town (Chora) and the famous Super Paradise Beach, where the LGBTQI+ beach club scene is legendary. Bars and clubs like Jackie O’, Babylon, and Porta have anchored the gay nightlife circuit for decades.
Super Paradise Beach is the island’s most celebrated LGBTQI+ beach, famous for its lively atmosphere, beach parties, and inclusive crowd. Paradise Beach nearby is also popular and mixed. For a quieter experience, Elia Beach — the island’s longest — has a welcoming gay-friendly section. Psarou and Ornos are more mainstream but still relaxed.
Mykonos nightlife runs late — very late. Bars don’t fill until midnight and clubs run until sunrise. The main strip in Mykonos Town concentrates most of the LGBTQI+ nightlife. Jackie O’ is an institution: a bar, restaurant, and club perched above the sea at Super Paradise. In town, Porta, Babylon, and Kastro’s Bar are perennial favourites. Season runs May through October, peaking in July and August.
Peak season is July and August — hot, crowded, and expensive, but the island is at its most electric. June and September offer a slightly calmer experience with good weather and shorter queues. Mykonos Pride typically takes place in late June or early July. The island is largely dormant from November through April.
Mykonos has its own international airport (JMK) with direct flights from major European cities in summer. Ferries from Athens’ Piraeus port take 2.5–5 hours depending on the service. On the island, ATVs and scooters are popular for getting around, though taxis and the local bus (KTEL) serve the main beaches. Note that parking and traffic in Mykonos Town are extremely limited in peak season.
Mykonos is extremely safe and welcoming for LGBTQI+ travellers. Public displays of affection are completely normalised, especially in and around the main party areas of Mykonos Town. The island’s economy depends heavily on LGBTQI+ tourism, so businesses and locals are highly accustomed to and welcoming of queer visitors.
Greek national law provides civil union recognition for same-sex couples but not full marriage equality. However, on Mykonos itself this distinction rarely affects day-to-day experience. The island sits comfortably apart from more conservative mainland attitudes.
Greece is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travellers, particularly in tourist areas and cities. Same-sex marriage became legal in 2024. Mykonos is extremely welcoming; Athens has a growing scene. Rural and religiously conservative areas may be less accepting.
