Best Places To Visit In Greece, And What To Do Once You’re There

Greece has been known as one of the ultimate summer destinations in the world. Its sandy beaches, crystal clear blue seas, unique culinary experiences and the constant vibe of fiestas going on rightfully have put the country in the forefront of destinations around the globe.

LGBT+ travellers have long headed to this wonderful country, where queer people are protected, celebrated and free to express themselves. Let’s have a look at the most LGBT+ friendly places in Greece, why that is and the best places to enjoy your stay.

Athens

Greece’s capital is filled with restaurants, bars, nightclubs and cultural destinations for the LGBT+ community to enjoy. The artistic Gazi District in the centre of Athens is vastly owned by LGBT+ businesses, is close to the Acropolis - a must-see when visiting Athens- and is the perfect place to go bar hopping. Just a 30-minute drive from Athens’s centre you’ll find Limanakia Beach, the most famous LGBT+ beach in Athens.

Where to stay:

Athens is packed with hotels and hostels to meet your every need.

Gazi District is a good neighbourhood to pick for your stay. It’s central, you can walk around and get to know the city, it is filled with bars and nightclubs and great hotels and hostels.

Fresh Athens Hotel, A for Athens, O&B Athens Boutique Hotel and Alexander Appartements are all dedicated to welcoming members of the LGBT+ community, are comfortably located in the city centre close to the vibrant Athenian gay scene and offer great views of the city.

Where to Eat & Where to Drink:

In Athens, it is very common to combine drinking and eating. Lot’s of places offer nice meals which go perfectly with the local drinks raki and tsipouro where you can start your evening before heading out to one of the popular clubs in the centre.

Myrovolos, located just outside the Gazi District (address Giatrakou 12, 104 36) has become a popular hangout for lesbians.

BIG Bar is a popular warm-up venue for the LGBT+ community to start the night while TRAP offers both drinks and finger food with a big gay following.

For those looking for a party night, Sodade2 is the place to be, especially at the weekends. Here you can catch a glimpse at the real local queer scene of the city, offering an interesting mix of local music, cocktails, and culture.

Alternatively, Noiz is an LGBT+ nightclub which is open every night of the week.

Koukles Club is premier cabaret - a must-visit for anyone interested in vibrant stage performances

What to do:

The Acropolis is a must-see for every traveller visiting Greece. Its rich history is sure to take your breath away. Be sure to head to the museum of the Acropolis too, where you will have an extra glimpse into the Greek culture.

Take a walk in the city centre where you will pass by several cultural monuments. Look for the monument of Olympia Dios, take a walk around Syntagma Square and be sure to visit the National Gardens. All these can be easily done in one day as all are in a very small distance from each other.

Lastly, you can join an alternative Athen’s Gay & Lesbian Nightlife Tour where you will be visiting some of the most popular LGBT+ bars, clubs and cabaret lounges in the city centre.

Mykonos

Mykonos is the most popular LGBT+ destination in Europe. Since the 1960’s members of the LGBT+ community have fled to this mesmerising island which is considered the LGBT+ capital of Greece. But you must be warned. If you are looking for a chill vacation vibe, this is not the place to be. Mykonos is popular for its wild nightlife, which begins every noon and can last for days.

Where to stay:

It is usually more convenient to stay in the centre of the island called Chora and be able to stroll around the picturesque white streets, visit bars and restaurants and be in the centre of the buzz. Every hotel in Mykonos is considered to be LGBT+ friendly, so do your research to find the one that best suits your needs. Elysium is considered to be THE gay resort in Mykonos.

Where to eat:

Jackie O’ Beach Club, located in super Paradise Beach is a gay beach bar and restaurant. Combine your meal with a swim on the beach, relaxation in the jacuzzi and if you decide to have diner, be sure to stay and enjoy the drag show afterwards.

Noa Greek Restaurant serves authentic Greek Food and attracts a number of LGBT+ people looking to enjoy a meal before heading to the bars nearby.

Spilia takes its name from the Greek word meaning cave. It stands on top of crystal clear blue waters the island offers and the food is delicious, with fresh fish being caught and cooked every day. Its romantic setting makes it the perfect place to go with your loved one.

Where to Drink:

Jackie O’ Bar in the Island’s Chora is one of the most popular LGBT+ bars/clubs on the island. Every evening they offer drag shows and later at night it becomes packed with LGBT+ people from all around the world, looking to have a good time.

Babylon is the place to go after you’ve visited Jackie O’. It’s located just next door and it’s the perfect place to dance the night away. You can either head in the club and enjoy the music, which lasts until 6 am, or hangs out in the terrace and enjoy the beautiful views and sunrise if you make it that far into the night.

Porta Bar is a more low-key bar in the centre of the island, serving delicious cocktails with atmospheric music playing in the background. It’s the perfect place to start your night before heading out to the more party-friendly bars/clubs.

Not to be missed:

Be sure to visit the amazing, long, sandy beaches of the island. Super Paradise Beach is very popular with the LGBT+ community, as is Kalafati Beach, Panormos Beach and Elia Beach. In all these beaches you will find kiosks and restaurants to combine your swim with delicious food and an ice cold drink.

While strolling around the centre of the island head to the windmills and snap some pictures. The setting is very romantic and you can also enjoy a beautiful sunset there.

Lesvos

Lesvos's tourism is a high percentage of LGBT+ travellers. The island’s historic background regarding homosexuality has made it so. The ancient Greek lesbian poet Sappho was from Lesvos and the locals honour her and are very keen in welcoming the LGBT+ community in the island. The word “lesbian” derives from the island's name, leading to a number of lesbians visiting the island each year.

Where to stay:

Frini Studios and Villa Faros Estate are two of the most popular hotels for LGBT+ travellers on the island. Both hotels are a good starting point to get to know the island, while their owners may be able to give you tips on where to go and what to see.

Where to Drink:

Lesvos enjoys a number of LGBT+ friendly bars and clubs in its town. Molly’s Bar located in the picturesque Molivos Harbour is a popular bar where members of the LGBT+ blend while enjoining a drink. The area of Skala Eressos has many bar options, where travellers can enjoy a glass of ouzo and star-gaze while talking or playing cards. Both Zorba the Buddha and Breez Bar are recommended.

Where to Eat:

The food in Lesvos is mouth watering. Most products are produced by the local’s own farms and the food is cheap tasty and vast. The area of Skala Eressos draws a large number of travellers looking for a good meal. It’s also great to combine your lunch with a quick dip in the sea. Soultso is one of the best fish taverns in the area, serving fresh fish every day, while Blue Sardine is top for trying traditional Greek cuesigne while enjoying a glass of ouzo.

In the Island’s center, Paratairon is a stylish maze restaurant - named Ouzeri in Greek - the perfect romantic sot to start your night out.

What to do:

As Lesvos is a big island there are several villages for one to visit.