Mykonos gay holiday guide -everything you need to know before you go


It’s not a secret that Mykonos is one of the most popular gay islands in the world! Since the 1970s, when Jackie O’ put it on the map as a gay holiday destination, Mykonos has been attracting millions and millions of gay travelers every summer!

 

If you want to find out everything about planning a gay holiday to Mykonos, from hotels and beaches to hot clubs and activities, keep reading!

Traditional windmills in Mykonos

Why you should plan a gay holiday on Mykonos island

 

 

The most gay-friendly island in Greece and one of the top gay destinations in the world along with Ibiza, Sitges, and Gran Canaria, Mykonos is a fascinating island to visit. Mykonos has been attracting a large number of gay visitors over the last 50 years, making a name for itself as a super-glamorous LGBTQ+-friendly destination.

 

Every summer Mykonos turns into a gay party wonderland, with numerous events, parties, and festivals taking place in Mykonos Chora and at some beaches. Speaking of beaches, Mykonos is home to the legendary Paradise beach, a longtime hot spot for the gay community. But more on that later!

 

 

The best gay hotels in Mykonos

 

Although there are very few gay hotels in Mykonos, almost all the hotels on the island are gay-friendly. Mykonos is known for its ultra-luxurious hotels and exclusive villas, so there’s a variety of accommodations for every taste. Our suggestion is to opt for a hotel near Mykonos Chora, where most gay bars and clubs lie. A hotel in Mykonos Town offers easy access not only to the island’s crazy nightlife and legendary parties, but also to the best restaurants, boutiques, and beaches!

 

Find below the top gay and gay-friendly hotels in Mykonos:

01
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Elysium, which also goes by the moniker “the straight friendly hotel”, is the most popular gay hotel in Mykonos! Perched on a hill overlooking Mykonos Chora, Elysium boasts a panoramic view of the sea and the island, as well as a fantastic sunset vistas from its iconic rooftop. This 4-star hotel offers two room types: Standard Double Rooms and Superior Deluxe Rooms.

Both types of rooms are spacious (the Superior ones more than the Standard ones), bright, airy, and open out to a private balcony or a sunny terrace. They are fully equipped with a minibar, a satellite TV, bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer, and more amenities.
Who is it for?

Gay and LGBTQ travelers who want to have fun, meet new people and be close to Mykonos Chora.

Why we love it?

The gorgeous rooftop pool bar of Elysium Hotel is where all the fun stuff happens! Every evening, it plays host to a fabulous cabaret drag show and attracts many gay visitors who want to enjoy a romantic sunset cocktail with beautiful sea views.

 

Check availability and booking information about Elysium Hotel here

02
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Rochari is an excellent family-run hotel in Mykonos that has been welcoming gay visitors since 1976. Ideally located in Mykonos Town, this 3-star hotel offers easy access to the hottest bars, clubs, and attractions (it lies just 500 m away from the iconic Little Venice), as well as panoramic sea views from its elegant rooms. Rochari’s 55 rooms and suites are chic, comfortable, and decorated with calming earthy tones. All rooms and suites come with Nespresso coffee machines, Jo Malone toiletries, soundproof windows, a hairdryer, and more amenities, while some of them also feature an outdoor private jacuzzi.
Who is it for?

Gay and LGBTQ travelers who want to be close to the island’s nightlife and make new friends. The pool area of Rochari is a hotspot for meeting people from all over the world!

Why we love it?

Rochari is not only a great place to stay for those who want to have fun and party in Mykonos, but also a nice place to unwind. The hotel’s exclusive spa offers a variety of relaxing and rejuvenating treatments from facials and eye contour treatments to exotic massages and oriental body wraps.

 

Check availability and booking information about Rochari Hotel here


Ideally located in the heart of Mykonos Chora, just minutes away from the beach, Fresh Boutique Hotel is a very nice option for those who want to be close to the best bars and clubs. Inspired by the traditional Cycladic architecture, this LGBTQ+ friendly 3-star hotel boasts whitewashed walls, cute little balconies, and beautiful courtyards embellished with trees and flowers.

Fresh Boutique Hotel features 9 superior rooms and a suite decorated with a minimal style that feels smart yet relaxed. All rooms come with an en suite bathroom with a shower, a coffee maker, air conditioning, and more modern facilities.
Who is it for?

LGBTQ+ travelers who want to stay at a Cycladic-style hotel at the center of Mykonos Town and be within a walking distance of all points of interest.

Why we love it?

We love Fresh Boutique Hotel’s restaurant, Kalita. One of the best restaurants on the island, Kalita is nestled in a paradisiacal Cycladic garden and serves delicious Greek fusion dishes that marry the tried-and-tested traditional recipes with modern elements. If you want to enjoy your meal in the privacy of your room, Kalita also offers room service!

 

Check availability and booking information about Fresh Boutique Hotel here

04
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Mykonos,  Greece | Luxury, Ocean view

Cavo Tagoo is arguably one of the trendiest places to stay in Mykonos! Hanging on a cliff in the west part of the island, close to Mykonos Town, this 5-star hotel boasts a stunning location. The highlights of Cavo Tagoo are its luxurious cave rooms and suites, which are the perfect blend of minimalism and natural beauty! Luxuriously decorated and equipped with private infinity pools and outdoor hot tubs with sea views, they’ll make you feel like a royal.
Who is it for?

Young couples and honeymooners are going to have so much fun staying at Cavo Tagoo!

Why we love it?

Cavo Tagoo hotel’s concierge services will make you feel like a VIP! From helicopter transfers to private wine-tasting sessions and everything in between, Cavo Tagoo really knows how to spoil its visitors. Just let the hotel’s concierge team know what you want and you can be sure that they’ll go out of their way to make it happen!

 

Check availability and booking information about Cavo Tagoo Mykonos here

Gay nightlife in Mykonos

 

 

Mykonos Chora (or Town), the capital of the island, is the center of gay nightlife in Mykonos. In Mykonos Town, you’ll find a wide selection of gay bars and clubs that host crazy parties and over-the-top drag shows. Among the picturesque cobblestone alleys of Mykonos Chora, you’ll find an abundance of gay-friendly bars and clubs. Some of the best gay clubs and bars which should be on your list are Jackie O’, Elysium Bar, Babylon, Cavo Paradiso, 54 Bar, Porta Bar, and Lola Bar.

 

Xlsior Festival

 

 

This epic event deserves special mention. Xlsior is an annual gay festival that takes place in Mykonos every August, attracting more than 30,000 gays from all over the world! One of the best gay festivals in the world, along with Tel Aviv Pride, Madrid Pride, and Circuit in Barcelona, Xlsior is an excellent reason to visit Mykonos. Xlsior Festival, which lasts for a week, plays host to many events, including international DJ sets, parties at Cavo Paradiso, beach parties at Elia Beach, and gay performances. Combining clubbing and parties with exclusivity, hot people, and luxury, the Xlsior Festival is a must for all gay people who want to have fun during their vacation!

 

The best gay beaches in Mykonos

 

 

Super Paradise

This is one of the most iconic beaches in Mykonos. Particularly popular with the gay community, Super Paradise is usually crowded, and there’s always a party going on. Although Super Paradise is a small beach, it is covered with umbrellas and sun loungers and has water sports facilities.

 

Elia

Elia is one of the best gay beaches in Mykonos! LGBTQ+-friendly and nudist-friendly, this beach attracts many gays that want to enjoy the sun and meet new people. Elia is a long beach, meaning there’s plenty of space for everyone! For the most part, it is organized with umbrellas and sun loungers, but there is an unspoiled part without sunbeds and umbrellas, which is where nudists usually go. On the right side of the beach, right after the rocks, you’ll find Agrari beach, which is also very popular with gays yet quieter than Elia.

 

Psarou

Psarou is one of the most popular and expensive beaches in Mykonos, mainly due to Nammos, the beach’s upscale bar, which is loved by celebrities. From international top models to super-star athletes, you’ll see everyone lounging at the bars or taking a dip in the sea. It’s the best option for those who want to splurge on a luxurious beach day!

 

Paradise

If you want to party all day with people from all over the world, Paradise beach is your best bet. Famous for its party scene and international young crowds, this beach is home to some of the most popular beach clubs in Mykonos. When the sun goes down, the party starts!

 

The best things to do in Mykonos

 

  1. Party, party, party

    Mykonos is known as one of the craziest party destinations in the world. Every night (and day) Mykonos bursts with life and parties. Mikri Venetia, Matogiannia, Super Paradise, Psarou, and Ornos are some of the best places to party in Mykonos! Get ready for super DJ sets, endless dancing, cocktails, shots, and of course, meeting new people. In Mykonos, everything is possible!

  2. Watch the sunset in Little Venice

    There’s no denying it! Little Venice is the best spot to watch the sunset in Mykonos. Located in Mykonos Town, this picturesque neighborhood oozes romantic charm. The houses in Little Venice are built right on the sea, similar to Venice in Italy, creating a unique setting! Sit at one of the seaside bars and restaurants and watch the sun sinking in the vast Aegean sea, sip on a cocktail or savor delicious Greek dishes. Pure bliss!

  3. Wander the narrow streets of Mykonos Town

    Getting lost in the narrow alleys of Mykonos Town is one of the best things to do! Mykonos Town is where the heart of the island’s nightlife beats: Bars, clubs, and restaurants for all tastes overflow with international tourists every night. If you don’t like overcrowded places, though, your best bet is to stroll around Mykonos Town in the morning, do some shopping at the luxurious designer boutiques, and discover picturesque corners.

  4. Visit the archaeological site of Delos

    Delos is an archaeological site located on Delos island, just a short boat ride away from Mykonos island. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this island is not inhabited by people, but it is home to one of the most impressive ancient towns in the world. In Delos, you’ll have the chance to explore the remains of a town developed after 166 B.C by the Romans. There, you’ll find well-maintained sculptures, temples, mosaics, an ancient theatre, as well as the Archaeological Museum of Delos.

  5. Enjoy the sun at the best beaches in Mykonos

    Mykonos beaches are famous not only for their cosmopolitan flair and legendary beach parties, but also for their natural beauty and clean waters. If you are in the mood for a party, then Psarou and Super Paradise beaches are ideal. But, if beach parties are not your jam, head to Ornos, Agios Ioannis, and Platys Gialos. Almost all Mykonos beaches are organized with umbrellas, sunbeds, and many facilities!

  6. Take a picture in front of the Windmills

    Mykonos windmills are the trademark of the island. Besides, it is not a coincidence that Mykonos is also known as the island of the winds. Hundreds of years old, the beautiful whitewashed windmills used to grind the local grain in the past. Today, they are one of the most popular attractions in Mykonos. They sit on a hill by the beach between Alefkandra and Niohorio, southeast of Mykonos Town -the absolute spot for taking super instagrammable photos!

  7. Visit the Archaeological Museum of Mykonos

    The Archaeological Museum of Mykonos is located in Mykonos Town and it is a must-visit for history buffs! It was originally built to host the findings of the excavation carried out in the “Purification Pit” and the necropolis of Rhenia. In the museum, you’ll find- among others- vases dating back to the Prehistoric age and the Hellenistic period, ceramics from the Geometric period, and the famous Mykonos pithos: a big vessel beautifully decorated with scenes from the Trojan war.

  8. Go to Panagia Paraportiani

    Panagia Paraportiani is one of the most beautiful and photographed churches in the world. Sitting in the Castro neighborhood in Mykonos Town, Panagia Paraportiani consists of 5 smaller churches, Agios Efstathios, Agios Anargyros, Agios Sozon, Agia Anastasia, and Virgin Mary church. Gradually constructed between the 14th and the 17th century, Panagia Paraportiani boasts a unique architecture and has the characteristic Cycladic whitewashed exterior.

FAQs about Mykonos

We suggest that you stay in Mykonos for at least 3-5 days. If you want to hop from Mykonos to other Cyclades islands, like Paros, Santorini, Ios, and Naxos, you should stay on each island for at least 2 days!
The temperatures in Mykonos hover between 18 °C and 30 °C in the summer and can climb up to 35 °C at midday. However, thanks to the Meltemi winds that blown in the Aegean, Santorini doesn't get steaming hot.
Mykonos is one of the most expensive and luxurious islands in Greece. If you want to splurge on your honeymoon and invest in luxurious holidays in Greece, Mykonos is the perfect option for you! The opulent hotels, private villas, top-notch facilities, exclusive services, sophisticated restaurants, and trendy beach bars in Mykonos are going to make your honeymoon a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Mykonos is a safe island to visit. However, you should take reasonable precautions and use common sense, like everywhere. First of all, you should always keep an eye on your belongings, especially when you are in crowded places, like bars and clubs. Also, you shouldn’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach. Another thing to be aware of is the drunk people that may get around the streets late at night.
Shops in Mykonos Town (Chora) are open from 9 am to 10 pm throughout the week. However, in other areas outside Chora, shops might close earlier.
Greece is a European city and a part of the Schengen Agreement. So, if you’re a European citizen or citizen of a country member of the Schengen Agreement, you only need a Passport or an Identity Card to enter the country. If you’re a citizen of a country that is neither European nor a member of the Schengen Agreement, you need a visa to visit Greece.
Mykonos is a Greek island in the center of the Cyclades island complex, in the heart of the Aegean sea. It is close to famous Greek islands, such as Santorini, Paros, and Ios, which makes it a perfect base for island hopping in Greece. Mykonos is a bit more than 140 km away from Athens (Rafina), meaning it takes 2 to 6 hours to reach it by ferry. As for the distance from the nearby islands, Mykonos lies 120 km away from Santorini, 45 km away from Paros, 40 km away from Naxos, and 80 km away from Ios.
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