Mykonos is often referred to as the “Gay Capital of the Mediterranean” and is infamous for being the Greek island of unapologetic hedonism. The gay nightlife of Mykonos Town is legendary, and come summer, its hotels, bars, and beaches fill with gay men from around the world looking to bronze up, then dive right into the wild nightlife – and daylife – of the island.
However, when you look past the crowds of tanned torsos – or if you visit out of season – you will see that Mykonos is a picturesque beauty all in itself, with houses painted white to reflect the relentless sun, topped with the characteristic blue church domes of Greece. Cobblestoned streets weave through the old town, vibrant bougainvillea line the street walls, and quaint windmills stand watch high in the hills above the fun-seeking visitors below. Just as in all of Greece, you can also find some of the best cuisine in the world in Mykonos, and the hospitality of the people is unrivaled.
So, whether you’re coming to party, enjoy some quality beach time, sample Greek culture, or all of the above, Mykonos is guaranteed to leave an impression on you. And most likely your liver!
Table of Contents
1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Mykonos
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Mykonos
5. Restaurants and Cafes
6. Mykonos Gay Bars and Clubs
7. Mykonos Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
8. Gay Beaches in Mykonos
9. Gay Events in Mykonos
10. Day Trips from Mykonos
General Tips
The high season of the island is from June to September, but stick to the end of May to the beginning of July if you prefer to avoid the crowds. If you’re looking to go for the party scene, one of the most popular and biggest gay events is XLSIOR Mykonos, described as Europe’s hottest annual summer gay circuit festival. It's also worth noting that due to its popularity as a tourist destination, Mykonos is quite expensive compared to other islands or regions of Greece.
You can download the Gay Mykonos guide for free. Just provide your email address and we’ll email you a PDF.
Transportation & Airport Transfer
The easiest way to get from Mykonos Airport to the town is by taxi for about €30, which takes about 10-15 minutes. However, there is a cheaper option by taking the bus for about €1.60. It goes from Mykonos Airport to the southern bus terminal of Fabrika in Mykonos Town. If you're coming to Mykonos from Athens or another island, you can easily travel by ferry. Book your ferry tickets here →
The roads on the island are underdeveloped and not made for pedestrians, but it’s fairly easy to get around by public bus. However, most visitors opt to rent their own vehicle, such as a scooter or ATV, which is a great option if you need to get around on your own. There are mobile apps for calling taxis, but popular ridesharing apps like Uber are not available in Mykonos.
Gay Hotels in Mykonos
There are a few gay hotels in Mykonos along with many gay-friendly options.
Luxury
Bill & Coo Suites and Lounge – Offers a luxury environment close to popular landmarks such as the Church of Saint George and Virgin of St. Rosary, and restaurants including Joanna's Nikos Place, D'Angelo Mykonos, and M-eating. This hotel also features a concierge, room service, a pool, and free breakfast that are available on-site.
Mykonos Grand Hotel and Resort – This gay-friendly resort occupies 20 acres of landscaped gardens, whitewashed buildings, and terraces for a perfect holiday setting. Just three miles from Mykonos Town, the hotel offers a wide selection of rooms and suites. The superior rooms have spa-like bathrooms with a steam cabin and jacuzzi. Many suites have private pools and barbecues for outdoor dining by a hotel chef.
Mid-Range
Villa Konstantin – Set on a hillside, just a 10-minute walk from the cosmopolitan Mykonos Town and surrounded by nature, the gay-friendly hotel offers well-equipped, rustic accommodation and panoramic Aegean Sea views. Villa Konstantin is a small complex of studios and apartments, most with views of the sea. Guests may start their day with a continental breakfast served indoors or outdoors at the pool area every day.
Poseidon Hotel Suites – Perfectly placed to look down on the Mykonos Windmills, 500 meters from the gay nightlife, 50 meters from Megali Ammos Beach, and with its own hidden sandy coves and picturesque chapel to explore below the hotel. They offer a freshwater pool and big spacious rooms with that clean, crisp Greek feel – all at an affordable price.
Budget
Paradise Beach Camping – Probably the most affordable option on the island. It’s located near the famous Paradise Beach on the south side of Mykonos. They offer bungalows for 2-3 people, which are rooms made of wood, with a small private shower and toilet, air-conditioning, mini fridge, daily cleaning, and buffet breakfast included. There are also beach cabins for 1-2 people, which are small wooden rooms, simple, lockable, with a fan, electricity, linen, daily cleaning, and common shower and toilet.
Paraga Beach Hostel & Camping – Has a pool where you can relax or dance just above sea level, listen to the best early DJ sets before a crazy night, and meet friends from all around the world. It’s located just half a minute from Paraga Beach. You can choose between deluxe 3-bed private ensuites, bungalows with shared bathrooms, tent rental beds, or dorms with 6-8 beds.
We’ve partnered with misterb&b to help curate the most LGBT+ friendly homestays. misterb&b is not a hotel or chain, but rather a booking platform for rooms, apartments and homes and it allows you to book from gay and gay-friendly hosts around the world. They have hosts in more than 200 countries and territories with more than 1 million total listings. Understanding the gay scene is much more easily done with the help of a local and home-sharing is one of the best ways to meet someone living in the city who knows how things work, where and when are the best nights to go out, and what places to eat at and which to avoid. misterb&b is our top choice if your priority is exploring the local gay scene.
Special Offer! Sign up with misterb&b and you will receive a free $10 credit to use on your first booking!Sightseeing & Activities in Mykonos
Many visitors to Mykonos aren’t going so much for a cultural sightseeing experience but rather for a relaxing day on the beach and a party at night. Still, there are spots worth checking out and snapping a photo between busy days of basking in the sunshine and wild nights out.
Matoyianni Street – Located in the center, this street is filled with designer stores, souvenir shops, and jewelers as well as several restaurants, bars, and clubs offering a good time. Book tour →
Little Venice – As the name indicates, this neighborhood has charming old houses painted white and blue that go right up to the edge of the sea. A perfect spot for sunsets, bars, and restaurants, it's no surprise that Little Venice is a Mykonos hot spot. Book tour →
The Windmills (Kato Mili) – A picturesque place for photo ops of the iconic windmills dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Book tour →
Paraportiani Church – Easily the most photographed church on the island, dating back to the 15th century. Book tour →
Mykonos Folklore Museum – Quite near Paraportiani Church, this museum houses many antiquities from the 19th century.
Archaeological Museum of Mykonos – Contains unique artifacts dating back to the 9th century BC, discovered in excavations of Mykonos and other nearby islands.
Agios Nikolaos Church – A small church situated on the edge of the sea at the beautiful old port of Mykonos Town with benches perfect for a rest and people-watching. Book tour →
Photo by jas-mo CC BYRestaurants and Cafes
There are loads of restaurants and cafes to choose from in Mykonos Town and around the island, some tucked away between buildings and others with an outdoor terrace to enjoy the beautiful seascape views.
Kikis Tavern – This popular dining spot serving up incredible food is more of an experience than just cuisine. Near Agios Sostis Beach, it’s a secluded place with a view. Expect a line, so show up early and enjoy the free wine offered while you wait. Often closed out of season.
M-Eating – Excellent Greek eats with beautiful outdoor seating. Be sure to make a reservation and try the Mykonos honey pie.
Lalala – Head to this cozy cafe for a great breakfast and coffee or brunch in Mykonos Town.
Hippie Fish – Another good spot outside Mykonos Town and near Agios Ioannis Beach, this beachfront restaurant has great Greek and Mediterranean choices. Often closed out of season.
Kastro’s – Fantastic Greek and Mediterranean restaurant in Little Venice with amazing views.
Jackie O’ Restaurant – Jackie O' is a gay favorite on the island with multiple venues. Indulge in the award-winning cuisine from Cycladic traditions to the fusion of east and west.
Mykonos Gay Bars and Clubs
Mykonos Town is the hub of the LGBTQ+ action, with several gay bars that are open during the high season.
Jackie O’ Town Bar – Go to this iconic bar for cocktails at sunset and stay to dance the night away among the friendly patrons and staff. Nightly drag shows spice up the hottest party scene in town. Located on the waterfront of the old harbor.
Jackie O’ Beach Club – The club version of the bar, found just south of the city above Super Paradise Bay. Sip your drinks by the beach, jacuzzi, or poolside. Enjoy the 360º Open Bar and a popular drag show by Priscilla.
Porta – A queer dance bar/club with great music and mingling for a fun night out. Only open in season.
LOLA – A small but sassy cocktail bar, known for its LGBTQ+ clientele. The interior is bright pink with walls adorned with pictures of classic divas – what’s not to like! The cocktails are some of the best on the island, and the bar staff are some of the friendliest.
54 Cocktail Bar & Sunset Lounge – Part of the luxury boutique hotel The TownHouse, this recently redesigned bar and terrace has live music and weekly events.
Mykonos Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
Mykonos is a small island and there are no saunas nor gay cruising bars in Mykonos. However, there are a few spots popular for cruising.
Paraportiani Church – At the end of the waterside promenade, past Jackie-O, this area with paths to the water is a cruising area any time after sunset.
Paranga Beach – Gay and mixed crowd nude beach with cruising area near the rocky part.
Super Paradise Beach – There's a cruising area once again near the rocky part along the sea.
Gay Beaches in Mykonos
Elia Beach – A mostly gay beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. You’ll find the gay and nude area more on the right side.
Agrari Beach – Less crowded than nearby Elia Beach and a bit cruisy with coarser sand but the same clear blue waters.
Paraga Beach – A small beach close to Paradise Beach attracting a variety of people, from the young to the nudists. You can find the gays in the direction of the rocks on the south side.
Super Paradise Beach – A lively beach with parties starting in the late afternoon. The gayer side is far right, close to Jackie O’ Beach Club.
Panormos Beach – A beach located on the north side of the island and becoming more popular. There’s a bus service from Mykonos Town and a good bar once you arrive. You’ll find gay and straight nudists at the far end of the beach.
Kalafatis Beach – A long sandy beach with windsurfers and equipment for rent. There are restaurants around and sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.
Gay Events in Mykonos
XLSIOR Mykonos – Now with over 30,000 people attending from all over the world, they host some of the best artists in the gay circuit scene, marking an unforgettable experience in their open-air and breathtaking venues.
Day Trips from Mykonos
Delos Island – A beautiful island with sandy beaches and beautiful scenery. More importantly, it’s a significant historical site for researchers and archaeologists who have excavated temples and religious ruins there. You can take a boat from Mykonos to appreciate the beauty and history of the island. Book tour →
Rhenia Island – This uninhabited island is a popular day trip from Mykonos. Join a boat tour or a full-day yacht cruise to visit the secluded beaches and snorkel in the bays. Book tour →
Naxos – A large island found 45 minutes away by ferry south of Mykonos that’s popular with tourists. It has some wonderful villages along the coast and inland that are perfect for exploring or finding excellent places to dine. Hike up the tallest mountain of the Cyclades, Mount Zas. Book tour →
Paros – An island located southwest of Mykonos across from Naxos with many scenic beaches and villages to explore along the coast, including Naoussa where you’ll find the ruins of a Venetian fortress. Also, check out a well-preserved 13th-century Venetian castle atop a hill. Book tour →
Note: Some of these links are affiliates which means using them won’t cost you any extra but we do receive a small commission for each referral. You’re not obligated to use them but we appreciate it if you do. Thanks in advance for supporting this site if you choose to use our link!
Comment (0)