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. Skala Eressos, Petra, Sigri and Mithymna are some of the must visits in the island.

One of the reasons Lesvos has become popular with the LGBT+ community, and especially the lesbian community is the annual International Women’s Festival of Eressos. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic the festival will not be celebrated this year but stay tuned for next year’s event.

Lesvos has a number of beaches to be visited but the must visit of the island for LGBT+ travellers is in Skala Eressos, where a number of lesbian couples head as is the beach of Eftalou, a favourite for the LGBT+ community.

Santorini

One of the most picturesque Greek islands, Santorini is the best place to go with your better half. Every corner of the island is romantic, the sunsets are breathtaking and the island enjoys a unique geology.

The towns of Fira, Imerovigli and Oia overlook the caldera offering one of the most dramatic views in the world.

Although Santorini does not have any venues dedicated to the LGBT+ community, it is a gay-friendly island attracting a large number of LGBT+ tourists each year.

Where to Stay:

As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece, Santorini is home to a very large number of hotels. Kamares Appertements in Fira, Andromeda Villas in Imerovigli and Canaves Oia Hotel in Oia are all amazing options.

Where to Drink:

Unlike its neighbouring island Mykonos, Santorini is not known for its nightlife. There are definitely nice options to have a drink but don’t expect a party scene that lasts until morning.

Some of the most popular gay-friendly bars around Santorini are Tropical Bar, Murphy's Music Bar, and Crystal Cocktail Bar.

Where to Eat:

Metaxi Mas in Exo Gonia is considered the best place to eat in the island, therefore reservations are recommended. You can combine eating there and adjoining a late-night outdoor cinema in Kamari, located just a 5-minute drive away.

Ouzeri in Fira enjoys a relaxing setting, offers great traditional Greek dishes and is moderately priced.

In Candouni in Oia you can enjoy a romantic vibe, traditional Greek cuisine and enjoy the live music it offers most nights.

Lucky’s Souvlaki is probably the most known souvlaki of the island. Located in Fira, this is probably one of the cheapest and tastiest places to eat.

Not to be Missed:

Vlychada Beach is a gay beach located in the southern side of the island where the Aegean Sea is at it’s best. Koloumpos Beach and Exomitis Beach are also gay-friendly beached not to be missed.

You should definitely explore the rim of the Caldera and its jaw-dropping views, visit Ancient Thira where you will find remains of temples, public buildings and houses from the 11th century BC.

Visit the Akrotiri Archaeological Site, a amazingly well preserved 3,500 BC Minoan town that was buried by falling volcanic ash.

Thessaloniki

Greece’s second-largest city and second capital, Thessaloniki is well known for its relaxed yet party vibes. Its LGBT+ scene is quite discreet and underground and is home to TS14 - Transvestite Bar, the first transvestite bar in Greece.

Where to Stay:

Colors Central Ladadika, Blue Bottle Boutique Hotel and Superios One Boutique Hotel are all located centrally in Thessaloniki. They are all LGBT+ friendly with balconies with city views.

Where to Drink:

eNole is a stylish gay nightclub in the city centre, which usually organises parties and regal themed events. DADA Honus Club is the club to go to if looking for live acts and amazing DJ's playing all year round.

To enjoy amazing cocktails head to Anothen while Don’t Tell Mama is the perfect place for wine lovers.

Where to Eat:

Thessaloniki, as all Greece, is filled with places to eat. Whether looking for traditional Greek food, European or world cuisine, or something fast to et before heading out to get to know the city, Thessaloniki has it all.

Sempriko offers tasty Greek dishes and also serves vegetarian and vegan options. The restaurant is in a beautiful space inside old Byzantine walls, its dishes are tasty and you can also find a selection go local craft beers and wine from local producers. Ouzeri Lola is a traditional tavern, it serves old-fashioned beverages ouzo, raki and tsipouro, perfect to combine with mezze, small dishes here mostly with fish and seafood dishes. Lola is also known for its legendary shrimp past. Agioli offers one of the most amazing locations on the waterfront and is the perfect choice for a romantic dinner. Famous chefs have visited this brasserie-bistro and left their own marks on the menu.

Not to be Missed:

The most famous area for LGBT+ visitors is Pavlou Mela street and nearby where you can find countless cafe shops, bars and restaurants.

The White Tower is a must-visit for all tourists. It was constructed during the 15th century in place go a previous Byzantine fortification.

The Archeological Museum of Thessaloniki hosts findings from the wider area of Thessaloniki representing Macedonian culture, while the Museum of Byzantine Culture is one of the most modern museums in Greece.

Every traveller should visit the Hamams in Thessaloniki and LGBT+ travellers should visit the Splash Sauna, a gay sauna spread on three floors.