The best gay-friendly Greek Islands

With sleepy sun-bleached villages, dazzling white-sand beaches, and a rich cultural heritage steeped in captivating mythology, the Greek Islands are every bit as enchanting as their legendary reputation suggests. Yet, with over 200 inhabited islands, each offering its own distinct charm and atmosphere, how do you choose the best destination for a luxurious gay-friendly escape? In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most alluring Greek islands, known not only for their stunning landscapes but also for their welcoming vibe and top-tier accommodations. From the glamour of Mykonos to the serene beauty of Zakynthos, discover the ultimate spots for your next gay Greek island adventure. Keep reading to uncover the perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and vibrant culture that awaits you.

Skiathos

Cosmopolitan Skiathos has long beckoned fun-loving travellers in search of both spectacular scenery and riveting nightlife—and after hosting the first International Gay Culture Festival a few years back, Skiathos is now more gay-friendly than ever. Arguably home to some of the most lovely pine-fringed beaches in all of Greece, the most fitting way to start your Skiathos exploration is with your toes burrowed deep in the sugar-fine sand. There are over 50 beaches to choose from, with Big Banana and Little Banana taking the prize as most gay-popular. For sunset, it’s hard to beat the views at Agia Eleni Beach. Lalaria (sea access only), Koukounaries and Vromolimnos are all also worthy contenders for Skiathos’ most famed sandy spots. Take a round-the-island boat cruise to access Skiathos’ hidden coves and sea caves, or grab your mask and fins for an underwater encounter with reefs and wrecks.

Arguably home to some of the most lovely pine-fringed beaches in all of Greece, the most fitting way to start your Skiathos exploration is with your toes burrowed deep in the sugar-fine sand

Skiathos’ most prized architectural gem is the 18th-century Evangelistrias, a beautiful monastery renowned for its role as a safe haven during late Ottoman rule. Evangelistrias also marks the start of a scenic loop-hike past country chapel and dramatic coastal scenery. Another marvel is the Skiathos Castle, tucked away on the north side of Skiathos. Visit the ruins for a glimpse into Skiathos’ medieval past, or to simply take in the awe-inspiring views. Back in the centre of Skiathos is picturesque Old Town; the quaint maze of cobbled streets and vibrant bougainvillaea are everything you imagine the Greek Islands to be (and more.)

Photo: Nick Karvounis

Where to stay: The luxurious Elivi Skiathos is a haven of tranquillity and sophistication, perfect for the discerning gay traveller seeking the ultimate escape on one of the best gay-friendly Greek islands. Nestled on a lush peninsula, this exquisite resort offers stunning sea views and direct access to four pristine beaches, ensuring a perfect blend of privacy and natural beauty. The accommodations range from elegant rooms to spacious suites and villas, many featuring private pools and secluded terraces. The Elivi is an embodiment of luxury, with its serene spa, gourmet dining options, and a range of bespoke experiences that cater to those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Mykonos

Few places are as unapologetically fun as Mykonos, dripping with decadent excess, glitzy boutiques, and world-class nightlife. And while the free-spirited island has undoubtedly peaked in popularity over the years, Mykonos hasn’t lost her bohemian, open-minded ways. Gay Mykonos is many things—boring is never one of them. For one of the world’s most popular gay festivals, time your Mykonos visit over the last two weeks of August for the XLSIOR Mykonos International Summer Gay Festival. Expect outrageously epic outdoor parties with the hottest DJs from around the globe.

Panoptis Escape Mykonos

Mykonos certainly doesn’t want for gay-popular beaches. One of the most celebrated is Super Paradise Beach, a party-popular spot where music reverberates throughout the afternoon. Gay Elia Beach is a lively, nude-friendly beach that’s home to the annual XLSIOR festival. Next door you’ll find Agrari Beach, a picturesque rocky outcrop that’s also a hot-spot for naturalists. For one of Mykonos’ most extended sandy stretches, hop over to pine tree-lined Kalafatis Beach. Aside from its beaches, Mykonos is also known for the seven iconic ancient stone windmills that lie perched atop a hillside outside of Chora. Once you’ve grabbed your photo, while away the afternoon in nearby Little Venice, a charming seafront composed of 18th-century fishermen’s houses turned boutiques and cafes. Finally, don’t leave Mykonos without viewing the cherished Panagia Paraportiani church complex—a quintessential picture of the Greek Islands.

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Get your culture fix with a day trip to the ancient city of Delos (the mythological birthplace of Apollo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site) via a luxury yacht cruise. Explore uninhabited Delos and her stunning archaeological site, sail past secluded coves while sipping Greek wine, and take a cooling dip in the astonishingly clear turquoise water. If you prefer to keep your feet on land, explore Mykonos via bicycle to encounter hidden beaches and off-the-beaten-track paths around the Ano Mera Dam.

Grace Hotel Santorini

Nomad Mykonos

Where to stay: For those seeking unparalleled luxury on this iconic gay Greek island, Nomad Hotel Mykonos offers an exclusive and intimate retreat. With only 13 suites, this adults-only sanctuary exudes a bohemian elegance, with private outdoor spaces, plunge pools, and panoramic views of the Aegean Sea. If you crave even more seclusion, Panoptis Escape takes luxury to new heights with its collection of private villas, each boasting infinity pools and personalised services that cater to your every whim. These exquisite properties are designed for travellers who desire both opulence and privacy, making them ideal for a romantic or hedonistic getaway in Mykonos.

Santorini | Photo: Orlando Brooke

Santorini

Perhaps the most romantic of the Greek Islands, Santorini’s world-renowned sunsets, magnificent caldera, and whitewashed villages all make for one picture-perfect gay Greece vacation. While you won’t find much in the way of organized gay bars or beaches, Santorini is extremely gay-friendly; expect inclusive, diverse, and welcoming establishments all throughout the island.

As a result of a volcanic explosion some 3,500 years ago, Santorini offers a unique terrain punctuated with other-worldly red and black sand beaches. Don’t miss Kamari, Perissa, Agios, and the aptly named Red Beach. For Santorini’s most gay-popular beach, seek out Vlychada. You’ll know it for its striking white rocks and black sand pebbles. After a sun-dappled day working on your bronzed beach bod, check out Cine Kamari. Regarded as one of Europe’s best outdoor cinemas, the sweet spot features English movies and an outdoor bar in a leafy, tranquil setting.

Skip the tourist menus and make a reservation with Gastronomy Santorini for a five-course meal overlooking the caldera at sunset

One of the highlights of travelling to the Greek Islands is indulging in the groan-worthy local flavours. Skip the tourist menus and make a reservation with Gastronomy Santorini for a five-course meal overlooking the caldera at sunset. Ample wine pours and charismatic waitstaff round out the tasting experience. Speaking of wine, oenophiles will appreciate Santorini’s wonderful Assyrtiko and Vinsanto wines, characterized by the island’s fertile, volcanic soil. A wine tasting tour is the best way to appreciate Santorini’s unique varietals and first-rate wineries.

Canaves Epitome Santorini

Where to stay: Santorini’s dramatic landscapes and enchanting sunsets are perfectly complemented by the extraordinary accommodations at Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection. This luxury boutique hotel, perched on the cliffs of Imerovigli, offers breathtaking views of the caldera and the Aegean Sea. The chic, minimalist suites feature private plunge pools, ensuring the utmost privacy and tranquillity. For those who seek even more exclusivity, Canaves Oia Epitome provides a secluded retreat with elegant suites and villas, each designed to blend seamlessly with the island’s natural beauty. With exceptional service and world-class amenities, these hotels offer a quintessentially luxurious experience on one of the most romantic and gay-friendly Greek islands.

Crete | Photo: Stefan Kunze

Crete

There’s a reason why Crete’s moniker is the “Great Island.” From Minoan ruins to rugged mountains to quixotic villages, Greece’s largest island knows how to pack a punch. Since Crete’s first Gay Pride event in 2015, gay acceptance is on the rise—in spite of traditional values that still run strong. Gay Crete might be more discreet than other Greek Islands, but locals are hospitable and establishments open-minded.

Listing all the highlights of Crete in only a few short paragraphs would be an exercise in futility. That said, here are our favorite must-dos on any gay Crete vacation. Start your exploration at hypnotic Spinalonga, a tiny island with a storied (and turbulent) history just a stone’s throw from Crete. Spinalonga was Europe’s last active leper colony, and today travelers can walk down the same roads where cast-out lepers once lived in isolation. Continue your history lesson at Knossos. This 18th-century BC palace has been called Europe’s oldest city and appears as the seat of legendary King Minos in ancient Greek mythology. Then there’s Crete’s wonderfully preserved Old Town, a maze of tight cobbled alleys, Venetian monuments and Renaissance architecture that stand testament to the island’s rule under the Republic of Venice.

Hikers won’t want to miss the 17-kilometer hike through Samaria Gorge, one of the most massive gorges in Europe. While admiring the stunning scenery, keep an eye out for kri-kri, or the endangered Cretan wild goat. Magical Elafonisi Beach is a small islet made famous for its stunning white and pink sand, as well as calm, shallow water. Natural swimming pools created by impressive rock formations add to the unique allure of the mile-long beach. Balos Lagoon is another paradisiacal Crete beach, with blindingly white sand and glimmering turquoise water.

Lesante Blu Zakynthos

Where to stay: Crete’s largest city, Chania, is home to some of the most sophisticated accommodations on the island, perfect for the luxury traveller. Casa Delfino Hotel & Spa, a beautifully restored 17th-century Venetian mansion, offers a blend of history and modern luxury in the heart of the old town. The hotel’s rooftop terrace provides stunning views of the harbour, making it a perfect spot for sunset cocktails. For a more contemporary experience, Domes Zeen Chania offers a sleek, design-focused retreat with a focus on wellness and sustainability. Set amidst lush gardens and just steps from the beach, this resort is ideal for those who value both style and substance in their Crete getaway.

Zakynthos

Ah, Zakynthos. With its rugged coastline, intriguing coves and charming villages, it’s hardly any wonder this verdant island has become one of the most sought-after vacation spots in the Greek Islands. Similar to other small Greek Islands, you won’t find any exclusively gay bars or clubs, but gay Zakynthos is alive and well—and attracting an ever-increasing number of gay vacationers.

The crown jewel of Zakynthos is Shipwreck Beach, an idyllic cove that lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world

Now, let’s talk beaches because that’s likely why you’ve docked here. The crown jewel of Zakynthos is Shipwreck Beach (Navagio), an idyllic cove that lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The views are best enjoyed from above where the dramatic coastline can best be appreciated. To meet and mingle, head to Vrontonero, the island’s famed gay-popular nudist beach. While not the island’s most spectacular beach, it remains an excellent spot to soak in the sun au natural. If you’ve been indulging while on your Greek vacation, the healing sulfur waters at Xygia might be just what you need. Finally, don’t leave Zakynthos without venturing to the suitably named Blue Caves; objects (including swimmers) below the water almost magically appear to turn a bright shade of blue.

Zakynthos | Photo: Yannis Papanastasopoulos

Zakynthos | Photo: Jason Blackeye

Where to stay: Zakynthos, with its crystalline waters and lush landscapes, is a dream destination for luxury-seeking gay travellers. Lesante Blu, Adults Only, remains a top choice for its minimalist yet chic design, offering an elegant escape with expansive views of the Ionian Sea from every angle. Each suite is a sanctuary of calm, with private pools and modern amenities that cater to those who appreciate sophistication and serenity. For those desiring the ultimate in exclusivity, Porto Zante Villas & Spa offers ultra-luxurious beachfront villas, each with its own private pool, direct beach access, and personalised service. This resort redefines luxury, ensuring an unforgettable stay on one of the most beautiful and gay-friendly islands in Greece.

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