Greece

Greek Magic on the Aegean Sea – Gay City News

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Greek Magic

On our last day in Greece, we found the sweetest spot. I was there with my spouse, Denise, floating in the crescent bay of historic Monemvasia. The sky was pure blue, and the warm water so clear we could see the rounded stones lining the sea floor.

We returned to the beach, where we’d left our things at a café table perched a few feet from the calm, rolling waves. We sipped Greek wine and ate olives and herbed tzatziki, and asked ourselves the question that bookends every magical trip: Why can’t we stay here forever?

Enchantment in travel often comes from expectations exceeded. For me, Greece has been on my to-do list for as long as I can remember. Enraptured by mythology and ancient tales, I had visions of this land and Aegean waters that I’d probably idealized. I envisioned dreamy light and air, and imagined delicacies involving phyllo dough and figs, served with house-made wines and ouzo. It all seemed so tantalizing that I made myself tamp down projections to let Greece reveal itself, without my eager idealizations.

Then we arrived, boarded a clipper ship, and discovered a mixture of sights and scenes that inspired and delighted us at every port.

By Kelsy Chauvin – Full Story at Gay City News

Greece Gay Travel Resources

 

Oia, Santorini is Paradise on Earth – Keep Calm and Wander

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Oia, Santorini, Greece - Keep Calm and Wander

In Santorini, Oia is paradise on earth. That is – if your idea of paradise is filled with white-washed houses with blue domes, sitting on a cliff that traverses down to the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

You have probably seen Santorini already, I’m sure. Its white-washed houses with a spectacular sunset in the background have graced in countless postcards, books, photography websites, calendars, blogs, posters, promotional materials, and romantic wedding albums.

The volcanic island’s capital is Fira, but the postcard-perfect place not to miss is Oia. It’s on the edge of the island but it’s accessible by buses.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Oia is Paradise on Earth – Keep Calm and Wander

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In Santorini, Oia is paradise on earth. That is – if your idea of paradise is filled with white-washed houses with blue domes, sitting on a cliff that traverses down to the blue waters of the Aegean Sea.

You have probably seen Santorini already, I’m sure. Its white-washed houses with a spectacular sunset in the background have graced in countless postcards, books, photography websites, calendars, blogs, posters, promotional materials, and romantic wedding albums.

The volcanic island’s capital is Fira, but the postcard-perfect place not to miss is Oia. It’s on the edge of the island but it’s accessible by buses.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Sailing to Gay Mykonos With the Globetrotter Guys

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gay Mykonos - The Globetrotter Guys

The Globetrotter Guys are extremely excited to announce that we are hosting a Greek island hopping gay sailing trip from Mykonos to Paros, Ios, Santorini and Naxos for 7 days and nights from 17th August to 24th August 2019! Want to join us? Read on!…….

We have always wanted to do a gay sailing trip and have always wanted to go Greek island hopping! The combination of the two will be incredible. You can expect crystal clear waters, iconic scenery, golden beaches and the chance to explore 5 stunning Greek islands.

Where Do We Sail?

Our gay sailing trip will start in Mykonos, the gay capital of Greece! August will be the height of the season with parties such as Xlsior Mykonos being held and the island is sure to be full with beautiful bronzed boys. The boys aside, Mykonos looks truly stunning and we can not wait to explore the picturesque town.

From Mykonos we will head to Paros, one of the most popular islands of the Cyclades. Here, like all the Greek islands, expect to find whitewashed sugar houses, paved streets and blue-domed buildings. The island is perfect for everyone and also boasts some beautiful golden beaches.

Next we head to Ios. Ios is known for its lazy days any party fueled nights. As places like Santorini become more popular places like Ios still give you the opportunity to explore without so many tourists, especially since it has no airport so you can only arrive in style by boat or yacht like us!

From here we go to the iconic Santorini. This is often a must visit destination on anyone’s travel bucket list and for good reason! It’s famous for its perfect sunsets, beaches, food and is said to have some of the friendlist people around. It’s a photographers paradise so if you are looking for that perfect Instagram shot, look no further!

We will stop back at Ios on the way to island number 5, Naxos. Naxos is the largest of the Cyclades island group. It has mountain villages, ancient ruins and is well know for its long stretches of exotic beaches.

Finally we arrive back at Mykonos and finish with a White Party, check out what other themed nights we have below!

More About the Trip

Greece Gay Travel Resources

 

How to Do Gay Mykonos

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I was in my 20s the first time I went to gay Mykonos alone. It was also the first time I was able to be out as gay in Greece.

My grandmother was from Andros, part iof the Cyclades Islands, along with Mykonos, Santorini, and dozens of other islands. I spent many summers in Andros watching the ferries from Athens stop at the hora (town) with gay partygoers on their way to Mykonos, and I began plotting early how I would eventually get there myself.

As a teenager, I wasn’t out to my family. My cousins and I would spend every August with our aunts in Andros, where they watched us like prison guards — our comings and goings were clocked and recorded meticulously. Even going on a (hetero) date would have entailed an entourage of chaperones from each family following us everywhere we went.

When I was 25, I took a business trip to Athens, and although I had an obligation to visit family in Andros, I had already mapped out my escape — claiming I could only stay for three days before heading out, when I actually planned five days in Mykonos.

I can still recall stepping onto the ferry — my aunt crying and my entire family on the dock wishing me farewell. I felt bad for lying as we pulled away from the dock. But by the time I could no longer see them, the thrill of my adventure overtook any guilt.

By this time, Mykonos held almost a mythical, Atlantis-style quality to it. And as I disembarked near Little Venice I couldn’t believe I was really there. Those five days in Mykonos are forever seared into my memory. I’ve been back many times since, and every time it has been an adventure — which is part of the island’s allure. People love to get lost on Mykonos — literally and figuratively. You can spend hours trying to find your way out of the labyrinth of streets that often lead to dead ends. The island was developed this way on purpose, to deter pirates who raided Mykonos in the 19th century seeking Venetian treasure.

By Savas Abadsidis – Full Story at the Advocate

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Santorini – Go Girlfriend

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Santorini

Santorini’s reputation began 36 centuries ago with the eruption and implosion of an ancient volcano, creating a mega-tsunami massive enough to end the Minoan empire 120 km (75 miles) away. The Caldera (remember the myth of Atlantis?), ringed with smaller remnant islands boasts 1,000 ft. cliffs upon which perch the whitewashed main capital of Thira.

Towering seaside cliffs and charming whitewashed villages along the caldera coast make Santorini a favorite of cruise ships and tourists with unique cliffside restaurants, shops, hotels and churches. But arriving by cruise ship presents the problem of getting up the 1,000 ft. vertical cliff face. Your choices are to walk the almost 600 steps along the meandering pathway, ride a donkey up this same path or board a cable car for the quickest, most direct route to the top. How energetic do you feel?

Depending on your stay in Santorini, you’ll need to prioritize what you want to see.

1 day or part day (Cruise ship tour) – Set your sites on Santorini’s main city, Thira (sometimes referred to as Fira). The cruise ships dock here so it’s an easy choice. This is the island’s gem with the main shops, restaurants and caldera views all walkable from your ship – you must have lunch on the cliffs. Also consider booking a tour with Viator or Expedia to see some other locations close by like Nea Kameni’s volcanic crater and sulphur hot springs [our GG Recommendation], or a catamaran sailing cruise sightseeing the caldera.

By Stacy Rosien – Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Greece Gay Travel Resources

 

Gay Cyprus – Nomadic Boys

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Gay Cyprus - The Nomadic Boys

“You say poushti like it’s a bad thing” …so said one of the many banners at the Gay Cyprus Pride parade in Nicosia. In everyday Greek, “pousti” (or “poushti” when you say it with a Cypriot-Greek accent) means “poof” or “fag”, and is usually used in a derogative way.

For Stefan growing up in a Greek-Cypriot society across London and Cyprus, relatives would use it in a sort of “act like a man” type of way, like “don’t be a pousti!” Let’s just say that Greek society growing up wasn’t the most gay friendly! Fast forward to 2018 and oh my god look how far the country has evolved!

Cyprus now not only has an array of LGBTQ friendly laws in place, it has a gay pride parade taking place every year since 2014, which is supported by the government, with thousands of people. We were proud to attend the 5th Cyprus Pride in Nicosia in June 2018.

LGBTQ rights in Cyprus

Cyprus traditionally has been a very socially conservative society, dominated by the Greek Orthodox Church, which commonly expresses anti-LGBTQ comments. Despite this, Cyprus continues to evolve with its LGBTQ rights.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Cyprus Gay Travel Resources

Gay Crete Beach Vacations – Gay Star News

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gay Crete - pixabay

Gay Holidays in Greece are certainly linked with the most popular destinations of Mykonos, Athens and Thessaloniki. But have you ever considered visiting Crete?

Crete, the second largest island in Greece, is known for its crystal-clear beaches (many of which are awarded with a blue flag), beautiful cities with intense nightlife and handsome locals. So, this island will gift you lots of new experiences to remember!

Cretans are distinguished for their great hospitality, which has also become part of their culture. Their behavior is so honest and sincere, that you will feel like you are with your best friend.

That said, you will notice that some Cretans might become very ‘touchy,’ almost flirting. That’s due to their extreme friendliness and poor understanding of personal space, so don’t misunderstand and think that they are trying to hit on you because you will surely put yourself into a very awkward situation!

Full Story at Gay Star News

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Gay Santorini – Gay Star News

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Gay Santorini - Pixabay

Are you soon to be married or civil partnered, or are you part of a recently-married or civil partnered couple? If so, you are most probably searching for the ideal destination to host the most exciting trip of your life. Even if you have already found that ‘one’ destination, you may still in doubt that you have made the right choice.

You have most probably considered visiting Greece, but have you really given it the thought that it deserves? Greece is one of the most popular countries for honeymoons and romantic holidays, with cosmopolitan destinations where you can transform your honeymoon into a party as well as alternative villages and seaside towns where you can devote your vacations only to yourselves.

Among all the Greek destinations, there is one particular island that is so beautiful, that looks like it came out of a wedding magazine. Santorini is ranked among the most popular romantic destinations in the world, with a reputation that rapidly grows among gay travelers as well. Is it its elegant atmosphere? Its gay-friendly attitude? Or its stunning landscapes, that make Santorini a beloved destination for gay couples in love? Let’s find out!

There are so many activities to do in Santorini with your partner that you are never going to get bored. You can go full romantic and devote your holidays exclusively to each other by watching the sunset together or by sharing a passionate kiss on top of the Caldera. Or, you could explore the island’s peculiar white, red and black sand beaches in a thrilling excursion.

These are the top three romantic activities for gay honeymooners to do when in Santorini, as well as some excellent LGBTI-friendly Santorinian hotels to further upgrade the most important trip of your life!

By Paraskevas Sklavos – Full Story at Gay Star News

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Villa Elia Mykonos – Gay Friendly Mykonos Villa

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Villa Elia Mykonos - Gay Friendly Mykonos Villa

A luxury and cosy villa, very close to Elia beach!

The villa is modern and minimal with all kinds of facilities you may ask for. The big space together with the sunlight that jumps from every window gives you a sense of homely coziness. Comfortable king size beds will make you want to sink in them all day long, but let’s be honest; the private terrace gives you the sense of being in paradise.

The house has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, kitchen, dining room & living room. There is also an outdoor dining and lounge area, a private swimming pool and a private jacuzzi.

Beautiful surroundings. Guests love the place because of the views, the ambiance and the location. Villa Elia is located in a complex of 4 independent luxury villas and it’s ideal for couples, solo adventurers, business travelers and families (kids welcome).

See the Villa Elia Mykonos Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

Mykonos Gay Friendly Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals