Rhodes, the Crossroads of Civilizations – Go Girlfriend

Lesbian Rhodes

With the mythical origins of Rhodes attributed to Helios after Zeus’ battle with the Giants, it is no wonder this beautiful island is bathed in the warmth of the sun and surrounded by the tropical waters of the Aegean Sea. Low mountains, lush landscapes, sandy beaches and historical sights make Rhodes a vacation treat to delight and educate.

Largest within the Dodecanese Island string, Rhodes sits within miles of Turkey’s shores.  Historically, it’s infant roots begin in the Stone Age through advancing conquests of the Minoans, Persians, Egyptians, Romans, Venetians, Knights era, Arabs, Turks, and Italians all laying claims throughout history before becoming Greek as we know it today. This has created a vibrancy to cultural, food and architectural influences for your sensory delights.

As crossroads to travel between Constantinople and Alexandria, Rhodes’ vibrancy of trade, culture and education

2400 years old, the 2.5 mile fortifications surrounding the made it a destination hub and central meeting place of the Mediterranean. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the old walled city of Rhodeshouse the Palace of the Grand Masters, the seven fortified entry gates, The Knights’ Hospital (now housing the Archaeological Museum) and possibly the short-lived Colossus of Rhodes.

By Stacy Rosien – Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Kavas Yachting – Gay Friendly Greek Tour Operator

Kavas Yachting

A Getaway Drawn in Crystal Blue.

When you think about vacationing, how grand do you picture the escape? How free? How wild and thrilling? Or how serene? And what if you could have it all?

Since 1985, Greek yachtsman Vagelis Kavas and his sons put it in their minds to give these questions all the right answers. Today, with more than 50 yachts (Mono-hulls and Catamarans) in their possession, their dream is a definite reality and they truly love to see it shared in the Greek seas.

Inexpensively and with “meraki”, which in Greek means doing something wholeheartedly, they are sure to offer you your dream getaway. After all, nothing says “extra” like island-hopping around the Mediterranean, enjoying a meal mid-sea under the stars or living it up with a summer party on your own, private yacht.

Passionate about sailing and distinguished at the World and European championship, Kavas’ yachting is so much more than simply having a good time: it is about an invaluable experience at a unique part of this world where you will not find a thing more precious than its people and the fond memories that they will leave with you.

See the Kavas Yachting Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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

Apanemo Hotel – Santorini Gay Friendly Hotel

Apanemo Hotel - Santorini Gay Friendly Hotel

If you ever imagined yourself basking inside an infinity pool under the Mediterranean sun, with a glass of wine in your hand from the vineyards of Greece and the view of a volcanic island stretching into the endless blue of the sea… we can tell you the name of the place: welcome to the Apanemo hotel in the island of Santorini.

The Apanemo hotel is located atop a hill in the area of Akrotiri -an ancient settlement of the Minoan Age that was overflowed by lava when the volcano of Thera erupted in 1627 BC. The mystery surrounding the catastrophe is believed to have inspired Plato in his conception of Atlantis -the utopian and forever-lost mystical island of the Mediterranean.

It was millenia after the dust had settled when the Apanemo hotel sprung into view with its elegant venetian architecture, crisp-white walls and pools of vibrant, blue waters. There, the modern came in touch with the timeless, channeling a sense of awe every time the amber colours of the sunset fall over the caldera.

Today, the Apanemo is abundant in what it has to offer. You could wake up in one of the 25 bright and spacious guest-rooms which are fully equipped with air-conditioning, refrigerator, safe, TV and wireless Internet access. Ready to leave the coziness of the bed? How about breakfast? The buffet is rich with traditional Greek delicacies which you can enjoy on your private balcony with the panorama of the Aegean reaching the horizon. A messy room need not bother you since cleaning services are available daily. Now, why not take a stroll in the garden or the sun terrace? Perhaps you could spend an hour or two in the hotel’s spa tub or lounge in the common area for a cup of tea.

If you’re planning an adventurous day you’ll find the surrounding area a real thrill! The path leading to the ancient city of Akrotiri, which was unearthed from the volcanic ashes in the ’70s, is optimal for hiking, trail-running and mountain-biking. For the fans of water-sports scuba-diving services are offered nearby while the magnificent Red Beach is within walking distance. Other sites worth visiting include the infamous volcano whose crater is easily reachable, Oia, a nearby village where the extraordinary sunset is admired by dozens of people daily, as well as Pyrgos with its majestic castle dating back to the Dark Ages.

After nightfall you could return to the hotel and enjoy a bath with Apanemo’s complimentary toiletries, grab a bite at the hotel’s restaurant, or have a drink at the lounge bar. Alternatively, you could visit Fira, the island’s capital where the night-life is alive and vibrant with the colours of the rainbow! Worried about getting around? The Apanemo hotel offers shuttle services and the staff is always available for anything else you might need!

See the Apanemo Hotel Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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

The Grand View Houses – Lesvos Gay Friendly Guest Houses

The Grand View Houses - Lesvos Gay Friendly Guest Houses

Situated in the charming, historic village of Molyvos on the northernmost tip of Lesvos Island close to all amenities and only minutes’ walk from the beach, harbour or local shops.

These three Lesvos gay friendly guest houses introduce a new level of luxury and attention to detail within the self-catering community. Inspired by the majestic and traditional houses overlooking the sea among the Greek islands, each of our houses have breathtaking views of Lesvos. Our vacation homes are cleverly designed to magically merge modern conveniences with elegant history. The houses offer an up market experience without sacrificing authenticity and charm. Perfect for family holidays, friends vacationing together, or romantic escapes, each of our houses will provide a beautiful and spacious environment for making memories that last a lifetime.

The views are simply stunning!

Every room has a spectacular view, either of the surrounding mountains or the bay of Molyvos with the sweeping northern Aegean beyond. There are even views of the castle and postcard-perfect village from the front veranda. Incredible nightly sunsets are virtually guaranteed.

Each house with their en suite bathrooms has free Wifi, air-conditioning or heating throughout, and its own parking space. We have done our best to consider the environment, following “green” practices in construction and maintenance. The houses offer “Coco Matt” mattresses, sheets and towels, produced right here in Greece from the finest natural materials.

The three Grand View houses share two buildings, one with two semi-detached houses:
the two-bedroom/two-bathroom Grand View Afrodite and the one-bedroom/ one-bathroom Grand View Rhea.
Grand View Kimon is a three-bedroom/three-bathroom, stand-alone home. Each house has a separate entrance and private, secluded balconies.

All three houses benefit from two communal barbeque areas, one with a fountain, particularly well-suited for large groups which is also big enough for Yoga or other alternative movement classes.

AMENITIES-FACILITIES:

– Dishwasher
– Microwave
– 4 ring hob/large stove /air convector oven.
– Filter coffee machine
– Toaster
– Kettle
– Washing Machine
– Dryer ( only in Afrodite and Kimon)
– Iron and ironing board
– Hairdryer
– 3D television 42″/ 32″ compatible to laptops
– DVD with surround system/ blue ray/ Mp3/CD player
– Free Wi-Fi
– Telephone / free for incoming and local calls
– Air-conditioning /inverter/ low decibel /heating during the winter months
– Heat panels and heated towel racks for cooler months
– Rain showers
– Ceiling fans
– Safe for valuables
– Shared barbeque
– Soft sheets and towels changed every 3 -4 days (Changed daily with extra charge)
– Beach towels

See the The Grand View Houses Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

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

Santorini in Two Parts – Go Girlfriend

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.

Santorini cliffsideTowering 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?

How to choose what to see and do in Santorini if your time is limited

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

sunsets in Santorini1 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

Lesbian Greece – The Best Beaches

Lesbian Greece - Santorini Black Sand Beach

So you want to go to Greece. Why? For the delicious food, the wonderful people and timeless history? And, and of course, Greek beaches. Greece has hundreds of beaches – each of them spectacular in their own way – if, for nothing else, it’s Greece! Where better to soak up some sun? Nestled close to the ever-alluring, impossibly clear blue Mediterranean Sea.

What kind of beach-goer are you? A toes-in-the-golden-sand beach person, a crowded, party-beach person, a quiet romantic cove seeker, just-want-to-be-close-to-the-water beach seeker or a stunning-beach-view person? Or maybe you’re a cooler, beach umbrella and full prep beach goer, a walk-the-shoreline bikini strutter, or someone who just-wants-to-shed-it-all-and-let-the-sun-kiss-you-all-over kinda naked beach lover?

GoGirlfriend personally visited each of these beaches on our 5 island Greek tour and we’ve got the must-visit highlights.

By Stacy Rosien – Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Lesbian Mykonos, Greece – Go Girlfriend

Lesbian Mykonos

One of the more popular of the Greek islands, lesbian Mykonos – part of the Cyclades cluster of islands – has the reputation of a party island and a favorite stop for the jet set celebrities and yachts of the wealthy. A stop on many cruise itineraries, most tourist visits focus is on Mykonos Town (the largest town on the island), varied beach tours and tours to the historically significant local island of Delos. While rocky and scrubby in appearance, the flavour and mood of the island complements this stark mountainous beauty. This happening island has a vibe likened to Ibiza meets St. Tropez – serious fun!

It seems all roads lead to the center of the island and flare out from there in all directions. North is the windy side and famous for windsurfing opportunities unparalleled in the Mediterranean. South hosts the beautiful leeward beaches and home to the great resorts and party zones. West hosts the capital Mykonos Town, Agios Ioannis (of Shirley Valentine fame) and the UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Island of Delos. The Eastern portion of the island is, as yet, an untapped beauty.

Visit The Island’s Beautiful Mykonos Town

Mykonos Town – White-washed buildings and shops frame the shoreline, making this a picturesque maze of delightfully refreshing shops, diverse and sumptuous restaurants, vibrant sunsets and historic 16th century windmills. Built in a maze-like mash-up it’s said the intent was to confound looting and thieving pirates, confusing them and discouraging attacks – this is not your designer shopping district like major cities. Mykonos Town is very busy on cruise days, it’s restaurants most busy along the waterside towards sunset. After dark, the bars and clubs crank up their thumping party vibes, keeping this town hopping from early til late. A definite highlight to your Mykonos visit that will not disappoint.

By Stacy Rosien – Full Story at Go Girlfriend

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Gay Greece Holiday Trends

gay Greece Greece has been, without a doubt, one of the biggest trends in global gay travel for the past three years. The mind-blowing beauty of the country, in combination with welcoming Greek hospitality, has made Greece a beloved destination for the global LGBTI community. Not only for its mainstream destinations, but for its alternative choices as well. Here, Destsetters, in collaboration with Gay Star News, gives exclusive advice for your most memorable gay holidays in Greece. Unofficial Gay Beaches Are the Top Attraction Beach and sun are by far the main characteristics of Greece that spring to mind for all travelers — and naturally for gay men as well. But what could be a better combination than an idyllic beach with sexy Greek men to flirt with? All around Greece, you will find unique, local, unofficial gay beaches; these are usually unorganized beaches (mostly nudist) which have become gay hotspots for locals and tourists. The island of Crete is without question the king of gay beaches in Greece. It features more than two or three in each one of its regions, giving you the chance to meet and flirt with more and more gay people.

Full Story at Gay Star News

LOCATION Gay Travel Resources

Other Gay Travel Events

]]>

Gay Athens

Gay Athens Athens has the most organized gay scene in Greece, with a variety of gay bars, saunas and cruising spots that will satisfy even the most demanding traveller. Men in Athens are considered among the most handsome and stylish in Europe. And they’re really open to tourists — not only for flirting, but for showing them around the city, too. Gay life in Athens is mostly gathered in the center of the city, around the two main neighborhoods of Gazi and St Irene’s Square. Both offer great entertainment choices, and you can easily walk from one to the other.

By Stefanie Gerdes – Full Story at Gay Star News

Greece Gay Travel Resources

]]>

Gay Greece: An Endless Summer

Gay Greece - Flickr - Pedro Flickr – Pedro[/caption] A staggering 26.5 million people visited Greece in 2015 – making it the ninth most-visited country in Europe. And in 2016, the Cradle of Civilisation looks set to beat its own record. Not bad for a country that’s suffered a lot of negative press in recent years. And while thriving tourism provides the Hellenic Republic a wonderful beating pulse, it’s not its only blessing. Staggering landscapes, fascinating history and hospitable locals aside, let’s be very British a moment. We need to talk about the weather. Because Greece really does enjoy the best of both worlds. Sun abounds throughout the year – but temperatures fluctuate enough to make each season feel unique.

Full Story at Gay Star News

Greece Gay Travel Resources

]]>