Arguably the most beautiful of all Greek islands, Mykonos was turned into one of the world's top gay destinations and as a result also a trendy hotspot for everyone. When the island is described as "gay-friendly," it should be taken very literally as it has a certain sophisticated and exclusive vibe, yet it's also laid-back and attitude-free. Because many follow it with a visit to Santorini, that romantic island is also a popular destination for gay travelers, although it lacks any real exclusively gay hotspots. Perhaps Santorini is used as the place to rest after beach-hopping and all-night partying in Mykonos, where toned and tanned guys flock to the gay clothing-optional SUPER PARADISE BEACH during the day, and put on their most stylish fashions for a night around the town. There are summer days when it seems that 9 out of 10 people you see is a gay tourist, and most of the city's nightspots know that. That means you can choose to go to any of the places recommended below for a mostly gay crowd, but if you go elsewhere you'll still find a mix of gay and straight intent on enjoying the night.


MYKONOS

Kastro Bar
The most famous gay bar in Mykonos owes its success to its friendly atmosphere for cocktail sipping starting at sunset and through the night to the sound of classical tunes.

PORTA - Ioanni Voinovich
Located by the famous Niko's Tavern and the harbour, this is a popular spot for post-dinner drinks. It starts earlier than other bars and gets crowded towards midnight. After that some choose to move on to somewhere else, while others stay all night long.

Piano Bar Montparnasse
Located just behind Little Venice, this lounge-piano bar serves some exotic cocktails in an intimate setting filled with a mostly gay crowd.

Pierro's Bar
As the first official gay bar in Mykonos, this is a famous place every gay visitor ends up at. It is often the place to end the night, with a lounge area for people-watching while elsewhere the crowd moves to the house beats or takes a look at the drag queens putting on a show.

Ramrod
No, the name does not mean this is a sex club. It's a lively place for drinks with a view of the harbor from its terrace, and with live shows at midnight in between dancing to the latest dance hits.

DIVA - Agion Anargyron
Walk around the streets around Little Venice and at some point you'll pass by this bar known for its upbeat atmosphere attracting both gay men and lesbians who drink to the sound of Greek and international hits.


SANTORINI

Taboo Bar
This summertime bar is the place for drinks during the day. While considered a gay hotspot, it really gets a mixed crowd.

Splash
This gay-friendly beach bar serves light Greek dishes during the day while at night the music is turned on and the crowds enjoy a mixture of Greek and international sounds as they chat over drinks.

Ginger Sushi Lounge
Santorini's first sushi lounge is also a gay-friendly choice for chilling out with a cocktail. The fish is local, and it's a great excuse to go to Firostefani, one of the most authentic parts of the island.


GAY-FRIENDLY HOTELS
In Mykonos:
Practically all hotels in Mykonos are gay-friendly. But these are the ones who openly say it:
Porto Mykonos
Elysium Gay Hotel
In Santorini:
The Majestic Hotel