Destination of the Month: Mykonos, Greece
As the summer begins, people flock to the island of Mykonos once again. Mykonos’s Season is May to September, giving it a short window of opportunity.
Gays visiting Mykonos has been a ritual for as long as I can remember. My first trip to Mykonos was in the 1980’s, since then I have returned numerous times watching the island evolve, and eventually modernize. Mykonos can be a place where you sun yourself all day long, and party all night long, or it can be a quiet peaceful place too if you avoid the scene.
Whatever you decide, it’s an island everyone should experience in their lifetime.
Travel
Mykonos is a quick 30 minute flight from Athens. Flying is the fastest and most civil way to arrive, although you can travel by land. Unless, of course, you’re connecting from a major European city where there is a direct flight.
Hotels
When choosing your hotel, you must decide if you prefer to be near a beach or in a more quiet part of the island. Mykonos town is filled with people and can be quite loud, so that’s another thing to bear in mind.
Mykonos is filled with many amazing boutique hotel choices. It used to be important for gay people to stay at a gay only hotel, however things have changed and people are spread amongst the many hotel choices these days.
If you’re looking for that ‘all gay’ experience then Elysium is you’re place.
Otherwise some of my favorite boutique hotels are:
San Giorgio – https://www.sangiorgio-mykonos.com/en
Myconian Ambassador and Spa – www.myconianambassador.gr
Myconian Korali HOTEL – www.myconiankorali.gr
Bill and Coo MYKONOS – www.bill-coo-hotel.com
Royal Myconian RESORT – www.royalmyconian.gr
Mykonos Grand Hotel and Resort – www.mykonosgrand.gr/#mykonos-grand-welcome
Kensho Psarou – www.kenshomykonos.com/kensho-psarou/
Getting Around
It’s important to rent a car or scooter to get around the island, the beaches, the town and hotels are spread out. There are taxis if you choose not to rent a vehicle, however they can be very expensive.
Dining
There are so many wonderful restaurants to chose from, make sure you ask the concierge at your hotel about their favorite restaurants before you arrive and have them make dinner reservations ahead of time as it can be hard to secure space at late notice. Asking your concierge or friends who have visited will help you avoid the numerous tourist traps.
See & Do
Use the daytime to rejuvenate and experience the many beautiful and different beaches the island has to offer. Most popular with gay people is Super Paradise Beach, if you want a party atmosphere, or Elia Beach for an older, more sophisticated scene. Most beaches do have a section where nudity is acceptable. I also love a hidden gem like Agios Sostis Beach. It has an amazing lunch restaurant called Kiki’s which is a must!
Sunset is a ritual in Mykonos. Make sure to grab a coveted spot along Little Venice to watch the sun set with a happy hour drink. You will remember this when you’re home!
LGBTQ Nightlife
Jackie O is home to all the fun, don’t miss it! They have a wide range and variety of parties being held, so make sure you ask around about what’s happening during your stay.
Mykonos will send you home, sun-tanned, smiling, happy, tired or relaxed (your choice!), and maybe with a summer romance that will stay with you forever. One thing is for sure, Mykonos is sexy and has filled my life with wonderful summer memories.
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