During the summer, Greece seduces thousands of gay travelers to its beautiful Mediterranean islands with golden-sand beaches and white-washed villages. Gay life in Greece is unique and with a much different attitude from the rest of the Europe.
Most of the gay travelers choose to visit Greece during the summer months of June to August, where LGBTI Pride in Athens or XLSIOR in Mykonos rule the events calendar.
However, there is also another season that attracts many gay travelers in Greece – September! The beaches are as dreamy as ever. You should still be prepared for really hot weather, with plenty of hours of sunshine. So, take your glasses, your speedo and get ready for your most exciting summer vacations… in September!
But first, you need somewhere to stay. Greece is the home of many excellent hotels, each bringing something unique. From the cave-hotels of Santorini, to the modern artistic hotels of Athens, you will find a hotel to surprise you in every corner of the country.
Crete is one of the best islands for beach holidays in Greece. The average temperature is slightly lower, however still around 29 °C. The beaches are beautiful but make sure you aren’t washed away in the big waves!
Crete has a relatively active gay community; however, the best chances to meet other men (locals and travellers) are the cities of Heraklion, Chania and Rethymnon. Other popular summer destinations include Agios Nikolaos, Elounda Bay and Hersonissos, all of which are located at the northern part of the island.
The island is not as crowded as during the summer months, so expect to find more locals than tourists!
✮ WHERE TO STAY
Photo: Shutterstock
Found on the golden-sand beach of Agioi Apostoloi, Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection stands out for its serene and cosy atmosphere. The hotel has one pool with no bar or music, where you can relax while reading your favourite book. But you can also head to one with music and a bar where you can hang out with friends!
Hot Tip
You’ll fall in love with the hotel thanks to its wonderful events, ranging from the moonlit live jazz events at the beach to the breathtaking helicopter rides at the Samaria Gorge.
Photo: Shutterstock
Elysium Boutique Hotel is a contemporary hotel located in Analipsi Village, near Hersonissos of Crete. It has a beautiful environment ideal for gay families, couples and solo travelers. It’s also ideally located close to both Heraklion City and Hersonissos Town.
Hot Tip
The hotel is only 10 minutes’ driving from Sarantaris Beach, the most popular gay beach in Crete. It’s actually a nudist beach, so your speedo won’t be needed there. It can be accessed via the nearby beach Gefyri.
GrottoHomes is a traditional stone-built villa in Goulediana Village of Crete, that is characterised by its unique architecture and design. The villa is great for large groups of friends, being able to accommodate up to 11 people, making it perfect for friends and families. If you are a fan of modern vintage and traditional Greek design, then you are going to love this hotel!
Hot Tip
This villa is best-experienced when you are with your friends. Gather your friends and arrange the most exciting gay-off of your lives!
As one of the most popular gay summer destinations in the world, Mykonos is naturally a great option for September vacations as well. September finds the island less crowded than in August, however, it’s still packed with many, many hot guys.
If you are not fond of large crowds, then we recommend you rent your private villa with your besties and spend your Mykonian holidays by your private pool.
✮ WHERE TO STAY
If you want to avoid the crowds that Mykonos attracts, Branco Mykonos is the ideal hotel choice for you. The hotel is only 14 minutes away from the town’s centre, located on the Platys Gyalos Beach.
Hot Tip
The Prestige Suite with Jacuzzi Sea View will make your heart race. If you are a couple, be prepared that you might end up not leaving the hotel at all!
On the other hand, if you want to fully explore Mykonos’ intense gay nightlife, then Semeli Hotel will do the work for you. Semeli is located 5 minutes walking distance from Mykonos’ gay scene, so you’re just a stone’s throw from the most exciting parts of the island.
Hot Tip
Before heading out to explore Mykonos’ sexy gay nightlife, enjoy a signature cocktail at the hotel’s lounge bar, which will immediately set you in a mood for partying!
✮ More Fabulous Hotels in Greece:
From north to south, Greece is a country packed with breathtaking natural landscapes, historical landmarks and sightseeing attractions, and, of course, fabulous hotels to stay.
Let’s discover some unique hotels, especially beloved by the gay community!
Porto Klaras Hotel is the perfect sanctuary in Kythnos for an authentic Greek Gay Island Experience. The island might not be as well known compared to other Greek islands, however it’s a splendid option if you are planning to visit in September.
Hot Tip
Kythnos is the typical Cycladic Island with white-washed buildings and golden-sand beaches. Give yourself a break from the busy city environments and enjoy unspoiled nature, surrounded by the Mediterranean blue!
Anemi Hotel is among the most beautiful hotels in Folegandros, combining perfectly the contemporary design with the Cycladic architecture. It’s only 3km away from Chora, and few minutes away from the pebbled beach of Karavostasis.
Hot Tip
September in Anemi Hotel and Folegandros Island is peaceful and tranquil. You can visit the beaches, but be aware of the strong Cycladic winds. The nights will be slightly colder, so we recommend you pack a couple of shirts and jackets with you!
Thessaloniki is one of the best cities to visit in September, and Hyatt Regency Thessaloniki is definitely one of the best hotels to stay. When staying at Hyatt Regency, you can easily combine your city-break with beach holidays, since it is located 30 minutes away from the city centre, and about 30 minutes from Halkidiki.
Hot Tip
Spend your mornings at Halkidiki’s golden sand beaches with crystal-clear waters and explore Thessaloniki’s vivid gay life in the evenings!
Hotel Punta is a luxurious resort located on the beautiful island of Skiathos. The hotel stands out for its unique room design, panoramic views, as well as relaxed and cosy environment that will make you feel at home.
Hot Tip
Make sure you take full advantage of the gorgeous natural surroundings at the Punta Hotel. Alternatively, it creates the ideal place to snuggle in a warm nest.
Located at the centre of Fira, Villa Bordeaux stands out for its huge size and unique cliff-hanging location. The hotel is housed in a historical building, whose renovation was inspired by Cyclades’ total white architecture.
Hot Tip
It’s the hotel for romantic gay holidays in Greece and its marvellous views over Caldera create a picture-perfect background for an engagement proposal!
Domes Miramare redefines luxury accommodation in Corfu, by offering a deluxe staying experience that you will find nowhere else on the island. The hotel’s service is exceptional, so you are going to love all of them. They are keen to help and always with a smile!
Hot Tip
If you want to experience true luxury then stay at the Haute Living Room, made only with marble, glass and sunshine.
Themonies Luxury Suites is a traditional hotel, housed in a stone complex that was built in the 19th century. It consists of 5 independent residences which can house from couples to families, so it’s great for all kinds of travelers.
Hot Tip
Don’t miss the delicious breakfast! It includes traditional local delicacies as well as fresh orange juice, homemade marmalade, Greek yoghurt, and fresh eggs.
Travel by Interest is a client of Gay Star News.
