What Mykonos actually is

Mykonos is one of the most famous gay destinations in Europe, and it earns that reputation honestly. Every July and August the island fills with an international crowd — Americans, Australians, Europeans, Brazilians — drawn by the combination of good weather, good beaches, and a scene that has been running since the 1970s. It is expensive, it is crowded in high season, and it is genuinely fun if that is what you are after.

The island operates on a summer calendar. Venues, hotels, and beaches are busy from June to September. Outside that window, Mykonos largely closes down. If you are visiting in October or November expecting a gay scene, you will find very little. Plan accordingly.

Super Paradise Beach

Super Paradise is the gay beach. It sits on the south coast of the island and requires either a water taxi from Ornos Beach or a boat from the old port — there is no easy road access. The beach itself is a mix of sunbeds (rented), a beach bar, and a lot of socializing. It gets busy from around midday through the afternoon and can feel like a floating party at peak season. The boat ride from the port takes about 20-25 minutes and runs regularly in summer.

Paradise Beach nearby is more mixed. Super Paradise is the specifically gay-focused one.

Mykonos Town and Little Venice

The bars and clubs are in Mykonos Town, known as Chora. The streets are narrow, white-walled, and genuinely hard to navigate without getting turned around a few times. Little Venice is the waterfront neighbourhood at the edge of Chora — bars here have tables that sit directly over the sea, and the sunset views are the reason everyone arrives at the same time every evening.

The bar scene works as a circuit. People drift from one place to the next across an evening. By midnight the crowd has usually consolidated toward the clubs. Pierro's is the legendary late-night gay club, open since the 1970s, and the crowd usually arrives after midnight. It runs very late.

Cost

Mykonos is expensive. This is not a budget destination and pretending otherwise is unhelpful. In high season, cocktails run €15 to €20. Accommodation in July and August costs €300 to €600 per night at most places worth staying, sometimes more. Ferries and water taxis add up. Food in restaurants in tourist areas is high. The shoulder months — June and September — are significantly cheaper, quieter, and still have good weather. If cost is a real constraint, those months are worth considering over August.

Book accommodation as early as possible for July and August. Six months in advance is not excessive — good places fill well before summer.

Bars

    • At54 — New gay dance club where ‘disco meets Mykonos’. At54 hosts exclusive weekly parties with the most glamorous crowd, hot DJ and sexy bar staff. Look for flyers at Elia Beach. Located just a few steps from Taxi Square (aka Manto Square). Look ‘uphill’ away from the square, you will see At54 on the 1st floor of the building, directly behind the square.
    • Babylon — Gay bar Babylon is located next to Jackie O’ along the waterfront of the old harbor, near Paraportiani church and the gay cruising spot. The bar has both an indoor space and outside terrace with lounge seating. If you sit next to the sea wall, be prepared of a bit of sea spray from the occasional waves that hit the wall. The bar gets busy around midnight, but arrive earlier if you want to secure the better seats. Babylon hosts a nightly show and themed parties
    • Elysium sunset bar — Elysium gay sunset bar is a bit of a tradition in Mykonos and one of the best gay bar to watch the sun set over the ocean and enjoy a cocktail with that special friend, the bar is set on the terrace of the gay hotel Elysium and often has a little drag show to keep you entertained after the sun go’s down, a good choice to start your night. One of the best place for aperitivo in Mykonos. Astonishing sunset from the terrace and drag queen show when is dark. Beautiful people from all over
    • JackieO' — Welcome to JackieO' Bar Mykonos, located right on the seawall of the old harbor of Mykonos, just below the famous church of Paraportiani. The motto here is ‘From sunset to sunrise in style‘. Come meet our friendly bartenders and staff, who will make your night out in town a pleasurable experience. clean water on the beach, swimming pool, lounge music all the day, excellent food and in the evening happy hour with a fantastic drag queen. Who can ask for more? Top! The
    • Kastro's Bar — Gay-popular bar that has been around for 40 years. With its island furnishings and a small balcony overlooking the sea, Kastro’s offers an intimate and relaxed atmosphere for a drink or bite to eat. This is where you go for a nice date night. It is a wonderful place with great food and great views. I recommend getting there to watch the sunset outside. Grab a drink and walk down on the rocks for one of the more romantic sunsets you can get. There is also a wonderful view of the windmi
    • Lola — Lively cabaret music bar hosted by Gilles and Dimitr. Lola attracts a mixed crowd who enjoy the great music, service and extensive cocktail list. A great place for a cocktail to start your evening off. Lola is a colorful gay-friendly lounge bar (but you will find also a mix clientele), nestled in the heart of Mykonos Town and just a few minutes from Little Venice. Excellent service, very good cocktails and a superb music selection. It is a great place where to start your evening/night
    • Montparnasse Piano Bar — Originally opened as an art gallery in the late 1960’s and later became a bar. Montparnasse (known simply as “The Piano Bar”) features live cabaret entertainment every night. Located in Little Venice area, this friendly bar is also a favorite spot for watching the sunset and enjoying cocktails on the balcony overlooking the sea. Popular with the gay crowd, but everyone is welcome. Amazing cocktails and a stunning location all brought together with talented singers and pian
    • Porta bar — one of the most popular Club & Late Night Venues in Mykonos. Offering a fantastic atmosphere and fun vibes, be sure not to miss it! Each year Mykonos is voted as the number one destination in Greece because of its beautiful architecture, pristine beaches with crystal clear waters and its fabulous nightlife. Fun gay bar in the heart of the city. Some dancing. The party flows outside. Drinks were 10€ I believe during summer. Came during Xlsior and bar was 100% gay men. All bar
    • Queen of Mykonos — Located steps away from the beautiful center of Chora, Queen of Mykonos is an ideal setting for enjoying the vibrant local scene while sipping on your favorite cocktail and snacking on delicious appetizers. Pretty nice central bar in the heart of Mikonos town. Modern, cosy place with popular music, good for entertainment late at night. Very nice but expensive cocktails, usually crowded enough. The inside space of the bar is small, but it has outdoor seating at a pedestrian road. Queen

    For the full breakdown, see the Mykonos gay bars guide.

    Hotels

    • Alkyon Hotel — Located on the hillside immediately behind Mykonos Town, the Alkyon’s pool terrace offers breathtaking panoramic views. Yet the hotel is just a 10-minute walk downhill to the town centre (perhaps 15 minutes to reach the gay bars). This friendly, family-run hotel features spacious, air-conditioned rooms, each with comfortable beds, a full-sized bathroom and either a terrace or balcony. Fee WiFi throughout. An excellent buffet breakfast is served every morning. There is a bus stop outside the ho
    • Andromeda Residence — A small complex of Cycladic style two-story homes set in a well kept condominium interconnected by narrow lanes, arcades, and small squares offering comfortable & nicely decorated self-catering studios and apartments. Andromeda Residence is a small 3 star hotel located in Mykonos Town, known as Chora. The Andromeda Residence complex includes six two-story buildings with self catering studios and separate apartments. All rooms have a kitchenette, bathroom , air condition, TV, priv
    • Elysium Hotel — The gay hotel Elysium boasts tasteful accommodation and a swimming pool with views of the windmills and Mykonos Town. Guests can use the hotel’s gym and hot tub. Excellent hotel to stay. Five minutes walking to the city center. Nice pool to enjoy your day. Great show at night to have fun.
    • Geranium Gay Residence — Situated 500 metres from the centre of Mykonos town, Geranium is a gay, men-only hotel offering a swimming pool with a large sun terrace. Its air-conditioned rooms have a private balcony.
    • Geranium Mykonos — The Geranium is an exclusively gay residence located just 500 meters from Mykonos Town in Lakon Technon Skoli area (School of Fine Arts) to the right of the new road connecting peripheral (Periferiakos) that connects quickly to the new port (which is 3 km.), airport (2 km.) and all the famous beaches of the island.
    • Harmony Boutique Hotel — It is evident that care and money has been intvested into building this beautiful hotel, which blends traditional Greek style with modern touches. The comfortable bedrooms at Harmony are large, air-conditioned, include a private balcony, tea & coffee-making facilities, and free WiFi. The food served here is delicious, and it is a guarantee that you’ll find the service exceptional. Harmony is located on the north side of the Old Town harbour, overlooking the sea. It’s a very easy
    • Vencia Boutique Hotel — If there was such a thing as ‘Mykonos style’, then Vencia Hotel would be a shining example. Inside the white Aegean buildings are beautifully simple, comfortable guest rooms, each with a spectacular view from its balcony. The infinity-edge pool and surrounding sun terrace has wonderful sea views and the in-house Karavaki restaurant is worth a special mention. The hotel is located just outside the town centre, within a close distance to the gay bars near the Old Town Pier

    Events

Getting there

Mykonos has its own airport with direct connections from Athens and several European cities in summer. Flights from Athens take about 45 minutes and are the fastest option.

Ferry from Athens (Piraeus port) takes 2.5 to 5 hours depending on which ferry type you take. The fast ferries (SeaJets, Hellenic Seaways) are quicker but more expensive. The conventional ferries are slower but cheaper and more comfortable for luggage. Book ahead in summer — popular crossings fill up.

FAQ


When should I visit Mykonos?



The season runs June to September. July and August are peak — busiest, most expensive, and most social. June and September are quieter and considerably cheaper, with similar weather. Outside this window, most of the island closes.




Where is the gay beach in Mykonos?



Super Paradise Beach is the main gay beach. You get there by water taxi from Ornos Beach or by boat from the old port. It is busy from midday through the afternoon in high season.




How expensive is Mykonos?



Very. Cocktails are typically €15-20, hotels in high season €300-600 per night. June and September are noticeably cheaper. Book accommodation well in advance for July-August.




What is Pierro's?



Pierro's is a legendary gay club in Mykonos Town that has been running since the 1970s. It opens late and is the main late-night club destination. Most people arrive after midnight.




How do I get to Mykonos from Athens?



By flight (45 minutes from Athens airport) or by ferry from Piraeus (2.5 to 5 hours depending on ferry type). Book both well in advance in summer as they fill up quickly.