Mykonos has a small but well-established gay bar scene concentrated in Mykonos Town. The geography is part of the experience: the streets are narrow, you will get lost, and that is fine because you are unlikely to wander far from the action. Little Venice and the area around it is where the evening begins. The clubs take over later.

Little Venice and the waterfront

Little Venice is the neighbourhood on the western edge of Chora where bars sit directly above the water. Tables hang over the sea, the light at sunset is genuinely spectacular, and the whole area fills up in the hour before dusk. Go early if you want a seat with a view. It is a crowded, good-natured scene and the kind of thing Mykonos is correctly famous for.

Most of the bars here are mixed but gay-friendly rather than specifically gay. The specifically gay bars are scattered through the winding streets nearby.

The bar circuit

Mykonos works as a circuit rather than a single strip. People move between bars across the course of an evening, fuelled by expensive cocktails and the looseness that comes from being on holiday. Nothing gets going before 10pm. The transition to the clubs happens around midnight or later, with Pierro's the main late-night destination.

Expect to spend. A round of cocktails here costs what it costs in London or Paris, and sometimes more. This is not a place to nurse one cheap beer all evening.

The 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

Practical notes

Everything in Mykonos is more expensive than you expect. Build this into your budget before you arrive rather than being surprised each time. The trade-off is that the setting is genuinely beautiful and the crowd is international and relaxed.

The BTS does not exist here — it is a small Greek island. You walk. The Chora is compact enough that you can cover the bar area on foot. For Super Paradise Beach, you need the water taxi or a boat.

For the full picture, see the Gay Mykonos Guide.