The Best Gay Beaches in Greece

Nowhere does beaches quite like Greece and with thousands of islands, miles of coastline, and a Mediterranean climate, it’s no surprise that you’ll find some of the world’s best gay beaches in Greece. From rocks to sand, manicured to rugged and even clothing to clothing-optional, there are endless choices to be made when it comes to beaches in Greece.

The islands of Greece’s archipelago rise from the shimmering blue seas as rocky outcrops drenched in sun and olive trees. The sheer expanse of islands means that the gay beaches here are extremely varied and promise something for every traveler, regardless of interests or tastes. Here is our definitive guide to the best gay beaches in Greece.

Mykonos

Mykonos is the capital of gay culture, nightlife, and clubbing in Greece, so it’s no wonder why some of the country’s best gay beaches can be found in this paradise of hedonism. Elia Beach is a long and stretching swathe of pristine white sand, warm turquoise waters, and a truly thriving gay atmosphere. Sunbeds and parasols cover this beach and as night falls the bars and clubs along its length come to life with gay beachgoers from around the world enjoying delicious drinks and non-stop house music.

Elia Beach is undoubtedly the most action-packed and popular of Mykonos’ gay beaches, however for a more relaxed experience, consider visiting Agrari Beach. Agrari offers a tranquil environment, with fewer tourists and a more secluded location. The beach is also a phenomenally popular cruising spot, with gay guys coming from all over Mykonos to connect and meet other like-minded men.

Sadly increased tourism and a wave of new resorts have meant that Super Paradise Beach has lost some of its original gay charm. However, the location remains popular amongst visiting gay tourists and is now a vibrant and lively beach party destination, with multiple beach bars and clubs playing music throughout the day and into the night.

Read More: Gay Nudist Beaches near Mykonos.

Santorini

Santorini, the home of honeymoons, high-class resorts, and a myriad of historical and cultural sites. The island is also home to some of Greece’s most stunning and pristine beaches. The white and blue buildings that cover the slopes of steep Santorini strike a dramatic contrast against the background of endless beaches and vast seas, and nowhere more so than Columbo Beach. Columbo Beach is a truly unique destination with its charcoal-colored sand and sheer cliff faces. A secluded and quiet beach, Columbo is the perfect place for some nude sunbathing or even some discreet cruising.

Vlychada is another of Santorini’s gay beaches and is best known for its wide crescent moon shape, which creates a sheltered and peaceful environment. The farthest section of the beach is the unofficial gay section, and in summer can often be seen to be full of men lounging about, often without clothes. The other end of the beach is the more commercial area and is a great place to grab a meal or drink as you watch the sunset over the horizon. Read More: Santorini Island Guide.

Skiathos

Whilst Skiathos is small, and home to only one gay beach, it had to make the list due to its role as one of the two main islands used as filming locations for the iconic Mamma Mia! The legendary musical epic saw Meryl Streep dancing and prancing around many of Skiathos’ beaches and forests. The soft sand beaches and streets of Skiathos’ Old Port were used heavily in the film and visitors will be able to live out there own ABBA fantasy here.

The island’s only real gay beach, however, is Little Banana, a small sandy cove that is best reachable by boat. There is little development at Little Banana and this nude-friendly gay beach is devoid of most amenities, so be sure to bring your own supplies. The tranquility and ruggedness of Little Banana make it the perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the sounds of the lapping waves.

Crete

If you’re looking for a stunning, sandy, and well-maintained beach on Crete, look no further than Komos. Komos Beach is a 2-kilometer stretch of Mediterranean paradise, promising crystal clear azure waters and a vibrant atmosphere. The highlight of Komos however, is the nudist section, a popular place for gay travelers to meet and socialize. You’ll never be far from great cooking and charming nightlife on Komos Beach, as the small town of Pitsida is located just inland and is the ideal village to sample authentic and fresh Cretan dishes.

Sarandaris Beach is tiny, in fact, it’s more of a cove than a beach. But don’t confuse its size for a lack of atmosphere, as the small scale of this sandy cove makes it the perfect place to meet and socialize with the other gay locals and tourists who frequent it. A popular gay hangout, Sarandaris becomes particularly busy as the evening goes on, getting increasingly more lively and atmospheric.

Read More: Greek Gay Nudist Beach Roundup.

Corfu

Corfu doesn’t always conjure the same images of gay culture as neighboring Santorini and Mykonos, however this rugged, wild and naturally stunning part of the world does have a small, yet vibrant gay community. The beaches of Corfu are extremely varied, from the wide sandy beaches of the north to the rocky coves of the south, the coastal environments here are truly dynamic.

Myrtiotissa is arguably one of the most popular and well-known nudist beaches in Greece, and whilst not exclusively gay, the open-minded and liberal attitudes of Myrtiotissa Beach, make it a very popular destination for the gay travelers who visit the island. The beach is located on the island’s west coast and is just a short drive from Corfu Town- the capital of the island. The golden sands of the beach are bordered by a tall and dramatic cliff line that offers privacy but can also make access tricky, so be sure to dress sensibly when making the worthwhile trek down to the beach.

Issos Beach is one of Corfu’s longest, with its white sand stretching out into the ocean. The area is rugged and off the beaten track when it comes to tourism, and this offers a level of privacy and seclusion not often found on the big beaches of Greece. The northern end of Issos is where gay travelers and locals tend to gather. Read More: Gay Corfu Island Guide.