Gay Mykonos Island Guide

 

Mykonos | Μύκονος

The Greek island of Mykonos is part of the Cyclades and located in the middle of the Aegean Sea. The island has an area of 85 km². Most inhabitants live in or close to Mykonos Town which is located on the west coast.

Mykonos is renowned as being the gayest island in the Aegean and for having a vibrant cosmopolitan nightlife.

Gay Rights in Greece

Gay sex was decriminalised in 1951. Male prostitution has been legal since May 2006. Wide-reaching anti-discrimination laws came into effect in 2014, adding to limited protections that had been available since 2005.

The age of sexual consent is 15 for everyone. On 24th December 2015, same-sex cohabitation agreements came into force. These same-sex civil unions grant all the rights of marriage except adoption.

 

Little Venice in Mykonos Town

 

Gay Scene

Mykonos has been a gay holiday destination for more than 30 years.  During the late 1990's, the emerging gay scene in Ibiza enticed a lot of gay sunbathers away from Mykonos, but the past few years have seen a resurgence in the island's popularity.

Mykonos has an excellent Gay Beach scene and a number of popular late-night gay bars & clubs in the Old Port area of Mykonos Town. The XLsior gay summer festival which started in 2009 hosts dance parties every year and has become a hugely successful event.

Getting to Mykonos

Mykonos Airport (JMK) is located 4km from the town. There are daily flights between Mykonos and Athens all year around. Between May and October, there are numerous charter and scheduled flights to many European destinations.

Most hotels offer airport transfers, some free of charge. There are taxis at the airport. However, demand often outstrips supply and in peak season so you may need to wait a while.  A taxi from the airport to a hotel in Mykonos Town usually costs between €10-15.

The bus to Mykonos Town cost €1.60  and takes around 10 minutes however it may only run in high season. Also, it is worth noting that there are two bus stations in Mykonos and it may not be clear which bus station you are travelling to until you arrive at one of the stations. There is a twenty-minute walk through the old town between each bus station.

 

Paraportiani Church  (popular after dark)

 

Getting around Mykonos

See our Mykonos Gay Beaches page for information on how to get to/from the beaches. If you want to explore the rest of Mykonos or other beaches, then the best option is to rent a car.

There are a large number of car and bike rental agencies near the main bus station and airport. Be aware that cars are not permitted in Mykonos  Town. There are free parking areas on the port side of the town. It's a good idea to check with your hotel that they have a car park.

Renting a car - Booking in advance is essential during peak periods. Size matters - a smaller car definitely has the advantage of being easier to park in peak season. Most agencies (Avis, Hertz, Thrifty, Enterprise) have bases at the airport and cars in front of the terminal. See more information below.

Renting a motorcycle (or quad bike). Risky! Poor quality roads and appalling driving standards makes riding a bike very risky. Amazingly, the majority of riders don't bother wearing a crash helmet. Stupidity beyond belief as the numerous accident victims are a very long way from the nearest specialist head injury trauma unit.

Taxis on Mykonos - It can be very difficult to get a taxi late a night, particularly when people are leaving the bars and clubs. We've written a dedicated guide on taxis in Mykonos.

Driving & Parking

 

Elia Beach - park behind the beach or in the official car park, just 50 metres further away

 

If you are staying at a resort or hotel outside of Mykonos Town, then a hiring car makes a lot of sense, as taxis are in limited supply and expensive.

Driving to Ella Beach from Mykonos Town is easy and relatively convenient compared with the bus & boat option. A car enables you to explore some of the other excellent beaches on the Island.

The roads are in a relatively poor condition, so watch out for pot holes. Driving a car is a far safer option than riding a motor bike.

Parking in Mykonos Town

Mykonos Town center is "car-free", with free parking available near the marina.

The main car park fills up quickly, so aim for the second car park. The entrance is 150 meters before the main car park. We've never had a problem finding a space here, even in peak season. It's a 10 minute walk from the car park to the town.

Parking at Elia Beach

There is plenty of parking at the beach. Arrive early and you can drive to an area immediately behind the dunes, which is free.

Parking at Super Paradise Beach

Parking is available, although you will have to pay. The road to Super Paradise is incredibly steep. Jackie'O beach club customers can get free parking (via a different road - check the map).

Where to Rent a Car

You can hire a car at Mykonos Airport. Some operators have branches in Mykonos Town. We recommend full insurance. Take photos of your car when you pick it up. It will probably have a few dents & scratches and windscreen chips. Having said that, we've never had a problem with any of the operators.

Where to Stay in Mykonos

For a list of recommended hotels on Mykonos island, visit our Gay Mykonos Hotels and Gay Mykonos Luxury Hotels pages.

Mykonos Restaurants

Mykonos Town has seen an explosion in new restaurant openings in recent years. But this has done nothing to bring down prices. Even a modest meal out will cost €20-30 per person. At the top end, expect to pay €100 per person upwards (for food alone) at some places. Some of the places people are talking about at the moment are Niko's and Kiki's as well as Alemagou Beach Bar.

From July to the end of September we strongly recommend you plan ahead and book tables in advance.

Things to See & Do in Mykonos

The Mykonos Town center is an attraction in its own right. The beautiful, white washed narrow lanes are filled with numerous boutique and restaurants that stay open until very late at night.

 

 

• The Windmills - one of the most famous landmarks on Mykonos.
• Matoyianni Street - main arterial street of Mykonos. This street is great for shopping and walking around.
• Little Venice - colourful two- and three-storey houses standing by the sea. This area is now home to numerous bars and cafés and extremely popular at sunset.
• Archaeological Museum of Mykonos - a little bit of culture and nice break from the party scene.
• The Pelican - the island's mascots, found most days in the town center.
• Xlsior Mykonos - one of the biggest gay dance festivals in the world takes place in Mykonos each year.

 

 

Read More: Things To Do In Mykonos.

Want a Longer Holiday? Consider Santorini.

If you are planning a 10 or 14 day holiday, the consider combining a week in Mykonos with a visit to Santorini. Experience two very different Greek islands.

Hit the beach and gay scene in Mykonos and then enjoy the spectacular views and laid back lifestyle of Santorini. The two islands are connected by daily fast ferry service. Click here to read more about Santorini. 

Money

Greece is part of the Eurozone. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Hospitals

Mykonian Health Private Medical Centre, Dexamenes, +30 22890 27407/27464/24211.  Open from 9am to 10pm with an afternoon break (depending on season). During the tourist season there will be staff here until 4am.

Mykonos Hospital, Mykonos Town +30 22890 23998/23994. The public hospital with a 24-hour emergency service.