Gay & Lesbian Travel in Athens

In Greece, homosexuality has been very much a part of life from antiquity to today. Indeed, many prominent figures of the country's cultural life (both past and present) are openly gay. You should be aware, however, of the special mentality of the Greek male vis-à-vis homosexuality. Sociological reports indicate a large portion of the population is bisexual, though this does not indicate a conscious recognition of being gay. Greek society remains conservative regarding open declarations and displays of homosexuality by either sex, although homosexual relations for men over 17 have been legal for many decades in Greece. The nearest thing to a gay scene in the Western sense of the word exists in Athens (around Makriyianni and Kolonaki), Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Rhodes, and Ios for men; for women, Athens and Eressos on Lesbos.

The weekly Greek-language entertainment magazine Athinorama, available at all kiosks, lists Athens's gay bars and dance clubs in its nightlife section. To Kraximo and Greek Gay Guide are publications available from kiosks in Omonia Square in Athens and near the Thessaloniki train station. The Gay and Lesbian Society in Athens provides resources for the gay community.

Local Resources

Gay and Lesbian Society (EOK).

Gay- Lesbian-Friendly Travel Agencies

Different Roads Travel. Kennedy Travel. Now, Voyager. Skylink Travel and Tour/Flying Dutchmen Travel; serving lesbian travelers.