From vibrant queer nightlife to jaw-dropping beaches, there’s a reason LGBTQIA+ holidaymakers flock to this Greek island
WORDS BY ROXY BOURDILLON, IMAGES VIA EXPEDIA
Not to brag, but I am in paradise. Super Paradise to be precise. It’s the most gay-friendly beach in Mykonos and it genuinely lives up to the name. Nestled in a picturesque cove, it’s nothing short of spectacular. Golden sand, majestic cliffs and let me tell you about that ocean. The Aegean Sea is another level: crystal clear water and the dreamiest shade of turquoise. Its high salt content means I can effortlessly float on the surface, gazing up at the view and feeling utterly blissed out.
I’m here on the island for a few days with my partner. With its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant gay scene, Mykonos has long been a favourite among queer holidaymakers. In this year’s Expedia LGBTQ+ Summer Travel Outlook, it is listed as one of the top beach escapes. Even before Greece legalised same-sex marriage and adoption in 2024, Mykonos was known for being queer-inclusive. I’m excited to discover what it has to offer and how we really feel here as a lesbian couple. I’m also just delighted to get away for a few days. We haven’t been on holiday since pre-Covid, so a dose of R&R feels long overdue.
Luckily for us we find exactly that at the luxurious and highly Instagrammable Super Paradise Beach Club. After our swim, we sunbathe on a pair of front row loungers, the immaculate ocean just a few steps away. This place doesn’t just have table service, it has sunbed service. I marvel at the epic fruit platter, a literal tower of juicy, jewel covered grapes, watermelons, pineapples and more, and choose the femmest cocktail on the menu – Strawberry Fields Forever.
During our minibreak, we stay at elegant, five-star, sanctuary, the Boheme Mykonos Hotel. Our room is the Junior Honeymoon Sunset & Sea View Suite with Outdoor Hot Tub and it is just as heavenly as it sounds. Views from our balcony are like a postcard come to life, and the décor is chic and understated, all classy neutrals with timeless, bohemian touches.
Another reason I love the Boheme? From the moment we arrive, we feel completely welcome as a sapphic couple. There are no awkward moments of having to explain that: “Actually we need a double bed”, no funny looks around the pool. So, we can concentrate on enjoying ourselves and making the most of our serene surroundings. When I road-test the hotel’s spa services with a massage, my treatment takes place in the open air. Discreet curtains mean I don’t feel exposed. I relax to the max, with the gentle breeze and the soundtrack of birdsong amplifying the ambience of tranquillity.
Our hotel is just a short walk from the hustle and bustle, so we set out to explore Mykonos by foot and take a walking tour. We window-shop as we wander through the labyrinth of cobblestoned streets. The whitewashed walls and bright blue doors make us feel like we’re on the set of one of our favourite musicals, Mamma Mia.
Stumbling across the charming Little Venice, we ooh and ah over the vista: a higgledy-piggledy assortment of waterfront buildings, with primary-coloured balconies suspended over the sea. In the distance, we spot the iconic windmills of Mykonos, before strolling to the port to grab something to eat.
Mykonos is brimming with fabulous, queer-friendly hotspots. Recommended restaurants include Mediterranean, boho beach restaurant, Alemagou, and the trendsetting Scorpios, where the food is delicious and the ocean views are out of this world. If you’re a seafood fan, don’t miss Kounelas Fish Tavern. This intimate taverna has a sign etched on a rainbow flag, so you immediately feel at home.
If it’s gay nightlife you’re after, then check out JackieO’s, overlooking Super Paradise Beach. Other highlights include Porta Bar (a long-running gay club with warm, friendly staff) and Lola Bar (think camp boudoir aesthetic and fabulous drag shows).
On our last day, we take a boat trip along the South coast of the island in a traditional Greek boat, stopping for lunch at Kalafatis. As we sail past the staggering cliffs and secluded beaches, I think about how much I’m going to miss Mykonos.
It’s a magnificent island that offers all the sun, sea and nightlife you could want. But best of all, it’s a place where for once I can fully relax, as both a holidaymaker seeking an escape from the daily grind, and as a lesbian.
To plan your holiday to Mykonos visit expedia.co.uk
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