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Over the past few years, a significant increase of gay couples who choose Milos for their honeymoon trip or their romantic summer holidays has been noticed, giving to more and more people the opportunity for enjoying the mind-blowing beauty of the island.

See the best hotels for gay travellers in Milos >>

Skiathos 

Let’s change the scenery: Skiathos is an all-green island with amazing beaches, very different from the characteristic landscape of Cyclades islands (such as Mykonos, Santorini or Milos).

Being a little bit northern, Skiathos belongs to the Sporades complex and is an excellent choice for gay couples who are looking for a true paradise-like destination for their honeymoon. 

And a last hint: None of these 3 islands has an organized gay life.

The nearby Vritomartis Naturist Resort manages it. Visitors can also explore attractions such as Spinalonga Island, famous for its Venetian fortress and leper colony history, and the ancient salt pans of Elounda. However, this is not entirely true, since Gay Crete introduces a new way of gay travelling: the ‘Gay Adventure Holidays’ type.

Crete is a large island, however the majority of gay travellers choose to spend most of their holidays within the county of Heraklion.

Visitors can enjoy Kommos Beach’s basic amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, and a small tavern for food and drinks. Agios Charalambos Beach is a small, secluded cove located 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) east of Chora Sfakion on Crete’s southern coast. This is mainly a result of the generally liberal and friendly character of Greek people, in combination with the Mediterranean mentality mixed with pure Eastern characteristics.

Yes, in certain (usually more distant) areas of Greece, people can be a little bit more conservative, however they would never act badly towards gay travellers.

For example, the famous gay bar ‘Enola’ is in Valaoritou Street, in one of the most vivid neighborhoods of the city; but the popular gay cruising bars as well as the famous ‘Splash’ Sauna are located near Vardari area and especially at Afroditis Street. And for the most part, it’s very warm and welcoming.

You don’t have to party all night.

Your delicious homemade breakfast, prepared every day based on your specific requests, is served on your private balcony at the time you choose.

For the complete list of recommended Hotels, visit Gay Friendly Hotels in Greece >>

Planning your next Gay Holidays Soon? 

At www.travelbyinterest.com you will find:

1. The Best Hotels for Gay Travellers located close to gay hotspots  

2. Interactive Hotel Maps, with Gay Places around the hotels

3. Gay Travel Guides

4. Inspirational Gay Articles

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Kolokytha Beach is unorganized, with no sunbeds, umbrellas, or facilities, so visitors should bring supplies such as water, snacks, and towels.

Attitudes can still be conservative in more traditional areas, but overall, the direction is clear: Greece is becoming more open, and Crete is coming along with it.

💬 Let’s Build Something Beautiful: Join Gay-Friendly Crete

Crete deserves more visibility as a destination where LGBTQ+ people can feel not just safe, but welcomed.

That’s why we created the new Gay-Friendly Crete Facebook group—a community space for locals, travellers, and allies who want to connect, share tips, and co-create something magical.

We hope in time to bring together:

  • 🤝 Local and traveler connection

  • 🌈 LGBTQ+-friendly place recommendations

  • 🍷 Info on future meetups, hikes, dinners & events (if there’s interest!)

  • 📖 A free community-powered guide to queer-friendly Crete

Whether you’re planning your first trip or have lived here for years, we’d love to have you with us.

👉 Click here to join Gay-Friendly Crete and be part of a growing, heart-led community.

Final Thoughts

Crete may not be a “gay destination” in the classic sense—but that’s part of its charm.

The popular Flex Sauna is also located here, attracting mainly the most ‘bearish’ types of guys.

Gay Cruising areas in Athens are usually found within public parks, and you should always be careful when visiting one.

gay crete

Many visitors camp on beaches like Sarakiniko under the stars, enjoying minimal light pollution. It is located in Korai 5, Heraklion | 📞 +30 281 400 1418.

  • Y.O.L.O Bar (Hersonissos). Y.O.L.O Bar is Crete’s only explicitly gay bar, offering a cozy yet lively vibe with pop music, affordable cocktails, and an inclusive atmosphere.

    Urban centers and tourist hubs are welcoming, though rural attitudes may vary due to the Greek Orthodox Church.

    Travelers in traditional villages or family-run accommodations should exercise discretion for comfort. Inclusive accommodations, ranging from boutique hotels to luxury resorts, ensure comfort and safety for all travelers.

    Urban centers in Crete are progressive and LGBTQ inclusive; discretion is recommended in more conservative rural areas.

    Kavros Beach is popular among LGBTQ travelers for its private and secluded sections behind the dunes, making it ideal for discreet sunbathers. Bars like La Brasserie and Guernica Bar cater to mixed but LGBTQ+ friendly crowds and public displays of affection are generally accepted in tourist areas, though discretion is recommended in traditional settings.

    Heraklion beaches like Amoudara Beach provide relaxation, while events like HerPride, the city’s annual LGBTQ Pride festival, are held in summer.

    Queer travelers will find themselves at home here, especially in summer.

  • Kedrodasos Beach – Close to Elafonissi but far less crowded, this beach is a haven of naturists, campers, and open vibes. Visitors can reach Kommos Beach by car or taxi, as public transportation is limited, with parking areas providing easy access.

  • Kavros Beach. Kavros Beach is located on the northwest coast of Crete near Georgioupolis, 36 kilometers (19 miles) east of Chania.

    Reaching Red Sand Beach requires a 25–30 minute hike along a marked trail from Matala village.