16 reasons to discover the gay side of Athens
16 reasons to discover the gay side of Athens
No matter if you’re going in winter or summer, here’s an alternative gay guide for your Athens city break
Destsetters
An Evzone soldier of the Presidential Guard, an elite ceremonial unit, guards the Greek Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Image courtesy of De Visu / Shutterstock.com
13 December 2016
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Athens has the most organized gay scene in Greece, with a variety of gay bars, saunas and cruising spots that will satisfy even the most demanding traveller.
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Men in Athens are considered among the most handsome and stylish in Europe. And they’re really open to tourists — not only for flirting, but for showing them around the city, too.
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Gay life in Athens is mostly gathered in the center of the city, around the two main neighborhoods of Gazi and St Irene’s Square. Both offer great entertainment choices, and you can easily walk from one to the other.
High above the city, the Acropolis provides a stunning background
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Athens offers a quality gay lifestyle. Its more romantic, rather than cruise-y, atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for meeting new people and — why not — falling in love.
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The most famous gay bars cater to everyone: Shamone is where the stylish people head. Sodade caters to younger ages, Big is the go-to for bear lovers and Noiz is the number one address for lesbians and younger gay guys. And at S-Cape, everyone comes together for an even queerer way of fun.
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For cruising fans, Alexander Sauna in Gazi and Flex Sauna near St Irene’s Square are the most famous spots. Rumor has it that, late at night in Zappeio Gardens, you can hook up with random gay men — however, this can be quite risky so, as always, play it safe and be careful!
Athens offers everything a traveler’s heart could wish for – including spectacular cliffs and beaches.
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With Limanakia Beach, Athens has one of the strangest and most unique gay beaches you’ll have ever visited. Simply find the right spot on the map and feel like a true (treasure) hunter under the hot Greek sun.
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Athenians are really open to gay culture. The city is even considered to be one of the safest destinations in Europe, with only a few recorded homophobic incidents. And it’s absolutely common to meet new people everywhere, even in non-gay places.
NJV Athens Plaza, Athens
You can’t beat the view of the Acropolis from one of the city’s many roof terrace restaurants. Image courtesy of NJV Athens Plaza, Athens
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Hotels in Athens have a proven gay-friendly mentality. Most of them support various campaigns for attracting more gay travellers from across the globe, and, at the same time, use this to upgrade their level of service and facilities.
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Athens is an ideal destination for gay couples, since it offers great opportunities for romantic moments. Plan an intimate dinner at a beautiful restaurant, with a spectacular view of the Acropolis to boot, or enjoy relaxing and refreshing moments in a high quality spa centre, usually located within one of the popular hotels of the city.
Whether you’re a culture vulture or have a more casual interest, Athens’ museums will spark your curiosity
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The world-class museums of Athens are culture lovers’ dreams come true. Not to mention you can find several references to homosexuality in ancient Greece in most of them!
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During summer, Athens’ many rooftop bars & restaurants offer amazing settings for drinks and dinner under the clear starry sky and overlooking the beautiful Acropolis rock.
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The great location of the city allows Athens to be easily connected with many other destinations within Greece. In winter, you can easily combine your city break with a visit to the nearby mountain regions of the country. Then, during summer, spend a couple of days in Athens before heading to one of the extremely famous Greek islands, like Mykonos and Santorini.
In terms of food, Athens will treat even the pickiest of eaters.
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Food in Athens can be a real treat, even for those who try to keep fit! After all, Greek cuisine offers a great variety of low fat and healthy choices.
Kostas Koutsaftikis / Shutterstock.com
Participants and members of the LGBT community attend the annual Gay Pride parade in Athens in front of the Greek parliament. Image courtesy of Kostas Koutsaftikis / Shutterstock.com
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Athens Pride is becoming bigger and bigger every year. And you absolutely can’t beat the opportunity to take a selfie with the rainbow flag and the imposing Acropolis rising in the background.
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Athens is a city with great value for money in most levels. Get ready to enjoy high quality services and elegant premises, at really good prices.
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