Mykonos - A Summertime Gay Paradise
When you think of lazy summers lounging nude on a beach, Mykonos should be on your list of top places to visit. Unlike many resorts, Mykonos has retained an air of exclusivity that ups your status to A-list the moment you step off the plane. What's great about Mykonos is this exclusivity comes attitude free and once you're on this cosmopolitan island, the friendly atmosphere instantly relaxes even the weariest traveler and you know your holiday has begun.
International jetsetters have been visiting Mykonos since the 60's when the island created a liberated paradise away from gay oppression. Very little of the island has changed since then and the unspoilt resort remains as idyllic as ever and the Mediterranean climate provides long, hot summers with very little rain so pack your skimpiest outfits and plenty of sun cream.
Mykonos Town is a gay hub and your time could easily be spent without ever leaving its confines. Row upon row of gleaming white-washed houses line its labyrinth of streets which are too narrow for cars but wide enough to wander. Stepping into these buildings reveals something of a time warp as the ancient and beautiful architecture deceptively shroud stunning interiors that are very chic. While the city center itself is no bigger than Soho, the wide variety of distractions make it hard to cross the same path twice, so enjoy meandering while soaking up the sun. Take extra cash as Mykonos is expensive compared to other Greek islands but offers a feeling of exclusivity i.e. you get a slightly better class of queen compared to Ibiza or Gran Canaria. It is also good destination for gay couples as there is plenty to do away from the gay bars. It is not unusual to see gay couples walking down the streets holding hands.
Mykonos has a large selection of beaches and beach types which are all gay friendly and some which are predominately gay with lots of cruisy rocks like Super Paradise. The general rule here is that the more rocky a beach, the more likely to be studs cruising it!
Mykonos has a large selection of beaches and beach types which are all gay friendly and some which are predominately gay with lots of cruisy rocks like Super Paradise. The general rule here is that the more rocky a beach, the more likely to be studs cruising it!
The Gay Beach - Super Paradise (locally called Plintri)
You may be lucky enough to find yourself a secluded stretch, but the main gay beach is Super Paradise, which lives up to its name with its cruisy atmosphere and nude sunbathing that appeals to both gay boys and girls alike. By the way, going 'full monty' is not obligatory!
Among gay tourists, Super Paradise remains the most popular beach. The gay section of Super Paradise lies to the right (facing the sea). The single boys tend to stay more to a wind-sheltered area to the far left, where they can enjoy the sun in the nude. Lesbians, gay couples and straights tend to stay more to the right side of the beach. And where gay guys sun and swim, there's plenty of cruising and action among the rocks, cliffs and trails behind the beach.
Paradise Beach (Kalamopodi)
Beautiful beach, mostly a younger crowd. Famous from the hippie years, the beach is small, secluded, covered in pebbles, and comes complete with a strategically placed rock that you can swim out to, and adorn with your golden-brown, sun-kissed body.
This is the mostly hetero version of Super Paradise. Here music blares, and the young and the seemingly straight party day and night. It's a fun, boisterous crowd. A large complex with a beach bar, pool, and restaurant, Cavo Paradiso (open daily 10–2 am) is on the hill above the beach. There's also a gym where you can pump it up with the college boys. On midsummer nights, parties are held here, and the whole beach resembles one huge disco, with people dancing on the rocks, on the sand, around the pool, and on the cliffs around the beach. The dancing and drinking continues until way past sunrise.
Elia Beach
Large fine sandy beach with a nice crowd mix of hetero and gay sun worshippers. The organized part has sunbeds, umbrellas, waterbeds & various water sports (ski & jet-ski), three restaurants and taverns. Some nudity at far end. Not too crowded.
Clothing Optional Accommodations:
Geranium
Luxury Gay
Hotel
Elysium
Hotel
The Geranium is an exclusive gay friendly luxury hotel located within easy walking distance of Mykonos Town and all the famous beaches of the island.
In 2010, the new management completely renovated the public areas, common areas, rooms and suites
Set within a lush garden, it has 8 rooms, 2 studios, 4 apartments and 1 villa with verandas and balconies with breathtaking sea views.
A large and beautiful swimming pool and surrounding area is clothing optional.The pool bar serves breakfast and light meals on request, and from 6 pm to 9 pm a daily "cocktail hour" is offered on the two terraces located above the pool.
An elegant reception area, open from 8 am to 10 pm, has a partially open-air area lounge with a 47 inch LCD TV and an internet “cafe” equipped with one laptop at disposal of guests.Satellite LCD TV and free wi-fi Internet throughout the complex is available for hotel guests.
The Elysium's reputation stretches the world over, with guys from all over planet Earth coming here year in, year out to be seen on the Elysium scene.
Recently refurbished to an excellent standard, the Elysium offers a choice of standard and superior rooms, all of which are air conditioned and feature ensuite bathrooms, a balcony or terrace, internet access, audio equipment, a fridge, a safe for you to rent and satellite TV. Superior rooms have PCs with webcams installed and are altogether bigger, with king sized beds. Some superior rooms also have a small kitchenette.
As regards catering, your complimentary breakfast comprises an American style buffet, while a snack bar offers tasty titbits all day long. The idle rich will enjoy the benefits of room service although, frankly, it's worth hanging out at the pool bar if only to cop an eyeful of the tanned, wet torsoes of your fellow guests, or cop an eyeful of some spectacular views over Mykonos Town and the sea.
Among the many amenities is a clothing optional pool-side gathering area.