Mykonos Gay Paradise

The narrow lanes of Hora have witnessed hilarious and dramatic situations featuring gays, both celebrities and unknown, from all over the globe. Every year there are gay conferences, gay parties, gay cruises-you name it. The Super Paradise beach has become internationally famous as the true paradise for gays; the end of the beach on right-hand-side has for years now been a meeting point for gays from all over the world. The beach Elia is another favorite haunt , and is actually by those who want a quieter holiday. Beyond its gay and gay-friendly beaches, Mykonos is generally a vary open minded place. In fact, there is no beach where the presence of a homosexual couple will cause heads to turn, except perhaps for socialite-and family oriented Psarou. But it is at night when Mykonos' gay-friendly attitude really comes into its own.

The drag-queen shows on the steps of Pierro's and Ikaros, the gay weddings, affairs and quarrels are still being talked about. Pierro's the most famous gay bar on the island and one of the most famous of the world, has recently expanded, extending its domain to Ikaros and Mando. It thus created a whole city block where the fun never stops and "extreme" patrons are the norm; as a multiracial venue, its is a magnet for people of every nationality and age, including straight folks who come for the music. Another hot stop is Porta, a bar hidden behind the famous taverna of Nikos, a friendly place featuring mainly 70's music, where you can really feel at home. And while you are on the subject of gay bars, we must not forget Kastro, down in Little Venice, which for more that 20 years has been the most romantic place of them all to enjoy a drink and watch the sun go down.

The colorful presence of people with special preferences is part and parcel of the atmosphere of the island, and has never worried the naturally hospitable islanders. It is typical of the attitude of the place that the hottest "cruising" is around Paraportiani, the island best-known church. And why should that come as a surprise? For this is Mykonos: an island that has proved able to host the elite of four decades, that has arisen from its ashes like a phoenix when everyone has written it off. The island that has managed to extend its summer season to sic or more months of the year, and is "made for everyone", but above all has unquenchable zap and stamina. The only bleak period was an outbreak of AIDS in the late 80's, which however was quickly overcome and was succeeded by a new era of greater discretion and increased carefulness. Today, gay and straight people alike continue to enjoy Mykonos, side by side. In paradise, you see, there is room for everyone, and on Mykonos there are no minorities: only people with the courage of their choice.