Greece: Gay Islands and Luxury Sailing

Images in order: (1,3-4) Courtesy Variety Cruises, (2,5-7) courtesy AEOLIS Apartments
Story by Joseph Alexiou

Ah Greece, the granddaddy of Western civilization (known in Greek as Ελλάδα or Ἑλλάς—Hellás or Elláda, the origin of "Hellenic"), and a gorgeously mountainous country with tranquil Mediterranean beaches stretched over the mainland and some 6,000 islands. The people are friendly, hospitable, and strikingly beautiful, and the food is fresh and wonderful.

Its classical history also celebrates the beauty same-sex love, between all sexes—we here at Out Traveler are happy to report that the islands allow two great opportunities to explore the past and present of that legacy.

Variety Cruises recently released three new dates for Gay and Lesbian-themed cruises on their mega-sailing yacht, the Panorama. Renovated in 2008, this 49 passenger sail cruiser will offer a seven-day cruise for gay men starting on August 21 from Athens, and returning the 28th. In July of 2010 Variety will launch their Lesbian themed cruise (July 9-16, 2010), and the second Gay cruise will be from August 20-27 in 2010.

 While sailing, passengers can enjoy a sun deck, two bars and lounges, fresh seafood, as well as a library and live music. Stops include secluded beaches, ancient ruins, and nightlife/overnight stays—the pristine islands to be visited are hidden beaches at Poliegos and Kimolos, the divine and colorful Santorini, ruins and nightlife in Mykonos, and more beaches at Kea. Further stops include Cape Sounion and the Marina Zea. The full tour schedule will be featured on the website by the beginning of April.

 Greece was also home to historical icon of lesbian love, Sappho, and Lesbos, her island that gave a name to our lady-loving ladies. This association still brings women from all over the world to this island paradise (anyone who loves beaches should need little convincing), and last year saw the opening of gay-friendly AEOLIS Luxury Apartments & Studios. Located in Evriaki, a resort town on the eastern-coast Gulf of Gera, these vacation-rental space can accommodate from 4-6 people comfortably and even have specially equipped spaces for those with disabilities. The manager, a cheerful Greek woman named Daisy, worked for years as front desk manager at several gay friendly and gay-owned hotels in Santorini and Mykonos and is knows how to accommodate and welcome gay travelers. As Lesbos is fairly small, those interested in the history of lady-love can take a very picturesque drive the other side of the island—about an hour—to visit Eresos. One of the biggest destinations for gay tourists in Lesbos, Eresos is the town where Sappho lived and wrote.

 All of the apartments have a sea view (they're minutes from the beach), and nearby are numerous hiking paths where the island's extensive flora and fauna are easily observed. Those feeling more sedentary can visit the nearby hot springs of Gera, a traditional Turkish hammam (with massages available!) built over natural hot mineral springs—they've been enjoyed as a therapeutic and healthy for centuries. 

 The warm season is upon us, and there's no better time to start thinking about summer vacations, especially in a gay Grecian paradise. It's been a tough year and you deserve it—there's no such thing as "problems" when you have plate of spanakopita, a bottle of ouzo and you're overlooking over the sea from a yacht. Kαλὸ ταξείδι! (Kaló taxídi)—Bon Voyage!

Comments

[Danny Long]

This article is great, and I love Greece, but the article is in great need of proofreading. Do you need an editor?

[Dax]

My husband and I are celebrating our honeymoon in Greece the first two week of June. We plan on flying into Athens, then going to Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos (with a trip to Delos from Mykonos). I'm a mythologist, so am very interested in the mythological history. I saw in the article there is a mention of a woman, Daisy, who worked at gay owned hotels in Santorini and Mykonos. What are these hotels? Any suggestions for the rest of our stay?

Thanks so much!

[Ed Salvato]

unfortunately we haven't covered Greece in a while. but feel free to email me at editor@outtraveler.com and i'll ask someone to look into it.
Ed

[Paul]

The Gay-owned accommodation is mentioned on page 2 of this article for Santorini
http://www.gay.com/travel/premium/?sernum=918

And page 2 of this for Mykonos
http://www.gay.com/travel/premium
/splash.do?sernum=898&page=2

I'd also check local guides and Tripadvisor.com for reviews before you book.

Paul
GrayGay.com Travel Advisor