5 good reasons to go to Mykonos

June 26 2013

by Laurence Ogiela / TÊTU

> For the gay beaches
The south coast of the island has a succession of beaches that have long been frequented by the LGBT community. Paradise, the first beach you reach coming from Hora, the capital, has been invaded for a few years by straight people, including many Italians who are so metrosexual that they are almost mistaken for gays...

Further on, Super Paradise and especially Elia (photo above © Laurence Ogiela) are still frequented by the handsome gay guys. Super Paradise is not easily accessible by road, because of the important difference in altitude and the small size of the rental scooters, but a crowded batobus links the three beaches at regular intervals.

Kingdoms of AussieBum swim trunks and glossy Ray Bans, the two trendiest beaches of the island turn into a huge techno scene from 5pm, when the sun's rays are less violent. DJs crank up the sound and dayclubbers sway in their bathing suits like MTV.

at the right end of Super Paradise Beach is the Coco Club, a trendy gay bar that blares decibels. Usually, the last tourists return to Hora when the sun is down, but some beach parties last all night.

> For the charm of Hora, the capital
In the small port of Hora, you can find modest fishermen's boats with bright colors and luxurious billionaires' yachts. You can admire them while having a coffee on the terrace and watching the return of the fishermen to the fish market with Petros, the island's mascot pelican. In the maze of immaculate streets, taverns, souvenir stores, pretty houses with blue shutters and oleanders, tiny chapels and luxury boutiques follow one another.

> For the before in front of the windmills
The old captains' houses of Little Venice, which face the famous windmills of Mykonos, have today become popular bars and cafes. Kastro Bar, Katerinas Bar, Galleraki, Veranda or Caprice of Mykonos: around 6 pm, the tables on the narrow terraces by the water are taken over by a crowd already dressed for the evening who come to enjoy the view at sunset while having a drink.

> For crazy parties
The star of the Cyclades vibrates all summer long to the rhythm of wild fiestas organized in the bars, hotels and clubs of the island. After dinner, the grand slam of gay parties begins. The evening begins with a drink at Kastro Bar or Porta, hidden in a narrow street, before continuing to the legendary Pierro's, to attend the show of drag-queens Gloria Darling and Sabrina Duncan International.

In the center of Hora, this is the oldest gay bar on the island. It is so crowded that the small square in front of it is quickly invaded by partygoers preventing any traffic. from two o'clock in the morning, everyone migrates to the port to Jackie O' and Babylon where the party is in full swing until the early hours of the morning. On the days of the American gay cruises, there are hundreds of handsome males hunting in the tiny city.

Sunset on the terrace of the Elysium hotel, the gay hotel of Mykonos © DR

> For the most beautiful asses of antiquity
Tiny and uninhabited, Delos is a short boat ride from Mykonos. It is the center of the circle from which the Cyclades take their name, and the cradle of Apollo, god of beauty, and his sister Artemis, goddess of the hunt. The most famous remains are the terrace of the Lions, whose originals are in the museum, the sanctuary of Apollo where once stood a colossal statue of the god and the ancient homes of Dionysus and Cleopatra. You should not miss the small museum of Delos for its splendid collection of asses...

Find all the gay and gay-friendly addresses of Mykonos inthe gay guide of Mykonos.