Athens Gay Travel: Dr.Deyn's complete travel guide for gay travelers
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Gay Athens Guide 2024 by Dr.Deyn, is based on real experience traveling there as a single gay guy.
ATHENS - GAY TRAVEL GUIDE
We felt very safe as a gay couple in the streets of Athens. The city has a large LGBTQ community with an influx of international gay visitors adding to the scene throughout the year. We found Athens to be no less gay-friendly than any other big European capital city we’ve been to.
This article takes you on a tour of:
- Where to stay in Athens
- Where to party - Gay Club in Athens
- Gay cafes and Gay Bars in Athens
- Best rooftop bars in Athens
- Attractions in Athens - What to see when in Athens?
- Gay saunas in Athens
- What to eat in Athens
- Gay healthcare in Athens
- Grooming in Athens
- Sports in Athens
- Gay Beaches in Athens
- Gay Getaway once you're bored of Athens but still wants to base in Athens
- Gay Cruising in Athens
- Gay Sailing - Gay Cruise from Athens (updated 2024-2025)
- Best Gay Events in Greece
About Athens
Athens is one of the world's oldest cities, with a recorded history of more than 3,000 years. Many see the city as the origin of civilization, and it is rich in culture and archeological sites.
Today, the city is Greece's metropolitan capital and is regarded as one of the most exciting and vibrant locations in Southern Europe. Athens is experiencing substantial renovation. After years of austerity, graffiti-covered buildings are being converted into art galleries, abandoned garages into cafés, and enterprising entrepreneurs are revitalizing the city's food sector.
Athens also has a vibrant and diversified LGBT culture, which has flourished in recent years. The culture has progressed from the underground to the mainstream, and as a result, LGBT tourists may discover a variety of gay-focused venues around the city.
Gay Rights in Greece
When it comes to LGBTQ rights in Greece, a lot has changed over the past few decades which has made Greece a pink leader in this very conservative region of Europe (the Balkans and Eastern Europe).
Greece has progressive anti-discrimination laws and legal recognition of gender identity. Oh and the mother of all laws, gay marriage? Greece proudly legalized gay marriages in February 2024 becoming the first Orthodox Christian country to do so.
Is Athens safe for gay travelers?
We felt very safe a gay couple in the streets of Athens. The city has a large LGBTQ community with an influx of international gay visitors adding to the scene throughout the year. We found Athens to be no less gay friendly than any other big European capital city we’ve been to.
Where is the gay area in Athens?
The main gay area of Athens is the Gazi neighborhood where the bulk of the city’s best gay hangouts is located. The nearest metro station is “Kerameikos”. Gazi is in the center of the city, around 1.5 miles (2.5km) northwest of the Acropolis.
The Gazi neighborhood is mostly quiet and residential. In the evening, parts of it feel a bit remote and rough. The reason is that Gazi surrounds the old gasworks of Athens and used to be where the famous brothels of the city were located in the early 1900s. Much has changed since(!) but Gazi has always had a reputation for being a deprived area of the city, albeit with a low crime rate.
We felt safe walking the streets of Gazi at night and never had any problems. But we are two men – if you’re traveling solo and don’t feel 100% safe, we recommend calling an Uber to get to your hotel to be on the safe side. None of our friends ever had any issues in Gazi, nor did I when walking the streets of Gazi as a young oblivious twentysomething gay boy.
In terms of the Gazi gay scene, Del Sol is one of the most popular bars to head to with friends for drinks. We also loved Big Bar, Athens' main gay bear hangout. Sodade has been the main gay club in Athens for donkey's years – as long as I can remember! Shamone is another popular gay club in Athens where the cool kids hang out… but more about all this is below.
Where to stay in Athens?
We found most hotels in Athens to be very gay friendly. You won’t have any problems here getting a place with a double bed! In terms of gay male-only hotels, we found only one – Alexander Apartments, located above the city’s main gay sauna… if you're booking this bad boy, then you're looking for one thing, and one thing only! Otherwise, for a more romantic, boutique-type hotel, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Athens. To inspire you, we’ve set out some of our favorite tried-and-tested gay hotels in Athens right here:
1. Electra Palace Athens
We felt like Goddesses when we sashayed our way into the main lobby of the Electra Palace! It's so grand – with iconic classical architecture everywhere you look. It felt like we were paying a pilgrimage to the Gods… Opulence darling, you own everything (well, you certainly do if you're booking to stay here!).
This is 5* gay friendly retreat at its finest. THE most luxurious hotel you're going to find in all of Athens. Says who? Says we, the new Greek deities that have been unleashed to astound the world with our Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve, and Talent.
The lavishness of the hotel extends to the rooms, each with a marble bathroom, handmade carpets, and oh-so-soft duvets that you just melt into. The other thing we loved about the Electra Palace Athens is its rooftop restaurant, which faces the Acropolis. The views will knock your socks off. Even if you're not staying here, we recommend bringing your Grindr date here to show off…
Location: It's located at Navarchou Nikodimou 18-20, Athina 105 57, Greece
2. PAME HOUSE
Staying at PAME felt like I'd morphed into James Bond. It's very cool! These guys *get* what travelers want, particularly (ahem!) trendy, chic, classy, forward-thinking (and highly delusional!) Millennials.
Everything is digital, contact with staff is mainly electronic (usually via WhatsApp) and there is no key – just a digital code to enter the building, and then another for your room. There is a 24-hour manned reception for those of us (looking at you Seby!) who are less savvy with their technology.
The rooms are super sleek – lots of space, with everything you need, even a Nespresso coffee machine (which made me extremely happy). Up at the top they've got a rooftop bar with view of Athens and the Parthenon. We got to meet some of their staff up here. To say they are gay friendly is putting it mildly. These guys are used to LGBTQ travelers and welcomed us with open arms. They are young, really cool, passionate about the city – some even openly gay themselves and super knowledgeable about the gay scene of Athens.
Location: It's located at Miaouli 23, Athina 105 54, Greece
3. PLAY ATHENS
Play Athens is a gay friendly hotel in Psiri owned by the same company as PAME with a similar cool forward-thinking vibe. Except here, you feel more like a Bond girl than James himself. The rooftop has a plunge pool with the Acropolis backdrop – like it's been designed exclusively for Instagrammers to take their thirst traps.
The location of Play is in the run-down local neighborhood of Psiri. The streets around are narrow, dirty, and gritty, but alive, oozing with character, with some of the coolest street art we've ever seen. There are also many decent non-touristic restaurants nearby – the very unassuming restaurant right below Play (that splays out across the pavement) is excellent and worth checking out for lunch.
Play is a breath of fresh air from the dirt and grime of the city outside. To us, it felt modern, tidy, clean, and fresh.
Location: It's located at Theatrou 5, Athina 105 52, Greece
4. Alexander Apartments
Booking to stay above Athens' top gay sauna? You can be sure that Mr. Right Now will be here to welcome you – along with Mr. Sunday, Mr. Monday, Mr. Tuesday, Mr. Wed… you catch our drift!
This whole building is a thirsty gay man's paradise. The Alexander Sauna takes up the first 3 floors, then directly above (on the 4th floor) are the 3 fully serviced Alexander Apartments that you can book. Entry to the sauna is free for guests, meaning you can wake up, grab a coffee then pop downstairs for some good old fashioned meat fencing.
The other big plus, the rooms are super cheap, starting from €50 a night. It's also right in the heart of Gazi, so you're walking distance to the main gay bars and clubs of Athens. But we'll be frank, this is by no means luxury, and the noise insulation leaves a lot to be desired, particularly on weekends. For gay travelers looking to bake a twinkle cake every night of their trip, this is the place for you!
Location: It's located at Athanasiou Diakou 20, Athina 117 43, Greece
Gay Club in Athens
For us, Sodade has been the main gay hangout in Athens since time immemorial – at least for the past two or so decades that I've been coming here! A word of warning about the gay clubs of Athens: smoking is permitted indoors so be prepared to wash out your hair and launder your clothes after a heavy night out partying.
Sodade2
Sodade2 is the most popular gay club in Athens, going strong since the year 2000. And when we say popular, we really do mean it – on weekends you can hardly breathe in here cause it gets so busy! But it's a lot of fun. The music is a mix of pop and Greek hits.The crowd is mainly local gay guys as well as gay travelers who are also in town. You can never hate a night out at Sodade2. The only downside is that smoking is allowed indoors, so as mentioned above, you'll leave reeking of cigarettes.
Opening Hours: Sodade2 is open only on Thursday-Monday evenings. Don't bother coming here till after midnight. Parties go on until around 4 am, and later on weekends
Location: It's located at Triptolemou 10 right in the heart of Gazi
Shamone
This is one for the cool pop kidz – guys in their 20s and 30s, who, like us, LOVE pop music. Shamone has been going strong on the Athens gay scene for over a decade. It gets super busy on weekends when they have drag shows, but it doesn't feel as crammed here compared to Sodade2. We love that Shamone calls itself “straight friendly”. Also note, it's “celeb friendly” so keep an eye out for any celebs hitting the Athens gay scene on weekends!
Opening Hours: Shamone is open only on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 pm until 5 am
Location:It is located at Gazi Konstantinoupoleos Ave. 46, Athina 118 54, Greece
S-Cape Club
S-Cape (sometimes called EsCape Club) in Gazi is another very popular gay club in Athens to check out. Every evening they have a party, although weekends are the most popular as well as the drag shows on Wednesday evenings. The most iconic thing about S-Cape club that we loved? They've got lifesize cages on stage to get your groove in. They make for quite hilarious Insta Stories!
Opening Hours: S-Cape is open daily from 11:30pm until 5am
Location:It's located at Iakchou 32, Athina 118 54 Greece
BEqueer Club
BEqueer is the best LGBTQ alternative club in Athens. Whereas the others attract mainly gay cis men, BEqueer has a very mixed crowd. This is a popular playground for the gender-fluid folk of Athens. It's only open on Friday and Saturday evenings when it has live DJ-themed parties with drag shows. Music is a mix of modern pop and classic Greek hits.
Opening Hours: BEqueer is open only on Friday and Saturday evenings from midnight until 6am
Location:It is located at Keleou 10, Athina 104 35 Greece.
Bizzar Club
Bizzar is one of our favorite Greek gay clubs in Athens. It's a very local crowd who come to party to the latest Greek hits with some classics thrown in. This is the place to come to get a real flavor of local gay life in Athens. Although a predominantly gay male crowd, everyone is welcome at Bizzar.
Bizzar gay parties are only open on Friday/Saturday evenings. On the remaining nights, Bizzar is available to book for private parties of up to 50 people – a fantastic idea for a special birthday or anniversary.
Opening Hours: Bizzar Club is open on Friday and Saturday evenings only from 11pm until 4am
Location:It is located at 105 59, Sofokleous 9, Athina 105 59 Greece, where it meets Patision Street, which is around a 15-minute taxi ride northeast of Gazi
Moe Club
You've been partying at Shamone or Sodade 2 and want to head to an after-party for more? This is the place to head to! Moe Club is open until the early hours and is where the late-night party boys all end up. The focus is on Greek music here so expect a very local crowd (which we're not complaining about!).
Moe gets cruisier and cruisier as the night goes on. Word of advice, don't bother coming here until after 4 am. That's when Moe's comes alive – i.e. when the other gay clubs have started to close up for the night.
Opening Hours: Moe is open daily from midnight until 6 am.
Location: Moe Club Gazi Athens It's located at Keleou 1, Athina 104 35 Greece
Our favorite gay bars in Athens!
The bulk of the gay bars in Athens can be found in and around the Gazi gay area. Del Sol Cafe is our favorite place to come for a few cocktails before heading to Sodade to party. Big Bear Bar is another gay bar gem in Athens – zero attitude! Here are the main gay bars in Athens that we loved and think you need to check out. Note that since the Pandemic, a handful of gay bars in Athens have shut their doors for good, including Trap Bar.
Del Sol Café
Del Sol is a great gay bar to come to for drinks with friends or with your Seby. It's right in the heart of the Gazi gay area making it the ideal starting point for a gay night out in Athens. Although we came to Del Sol in the evening for cocktails (which are delicious by the way!) it's also a fantastic brunch spot during the day to nurse an intense night out at Sodade – pizza for me, pancakes for Seby…
Opening Hours: Del Sol Cafe is open daily from 9 am until around 2 or 3 am.
Location: It's located at Voutadon 44, Athina 118 54 Greece.
Big Bar
“Where The Greek Gay Bears Play”… bears and chasers, this one's for you. It's our favorite gay bar in Athens. A great place to meet local guys, but most importantly, an awesome place just to hang out. Big Bar feels like your friendly neighborhood dive bar where everyone knows everyone. To say it's friendly is an understatement. They have drag shows, karaoke parties, and even exhibitions almost every night.
Opening Hours: Big Bar is open daily (except Mondays) from 8 pm until 2 or 3 am.
Location: It is located at Falaisias 12, Athina 118 55 Greece.
Samis Bar Athens
Samis Bar is one of the oldest gay bars in Athens. We love the eclectic mix of people that come here every night. It's super queer in that respect. Cocktails here are as legendary as their weekend live DJ sets. The summer months are particularly lovely as the crowd spills out into their beer garden. Samis bar is located in the Metaxourgeio neighborhood, which is around a 10-15 mins cab ride to the east of the Gazi gay scene.
Opening Hours: Samis Bar is open Tuesday – Sunday from 8 pm (from 10:30 pm on Tuesday and Sunday) until around 4 or 6 am
Location:It is located at Filis 34, Athina 104 34 Greece
Our favorite gay cafes in Athens!
The gay Greek boys love their coffee as much as they love to party. We found an abundance of gay cafes in Athens to check out, though, with places like Del Sol Cafe, we placed them in the gay bars section because for us it felt more like a gay bar than a gay cafe even though it's open early for brunch.
Cafe Bar S.Q. Athens
A lovely spot with pure beverages and exceptionally fresh kitchen ingredients. They serve tasty burgers and genuine ethnic finger foods.
Opening Hours: Ble Papagalos is open daily from 9 or 10 am until around 2 or 3 am.
Location:It is located atKaragiorgi Servias 1, Athina 105 63 Greece
CAFE BAR MOMMUS GALATSI ATHENS
The service was warm and attentive. I was highly impressed by the quality of the food. It's a beautiful spot for brunch, dinner, and cocktails. The staff is exceptionally friendly and hospitable. The dishes offer great value for money, and I would highly recommend them!
Opening Hours: Ble Papagalos is open daily from 9 or 10 am until around 2 or 3 am.
Location:It is located at Protopapadaki 6, Galatsi 111 47 Greece.
Ble Papagalos
Ble Papagalos translates to “Blue Parrot”, which is used to describe a colorful, playful, and social creature that embodies freedom, a bohemian jungle. The super cute waiters at Ble Papagalos embody a playful and colorful spirit as far as we're concerned! Ble Papagalos works closely with Athens Pride and always has a strong presence in the annual parade. Cake, coffee, and brunch rule the school at this cutesy cafe.
Opening Hours: Ble Papagalos is open daily from 9 or 10 am until around 2 or 3 am.
Location:It is located at Leonidou 31, Athina 104 36 Greece
Baraonda Athens Restaurant-Bar
The Baraonda Club Restaurant is the ideal place in Athens to combine a qualitative Greek music night with perfect food.
Opening Hours: Rooster is open daily from 9 or 9:30 am until 1 am
Location: You can find it atTsocha 43, Athina 115 21 Greece.
Best rooftop bars in Athens!
Complete guide to the best rooftop bars in Athens - 2024. Up-to-date listing, packed with all info you need about each rooftop bar Athens worth a visit. One of the world’s oldest cities, and what better place to watch all its history and monuments then from a rooftop bar? Let's see!
Athens Gate Hotel Rooftop Restaurant
The Athens Gate Hotel's restaurant was recommended to us mainly for the epic views of the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus. It's one of the most famous rooftop restaurants in Athens, so we highly recommend booking beforehand, especially in the busy summer months (we got turned away the first night we tried to dine here). If you don't make it here for food, we recommend coming here for romantic cocktails for the view.
Have a drink in an Athenian rooftop bar
Seby said he knew I was The One when, early on in our relationship on our first trip to Athens as a young gay couple, I took him to a bar in Monastiraki for a sundowner cocktail with a view of the iconic world wonder of the city. It is a beautiful setting and one to use to woo your lover.
There are many rooftop bars, mainly in Monastiraki each offering views of the Acropolis. Some of the best ones that we recommend include Anglais, Couleur Locale, A for Athens Rooftop Bar, and the 360 Cocktail Bar. Also, I'd like to point out that some of the hotels we mentioned above have rooftop bars, like PAME House and SOUL.
What to see when in Athens! Not-to-Miss attractions of Athens
Athens was the heart of the Ancient Greek empire. From the Acropolis to the Temple of Zeus, the Greek capital is swarming with ancient monuments to explore. Athens also comes alive at night, which is another reason we fell in love with it. Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Athens to inspire your Bucket List.
The Acropolis
Athens has always been dominated by this famous 5th-century BC landmark – the Acropolis. It is a hilltop citadel with several ancient monuments like the Temple of Athena, and the Porch of the Caryatids, but the most famous (and iconic) of all is the Parthenon. We recommend visiting an excellent museum here (called the Acropolis Museum) to learn more about the complex.
As with all world wonders though, it gets super busy, so our advice to you is either come early at 8am when it opens (before tour buses arrive en masse) or at around sunset – usually 6/7 pm (closing time is 8 pm) for the best light. If sunset is late and you're kicked out at 8 pm, then head to Areopagus Hill next to Acropolis to enjoy the sundown.
The Athens Gate Hotel's restaurant was recommended to us mainly for the epic views of the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus. It's one of the most famous rooftop restaurants in Athens, so we highly recommend booking beforehand, especially in the busy summer months (we got turned away the first night we tried to dine here). If you don't make it here for food, we recommend. coming here for romantic cocktails for the view.
Temple of Zeus and other historical sites
There are a total of 7 “headline” historical sites in Athens to check out. Along with the Acropolis, the others are the Temple of Zeus, Roman Agora, Ancient Agora, Aristotle's School, Hadrian's Library, and Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery. Each one is spectacular in its own right and worth a visit.
We recommend setting aside a whole day to visit them all – start early with the Temple of Zeus, then visit all the others, leaving the Acropolis for last (at sunset).
Plaka neighborhood
We love exploring the cutesy picturesque village-like streets of Plaka. It is a neighborhood on the northern side of the Acropolis. Plaka is renowned for its narrow winding pedestrian cobblestone streets and village-like squares lined with bougainvillea-trimmed buildings. It is very touristy, packed with lots of souvenir shops, sidewalk cafes, and restaurants.
Despite this, Plaka retains an authentic charm that keeps you wanting to come back for more. Oh, and a unique souvenir to buy? For some reason, phallic-shaped bottle openers are super popular here!
Watch the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square
Oh, this is quite a site to behold! If you want to inject a bit of camp couture into your trip head to Syntagma Square every day just before 11am. At the “Tomb of the Unkown Soldier” bang on 11am, the changing of the guards' ceremony takes place.
Their guards wear a pretty dramatic traditional outfit which includes pleated skirts, leg tassels, and pompom shoes, all topped with a snazzy red hat… Shantay Dears, you all SLAY!
The views from Lycabettus Hill
Hiking up to the top of Lycabettus Hill is our favorite thing to do in Athens. It's the city's highest point (745 ft/227m high) and has the best views across the entire Attica peninsula. Hiking up is the most rewarding, but there's also a cable car. Up at the top is the unassuming quaint whitewashed St. George's Church that looks over the sprawling capital below.
In terms of facilities, there is a restaurant and cafe near the church so you can make a day of it. The biggest heads-up we can give you – the Acropolis lies to the west of Lycabettus Hill. In other words, this is THE best spot to watch the sunset in Athens. You're welcome!
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Where to eat in Athens!
Greek food. Enough said. Famous for being one of the healthiest in the world and one of the tastiest. From souvlaki to moussaka, taramosalata to pastitsio, foodies will be spoilt rotten in Athens. So, “Καλή όρεξη!” (Greek for ‘bon appetite – kali orexi).
Dopios
Dopios is our favorite restaurant in Athens. Most tourists will (quite rightly) head to the many restaurants in and around Plaka for a romantic view of the Acropolis. You'll quickly find that they all offer the same sort of menu.We stumbled on Topias because we wanted a change. We were not disappointed. It's local food but with a Greek twist… tzatziki with Avo anyone? Herring salad? Grilled sardines wrapped in grape leaves? Trust us, every dish here is really good. Oh, and make sure you leave room at the end for the walnut cake!
Location: It's located at Skouleniou 1, Athina 105 61 Greece.
Victory Café
One of the best places to head to for delicious Greek Gyro. We found it on Tripadvisor from the many 5* excellent reviews when looking for a place to grab a bite in Monastiraki. Victory is also a good spot to get coffee and/or fresh juice. Other delights here to try out – their moussaka, and their octopus salad. Seby particularly loved their souvlaki – so much that after dining here a few times I started calling him Seby Souvlaki…Location: It's located at Filellinon 22, Athina 105 57 Greece.
A Little Taste of Home
Another gem we found in the Monastiraki area. Everything here was spot on – the food, the service, the wine… Seby's favorite was the pork tenderloin, mine the orzo prawn dish. It was divine…heavenly! Another dish we recommend is their Euphoria “exotic salad”… our pleasure! Portions are generous, prices are reasonable… what's not to love?Location: It's located at Astiggos 8, Athina 105 55 Greece
Prosopa
Prosopa (which means “faces” in Greek) is a more upmarket restaurant in Athens, with the price tag to go with it. It's worth the money though, especially if you want to impress a date. The setting is really beautiful. In terms of the food, pasta rules the school here – I left with very happy memories of the squid ink pasta. For Seby, he said he would never forget their octopus.Gay sauna in Athens!
Alexander is the most famous gay sauna in Athens and also an institution in the Gazi gay area. It frequently hosts themed parties and also houses a hotel atop (see hotels section above).
Alexander Sauna
Alexander is the #1 place to head to in Athens if you want action. It's a “premium gay sauna” in a large building that also includes 3 guestrooms above it. The sauna includes a steamy labyrinth, an open-air garden, and an X-Action darkroom area. They also have some pretty wild-themed parties like “Toy Boy”. Alexander Sauna is located at the crossing point of Megalou Alexandrou 134 and Iera Odos. It is open daily from 5 pm until 2 am (6 am on weekends).
Beyond Alexander, there are a few other gay saunas in Athens to try out.
Location: It's located at Meg. Alexandrou 134, Athina 104 35 Greece.
Flex Sauna
Flex is another popular gay sauna in Athens, located in Monastiraki. It has a Jacuzzi, sauna, Hammam, solarium, and even a shop to top up your jockstrap collection. In the summer months, they open up their veranda area, which also has a Jacuzzi. The best time to come is on Sunday and Wednesday when they have Bear Days. The busiest times are between 4-9 pm. Flex is located at Polykleitou 6 and is open daily (except Tuesdays) from 3 pm until midnight.
Location: It's located at Polykleitou 6, Athina 105 51 Greece.
Gay Healthcare in Athens!
PULSE CLINIC ATHENS
Coming Soon.. .
Checkpoint
Checkpoint is the best healthcare center to come for gay men. It's completely judgment-free, and unlike most healthcare providers in Eastern Europe, they know their stuff! You can get tested for free at their walk-in center at Pittaki 4 in Monastiraki on Tuesdays to Saturdays from 12-8 pm.
Location: It's located at Pittaki 4, Athina 105 54 Greece.
Gay Grooming in Athens
Pederasty in Ancient Athens
In ancient Athens, there was a socially acknowledged practice called pederasty. This was a form of relationship between an adult male (known as the erastes) and a younger male (known as the eromenos). This relationship had educational, mentorship, and often erotic dimensions. The older man was typically responsible for the education and moral development of the younger boy, teaching him about civic life, warfare, and social responsibilities.
Social and Cultural Context
Pederasty was deeply embedded in Athenian society and was considered an important institution for the transmission of cultural values and knowledge. The relationships were often idealized in Athenian literature and philosophy, with figures like Plato discussing them in works such as "The Symposium."
However, these relationships were governed by societal norms. There was an expectation that the relationship would be mutually beneficial and that the erastes would act honorably, guiding the eromenos towards becoming a good citizen. It was also understood that once the younger male reached adulthood, the sexual aspect of the relationship would typically cease, and he would go on to form traditional family bonds.
Ethical Considerations and Modern Perspectives
From a modern ethical standpoint, these relationships raise significant concerns about consent, power dynamics, and the potential for exploitation. The concept of grooming, as understood today—where an older individual manipulates a younger person for sexual purposes—carries a negative connotation that doesn't fully apply to the Athenian practice. Still, it's essential to approach the subject with sensitivity, recognizing the differences in historical context while acknowledging the problematic aspects when viewed through a contemporary lens.
Legacy and Impact
The practice of pederasty in Athens had a lasting impact on Western thought, particularly in how it influenced discussions around love, mentorship, and the role of sexuality in personal and civic development. However, it's crucial to understand this within its historical context and not equate it directly with modern concepts of sexual relationships.
Sports Gays in GAYthens
Sports activities in Athens - Visit Athens, Greece
Sport is undoubtedly necessary for a well-balanced culture. Not just high-performance sport, but also ordinary sport. Athens has a strong sporting past. The 2004 Olympic Games represented the pinnacle of contemporary Athens' athletic history. They highlighted the city's great infrastructure and positioned it at the center of the global sports world, where it belongs. And, of course, they revived the widespread belief that the Greek people are among the most hospitable in the world, with a strong voluntary conscience.
Athens has high-quality sporting facilities that can host big international events. The Olympic Stadium complex, including the Panathinaiko (Kallimarmaro) Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, the Karaiskakis Stadium, the Peace and Friendship Stadium, the many riding clubs, the excellent football pitches and basketball courts, the tennis courts, the outstanding sailing clubs, the House of Weightlifting, and many other facilities, host major, well-attended sporting events all year. The Athens Classic Marathon is perhaps the most notable yearly event.
Gay Beach in Athens - Gay Getaway Out of Athens
There are lots of really lovely beach clubs just outside the main city metropolis that locals flock to on a summer’s day, most notably “Ark” in the sophisticated Glyfada neighborhood, “L’amico Beach Bar Lounge” in Anavissos, and “Bolivar” in Alimos.
But if you’re looking for a gay beach in Athens, you’ll want to be heading over Vouliagmeni for the “Limanakia B” beach. This is where the gay boys in Athens come to get their dose of the D (get your mind out the gutter, we were referring to Vitamin D…!)
Limanakia B is specifically located between Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, and takes around 40-minutes by taxi from downtown Athens or around 1 hour by metro and bus. It’s a rocky beach so bring water shoes, sandals, or flip-flops. It has plenty of hidden caves to “explore”(!) and is renowned as a ‘clothing optional’ spot if you catch our drift. Note there are no facilities or shops here, so bring everything you will need – snacks, water, and sunblock.
Krabo, Kavouri Beach, Vouliagneni
Krabo is perfectly located on a secluded bay in the Kavouri area. With colors that blend with the natural surroundings, Krabo has a simple and chic aesthetic. Visitors can either enjoy the Greek sun on full-service sunbeds and wooden cabanas or choose its restaurant for a Mediterranean lunch or dinner under the pergola.
Location: It is located at Thespidos, Vouliagmeni 166 71 Greece.
Su Casa, Glyfada
With the motto “Home is where your heart beats”, Su Casa in Glyfada welcomes visitors to its cozy and hospitable “home” in a restored detached house of the ’50s in Nymphs Square. Giving life and breath again to a beautiful building, the all-day bar-restaurant uniquely combines the old with the modern, managing to make people feel at home in a carefully designed place.
Location:It is located atPl. Nimfon, Glifada 166 74 Greece.
Balthazar, Athens
Balthazar is housed in a unique neoclassical building of 1897 with a beautiful garden. It has a huge yard where visitors can enjoy either a dinner or a drink. It has worked continuously since 1973 and in recent years, the famous chef Christoforos Peskias has taken over the kitchen to offer an amazing gastronomic experience. Balthazar is a great choice for every occasion.
Location:It is located at Tsocha 27, Athina 115 21 Greece.
Island Athens Riviera, Varkiza
The island opened twenty-five years ago in the Athenian Riviera. Nowadays, Island, the emblematic site of the Athenian Riviera, built on rock, is there to offer wonderful holidays and amazing summer nights in Athens.
Visitors from all over the world choose Island, to have frozen cocktails by experienced mixologists, listen to lounge music, and dance under the stars. In recent years, boats moored in Island Bay, and foreign visitors have access to the areas through the floating dock, discovering that Athens has an incredible sea. The foreign press has repeatedly mentioned the Island in its columns.
Location: It is located at27th km, Athens-Sounio Avenue, 166 72 Greece.
Matsuhisa Athens – Astir, Vouliagmeni
The UMI Bar is a great place to choose after a long day to gather in the evening with friends. Visitors can taste Athen’s finest Martinis and cocktails crafted by Matsuhisa’s bartenders combined with a delicious variety of Nobu tapas dishes.
Location: It is located at 40, Apollonos street, Vouliagmeni 166 71 Greece.
Day trips to the Saronic Islands
The Saronic Islands are the closest island set to Athens, most of which you can visit as part of a day trip. The nearest ferry port is Piraeus which is around 30 minutes by taxi or metro from downtown Athens. It’s easy to buy tickets online or just turn up on the day you want to travel and get a ticket there.
We recommend pre-booking during the peak summer months (July/August). The main islands to visit on a day trip are Hydra (super pretty with no cars on the island), Poros (famous for its iconic lighthouse), and Aegina (closest island to Athens), each beautiful and unique in their own different way.
Gay Cruising in Athens
Attraxx
Attraxx is the main gay cruising club in Gazi. If you want something more low-key than Alexander Sauna, then head here. It includes a cinema area, darkrooms, glory holes, and “luxury”(!) private cabins. Attraxx is located at Lakchou 36 in Gazi and is open daily from 12 pm until 2 am, and 4 am on weekends.
Lamda
Lamda is a staple on the Athenian gay scene. It's a cruising club that's been around for decades. Every evening men looking for discreet action head here. It's €7 for an all-day ticket. You'll find private cabins, glory holes, a darkroom, and a video room. It is open daily from 10 am till midnight, 2 am on weekends. It is currently moving locations so we will update as soon as we find out (updated June 2024).
8Downtown
8Downtown is a modern adults-only (i.e. over 21 years) multiplex. As well as the usual cruising set up (cabins, darkroom) it also has a cinema to immerse yourself in! Whereas Lamda is more cis gay men dominated, the crowd at 8Downtown is a mix of everyone LGBTQ, and closet-married straight men! It is located at Karolou 8. It is open daily from 12 pm until 3 am (4:30 am on weekends).
Getting Around Athens.
Athens is a large city, but the majority of the important attractions and retail centers are located in or around the central districts of Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psiri. Most of the attractions in these major districts are within walking distance of one another, however this is dependent on your tolerance for heat.
Metro
The metro system provides a simple means to get about Athens, especially to and from the Gazi gay village (Kerameikos Station on Line Three). Fares are reasonable, and metro trains are punctual, safe, and clean.
A single ticket is good for 90 minutes and costs €1.40. A day pass costs €4.50 (for the metro and buses). Ticket machines accept both Greek and English. After purchasing your ticket, it must be validated before usage.
The Red Line (line 2) goes from Anthoupoli to Aghios Dimitrios, while the Blue Line (line 3) connects the western Egaleo station with the central neighborhoods of Monastiraki and Syntagma, as well as the northeastern suburbs and airport. Maps may be picked up at any station.
Bus
The primary bus network is handled by Ethel (Greek = EΘΕΛ). The city is connected by three hundred roads. The city's electric bus network has 48 tram stops.
Taxi
Taxis in Athens provide good value for money and maybe a highly efficient means of transportation on certain routes. Taxis might be difficult to hail in Athens, particularly during rush hour.
Activities in Athens
Athens is full of temples, monuments, and locations rich in history and tradition; some of the greatest things to do include:
- Explore the Parthenon and Erechteion.
- Take a deeper dive into history at the Acropolis Museum.
- Visit the Panathenaic Stadium, which hosted the first modern Olympic Games.
- Watch the changing of the guards at the Greek parliament.
- Explore the old alleyways of Plaka.
- Shop in the Monastiraki markets.
- Visit the Temple of Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian.
Gay Sailing - Gay Cruise from Athens (updated 2024-2025)
Gay Sail Cruise Athens Hydra Spetses: August 2025
Our friends at Gay Sail are hosting this fabulous gay cruise around the Saronic Gulf setting sail from Athens and heading to Hydra and Spetses, with stopovers at Poros islands and parts of the Peloponnese including the super gorgeous Monemvasia. Sailing around Athens with a group of gay guys? Yes, please!
Best Gay Events in Greece
The Athens gay scene is evolving all the time, with more and more gay events being added to the calendar each year. Most recently is the expansion of Mykonos' XLSIOR party. Here are the main gay events in Athens that you should keep on your radar:
XLSIOR Athens Easter Festival (April)
The XLSIOR gay party in Mykonos every August has become so popular that it's expanded to the country's capital city. It takes place during the Easter holidays, usually in April. It's a weekend of parties with the hottest Circuit-party-type muscle boys from all over. The climax of the weekend is the WE Party, which usually takes place at Oddity Club (located at Hrakleidon 61) in Athens.
Athens Pride (June)
Be careful not to confuse it with Georgia's Athens Pride when researching it online! This is Athens' annual gay Pride event that takes place in June. The festival includes various parties usually hosted by the gay bars and clubs across Gazi (Alexander Sauna too!), culminating with the Athens Pride Parade on the final day.
Bearly Athens (July/August)
What XLSIOR is to the muscle queens, Bearly is its antithesis – a breath of fresh air if you ask us! This is the best gay bear event in Greece that happens in July/August. It only started in 2021 but has grown massively in popularity since. Every summer, the hottest bears from all across Europe descend on Athens for this event. Check their website and social media for the dates of the next one.
FAQs
For Visa
Greece is a member of the European Union, visitors from other EU nations are not required to obtain a visa. Travelers from outside the EU must apply for a Schengen Visa, which allows them to travel across the Schengen Visa region. Before you go, please check the visa requirements for citizens of your country.
When to visit Athens?
Athens has a Mediterranean climate with lots of sunlight. Summers are dry and hot, with typical temperatures ranging from 22 °C (72°F) to 32 °C (90°F), however they sometimes reach 40°C. The city becomes unbearably hot in August, which is often when the inhabitants go for their own vacations. It's an excellent time to come because there will be fewer people, but expect extremely hot and humid weather.
Winter temperatures range between 7°C (44°F) to 15°C (55°F), with periodic rain and snow. May and June are considered the best months to visit since they are typically sunny and have warmer, more comfortable temperatures.
Athens provides a diverse range of shopping options, including flea markets and retail stores. Ermou thoroughfare is the primary pedestrianized shopping thoroughfare that connects Syntagma Square to Monastiraki Station.
The Golden Hall in the Maroussi area offers all-in-one shopping. The Mall, located close to the Nerantziotissa train station on the Attiki Odos, features over 200 retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options. Attica, a big department store in Panepistimiou, is Greece's largest, with over 360 businesses.
The local market scene offers a more colorful and sensual purchasing experience. The Monastiraki Flea Market is a fantastic spot to walk around with an unusual assortment of things; expect to discover everything from furniture to clothing.
The Athens central market (Agora) is a hive of activity, offering a fantastic selection of olives, cheeses, spices, meat, fruit, vegetables, and local specialties. It's an incredible sensory experience.
Money
Greece is a member of the Eurozone. Cash dispensers are commonly accessible, however many demand a fee for using a foreign card. Credit and debit cards are frequently accepted. Foreign exchange booths are simple to locate. Exchange rates aren't very competitive.
Conclusion: Planning Your Own Gay Trip To Athens
We've put together some handy hints and tips to help you plan your own trip to Athens. Read on to find out everything the gay traveler should know before they go.
Travel insurance: Even in safe destinations like Athens, things can go wrong when you're traveling, from lost luggage to illness. We never travel without the security of travel insurance and urge you to do the same. We've been using Heymondo Travel Insurance for years and always been happy with their affordable but comprehensive cover. It's also really easy to make a claim online when something does go pear-shaped!
How to get there: Athens International Airport is the largest in Greece, with flights from all over Europe and even direct from North America during the busier times of the year. It's possible to get from the airport to the city center of Athens via metro, train, bus or taxi. We personally prefer to pre-book a private airport transfer with Welcome Pickups though, as they're more affordable than the local taxis and you're guaranteed an English-speaking driver who will be waiting for you no matter what time you arrive.
Accommodation: For more accommodation options in Athens, head to Booking.com, our favorite place to choose hotels, resorts and more. We often like to be spontaneous when traveling, like if we decide we love somewhere and want to extend our stay. Luckily many of the listings on Booking.com offer free cancellation and their excellent online customer support is also available 24/7 if you need assistance.
