How Greek, how blue, how beautiful!

Stathis introduces you to the amazing gay life in sunny Greece. He's one of our most loyal hosts in beautiful Athens and a great resource in terms of local gay events, bars and clubs. Follow his tips to enjoy your Greek holiday like a gay local!

What's Athens like? 

Athens is the capital of Greece. It's a big, vibrant city of almost 4 million people, with a long seafront on the Saronic Gulf. The Mediterranean sea keeps the winters mild and summers warm.

It can get hot in the summer, but the sea breeze always brings the temperature to pleasant levels! Overall, Athens is a sunny and blue-skies place, where living outdoors is easy and pleasant. 

Sound great! What about the gay life in Athens?

Greece has ratified the civil partnership for gay and straight couples. However, gay marriage and adoption is still not valid. Over the years, gay life has become more apparent and integrated into public life.

Every year, Athens Gay Pride is celebrated in front of the Parliament, and in the city, one can find many gay or gay-friendly cafés and restaurants. In the Monastiraki and Gazi neighborhoods there are gay clubs, bars, and saunas.

Cool! We only have 48 hours in Athens. What can't we miss?

The Acropolis is the high hill in the middle of the city that looks like an ancient Citadelle of elegance in the city's landscape. The Acropolis Museum nearby is also easy to visit. If you're into the ancient Greek antiquity, a visit to the National Archaeological Museum is a must, too.

The most vibrant city quarters are Monastiraki, Psyrri, and Gazi. You can go there for dining, bars, and clubs. In the warmer weather, don't miss the nice seafront, about 13km from Athens downtown. The coastline from Faliro to Vouliagmeni is full of great beaches. Further out in the city's southern suburbs, you can enjoy beaches that are equal to the ones you'd expect on the Greek islands!

And what's your favorite gay place to grab a bite to eat?

Rooster Café at Plateia Agias Eirinis is a trendy gay-friendly café/bar where many people like to hang out for coffee, wine, beer or lunch. Kanella and Palio Podilato in Gazi are also two of my favorite restaurants.

And now we're ready to party! The best gay clubs in Athens? 

In Athens, most of the gay clubs are in Gazi. The ones that are busiest after midnight include Scape, Sodad2, Apartment, Shamone, Big Bar, Del Sol, Micra Asia and Noise.

Can you share a secret about a place to visit in Athens?

Don't miss the Areopagus Hill, very close to the Acropolis. It's good for a chill-out and taking nice pictures.

However, for the best view of the city and the Acropolis, hill, go to another hill, Philopappou. Walk up the path to Philopappou's monument and there the view will really pay off. Not many tourists know about it, even though it's a nice escape from the crowds in nature, right in the middle of Athens!

© flickr/Thomas Mulchi

Are there any other parks or nice places to visit in Athens?

Try Zappio Park and the central park of the city, the 'National Gardens' next to the Parliament. It's also a beautiful way to escape and chill out. Plateia Agias Eirinis square near Monastiraki Square is a great option, too. All the area from Monastiraki to Syndagma square is full of shops and cafés. Also, Makrygianni area nearby the Acropolis Museum is not to be missed.

© Flickr/Randy Durrum

Finally, what's it like hosting for the gay community in Athens?

Very often we enjoy meeting our guests for a dinner or a drink. Sometimes we also do a bike tour together, which is a nice way to experience the city, although saying that, Athens, unfortunately, is not always such a bike-friendly city! :) ●

Fancy taking in Athens? Check out our City Guide and read some more Local Tips from our other hosts in this amazing city! 

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