Jun
08

LGBTQ+ Athens: Nightlife, Sightseeing & History

June 08, 2019
Stefanos Papaioannou

For centuries the LGBTQ+ community has felt a special kinship with the Ancient Greeks for their seemingly open attitude towards same sex relationships. From Sappho and her poetry on the island of Lesbos (yes, that’s where the word ‘lesbian’ comes from) to Plato and his recollections of Socrates’ desire for his young, male students.

In modern times, Greece has always been traditionally conservative when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights but this has begun to change. Public support for the LGBTQ+ community has grown significantly in recent years and although same sex marriage isn’t legal at the moment, it seems fairly likely that it will be very soon. The ILGA Europe, which regularly reviews LGBTQ+ rights in European Union member countries wrote a report in 2018 that concluded Greece had made the most improvements when it came to the legal and political rights of its LGBTQ+ citizens than any other country in Europe.

Painting of Sappho the Greek poet from Tate gallery London

The poet Sappho embracing Erinna, a fellow poet, on the Greek island of Lesbos. Photo credit: Tate Gallery London

A note on the history of the LGBTQ+ community in Ancient Greece

The ancient Greek world is full of fascinating figures that dabbled in the homoerotic world. The love between Achilles and Patroclus is well documented by Homer in the Illiad. Sappho was the head of thiasoi island communities (educated enclaves of women) and regularly wrote poetry about the love she felt for her students. Plato alluded to lesbianism amongst the women of Sparta, remarking in his Symposium that the women “do not care for men, but have female attachments.”  Among the ancient Greek gods and semi gods who practiced homosexuality, Hermaphroditus had womanly breasts and male genitalia, and is considered to be the earliest known figure of an intersex person. Mind you, it may not be totally the gay utopia that everyone seems to think it was today. Check out this myth busting article to find out more.

Things to see and do

Find out our top tips for Athens things to do with our 24 Hours in Athens guide. For LGBTQ+-specific sites and activities, read on…

National Archaeological Museum

Take time to admire the sculptured statues and busts of some of ancient Greece’s most important characters many of whom openly practised homosexuality in some form, such as the bust of Alexander the Great or the statue of Socrates.

Travellers enjoying a tour with a local guide, standing next to a street art mural

Check out some of Athens’ lesser known neighbourhoods on Urban Adventures’ Bohemian Tales of the City Tour. Photo Credit: Athens Urban Adventures

Bohemian Athens Tour

Join Urban Adventures’ Bohemian Tales of Athens tour and discover the alternative history and culture of one of the world’s oldest and greatest capital cities with a local guide by your side, includes snacks too so you won’t go hungry!

Mykonos Day-trip

A few hours ferry trip from Athens is the picturesque party island of Mykonos, the Mecca of LGBTQ+ community in Greece (and beyond). You will find lots of famous bars, clubs and beaches here, some of which are exclusively or not for gays are located in here.

Hit the Beach

Spend the day at Limanakia on the Athens Riviera, a nudist beach that welcomes nudists of any sexual preference, (making it a popular cruising spot for gay men). There are no restaurants or shops nearby so remember to bring a bottle of water and some snacks if you’re planning to hit the sand or the waves for a while.

Women posing for camera to celebrate International Women's Festival

The International Festival of Women in Lesbos, which is help every year in September. Photo credit: Lesbos Tourist Board

Lesbos Island

A nine hour ferry ride will bring you to Lesvos (more commonly known as Lesbos) Island , the third biggest island in Greece, the home of Sappho, who wrote beautiful poetry about her love for the female sex. With its postcard-pretty villages and stunning landscape, it’s a great place to get lost in. Don’t miss the famous Lesbian seaside village of Skala Eressos where they host the International Women’s Festival every year.

Nightlife

Gazi Neighborhood:

Athens’ most bohemian neighbourhood is at the heart of the LGBTQ+ scene here. Discover gay-friendly restaurants, clubs, theatres and of course, gay bars.

Interior of Enodia Bar, Athens

The chic, friendly interior of Enodia Bar in Athens. Photo credit: Enodia Bar

Enodia: Enodia is a traditional Greek-style gay café bar with a pretty private outdoor terrace. The atmosphere is friendly and chilled and the music is solid from Madonna and Lady Gaga to Zorba the Greek-style plate smashing tunes.

€€,Keleou 1, Athina 104 35, Greece

Bear Garage: Decorated in the style of a retro garage, this British-owned Bar is supper-friendly, hosts regular events (check out their Facebook page for listings) and plays a variety of music, from 80’s cheese to disco & house.

€€,Keleou 1 – Metro: Kerameikos Athens,Greece, 10435

Beaver Cooperativa: This is a co-operative and its motto states ‘by and for woman.’ Enjoy coffee, beers and small platters amongst a cool-vibes atmosphere. Men are also welcome.

€, Vasiliou Tou Megalou 46Α, Athina 118 54, Greece

Soudade2 Bar logo

Soudade2 is one of Athens’ most famous gay bars. Photo credit: Soudade2

Sodade 2: Sodade 2 is a stylish gay club with two different dance floors playing today’s hits and electronic music.

€€, Triptolemou 10 , Gazi, Athens 118 54, Greece

Kanella Restaurant: This is a gay friendly restaurant serving traditional Greek mama specialties.

€€,Konstantinoupoleos 70, Athens, 11854

APARTMENT Club: Another famous venue for gay men in Athens hosting party nights with DJs and go-go dancers.

€€,Evmolpidon 26, Athens, Greece, 10437

S-Cape: This legendary nightclub is famous amongst locals for hosting special themed events and other shows

€€, (Admission 5 €, open bar’ nights 12€), Iakchou 32, Athina 118 54, Greece

Commercial Triangle District:

Agia Irini square is one of the trendiest parts of the city, located in the Commercial Triangle District next to the shopping arteries of Ermou and Aiolou Street, the main pedestrian streets of the city. Here you’ll find a whole range of fashionable cafes, bars and restaurants

Rooster:  A must in the square is Rooster, an all-day gay/straight friendly café bar  with great meals and chilled-atmosphere that hosts often DJs .

€€, Pl. Agias Irinis 4, Athina 105 60, Greece

Koukaki Neighborhood:

Sitting in the shadow of the ancient Acropolis, this trendy area is known for its unique blend of architectural styles, colourful streets (be sure to check out Filopappou Hill for its mosaics and multi-coloured tiles)and locally-owned artisan stores and food offerings.

Koukles Club logo

The legendary Koukles Club, a must visit for fans of drag acts and kitsch!

Koukles night club : Near Siggrou Avenue, there is Koukles night club, a legendary cabaret club famous for its premier drag shows and owned by trans women. An absolutely must-see for fans of drag queens and all things kitsch.

€€,Greece, Zan Moreas 32, Athina 117 41, Greece