Greece

Greece might not be a gay's paradise everywhere but there are places, cities, beaches and islands that you can really feel beautiful and very welcomed. Greeks have a totally different approach to gay people depending on their generation, with younger Greeks been really relaxed and open minded. In the wake of the existential financial crisis besetting Greece, the introduction of an officially recognized same-sex partnership is now being considered. This would also serve economic interests amongst concerns about Greece having in recent years fallen out of favour as a travel destination with gays and lesbians, known to boost tourism, partly because of the state’s discrimination against homosexuals. Greece is inexpensive (with the exception of Mykonos), uncomplicated and safe. The Greeks are a warm and hospitable people and you can expect to encounter very few problems on account of your sexuality. The age of consent in Greece is 17, the same as for heterosexuals. Gay life on the islands is focused on Mykonos, particularly if you are looking for fun, crowded beaches and hot nights. Of course beaches available for gay cruising can be found also on other islands such as Santorini, Kriti, Rodos, Corfu and Skiathos that lately is staring being more attractive to many gay tourists. On the mainland the scene is generally more conservative but there are also a few places for gay cruising and beaches for gay fans of the Mediterranean nature. Against all odds the country that everyone is expecting to emerge after this financial crisis will refer to a really modern and new faced Greece that all the problems and the anxieties of the past will be buried under the sandy beaches and be burnt under the eternally bright Greek sun.