Talking about gay holidays in Greece, you might be thinking of Athens and Mykonos, but have you thought of Crete as well? Crete is actually the 2nd biggest island in Greece, and is worldwide famous for its delicious food, its stunning beaches, and its great hospitality. Crete's reputation on the LGBT Community has been significantly increased since 2015, when the 1st pride took place, making it a major hotspot for gay couples, single gay travelers, friends, or even gay families.
Gay acceptance in Crete has been greatly increased the past few years, especially in big cities like Heraklion and Chania, while the locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality since long time ago. That said, you will notice that Cretans do not seem to fully understand the concept of "personal space", so they will almost feel like they are hitting on you. That's due to their open-heart culture!
The local gay community is discreet, so the best way to socialize and meet local men is through gay applications like Grindr and Planetromeo. Other ways of socializing include visiting the popular gay beaches of Crete or gay-friendly venues in big cities like Heraklion and Chania.
Regarding your accommodation, there is no need to be too picky since the majority of the hotels are actually gay-friendly. Even if they might not attract gay crowds similar to gay-only hotels and guesthouses, their professional service will make you feel like home.
Let's discover some of the best sea-front hotels in Crete, ideal for gay holidays!
Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection ~ For wild city & countryside excursions
Domes Noruz is a luxurious boutique hotel in the beautiful city of Chania that has picked the interest of the gay travelers. It stands out for its breathtaking architecture and design, while it can become the reference point for your city and countryside excursions.
Domes Noruz is ideal for any kind of explorer whether you want to explore the multicultural city of Chania, or go trekking at the worldwide famous Samaria Gorge!
Lato Boutique Hotel ~ In the heart of Hearklion City
Lato Boutique Hotel is an all-year-around hotel in Heraklion city, that operates for more than 40 years. Being ideally located in the center of the city, Lato Boutique is highly recommend for all gay travelers.
There is a gay bar in Heraklion called La Brasserie, as well as numerous bars and restaurants with mixed crowds all over the city. A quick Grindr search will make you realize that the city is packed with guys... very handsome guys.
Read how a gay traveler can spend a day at Lato Boutique Hotel here!
Thalassa Beach Resort ~ Exclusively for Couples
Thalassa Beach Resort is an Adults-only hotel that was specially created for the little love-birds. The hotel's perfect beachfront location and gay-friendly attitude has made it a major pick by gay couples and honeymooners.
Of course, your romantic experience can be further upgraded by taking one of the 6 special experiences for couples.
Minos Beach Art Hotel ~ Find Luxury through Art!
Minos Beach Art Hotel is a beautiful resort in the breathtaking small town of Agios Nikolaos. The hotel's luxury character can be easily observed everywhere withing the property, from its aromatic gardens to its outdoor gallery exhibits.
The hotel is a splendid option for both romantic and family vacations, while its gay-friendly attitude has won the heart of the LGBT community as well. The staff is distinguished for its friendliness and its respect of privacy!
Knossos Beach, Bungalows Suites Resort & Spa ~Ideal for Gay Families & Friends!
Knossos Beach is a great resort located in beautiful Kokkini Hani, 20 minutes drive from Heraklion. The resort features its own private beach, as well as a great restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast and dinner, with stunning views over the beach!
It is ideally recommended for gay families since you can actually spend your whole vacations on the resort, as well as small groups of friends. The rooms are distinguished for their cleanliness and the hotel staff for its friendly and attentive attitude!
Sentido Elounda Blu ~ Overlooking Spinalonga Island!
Get all the pampering that you deserve at Sentido Elounda Blu, situated in the beautiful resort town of Elounda. Featuring a wide diversity of luxury services, the hotel promises to give you a world-class holiday experience that you will remember for many years to come.
The resort's beach is protected from the winds, making it perfect for children as well, while it overlooks the stunning gulf of Elounda and the medieval castle of the historical island "Spinalonga". The resort is recommend for all gay travelers (gay families, gay couples, etc).
Koutsounari Traditional Cottages ~ For Gay Families with small children!
For gay holidays in a 200 years old stone built building, you should definitely visit Koutsounari Traditional Cottages. The hotel consists of small, private houses, which might not be located right on the beach, however, they offer easy access to it.
It's a great option for couples, single gay travelers who want to relax and get away from the large crowds, and families since it has great facilities like swimming pool for children, and a baby cot. In case you are visiting the hot summer period from Mid-July to Late-August, a Pool Bar will be at your full disposal!
Minoa Palace Resort ~ A Gay-Friendly Resort near Chania!
Minoa Palace Resort is located in Platanias Village, about half an hour drive from Crete's second largest city, Chania. It's proud to be among the top luxury hotels in Chania, covering a total area of 35,000 sq.m. of Cretan land and featuring stunning views over the sea.
As you can possibly guess, there is not a gay scene near the hotel, however, the nearby city of Chania hosts several gay & gay-friendly venues. The hotel's staff is very friendly and professional, that's why the hotel is preferred by gay families!
Thalassa Boutique Hotel ~ Gay Holidays in a Historical Building of the 19th Century!
Thalassa Boutique Hotel is housed within a historical building dating back to the 19th century, and most specifically in 1862. The hotel is located in Rethymnon city and it was fully renovated in 2017, making the hotel in one of the most luxurious resorts in the area.
It is fully equipped with luxurious facilities like a spa and a restaurant, while it located very close to the top restaurants, cafes and bars of the city. You are going to love the beach views from the rooms!
Domes of Elounda Haute Living ~ For Digital Detox
Domes of Elounda has created a wide range of activities that will re-define your next gay vacations in Crete. Forget about the gay life, and spend your next holidays doing Aqua Yoga and Olive Tasting.
The majority of gay men are unfortunately addicted to the digital world. Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Grindr... Well, why don't you forget the digital world for a while? The hotel offers a Digital Detox program that will surely make you re-value your life!
Seaside Resort & Spa ~ Authentic Cretan Holidays!
Explore authentic Crete in a breathtaking resort in the village of Agia Pelagia, close to Crete's capital Heraklion. Seaside Resort & Spa is distinguished for its gay-friendly attitude, while its luxurious activities will further upgrade your experience.
It's the perfect resort for gay couples but it's great for gay families or friends as well. For the gay honeymooners, we recommend you to surprise your partner with a candlelit dinner at 'Kullinarium' Restaurant!
Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel ~ For Adults... Only!
Royal Marmin Bay Boutique & Art Hotel is reputed for its stunning architecture and soft blending with the natural Cretan environment. It's the perfect choice for single gay travelers and couples since it operates as an Adults-only property.
It features its own private beach, while the rooms offer direct views over Elounda Bay. Of course, don't miss to try the delicious dishes of Samurai Sushi Bar!
These were only a few of the great hotels & accommodation properties you can find in Crete. If you are looking for more choices, you can discover more gay-friendly hotels and resorts here!