Images in order: (1,3-4) Courtesy Variety Cruises, (2,5-7) courtesy AEOLIS Apartments
Story by Joseph Alexiou
Ah Greece, the granddaddy of Western civilization (known in Greek as ?????? or ?????—Hellás or Elláda, the origin of "Hellenic"), and a gorgeously mountainous country with tranquil Mediterranean beaches stretched over the mainland and some 6,000 islands. The people are friendly, hospitable, and strikingly beautiful, and the food is fresh and wonderful.
Its classical history also celebrates the beauty same-sex love, between all sexes—we here at Out Traveler are happy to report that the islands allow two great opportunities to explore the past and present of that legacy.
Variety Cruises recently released three new dates for Gay and Lesbian-themed cruises on their mega-sailing yacht, the Panorama. Renovated in 2008, this 49 passenger sail cruiser will offer a seven-day cruise for gay men starting on August 21 from Athens, and returning the 28th. In July of 2010 Variety will launch their Lesbian themed cruise (July 9-16, 2010), and the second Gay cruise will be from August 20-27 in 2010.
While sailing, passengers can enjoy a sun deck, two bars and lounges, fresh seafood, as well as a library and live music. Stops include secluded beaches, ancient ruins, and nightlife/overnight stays—the pristine islands to be visited are hidden beaches at Poliegos and Kimolos, the divine and colorful Santorini, ruins and nightlife in Mykonos, and more beaches at Kea. Further stops include Cape Sounion and the Marina Zea. The full tour schedule will be featured on the website by the beginning of April.
Greece was also home to historical icon of lesbian love, Sappho, and Lesbos, her island that gave a name to our lady-loving ladies. This association still brings women from 
all over the world to this island paradise (anyone who loves beaches should need little convincing), and last year saw the opening of gay-friendly AEOLIS Luxury Apartments & Studios. Located in Evriaki, a resort town on the eastern-coast Gulf of Gera, these vacation-rental space can accommodate from 4-6 people comfortably and even have specially equipped spaces for those with disabilities. The manager, a cheerful Greek woman named Daisy, worked for years as front desk manager at several gay friendly and gay-owned hotels in Santorini and Mykonos and is knows how to accommodate and welcome gay travelers. As Lesbos is fairly small, those interested in the history of lady-love
can take a very picturesque drive the other side of the island—about an
hour—to visit Eresos. One of the biggest destinations for gay tourists
in Lesbos, Eresos is the town where Sappho lived and wrote.
All of the apartments have a sea view (they're minutes from the beach), and nearby are numerous hiking paths where the island's extensive flora and fauna are easily observed. Those feeling more sedentary can visit the nearby hot springs of Gera, a traditional Turkish hammam (with massages available!) built over natural hot mineral springs—they've been enjoyed as a therapeutic and healthy for centuries.
The warm season is upon us, and there's no better time to start thinking about summer vacations, especially in a gay Grecian paradise. It's been a tough year and you deserve it—there's no such thing as "problems" when you have plate of spanakopita, a bottle of ouzo and you're overlooking over the sea from a yacht. K??? ???????!
(Kaló taxídi)—Bon Voyage!
Images in order: (1,3-4) Courtesy Variety Cruises, (2,5-7) courtesy AEOLIS Apartments
Story by Joseph Alexiou
Ah Greece, the granddaddy of Western civilization (known in Greek as ?????? or ?????—Hellás or Elláda, the origin of "Hellenic"), and a gorgeously mountainous country with tranquil Mediterranean beaches stretched over the mainland and some 6,000 islands. The people are friendly, hospitable, and strikingly beautiful, and the food is fresh and wonderful.
Its classical history also celebrates the beauty same-sex love, between all sexes—we here at Out Traveler are happy to report that the islands allow two great opportunities to explore the past and present of that legacy.
Variety Cruises recently released three new dates for Gay and Lesbian-themed cruises on their mega-sailing yacht, the Panorama. Renovated in 2008, this 49 passenger sail cruiser will offer a seven-day cruise for gay men starting on August 21 from Athens, and returning the 28th. In July of 2010 Variety will launch their Lesbian themed cruise (July 9-16, 2010), and the second Gay cruise will be from August 20-27 in 2010.
While sailing, passengers can enjoy a sun deck, two bars and lounges, fresh seafood, as well as a library and live music. Stops include secluded beaches, ancient ruins, and nightlife/overnight stays—the pristine islands to be visited are hidden beaches at Poliegos and Kimolos, the divine and colorful Santorini, ruins and nightlife in Mykonos, and more beaches at Kea. Further stops include Cape Sounion and the Marina Zea. The full tour schedule will be featured on the website by the beginning of April.
Greece was also home to historical icon of lesbian love, Sappho, and Lesbos, her island that gave a name to our lady-loving ladies. This association still brings women from all over the world to this island paradise (anyone who loves beaches should need little convincing), and last year saw the opening of gay-friendly AEOLIS Luxury Apartments & Studios. Located in Evriaki, a resort town on the eastern-coast Gulf of Gera, these vacation-rental space can accommodate from 4-6 people comfortably and even have specially equipped spaces for those with disabilities. The manager, a cheerful Greek woman named Daisy, worked for years as front desk manager at several gay friendly and gay-owned hotels in Santorini and Mykonos and is knows how to accommodate and welcome gay travelers. As Lesbos is fairly small, those interested in the history of lady-love
can take a very picturesque drive the other side of the island—about an
hour—to visit Eresos. One of the biggest destinations for gay tourists
in Lesbos, Eresos is the town where Sappho lived and wrote.
All of the apartments have a sea view (they're minutes from the beach), and nearby are numerous hiking paths where the island's extensive flora and fauna are easily observed. Those feeling more sedentary can visit the nearby hot springs of Gera, a traditional Turkish hammam (with massages available!) built over natural hot mineral springs—they've been enjoyed as a therapeutic and healthy for centuries.
The warm season is upon us, and there's no better time to start thinking about summer vacations, especially in a gay Grecian paradise. It's been a tough year and you deserve it—there's no such thing as "problems" when you have plate of spanakopita, a bottle of ouzo and you're overlooking over the sea from a yacht. K??? ???????!
(Kaló taxídi)—Bon Voyage!
