cyprus, a jewel of the mediterranean, offers a vibrant and evolving landscape for its lgbtq+ community. while the island nation is known for its stunning beaches and rich history, it's also becoming increasingly welcoming to gay travelers.
ayia napa, in particular, is a popular destination, drawing visitors with its lively atmosphere and beautiful coastline. beyond the bustling nightlife, there are specific spots that cater to the gay community, offering a more relaxed and inclusive experience.
understanding the evolving gay scene in cyprus
the gay scene across cyprus is akin to a budding flower, gradually unfurling its petals as public acceptance grows.
as societal attitudes evolve, so too are the spaces and opportunities for gay and bisexual men to connect and socialize. in most major cities, you'll find at least one gay-friendly establishment, contributing to a growing network of inclusive venues. this shift signifies a positive trajectory for the island's lgbtq+ scene, making it a more attractive destination for those seeking both relaxation and community.
popular gay venues and entertainment
cyprus boasts a variety of venues that cater to the gay community, offering diverse entertainment and social experiences.
whether you're looking for a casual drink, a lively dance floor, or a memorable drag show, there's something for everyone.
ithaki club: where burgers meet beats
for a unique blend of nightlife and culinary delights, ithaki club stands out.
this venue ingeniously combines the energy of a club with delicious burgers, creating a party atmosphere that's hard to resist.
the playlist features loud pop music, perfectly complemented by sweet cocktails. the experience is further enhanced by campy and sharp-tongued hosts, adding a dash of theatrical flair to the evening. the burgers, supplied by their neighbor, street sins, are a popular draw.
ithaki also hosts themed events throughout the week, including an rnb saturday that attracts a young, international crowd.
lube bar: a sensory playground
the name itself piques curiosity, and lube bar lives up to its promise of delighting all the senses. it's a place where excellent dance music stimulates your hearing, while neon lighting and attractive bar staff cater to your visual pleasures.
the bar is known for its lively karaoke nights every friday and energetic parties with live dj sets on saturdays. lube bar operates from wednesday to sunday, opening its doors from 8 pm until 2 am, with extended hours until 3 am on saturdays.
diamonds showbar: drag in protaras
on the eastern side of the island, specifically in the tourist resort town of protaras, diamonds showbar has become a beacon for drag entertainment.
despite the relative scarcity of dedicated gay bars in nearby ayia napa, protaras offers a vibrant alternative with its drag shows. resident queens like evita clittorina and gayle force entertain audiences nightly with their dazzling performances. the show is often free, and the venue has hosted renowned queens such as baga chipz and scarlet harlett.
diamonds showbar is open daily during the summer season, typically from may to november, with drag shows running every day except sundays from 10 pm to midnight.
downtown live: live music and fierce queens
downtown live is celebrated for its excellent live music offerings, and it has recently added a spectacular drag queen to its lineup.
this addition has elevated nicosia's nightlife scene. greek drag queen doukissa hosts a drag night on the first sunday of every month, joined by another talented drag queen. for those craving a top-tier drag show in cyprus, especially if you appreciate being entertained with sharp wit and fierce performances, this is the place to be.
the drag shows occur on the first sunday of each month, from 8 pm to midnight.
beer garden vibes and friendly faces
for a more relaxed social experience, the beer garden offers a cozy ambiance perfect for meeting new people or catching up with friends.
with its rickety tables and chairs set amidst lush plants and trees, it provides a charming setting, especially during the cooler summer evenings. the atmosphere is conducive to making connections, fostering a sense of community among visitors.
discovering ayia napa's beaches and beyond
ayia napa is synonymous with sun-drenched beaches and crystal-clear waters.
while the town is a magnet for tourists, it also holds hidden gems for the gay traveler. the beaches here are renowned for their soft white sand and inviting turquoise waters, making them perfect for a day of relaxation and swimming.
kermia gay beach: a secluded spot
for those seeking a more discreet beach experience, kermia beach offers a welcoming environment.
it's important to note that this beach is not entirely sandy, so be prepared for a different texture underfoot. to reach kermia gay beach, you'll need to input specific coordinates into your GPS: 34.9658° n, 34.0409° e. these coordinates will lead you to the car park.
from the car park, facing the sea, head left for a few minutes, and you'll find a bush area that serves as a popular cruising spot. alternatively, from the car park, facing the sea, walk to the right along the park until you see a sign for a nudist beach. from this path, you'll need to navigate over some rocks in the direction of the sea.
you'll encounter another sign indicating "nudist beach." this section of the coastline is ideal for a more intimate experience, particularly during sunset.
pissouri beach: a welcoming stretch
another notable beach for the gay community is located at pissouri, a village situated between paphos and limassol.
the specific gay-friendly section is found at the very end of the beach. to find pissouri gay beach, use these GPS coordinates: 34.6155° n, 32.7056° e. once you reach this location, walk down to the beach and proceed east (to the left) until you encounter a cluster of rocks.
climb over these rocks and continue walking. if you parked your car, walk down to the beach and head towards the west side (left). the gay beach lies beyond these rocks, offering a more relaxed and open atmosphere.
experiencing cyprus: more than just beaches
cyprus offers a wealth of experiences that extend far beyond its stunning coastline.
from exploring charming villages to delving into ancient history and indulging in local wines, the island provides a diverse range of activities for every traveler.
embracing the natural beauty
cyprus boasts some of the finest beaches in europe, with the eastern side of the island, particularly around ayia napa, being a prime example.
the crystal-clear mediterranean waters and year-round pleasant climate make it an ideal destination for a beach holiday. beyond the coast, the island's mountain villages offer a different kind of beauty, often renowned for their picturesque vineyards and traditional architecture.
troodos mountains: a scenic escape
for those seeking tranquility and breathtaking views, the troodos mountains are a must-visit.
charming villages like platres, vasa, and vouni provide excellent bases for exploration. on a clear day, the summit offers magnificent panoramic views, making it a perfect spot for photography and soaking in the natural splendor. remember to bring your camera to capture the unforgettable vistas.
wine tasting in traditional villages
a trip to cyprus wouldn't be complete without indulging in its wine culture.
heading to wine villages such as omodos, platres, lofou, or pachna, either independently or as part of a tour, allows you to discover local vineyards and sample exquisite wines. the wine tour experience often includes exploring the stone-built village of omodos, situated within the paphos forest.
along the way, you'll encounter medieval venetian landmarks and byzantine churches, adding a historical dimension to your wine tasting journey.
exploring historical and cultural sites
cyprus is steeped in history, with numerous ancient sites and cultural landmarks to discover.
nicosia: a city divided
nicosia, europe's last divided capital, offers a unique historical perspective.
visiting the shacolas tower provides extraordinary city views and a small museum detailing nicosia's history, evoking a sense of stepping back in time to the cold war era.
underwater adventures: diving and snorkeling
for water sports enthusiasts, cyprus presents numerous opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
whether you're keen on swimming alongside sea turtles or exploring shipwrecks, the island's coastline offers excellent sites. the zenobia shipwreck in larnaca is a particularly popular dive spot. for a memorable snorkeling experience, the eastern beaches, especially cavo maris and green bay beach, are teeming with turtles.
paphos: a journey through time
paphos, a coastal city, captivates with its colonial-style buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and a famous medieval castle.
the square outside the castle is a vibrant marketplace, dotted with tea shops and coffeehouses, perfect for leisurely strolls. the bustling shopping streets offer local goods like wine, olive oil, honey, and leather products.
tomb of the kings: a historical enigma
the unesco-listed tomb of the kings is a significant historical site, believed to be the burial ground for many paphian aristocrats and high officials before the 3rd century.
despite its historical importance, little is known about the individuals buried here, with some accounts suggesting grave robbers may have removed identifying artifacts.
cape greco national forest park: coastal beauty
located on the island's southeastern tip, cape greco national forest park is an ideal spot for swimming and sunset watching.
adjacent to konnos bay, one of the island's most beautiful beaches, the park offers stunning natural scenery. hiking trails provide impressive views of the dramatic coastline, making it a photographer's paradise.
blue lagoon: a tranquil paradise
the blue lagoon, accessible via the village of neo chorio or through organized day trips, is a serene and picturesque destination.
its calm, clear waters make it perfect for swimming and relaxation. reaching it involves heading towards fontana amoroza. the beauty of the blue lagoon makes it a worthwhile journey, offering a peaceful escape.
the legend of aphrodite's rock
aphrodite's rock, a sea stack near paphos, is a place of significant mythological importance.
legend has it that swimming around the rock three times brings good fortune in love, fertility, eternal youth, and beauty. the dramatic setting and the enchanting legend make it a captivating spot to visit.
practical travel information for cyprus
planning your trip to cyprus involves understanding the logistics of travel, accommodation, and local customs.
getting to and around cyprus
cyprus is served by two international airports: larnaca and paphos.
shuttle bus services and taxis are available from both, but pre-booking a private transfer is often recommended for convenience. for those arriving at larnaca airport, a detailed guide on reaching ayia napa is available. to explore the island effectively, renting a car is highly recommended, as public transport options are limited.
remember that driving is on the left-hand side of the road, similar to the uk. for taxi services, the bolt app is a useful tool.
visa and currency
cyprus is a member of the european union but not yet part of the schengen zone. citizens from many countries, including the united states, canada, and australia, can enter cyprus visa-free for up to 90 days as tourists.
it's always advisable to check personal visa requirements before booking your trip. the official currency in cyprus is the euro.
tipping culture and vaccinations
in cyprus, service charges are often included in restaurant and hotel bills, so check for this before adding an extra tip.
for other establishments like bars, cafes, and taxis, tipping is not mandatory, but leaving a few euros or rounding up the fare is a courteous gesture. regarding vaccinations, the cdc recommends staying up-to-date with routine immunizations. for unvaccinated travelers, vaccinations against hepatitis a and b are also advised.
staying connected
for seamless connectivity during your travels, consider using ubigi esim.
by scanning a qr code, you can activate a data plan that becomes active upon arrival, ensuring you stay connected without any hassle. this allows you to share your experiences and navigate with ease, making your vacation truly worry-free.