If Muslims have Mecca, we lesbians have Lesbos. This lush Mediterranean island has been a popular tourist destination for women with a sapphic bent since the 1950’s. And why not? The word lesbian, after all, was derived from this place where the poet Sappho lived. Her works contain lines that undeniably speak of love for women - many of them, in fact. These poems are the earliest known records of same-sex love between women, having been written between 630 - 570 BC.

Reasons to go to Lesbos

I don’t know about you, but geek that I am, history itself is enough to make me giddy about visiting the island. However, if you need more persuading, there are many reasons to make that sapphic journey. Located between mainland Greece and Turkey, Lesbos is bursting green with forests of olive trees and sequoias. This makes it ideal for hiking if you’re a nature tripper. Also, the sand is fine and the water is heavenly blue. If you want a place where you can relax and let your hair down, grab your partner and head on out to the beach. I’m sure you’ll be able to get a lot of pretty pictures, too. And since this is Greece, Lesvos is a place rich in history. There are many ruins of temples and other structures you could visit while you’re out there as well.

Lesbian Hang-outs

The capital of Lesbos is Mytilene, and from there it’s a two-hour drive to Eressos, a beachside town and the birthplace of Sappho. Naturally, the lesbian community converge here. Peak season is between June-October. Otherwise, it’s winter and the place closes shops.

No wild nightlife here, unlike in most gay-only beaches. Eressos is a laid-back place, where you can dine in a cozy setting. The go-to places for women are all on the main strip, mostly lesbian-owned and operated. Sappho Restaurant, a buffet-style restaurant with authentic Greek specialties, offers the most mellow scene, featuring poetry readings once a week in a lovely garden. Patrons of the Tenth Muse engage in a lot more drinking than eating. Friday nights are theme nights, so be sure to drop by. They can even host same-sex commitment ceremonies. The last one on the strip is The Mill, a very romantic bar with a terrace that extends to the sea. On a typical night, one of the owners will be playing music as in-house DJ.

The Beach

The beauty of Lesbos is world-renowed, and so a lot of people go there. On the beach you’ll probably find many a-topless women, but that’s just the European way. If you want to soak up the sun while checking out real lesbians, walk all the way to the end of the beach. That’s where you’ll find Kantina Moon, a restaurant owned by a Greek-Italian lesbian couple. There are hammocks, plenty of ice-cold beer, and a beach teeming with gorgeous lesbians. It’s a hideaway inside a hideaway - Lesbos’ best kept secret.

What are you waiting for? Whether you’re single looking a partner, or in a long-term commitment, Lesbos is the place to be. Plan your vacation now!