Is Lesbos a gay island?

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peggy*moo

I don't usually cut and paste Wikipedia - but this pretty much sums it up perfectly.

"The word "lesbian" is derived from the Victorian interpretation of the poems of Sappho whose poetry was taken to mean sexual rather than emotional or platonic love between her and other women. Because of this association, Lesbos and especially the town of Eressos, the birthplace of Sappho, are visited frequently by lesbian tourists to this day."

So, it isn't a 'gay' island as such, but does attract lesbians due to the writings of Sappho. Just because lesbians go there, and you are a lone female, I don't think that should make any difference to you travelling there. What are you concerned about - being thought to be gay or that a woman will come on to you? I wouldn't worry about either - the first would only come from narrow minded people, and the second is not a worry as all you would need to do is tell anyone who showed interest that you aren't gay. Simple. If you are interested in the island, just go.

Greer S

Don't be ridiculous. It is a beautiful island though, you should go.

chryssa k

Greetings from Greece. No, Lesbos is not a gay island. Although many gay foreigners, paying their respect to the legendary gay poet Sappho, have bought estates in Lesbos island and therefore have created a vivid gay community, Lesbos is not considered to be a gay island (on the other hand, Mykonos is). There are lots of places for a single woman to visit- I did that myself a few years ago- but it's best to rend a car. And please be careful of the men there- they consider themsevles to be great lovers, but in fact they drink too much to perform as they have promised.

ElOsoBravo

No, Lesbos is not a "gay" island. It is the third largest of the Greek islands (the seventh largest island in the Mediterranean) with much in way of sites, history, activities and fine Greek dinning and culture.
The Victorian interpretation of the poems of Sappho lent a reputation to the town of Errssos which does allegedly attract a certain number of lesbian tourists, however, this is a totally insignificant happening, if it is a happening at all, on a island with a population of over 90,000 and which is truly & totally Greek in flavor. It has the added advantage of drawing a lower number of foreign tourists than some of the most popular destinations.
Go relaxed and have a ball.

Iain N

Lesbos caters for all types of tourist.

laura

ok i dont know if this is serious or not but its hella funny!!!

Gerry M

As soon as you land at the dock. You will be collected by a woman in leather gear with a whip. Paraded through the streets to your hotel and tied to the bed. You will then have to suffer the indignity of being sexually pleasured by a multitude of beautiful women..........God, I wish I was a Lesbian!

Paraxenh_Giorth

No , I haven't seen Lesbos dating or sleeping with other islands of the same sex... has anyone else? :P

johnny cee

The story goes that in ancient times the men would go to sea,
and the women would use each other for personal gratification.
Hense the name Lesbos from where we get Lesbian. But I don't
think you'll have any trouble at all. Greeks are generally very
respectful toward tourists. They depend on them a lot for the
economy. I have been to Greece four times but not to Lesbos.
I prefer Kalymnos. Not too touristy yet lots a nice beaches, night life, good food, and not expensive at all.
I Cr 13;8a
10-8-6

Stayed at http://www.theodoridisapartments.gr/

ngiapapa

Lesvos is a very beautiful Greek island and you can go on your own or with friends (male or female).
There is a lesbian community in Eressos, on the west coast of the island, but all these females would not even look at you, unless you did something to show them that "you're looking for fun!" orelse they are very discrete.
I went on Lesvos with my husband and children (9 and 7) last summer and we had a wonderful time even on the beach of Eressos!

Have a nice trip!

sweetstorm84

it doesn't matter if it is or not. you shouldn't stop visiting a place just or even doing anything in your life, just because of what other people might think.

...LOST...

yessssssssssssssss i love it

andelska

Lesbos is not recognised as a gay island but it is the island that ancient greek poet Sapfo lived.They say she was gay(it is not something that is acceptable from everyone) and that is why the female gays took their names from her island(lesbians).
It is a very beautiful island and you can have a wonderful time there. There is not a problem visiting that island.You will find there as many gays as in every place in the world.
So,go to Lesbos and you will have a great time there,don't be afraid!

fidget

There is some lesbian tourism to Lesbos but it is not a gay island. Go there and see for yourself, you'll be fine. While you're there, why not hop across on the ferry to Ayvalik and see another beautiful place and experience another country, too?

Ellen J

As far as I know it's just another Greek island. The poet Sappho lived on it a long time ago and she was a lesbian but I don't see why that would have any effect on the population of the island. The only way it would make a difference is if a lot of homosexuals moved there because of the history.
Also, Greece has a long history of homosexual behavior but that is pretty much a cultural thing thoughout the whole population.

ÎœÎ±ÎºÎµÎ´ÏŽÎ½

no greek island is gay island.The foreigners who go there make it
gay.

Athina

oh, girl.. "gay island"... excuse me, if i were gay, can u tell me wich "straight island" should I avoid, since it is "dangerous"??

dimdam

i believe it is but i don't think it's "in your face" so you should still be able to go and meet plenty of straight people, I've been to lots of Greek islands and you'll find gay folk on most of them so don't let it bother you and have a great time!

candygirl!

of course there's not such an issue! it's just a synonymy, don't worry! have fun!

gdkapoel

haha

no its not a gay island!

yes you do find the gay culture all over the greek islands

and yes the word lesbian comes from the greek word lesvos

i am greek so you can trust my answer

Not at all.
It's a very nice island. Gays are welcome but they are few.
In contrary, you will find many handsome, straight men there.
I'm a woman, I know, I travel alone too!

paulrb8

is this a wind-up? its a normal island... i spose you think the isle of man is full of men.. and isle of dogs full of jack russels.. thanks for 2 points sweety.. and have a nice holiday... try zante too its gorgeous...xx

anna

omg no what a stupid questions was that!!!

Christos P

no .. of course not . its just a name of island

mark leshark

Since all the Locals are called 'Lesbians ' then i'd say yes. I went with a girl there about 5 years ago. Not much to see or do apart from spot lesbian tourists from all over the world. Our highlight was boarding the plane home when 'Hufty' from the channel 4 show 'The word' got on.... Still make your own mind up.

Egg banjo

No it's not.
However if you have a lesbian encounter while you're there, remember to let us know. Mmmm!

pianojono

As the word 'lesbian' comes from the name of that island, I think least said, soonest etc!!!

Charmant

That is a bit insulting.

No, it is not.

dream theatre

yeah have fun

cat

lol.. yeah have fun!!