Lesbos, the third-largest island in Greece, has a long and rich history of being a welcoming place for LGBTQ+ people. From the ancient poet Sappho, who wrote about her love for women, to the recent legalization of same-sex marriage in Greece, Lesbos has been a leader in gay rights and culture. In this article, we will explore how Lesbos became a symbol of lesbianism, how it attracts LGBTQ+ travelers from around the world, and how it offers a safe and diverse destination for anyone looking for sun, sea, and Sappho.
The Legacy of Sappho
The word “lesbian” derives from the name of the island, and it is largely due to the influence of Sappho, who was born in Lesbos around the 6th century BC. Sappho was a renowned poet who wrote lyrical poems, many of which expressed her love and desire for other women. Her poetry was widely admired in antiquity, and she was considered one of the nine lyric poets by the Greeks. However, her sexual orientation was not explicitly defined until centuries after her death, and the association between Lesbos and women who love women was not established until the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Sappho’s poems were rediscovered and translated by modern scholars.
Sappho’s legacy has inspired generations of LGBTQ+ writers, artists, and activists, who have reclaimed her as a symbol of female empowerment, eroticism, and creativity. Lesbos has also become a pilgrimage site for many LGBTQ+ travelers, who visit the island to learn more about Sappho’s life and work, and to celebrate her spirit. The island hosts an annual Sappho Festival, which features cultural events, concerts, workshops, and parties. There is also a Sappho Museum, a Sappho Square, and a Sappho Statue in the town of Eresos, where Sappho was born.
The LGBTQ+ Travel Market
LGBTQ+ travelers are a significant and growing segment of the global tourism industry, with an estimated market value of $218 billion worldwide prior to the pandemic, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. LGBTQ+ travelers tend to spend more on travel than the general population, as well as take more trips and travel internationally. Europe is the leader in this market, with a share of $64.9 billion and an average annual growth of 1.4%, according to the European Travel Commission.
LGBTQ+ travelers are also discerning and demanding consumers, who look for destinations that are welcoming, diverse, and safe. According to a survey by the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), the most important factors for LGBTQ+ travelers when choosing a destination are the legal status of LGBTQ+ rights, the local attitude toward LGBTQ+ people, and the availability of LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations and services.
The Appeal of Lesbos and Greece
Lesbos and Greece meet these criteria and offer much more to LGBTQ+ travelers. Lesbos is not only a historic and cultural hotspot, but also a natural beauty, with stunning beaches, mountains, forests, and hot springs. The island has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, with bars, clubs, cafes, and festivals catering to the community. Lesbos is especially popular among lesbian travelers, who flock to the island for the annual Women’s Festival in September, which attracts thousands of participants from around the world. The festival features music, dance, art, sports, and wellness activities, as well as opportunities to socialize and network with other women.
Greece as a whole is also a progressive and attractive destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. Greece has made significant strides in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in recent years, with the legalization of civil unions for same-sex couples in 2015, the recognition of gender identity without medical requirements in 2017, the adoption of anti-discrimination and hate crime laws, and the legalization of same-sex marriage and adoption in 2024. Greece is the first Christian Orthodox-majority country to establish marriage equality for all, and the 16th country in Europe to do so.
Greece also has a diverse and lively LGBTQ+ culture, with several cities and islands hosting annual pride parades, events, and festivals. Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, and Heraklion are some of the main hubs of LGBTQ+ activity, with a variety of venues, organizations, and initiatives supporting the community. Mykonos is another famous island for LGBTQ+ tourism, known for its gay and lesbian scene, nightlife, and parties.
Final Thoughts
Lesbos is a unique and fascinating island that has a long history of being a haven for LGBTQ+ people. It is a place where LGBTQ+ travelers can enjoy the beauty of nature, the richness of culture, and the warmth of hospitality, while also celebrating their identity and heritage. Lesbos is also part of a larger LGBTQ+ friendly destination, Greece, which has shown its commitment to equality and diversity through its legal and social reforms. Lesbos and Greece are therefore ideal destinations for anyone looking for an LGBTQ+ safe and fun vacation.
