Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Italian Embassy
( 210 361 7260;
www.ambatene.esteri.it
;
Sekeri 2, Athens)
Netherlands Embassy
( 210 725 4900;
www.dutchembassy.gr
; Leoforos Vasileos
Konstantinou 5-7, Athens)
New Zealand Embassy
( (+39) 06 853 7501;
www.nzembassy.com/italy
; Via Clitunno
44 Rome) Travellers from New Zealand should contact the embassy in Rome.
Turkish Embassy
( 210 726 3000;
embassy.athens@mfa.gov.tr
;
Vassileos Gheorgiou
B'8, Athens) Has an additional branch in Athens ( 210 724 5915;
turk-
baskon@kom.forthnet.gr
; Leoforos Vasileos Georgiou 8, Athens) and one in Thessaloniki
( 2310 248 452;
turkbaskon@kom.forthnet.gr
; Agiou Dimitriou 151).
UK Embassy
( 210 727 2600;
www.ukingreece.fco.gov.uk/en
; 1 Ploutarchou, Athens)
Also has a branch at Thessaloniki ( 2310 278 006;
www.ukingreece.fco.gov.uk/en
;
Tsimiski 43).
US Embassy
( 210 721 2951;
http://athens.usembassy.gov
;
91 Vasilisis Sophias,
Athens) Also has a branch at Thessaloniki ( 2310 242 905;
ht-
tp://athens.usembassy.gov
;
Tsimiski 43).
Gay & Lesbian Travellers
In a country where the church still plays a prominent role in shaping society's views on is-
sues such as sexuality, it comes as no surprise that homosexuality is generally frowned
upon by many locals, especially outside the major cities. While there is no legislation
against homosexual activity, it pays to be discreet.
Some areas of Greece are, however, extremely popular destinations for gay and lesbi-
an travellers. Athens has a busy gay scene, but most gay and lesbian travellers head for
the islands. Mykonos has long been famous for its bars, beaches and general hedonism,
while Skiathos also has its share of gay hang-outs. The island of Lesvos (Mytilini), birth-
place of the lesbian poet Sappho, has become something of a place of pilgrimage for les-
bians.
The
Spartacus International Gay Guide,
published by Bruno Gmünder (Berlin) and on-
line (
www.spartacusworld.com/en
)
, is widely regarded as the leading authority on the gay
travel. The Greek section contains a wealth of information on gay venues everywhere
from Alexandroupoli to Xanthi.
