Most of the time we choose to visit a Greek island only during the summer season. However, Greece also comes alive in winter, with numerous events and festivals, culminating during the well-known Carnival (known as Apokries). Usually, Apokries begins around the middle or last week of February and culminates at the beginning or the middle of March. How about making a difference choice this year and heading to a Greek island with a group of friends for this year’s Carnival? Patras and Xanthi are nice choices, but there’s nothing like celebrating Carnival on an island.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience full of color, music, dancing, and traditional customs that will thrill you, below you can find the ten best Greek islands to spend Apokries exactly as you imagined it!
1. Naxos: Disguises and traditional rhythms
Have you ever been interested in Naxos during the Apokries season? If not, a unique experience awaits you! This island comes alive during the Dionysian Carnival, where residents dress up in impressive costumes, build beautiful floats, and pour into the streets with music, and dancing, reviving the myth of Dionysus and Ariadne in a lively way. However, it also retains its traditional character, with numerous customs, such as the ‘bell ringers’, which are men dressed in furs and bells who dance in the streets while the ‘torchlight procession’ is a nightly event with lit candles – a sight you won’t want to miss.
The events begin with the opening ceremony and the handing over of the city’s keys to King Carnival. This is followed by dances, musical evenings, theatre performances, children’s games and a host of other events. Traditional music and dance events, the feasts in the squares and the serenades are enjoyed by all. Of course, the highlight is the big parade on the last Sunday of Carnival. On that day thousands of people dressed in traditional costumes, parade through the streets. The parade ends at the central square, where a big party with music and dancing takes place.
How do I get to Naxos?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Naxos every day. The duration of the trip is 3h 25m – 5h 45m and the prices start from 42€.
2. Rethymno: Where Apokries comes alive
Another very popular Carnival destination for students, apart from Patras and Xanthi, is the island of Crete (and in particular Rethymno). The carnival of Rethymno has Venetian roots and is famous for its authenticity and satirical character. Thousands of people wait outside to see the parade of floats go by. It is important to mention that the previous evening in Rethymno there is also a night parade that many people don’t know about! The meeting point for that is the same place with the only difference being that there are no floats, so it’s just like one big, awesome costume party.
As for the main Apokries events, they start with the opening ceremony and the handing over of the city’s keys to King Carnival. Dances, musical evenings, theatre performances, children’s games, and many other events follow. The satirical events, the music nights, and the feasts in the squares will become core memories. The party doesn’t happen just on Carnival weekend. Crowds of people dance all day long in the beach bars of Rethymno. The highlight is the Cretan night with traditional music and dances – it’s a priceless experience you should have at least once in person.
How do I get to Rethymno?
To get to Rethymno you must first take a ferry to the port of Chania and from there continue by road. You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Chania every day. The duration of the trip is 8h 30m – 13h and the prices start from 45€.
3. Aegina: Flames and phantasmagoria in the Saronic Gulf
Aegina is a destination close to Athens with a unique island aura, that offers a unique Carnival experience combining tradition and fun. During Apokries, Aegina becomes a place of celebration, where residents and visitors alike actively participate in traditional events and parades. Standout customs include the bonfire dance, where daring locals walk among burning coals and the gaitanaki which is a traditional dance with colourful ribbons. Aegina offers a vibrant and authentic Carnival experience, with its magic being the ideal destination for those who wish to experience carnival on an island full of history and natural beauty.
As for the events, they start with the opening ceremony and the handing over of the city’s keys to King Carnival. Dances, musical evenings, theatre performances, children’s games and many other events follow. The highlight is on the Sunday of Carnival where, as in every part of Greece, the morning parade takes place in Aegina, with many people dressed in costumes, culminating in the evening with the burning of the Carnavalos in the central square.
How do I get to Aegina?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Aegina every day. The duration of the trip is 1h 5m – 1h 10m and the prices start from 10€.
4. Zakynthos: Masquerades and melodies of the Ionian Sea
The Carnival of Zakynthos, also known as the Venetian Carnival, dates back to the 17th century and bears a strong Venetian influence. On this Ionian island, the Fioro of Levante as it is also called, the impressive costumes, the serenades and the barcaroles truly stand out. Barcaroles are traditional songs of Italy, and more specifically, they are associated with the city of Venice. These songs were performed by the famous boatmen or gondoliers as they sailed their gondolas through the canals of Venice.
As for the events, they start with the opening ceremony and the handing over of the city’s keys to King Carnival. The music and dance events, the costumes and the parades with floats in the streets and canals of Zakynthos town give a sense of elegance and magic. The piccolo is the traditional march of the carnivalists with candles in their hands and is an experience not to be missed. Usually, this march takes place the day before the official carnival parade.
Finally, don’t miss the unique custom of the Venetian Wedding, where you will experience a re-enactment of the 16th century! Fancy costumes, impressive embroidered costumes and an atmosphere full of colour will transport you back in time. In a role reversal, men dress as women and women dress as men, creating a fun atmosphere. Take your friends, be part of the parade, enter the streets of Zakynthos and sing satirical lyrics and traditional songs together.
How do I get to Zakynthos?
To get to Zakynthos you first have to drive to the port of Kyllini. You can find ferry tickets from Kyllini to Zakynthos every day, the duration of the trip is 1h 15m and the prices start from 11,30€.
5. Corfu: Where tradition and modernity merge
The carnival of Corfu has its roots in the period of Venetian rule. At that time, the Venetian rulers organized dances and masquerades, while the locals participated in their own customs. Today, the carnival retains its Venetian character, with numerous events taking place all over Corfu and lasting for around a month.
Regarding the specific events, the Carnival of Corfu starts with the opening ceremony, where the Mayor hands over the city’s keys to King Carnavalos. Dances, musical evenings and numerous events for young and old will quickly follow. There are the serenades, where groups of masqueraders sing traditional serenades on the balconies of houses, the masquerades, where dance groups in impressive costumes perform, and then the extras, where men are dressed in white robes and high hats accompany the serenades. The highlight of the Corfu Carnival is the Night Procession. It’s an impressive parade with floats which takes place on the Saturday before Carnival Monday and crosses most of the streets in the city, with dances, music and fireworks.
How do I get to Corfu?
To get to Corfu first you have to drive to the port of Igoumenitsa. You can find ferry tickets from Igoumenitsa to Corfu every day. The duration of the trip is 50m – 1h 30m and the prices start from 5,60€.
6. Skiathos: Spend Apokries on the Aegean Beaches
The Carnival of Skiathos has its roots in ancient times, when people celebrated the arrival of spring with noises and costumes. Today, the carnival retains its popular character, with numerous customs taking place all over the island. In Skiathos, the custom of the Bells stands out, where men dressed in furs and bells dance in the streets, and chase away evil spirits. The carnival of Skiathos, with a strong folk element, is distinguished for its authenticity and boundless energy.
Regarding the events, the carnival of Skiathos starts with the opening ceremony, where the Mayor hands over the city’s keys to King Carnavalos. Then, there are numerous events that you can enjoy all over the island. The highlight of the carnival is Kathara Deftera (Clean Monday), where men dressed in rags and masks chase children through the streets, throwing ‘kouluma’, which are small ball-shaped buns.
How do I get to Skiathos?
To get to Skiathos you first have to drive to the port of Agios Konstantinos. You can find ferry tickets from Agios Konstantinos to Skiathos every day, the duration of the trip is 1h 25m – 2h 5m and the prices start from 37€.
7. Patmos: Spot some unique Apokries traditions
The Carnival of Patmos has its roots in ancient Dionysian customs, where people dressed up in masks and danced in honor of the god Dionysus. Today, the Carnival maintains its traditional character, with numerous customs taking place all over the island.
The Carnival of Patmos starts, as usual, with the opening ceremony, where the Mayor hands over the city’s keys to King Carnival. What makes the carnival in Patmos stand out? The custom of the harlequins, where men are dressed in colorful clothes and masks dance in the streets. The big parade that takes place on the last Sunday before Carnival is equally impressive. Thousands of attendees, dressed in traditional costumes, parade through the streets of the city, dancing and singing, ending up at Kampos Square, where a big party with music and dancing takes place.
How do I get to Patmos?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Patmos every day. The duration of the trip is 8h 45m and the prices start from 43€.
8. Samos: Apokries with ancient roots in the Aegean Sea
The Carnival of Samos has its roots in ancient times when people celebrated the arrival of spring with noises and disguises. Today, the carnival retains its satirical character, with numerous customs taking place all over the island. Apokries in Samos offers a variety of events for all tastes.
The Samos Carnival begins with the opening ceremony, where the Mayor hands over the city’s keys to King Carnavalos. There’s a custom of bells and whistles, where men dressed in hides and bells dance in the streets, chasing away evil spirits. Apart from the bells, which are an integral part of the Samos carnival, you will also meet the ‘chubby’, an old tradition that is being revived, where men dressed in sheepskin and bells get soap on their faces and tease the audience.
How do I get to Samos?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Samos every day. The duration of the trip is 11h 25m and the prices start from 59,50€.
9. Chios: Celebrations dating from the Medieval Ages
The Carnival of Chios has its roots in medieval times when people celebrated with costumes and satire. Today, it retains its medieval character, with numerous customs taking place all over the island. Some of the customs stand out to this day, making Apokries special for everyone.
As an echo of a legendary battle, the custom of the Mostra unfolds in Chios, weaving a vivid mosaic of color, music, and tradition. Let the carnival spirit take you on an uphill march to the village, alongside satirical floats, impressive costumes, and handmade masks, which are the famous mutsounaries. Additionally, in Chios, the Boules are an integral part of the events, which is a tradition with a rich history and unique characteristics. The exact origins of the Boules are lost in the depths of the centuries, with possible ties to ancient Dionysian rites or Venetian influences. According to one version, the Boules are associated with the ‘Kudunophores’, a group of disguised men dressed in women’s clothing who sang satirical songs and danced in the streets. Finally, the dance groups, musical events, and theatrical performances take place, while another unique moment is the reenactment of hanging.
How do I get to Chios?
You can find ferry tickets from Piraeus to Chios every day. The duration of the trip is 9h 25m and the prices start from 20€.
10. Skyros: For an Apokries with true authenticity
The Carnival in Skyros has a rich and colorful history that reflects the cultural identity and tradition of the island. It is considered one of the oldest and most authentic Apokries events in Greece, with roots that possibly extend back to the ancient Dionysian festivals. The uniqueness of the carnival in Skyros is not only in its duration but also in its special significance for the island’s inhabitants, as it is a living expression of their folk art and traditions. Through the decades, Skyros’ carnival has evolved but has retained its traditional feel, attracting new visitors who wish to experience this unique cultural event.
During the carnival in Skyros, visitors have the opportunity to witness unique customs and traditions that are kept alive from generation to generation. One of the most interesting customs is that of the ‘Old Men, the Korelos and the Trata‘. The ‘Old Men’ are men dressed in traditional costumes, covered with goat furs and wearing masks depicting aged faces, ringing the bells on their waists, symbolizing the expulsion of evil spirits. The ‘Korelos’ are young men dressed in women’s costumes who accompany the men, adding an element of laughter and satire to the events. The custom of the ‘Trata’, is a kind of performing event representing marine life and the struggle of fishermen with the sea, adding a unique quality to the carnival of Skyros.
How do I get to Skyros?
To get to Skyros first you have to get to Kymi, Evia. You can find ferry tickets from Kymi, Evia to Skyros every day, the trip duration is 1h 40m and the prices start from 8,40€.
Carnival in Greece, especially on the islands, is an experience that combines tradition with fun and history with culture. Each island offers a unique experience, making Apokries the perfect time to explore. What better way to start your adventure than booking your ferry tickets to your dream destination using Ferryscanner? Choose the island that suits you best and indulge in the magic of Carnival. You can also choose multiple destinations from this list for an island-hopping adventure. What are you waiting for? Apokries is approaching!