Spring is a fantastic time to visit the Greek Islands. With the winter weather ending, people’s spirits are high and everything is in full bloom. Additionally, one very significant reason to book a ferry trip to an island with Ferryscanner at this time is to experience Easter.
It’s the most important Christian holiday on the Greek Orthodox calendar (it lands on a different date than the Catholic Easter). It’s celebrated across the country with various customs, traditions, and tons of food. While this can certainly be celebrated on the mainland as well, it’s very different to get away from a big city. While you’re in Greece during this special holiday, why not make the most of it? Here’s where we suggest you go.
Corfu
Over in Western Greece, Corfu is an ultimate Easter destination, especially the Old Town area. Starting from Palm Sunday and continuing throughout the Holy Week, there are large masses held at the various churches and exciting celebratory events take place for the public both before and after.
The main Easter highlight in Corfu is definitely Holy Saturday. On this day, the entire Old Town comes together at 11 a.m. to celebrate the first resurrection of Christ. It’s very loud but very fun! Bands parade along the streets and locals through clay pots off of their balconies. So, the air is filled with the sound of music and smashing ceramic. It’s all very joyous and something very unique to the island of Corfu.
Paros
Paros is located in the Cyclades and is a must-see during Easter. On Good Friday, two of the island’s most picturesque villages really go all out. They attract locals and visitors alike who leave the larger villages of Paroikia and Naoussa behind in order to watch an impressive reenactment of the Passion of the Christ. There’s an interactive procession of the Epitaph. Then, in the evening, the first reenactment takes place in Marpissa and is performed by adults. Later, a show with children playing the parts takes place in the village of Lefkes.
On Holy Saturday, at the stroke of midnight, bells start ringing and fireworks light up the sky. Easter Monday has numerous festivals as well, with lots of cheer and dancing around the island’s churches.
Patmos
For a uniquely spiritual experience, head to Patmos, just north of the Dodecanese islands. It is a significant Christian pilgrimage because it is where John of Patmos (St. John the Theologian) wrote the Book of Revelations. In the island’s capital (Chora) there is an impressive monastery dedicated to him, which dates all the way back to the 11th-century.
Celebrations typically begin on Palm Sunday and continue for the entire week leading up to Easter Sunday. Throughout the Holy Week when you’re walking around, you’re sure to come across some specific reenactments. For instance, the washing of the Apostle’s feet by Christ at the Last Supper. On Easter Sunday, there is a festival that takes place in the main square of Skala, the island’s port town. Everyone is welcome to take part in the food, wine, and traditional dances which always last long into the night.
Hydra
Just a short ride away from Athens, Hydra is already an impressive place because it is car-free. During Holy Week, tons of people gather here to take in the island’s natural beauty and uniquely calm atmosphere. It’s hard to believe this place is just a hop, skip and jump away from Pireaus port.
All Easter processions wind through the maze of village streets and head along the seashore. Probably the most well-known is the Good Friday procession of the Epitaph, when the bier of Christ is carried by a group of young men into the sea. The entire port of Kamini fills with people holding candles, watching while the flames flicker in the sea breeze.
Sometimes there are even television crews around to capture this scene and broadcast it to the rest of the country.
Tinos
Tinos is considered to be the religious capital of the Cycladic islands. So, you can imagine that spending Easter here would be worth the trip. After the Good Friday liturgy, six epitaphs from local churches around the island gather at the center of the main town (Chora). Followed by a mob of parishioners, they walk to Kalamia beach, where the priest and epitaphs chant as they walk into the sea. At the same time, the fisherman sitting on their boats all start honking their horns in memory of all those who have lost their lives at sea.
On Holy Saturday, there are tons of firecrackers and fireworks going off, and to commemorate the end of Lent there are lavish dinners and lots of wine. During Easter Monday, the village of Ktikados hosts a ‘feast of love’, a tradition where Orthodox and Catholic people gather and eat together in order to celebrate peace.