With its endless blue sea, idyllic landscapes, and charming customs, Greece offers many ideal destinations for Easter that will help you experience it exactly as you have imagined. Each Greek island, with its unique beauty and traditions, offers an unforgettable experience, especially during this time of year.
In this article, Ferryscanner has compiled the best Greek islands for Easter that you should have on your must-visit list:
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- Easter in Corfu: The Magical Island of the Phaeacians
- Easter in Crete: Traditional Events and Tasty Delights in Chania
- Easter in Patmos: Spirituality on the Island of Revelation
- Easter in Skiathos: Authentic Greek Tradition on a Picturesque Island
- Easter in Naxos: Discovering the Heart of the Cyclades
- Easter in Chios: Watch Easter Rockets Soar Through the Air
- Easter in Paros: Celebrate with an Amazing Aegean Sea View
- Easter in Mykonos: Rejuvenation on the Windy Island
- Easter in Aegina: Finding Joy on an Island Full of History
- Easter in Hydra: Strolling Around the Car-Free Island of Artists
When does Easter happen in Greece?
Easter is a season full of renewal and hope, with its exact date determined by the Lunar calendar. During 2024, Easter falls on Sunday, the 5th of May offering the perfect opportunity for a getaway to the enchanting Greek islands. It is the ideal time of the year to experience the customs and acquire unique memories of this year’s Easter holidays.
1. Easter in Corfu: The Magical Island of the Phaeacians
If you are looking for the most popular Greek island for Easter, the simple answer is the Ionian island of Corfu. Easter spent in Corfu is not just a multi-day celebration, it is an interactive tradition that is revived every year, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals alike. Corfu’s unique atmosphere, traditional events, and impressive customs make this island an ideal destination for Easter.
What Kind of Traditional Food Can I Eat During Easter in Corfu?
One traditional food not to be missed while visiting Corfu is called fugatsa, which is a kind of brioche prepared especially for Easter. Another food you should try is tzilihudra, which is a unique, and very traditional kind of stew.
What Are Some Easter Customs in Corfu?
One of the most impressive customs you can find in Corfu is the Botides, i.e. the breaking of large clay canoes which are thrown from the balconies onto the streets below after the first Resurrection, which are said to ward off evil spirits. The best place to see this spectacle happen is in the central square where large crowds of people gather every year. If you’re in Corfu during Easter – it’s a must-see activity!
Also, there are wonderful performances by the philharmonic orchestras on Good Friday and Good Saturday. They play classical pieces for people in the central squares – creating magical moments that make up an unforgettable Easter. On Good Friday there are processions with children carrying palms and happily contributing to the positive atmosphere.
What is the Resurrection? Where Can I Experience it in Corfu?
One of the most anticipated and crucial moments of Greek Easter is the Resurrection, known as the Anastasi. This takes place at midnight on Holy Saturday, the night before Easter Sunday. As the clock strikes 12, churches all across the country are shining brightly from candlelight. People take turns passing their flame to one another until everyone’s candle is lit.
To experience this uniquely exciting and faithfully charged atmosphere in Corfu, head to the square of Agios Spyridon with its imposing church. This is the focal point of the Resurrection celebrations on the island.
Which Beaches in Corfu Should I Visit?
If the weather is warm during Easter this year, there are plenty of amazing beach options to enjoy in Corfu. For instance, you can visit the beach of Agios Gordis, one of the island’s most picturesque beaches, or Paleokastritsa beach with its crystal clear waters. Both offer an oasis of coolness and relaxation after the busy Easter festivities.
How Do I Get To Corfu?
To get to Corfu, first, you need to drive to the port of Igoumenitsa. Then, you can board a ferry from there and quickly arrive on the island. You can find routes from Igoumenitsa to Corfu every day, the trip duration is 50m – 1h 30m and the ferry ticket prices start from €5.60.
*Prices may vary depending on the exact day of booking and the specific ferry company you choose to travel with.
2. Easter in Crete: Traditional Events and Tasty Delights in Chania
Easter in Crete is a vibrant experience that reflects the richness of Cretan tradition and the beauty of Greece’s largest island. This is a season full of religious devotion, traditional customs, and culinary delights – not to mention the spring nature of Crete at its peak.
What Kind of Traditional Food Can I Eat During Easter in Chania, Crete?
In Chania, the Easter table includes traditional dishes such as lamb on the spit, girritsa, tsoureki and kaltsounia, sweet cheese pies with myzithra. Also, anticristo, a unique traditional food of the region, is often served during the Easter period.
What Are Some Easter Customs in Chania, Crete?
On the Thursday before Easter Sunday in Chania, preparations begin with placing a red sail on the balconies and windows, symbolizing the blood of Christ. Boiled red eggs are also dyed, while wood is collected to prepare the ravine where the effigy of Judas will be received. The effigy is passed from house to house, while women dress it in old and dirty clothes.
On Good Friday, residents participate in the procession of the Epitaph, with the body of Christ being carried through the streets. The procession starts from Panagia Trimartyri and the locals carry candles and flowers as a sign of respect. Events with philharmonic orchestras accompany this religious ceremony, adding to the already unforgettable atmosphere of the city.
On Holy Saturday, residents celebrate the Resurrection with fireworks, bells, and chanting of hymns. At the same time, and the exact moment of the resurrection, the ‘dirt of Judah’ is burned.
Finally, on Easter Sunday, all of the island’s shepherds participate in the custom ‘shoulder scoping’, where they predict the future by reading the lamb’s blade. With traditions rich in tradition and full of emotional moments, Crete, and Chania in particular, provide a unique experience for Easter visitors.
Where Can I Experience the Resurrection in Chania, Crete?
The central square of Agios Titus in Chania, with the church of the same name, is the ideal place to experience the Resurrection, offering a warm and communal atmosphere.
Which Beaches in Chania, Crete Should I Visit?
When visiting Chania, the beach of Falassarna offers endless sand and crystal-clear waters, ideal for a spring swim. Also, the beach of Elafonisi, with its exotic pink sand beauty, offers the perfect getaway for families and those seeking a quiet corner for relaxation. Furthermore, Balos with its unique landscape, and turquoise waters, is a destination not to be missed. Even if the weather is not warm enough to swim, take some time to visit these beautiful beaches during your trip.
How Do I Get To Chania?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Chania every day, the trip duration is 8h – 9h and the ferry ticket prices start from €49.
*Prices may vary depending on the exact day of booking and the specific ferry company you choose to travel with.
3. Easter in Patmos: Spirituality on the Island of Revelation
Easter in Patmos is an experience that combines deep spirituality with age-old traditions, making the island an ideal destination for those seeking a different kind of Easter experience. Patmos is known for the Monastery of St. John the Theologian and the Cave of the Apocalypse and it offers a unique opportunity to experience Easter in a place charged with history and spirituality.
What Kind of Traditional Food Can I Eat During Easter in Patmos?
In Patmos, the Easter table includes traditional dishes such as lamb on a spit and brioche. Don’t miss the ‘Patmionotiki magirirtsa’ either, which is a unique variation of a classic dish, which is prepared especially for Easter on the island.
What Are Some Easter Customs in Patmos?
The traditional Easter customs in the Dodecanese archipelago are deeply immersed in the spiritual heritage of the New Testament, with Palm Sunday marking their official start. On this day, many people receive embroidery in the form of a cross or fish as a sign of faith and devotion.
On the Thursday before Easter, the Naptismal Ceremony takes place in the central square of the city, with the re-enactment of the Last Supper being an emotionally charged moment. The Abbot of the Monastery of Patmos performs the foot-washing ceremony on 12 monks because there were 12 disciples of Jesus.
Every Easter Sunday in Patmos, the Liturgy of Love is celebrated with sincere reverence and respect, indicating the spiritual renewal that Easter brings. The Abbot also distributes red eggs to the faithful, in a beautiful taste of love and hope.
During the afternoon on Easter Sunday, the entire square of Skala is filled with a festive atmosphere, where the Municipality and the Cultural Associations offer a rich buffet of Easter delicacies. The party lasts until late into the evening, with lots of food, dancing and fun.
Where Can I Experience the Resurrection in Patmos?
The square of the Monastery of Agios Ioannis is the ideal place to experience the Resurrection, with the large ceremony and the crowds of believers gathering together for this unique event.
Which Beaches in Patmos Should I Visit?
Depending on the weather, the beaches of Groikos and Psili Ammos offer an oasis of coolness and tranquility. The beach of Groikos, with its deep blue waters and calm atmosphere, is a real paradise for swimming and sunbathing. While Psili Ammos is a little more secluded, and it offers a sense of exclusivity and relaxation that is ideal for those seeking tranquility away from the world.
How Do I Get To Patmos?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Patmos every day, the trip duration is 7h 45m and the ferry ticket prices start from €43.
*Prices may vary depending on the exact day of booking and the specific ferry company you choose to travel with.
4. Easter in Skiathos: Authentic Greek Tradition on a Picturesque Island
Easter in Skiathos is a unique experience that combines the traditional spiritual celebration with the beauty of an Aegean island, making it the ideal destination for those seeking a special Easter getaway.
What Kind of Traditional Food Can I Eat During Easter in Skiathos?
In Skiathos, the Easter table would not be complete without the lamb on the spit and the traditional brioche. Also, local dishes such as ‘Skiathitiki magiritsa’ offer a unique taste that combines local ingredients and traditional recipes.
What Are Some Easter Customs in Skiathos?
One of the most special customs of Skiathos during Easter is the procession of the Epitaph, which is done with pomp and reverence, illuminating all the alleys of the island with the candles and the aromas of the flowers that decorate the Epitaph.
Where Can I Experience the Resurrection in Skiathos?
The central square of Chora is the ideal place to experience the Resurrection, with the impressive celebration and the fireworks that light up the sky, offering a magical experience.
Which Beaches in Skiathos Should I Visit?
For a refreshing Springtime swim, the beaches of Koukounaries and Lalaria offer deep blue waters and stunning scenery. Koukounaries, with its golden sand, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. It is ideal for those who wish to combine tranquility and relaxation while enjoying nature. On the other hand, Lalaria, with its impressive white pebbles and crystal clear waters, offers a unique swimming experience in an almost otherworldly landscape. To get to the beach of Lalaria you will need to take one of the island’s small boats – weather permitting of course.
How Do I Get To Skiathos?
To get to the island of Skiathos, first you need to drive to the port of Volos. You can find routes from Volos to Skiathos every day, the trip duration is 1h 25m – 2h 45m and the ferry ticket prices start from €27.20.
*Prices may vary depending on the exact day of booking and the specific ferry company you choose to travel with.
5. Easter in Naxos: Discovering the Heart of the Cyclades
Easter in Naxos is an experience that combines the unique natural beauty of the island with its rich tradition and ancient customs. It is the time when the island fully reveals its Cycladic cultural identity, inviting visitors to become part of a unique spiritual and social experience.
What Kind of Traditional Food Can I Eat During Easter in Naxos?
Naxos is known for its gastronomic traditions, with the Easter table including traditional dishes such as lamb on a spit, brioche, and ‘khagiritsa’. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to try the traditional kalathaki of Naxos, a sweet made with cheese, eggs, and flour, usually served on Easter Sunday.
What Are Some Easter Customs in Naxos?
If you’re spending Easter in Naxos, check out the traditional Lambratziarika, which takes place in the various villages around the island, where the locals set fires and sing Lambria songs, making a living expression out of folk tradition.
Where Can I Experience the Resurrection in Naxos?
The historic castle in Naxos Town offers a magnificent view of the Resurrection and the central squares of the villages are transformed into celebration centers, with residents exchanging greetings of ‘Christ is Risen’ and participating in traditional feasts.
Which Beaches in Naxos Should I Visit?
If the weather is good, Naxos offers some of the most spectacular beaches for a spring dip. The beach of Agios Prokopios, with its white sand and crystal clear waters, is an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation and tranquility. Also, Plaka offers magnificent views and a long coastline for long walks near the sea, while the beach of Mikri Vigla is ideal for water sports enthusiasts.
How Do I Get To Naxos?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Naxos every day, the trip duration is 3h 25m – 5h 45m and the ferry ticket prices start from €42.
*Prices may vary depending on the exact day of booking and the specific ferry company you choose to travel with.
6. Easter in Chios: Watch Easter Rockets Soar Through the Air
Easter in Chios is not just a religious celebration, but an experience that combines spectacular customs, tradition and local culture in a unique spectacle not found anywhere else in the world. Visiting Chios during Easter offers the opportunity to be part of one of the most unique and spectacular customs of Greece
What Kind of Traditional Food Can I Eat During Easter in Chios?
The Easter table in Chios includes traditional dishes such as girritsa, lamb on the spit, and brioche. A local dish not to be missed is mastelo, a kind of lamb marinated in red wine and cooked in a traditional oven.
What Are Some Easter Customs in Chios?
The ‘Rocket War’ is a unique tradition that takes place between the churches of Agios Markos and Panagia Erythiani in the villages of Vrondados, where thousands of rockets cross the sky, creating an amazing spectacle. However, apart from that, another custom worth experiencing is the procession of the Epitaph in the narrow streets of Mestas, Pyrgi, and other medieval villages of Chios, where tradition and architecture combine to create a unique atmosphere.
Where Can I Experience the Resurrection in Chios?
The village of Vrondados, which hosts the Rocket War, is the ideal place to experience the Resurrection in Chios. Participation in the Resurrection here combines religious tradition with a unique folk custom, offering a truly unforgettable experience.
Which Beaches in Chios Should I Visit?
Chios has many beaches that can satisfy every traveler’s taste. Mavra Volia, a beach with black pebbles and crystal clear waters, is ideal for those looking for a unique landscape for swimming. Also, Karfas beach is an excellent choice for families, offering a shallow and calm part of the sea. For exploration lovers, Agia Dynami beach is more of a hidden gem that is a wonderful choice for a spring dive.
How Do I Get To Chios?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Chios every day, the trip duration is 9h 25m, and the ferry ticket prices start from €39.
*Prices may vary depending on the exact day of booking and the specific ferry company you choose to travel with.
7. Easter in Paros: Celebrate with an Amazing Aegean Sea View
Easter in Paros combines the beauty of the Cycladic landscape with rich traditions and lively customs. Here, the Easter atmosphere is enriched with the sound of the bell towers, the smell of roasting lamb, and the stunning view of the Aegean Sea, offering a unique experience to every visitor.
What Kind of Traditional Food Can I Eat During Easter in Paros?
In Paros, the Easter table includes lamb on a spit, giritsa, and traditional brioche. A local dish not to be missed is the lampropita, a traditional pie prepared especially for Easter, filled with cheese and eggs.
What Are Some Easter Customs in Paros?
Don’t miss the procession of the Epitaph in the picturesque alleys of Parikia, where the traditional processions become even more enchanting thanks to the Cycladic architecture and the abundant blossoming of spring. It may not be a custom from the old times but something that will surely enchant you is the great feast that is set up in Naoussa every year. Hundreds of people celebrate Easter Sunday from morning till night with plenty of food, drinks, and dancing.
Where Can I Experience the Resurrection in Paros?
The area around Ekatontapiliani, with its imposing aura and historical significance, is the ideal place to experience the Resurrection on Paros. Participating in the solemn Resurrection here is an experience that combines faith, tradition, and sociability.
Which Beaches in Paros Should I Visit?
Kolimbithres beach, with its impressive granite rocks and crystal clear waters, is an ideal destination for a swim in Paros. Also, Marcello beach, with its white sand and turquoise waters, offers an ideal choice for sunbathing and relaxation after the Easter ceremonies. For lovers of tranquility and nature, the secluded beach of Lefkes offers a quiet paradise to enjoy nature to the fullest.
How Do I Get To Paros?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Paros every day, the trip duration is 3h – 4h 30m and the ferry ticket prices start from €50.
*Prices may vary depending on the exact day of booking and the specific ferry company you choose to travel with.
8. Easter in Mykonos: Rejuvenation on the Windy Island
Easter in Mykonos offers a unique experience that combines tradition with the cosmopolitan spirit of the island. It is an opportunity to get to know the more authentic side of Mykonos, away from its secular aspect, and experience the customs and traditions kept alive by its inhabitants.
What Kind of Traditional Food Can I Eat During Easter in Mykonos?
The Easter table in Mykonos includes traditional dishes such as khagiritsa, lamb on a spit, and brioche. A local dish not to be missed is the Myconian loukoumi, a sweet similar to Turkish loukoumi, but with a unique Myconian touch.
What Are Some Easter Customs in Mykonos?
The Easter customs in Mykonos start early in the season, specifically from the beginning of Lent. However, on Lazarus Saturday, the islanders create Lazarakia, small man-shaped cookies made with sugar and raisins, which are also very tasty.
During Holy Week, a special place is occupied by the Lambris buns, also known as lamp buns, which are made in various shapes and decorated with red eggs. These are distributed and placed on the tables on Holy Saturday, while some are kept until Pentecost.
Also on Good Friday, the bakeries produce bread in the shape of a cross, and the Cultural and Folklore Association of Mykonos Women chants the Moiroloi of Panagia, usually in all the parishes of Chora and Ano Meras. The Moiroloi is the cornerstone of Lenten songs, showing sorrow for Christ crucified, and also support for the Virgin Mary. In addition, on Good Friday, residents participate in the procession of the Epitaph, which takes place in the narrow streets of Chora in Matogianni. On Resurrection, locals celebrate in their homes and yards, and in the afternoon they burn the ‘Judas’ in the square of Chora.
Where Can I Experience the Resurrection in Mykonos?
The area around Panagia Paraportiani, one of the oldest and most picturesque churches of Mykonos, offers an ideal location to experience the Resurrection, combining historical architecture with the spiritual depth of the day.
Which Beaches in Mykonos Should I Visit?
The beach of Ornos, with its calm waters and beautiful sand, is an ideal choice. Also, Psaros beach offers crystal clear waters and a more cosmopolitan atmosphere, while the secluded beach of Agia Anna offers a quiet corner for those seeking tranquility and total relaxation in nature.
How Do I Get To Mykonos?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Mykonos every day, the trip duration is 2h 50m – 5h 15m and the ferry ticket prices start from €43.
*Prices may vary depending on the exact day of booking and the specific ferry company you choose to travel with.
9. Easter in Aegina: Finding Joy on an Island Full of History
By choosing Aegina for your Easter holidays, you will have the opportunity to enjoy traditional customs in a peaceful and hospitable environment. Aegina offers a unique natural beauty that is harmoniously combined with the religious and cultural events of Easter.
What Kind of Traditional Food Can I Eat During Easter in Aegina?
Don’t miss the opportunity to try the traditional Easter lamb on the spit and the authentic Aegina’s traditional ‘kagiritsa’.
What Are Some Easter Customs in Aegina?
The procession of the Epitafioso takes place in the narrow streets of the island, to experience a custom that you can find in every part of Greece in a different way that will create new memories. However, on Easter Sunday in Aegina, Anitsaio, and Perdika, the residents burn the ‘Judas’ with the accompaniment of fireworks, while in the courtyard of the Church of the Cross in Paliachora, they dance the Labri from 10 in the morning until midnight with live folk music playing in the background.
Where Can I Experience the Resurrection in Aegina?
The square of Agios Nektarios, with the church of the same name, is an ideal place to experience the Resurrection in Aegina. The spectacular view of the temple, combined with the echo of the bells and the atmosphere of the night, offers a unique experience.
Which Beaches in Aegina Should I Visit?
Aegina has some lovely beaches that are ideal for a springtime dip, weather permitting. Agia Marina beach with its crystal clear waters and fine soft sand is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing. Also, Perdika beach offers tranquility and natural beauty that is ideal for those seeking a quieter atmosphere. For nature lovers, Moni beach with its impressive landscape and blue waters is an excellent choice for exploration and relaxation.
How Do I Get To Aegina?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Aegina every day, the trip duration is 30m – 1h 15m and the ferry ticket prices start from €10.
*Prices may vary depending on the exact day of booking and the specific ferry company you choose to travel with.
10. Easter in Hydra: Strolling Around the Car-Free Island of Artists
By choosing to spend Easter in Hydra, you can enjoy the traditional celebration on an island where tranquility meets elegance. Hydra, with its traditional houses, picturesque alleys, and the ban on cars, offers a unique sense of escape in time.
What Kind of Traditional Food Can I Eat During Easter in Hydra?
In Hydra, the Easter table includes traditional dishes such as girritsa, lamb on the spit, and brioche. A local delicacy you should try is the amygdaloto, a sweet made of almonds and sugar, typical of Hydra.
What Are Some Easter Customs in Hydra?
Easter in Hydra has something very different as far as the procession of the epitaph is concerned! The procession of the Epitaph is something special since it takes place in the sea. You surely have never seen anything like this before! However, another spectacle not to be missed is the burning of ‘Judas’ on Easter Sunday, with traditional costumes and impressive fireworks.
Where Can I Experience the Resurrection in Hydra?
The square of the Cathedral Church of Hydra is the ideal place to experience the Resurrection, offering a stunning view of the island and the sparkling sea.
Which Beaches in Hydra Should I Visit?
The choices regarding the beaches of Hydra will surely satisfy even the most demanding traveler. The beach of Vlychos, with its deep blue waters and sand, offers a calm atmosphere for those who wish to enjoy the tranquility of the sea. Also, the beach of Kaminion, known for its picturesque landscapes and quiet waters, is an ideal choice for those seeking a more secluded experience close to nature. If you prefer more organized beaches, Mandraki beach offers many amenities and is ideal for families, offering crystal clear waters and wonderful sunset views.
How Do I Get To Hydra?
You can find routes from Piraeus to Hydra every day, the trip duration is 1h 50m – 2h and the ferry ticket prices start from €38.
*Prices may vary depending on the exact day of booking and the specific ferry company you choose to travel with.
Easter Holidays on the Greek Islands Is Calling Your Name
In conclusion, taking a journey through the traditions and customs of Easter on some of the most picturesque and historic islands, it is clear that the Easter experience is much more than just a religious celebration. It is also an opportunity to connect with authentic roots, tradition, and natural beauty, as well as to meet new people and create wonderful memories that will last forever.
If you’re considering visiting any of the above destinations for Easter, Ferryscanner makes the process of booking your next trip quick and easy. Easter is the ideal time to explore the islands of Greece, so don’t waste time! Use Ferryscanner to book your ferry tickets for Easter now.