Ideas for getaways to Greek islands where Easter is a unique experience. Distinctive local traditions, an atmosphere of reverence, sea air and enchanting landscapes.
TheEasterhas a special charm on the islands of Greece. The scents of nature, local flavors, strolls through picturesque villages without the summer crowds, and distinctive local customs with a view of the sea, give you the chance to discover the authentic side of the islands.
For many, Easter is the first spring getaway, a rehearsal for the summer that is approaching. Every island has its beauty at this time of year, yet there are a few that stand out for their customs, offering visitors a unique experience. Below we’ve gathered 7 Greek islands that areideal for spending Easter.
Corfu
The island: With vibrant life all year round, lush nature, traditional villages, wonderful beaches, great food and one of the most beautiful old towns in Greece, Corfu is the island that knows how to make anyone have a good time: those seeking a cosmopolitan atmosphere, as well as those who wish to enjoy peaceful family holidays.
The customs: The melodies of the philharmonic bands, the smashing of the botides, the elegance and the atmosphere of the old town make Easter in Corfu a unique experience you should live at least once in your life. The squares and alleys of the old town become the setting for perhaps the most melodic and most famous Easter in Greece. On Good Friday night, grab a spot early to watch the imposing Epitaphios of the Metropolis that starts at around 22.00. The streets are lit in purple, while the Old Philharmonic (Red) plays Albinoni’s Adagio, Mantzaros (Blue) plays Verdi’s Marcia Funebre and Kapodistrias plays the Elegia Funebre, Mariani’s Sventura and Chopin’s Funeral March. The most famous image of Corfiot Easter is the «botides». On Holy Saturday, at the First Resurrection held at 11.00, around the Liston you will see dozens of clay jugs of every size hurled from decorated balconies and shattering with a crash on the ground.
Hydra
The island: In spring theHydrais a real feast for the eyes. Brimming with colors and aromas, it invites you to discover its cosmopolitan aura, walk its cobbled alleys, admire the captains’ houses and the well-preserved mansions with their austere, clean lines, and wander along its flower-strewn paths.
The customs: During Holy Week, old customs tied to the sea are revived on the island. One of the most beautiful and picturesque religious customs of Hydra and of all Greece is the procession of the Epitaphios of the parish church of St John the Baptist in the Kaminia quarter, into the sea. On Good Friday night, after the Epitaphios has processed through the quarter, the procession ends at the sea, where with deep reverence the Epitaphios enters the water, offering a unique spectacle. The custom takes place so that the waters may be blessed and bring luck to sailors and sponge divers. On Holy Saturday night, at the hour of the Resurrection, Hydra’s harbor is awash with spectacular fireworks, while the illuminated anchored ships shoot flares and sound their sirens. On Easter Sunday the traditional burning of Judas takes place on the quayside of the harbor.
Syros
The island: With a rich history, unique sights and a character entirely distinct from the other Cycladic islands, Syros is a four-season island, ideal for short getaways as well as long holidays. From neoclassical Ermoupoli to its outlying countryside, the stately capital of the Cyclades charms the visitor at every step.
The customs: Syros is also one of the best choices to experience a truly unique Easter. Here the island’s two religious communities, Orthodox and Catholic, celebrate Easter together. On Good Friday the processions of the Orthodox Epitaphios set out from the churches of St Nicholas, the Dormition of the Theotokos and the Transfiguration of the Saviour (the Metropolis) through the city’s picturesque lanes. The Epitaphios processions meet in Miaouli Square in front of the Town Hall. The Epitaphios of the Catholic church of Evangelistria has already preceded. A standout experience is also the procession of the Catholic Epitaphios in Ano Syros, from the churches of St George (San Tzortzis) and St Sebastian.
Paros
The island: One might say that Paros gathers all the magic of the Cyclades into its 195 square kilometers. An island as white as its marble, with golden beaches, little chapels with blue domes, tranquil villages, cosmopolitan little harbors and magical sunsets. If you want to discover the other side of Paros, spring is the right season to visit.
The customs: At Easter, Paros is quieter and the customs come alive in its picturesque villages. The standout custom is the re-enactment of the Passion of Christ in the village of Marpissa, which you will watch during the Epitaphios procession on Good Friday night. Young and old alike, dressed as Roman soldiers or disciples of Christ, impressively re-enact scenes from the Entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, the prayer on the Mount of Olives, the Passion of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection.
Santorini
The island: Santorini is an island with devoted admirers from every corner of the world - and not without reason. The sunset against the backdrop of the caldera, the volcano, the island’s unique energy and its delicious local products make this island special. Spring is the ideal season to enjoy Santorini as it truly is: beautiful in its simplicity.
The customs: Easter on Santorini mainly means the Epitaphios in the interior, and specifically in the medieval village of Pyrgos. On Good Friday night, the village shines from afar. Hundreds of tin lanterns are placed on rooftops, streets, and on the walls of the medieval castle, creating a deeply reverent setting through which the Epitaphios passes.
Patmos
The island: The journey to Patmos may seem quite time-consuming, but it is worth it. Its Chora is one of the most atmospheric in the Aegean. A stroll through the picturesque alleys, the stone arches and the courtyards blooming with bougainvillea, jasmine and geraniums will confirm it. The Monastery of St John the Theologian, a monastery with great history and architecture, rises in the heart of the Aegean and dominates life on Patmos.
The customs: Here Easter is celebrated with deep reverence and grandeur. The ritual, the customs, the Ceremony of the Niptiras and the re-enactment of the Last Supper on Holy Thursday are ample reasons to plan an Easter getaway to the island of the Apocalypse. On Good Friday at the Monastery of St John the re-enactment of the Descent from the Cross takes place, while on that same evening the Epitaphios processions make their way through the island’s cobbled lanes and meet in the squares of Chora and Skala. On Easter Sunday the Second Resurrection takes place, during which the Gospel is read in seven languages.
Chios
The island:The Chios, the nature-blessed island, with its great history, medieval villages, wild-beauty beaches, the aroma of mastiha and dozens of hidden treasures, composes a unique mosaic of experiences for the visitor. In spring, the island of the Northeastern Aegean is beautiful, full of enchanting landscapes, flavors and aromas that move even the most demanding travelers.
The customs: Chios draws the spotlight every year at this time, thanks to the custom of the rocket war that is revived in the village of Vrontados. The two «rival» parishes, of St Mark and Panagia Erythiani, launch on Holy Saturday night thousands of homemade rockets aiming at the bell tower of the opposing church, creating a spectacular sight. According to the prevailing version, this custom dates back to the years of Ottoman rule when the Christians wanted to wanted to show the Turks how the Orthodox celebrate the Resurrection.
