Even if youre staying in Athens over Easter, there are plenty of nearby destinations worth a last-minute day trip.
Easter in Athens has its own charm, with customs and traditions that stand out. However, even a short getaway lets us leave daily life behind for a while and connect with nature, the sea and the relaxed atmosphere of a picturesque village.
If Easter finds you in Athens and you want a change of scenery, we’ve gathered for you a few ideas for day trips so you can celebrate in towns and villages without having to travel far. Experience Easter customs and enjoy the blooming nature, from Boeotia to Evia and the Peloponnese.
Roumelian Easter in Livadeia
Roumelian Easter is an experience worth having at least once. Livadeia is synonymous with Easter, as residents prepare long in advance for the day’s revelry. In just 1.5 hours from Athens you can be in the town and celebrate alongside the locals. The Lakkos custom has been preserved for years and passed from generation to generation. The lakkos is the place where the Easter feast is set up, and from early morning residents wake to light the fire with the Resurrection candle. The town is wrapped in clouds of smoke, with aromas from the spits and traditional music. In every courtyard, spit-roasting the lamb is a serious affair.
Visitors are not left disappointed, as the large Lakkos is set up by the Municipality of Livadeia at the Krya Springs, the most beautiful area of the city. Beside the running waters and the trees, an open-air celebration begins with traditional dances and local performers, while attendees can sample lamb, meze and wine. The festivities continue until the evening in Livadeia’s central square as well.
Easter with a touch of history in Nafplio
Nafplio is always a good idea, especially in spring. In about 1.5 hours from the capital you will find yourself in one of the most beautiful cities in Greece. Blossoming orange trees, house courtyards and bougainvillea adorning the mansions create a cinematic setting. Take a stroll by the sea and climb up toward the Acronafplia castle to savor the view.
In the town’s little tavernas you will try traditional frygadeli, lamb fricassee and spit-roasted lamb. Apart from the services in the Orthodox churches of the town, you can also attend those of the Catholic church, known as «Frangokklisia». In Asini, on the afternoon of Easter Sunday residents make an effigy of Judas and in the evening in Tolo the burning of Judas is revived on the platform set up in the sea.
Easter with ‘crazy waters’ in Chalkida
The city of the ‘crazy waters’ is a destination within a breath of Athens. Chalkida is about an hour away and gives the feeling of a faraway destination with its pedestrian promenade and shops set right by the sea. Sit for food and coffee with a view of the Old Bridge of Evripos, observe the tidal, alternating movement of the waters of the Euboean Gulf and walk along the seafront.
There are many sights in the city center, such as the impressive Red House, the Kotsikas Mansion -City Hall and the emblematic building of the railway station. Do not miss climbing up to Karababa Castle to enjoy the wonderful view over the Euboean Gulf.
Easter in the villages of Mountainous Arcadia
The villages of Mountainous Arcadia are beautiful in every season. In spring, however, the blooming nature that surrounds them is even more impressive. The options for a day trip are many, as you can choose which village you want to visit and combine it with the sights nearby. Vytina always attracts visitors and offers choices for food and coffee, while Dimitsana is ideal for strolls with wonderful views. Stemnitsa is picturesque and perfect for a quiet coffee.
Visit the region’s emblematic monasteries, the Philosophou Monastery and the Timios Prodromos Monastery, which stands on the edge of the cliff. If you want to combine walking in nature with the sights, head to Ancient Gortyna, one of the oldest cities of Arcadia, located on the banks of the Lousios River. Along the river there are areas for hiking in the area’s wonderful natural landscape.
