Easter in Chania is an unforgettable experience filled with traditions, delicacies, and genuine Cretan hospitality.
Among the most beautiful cities in Greece, with a unique atmosphere that feels as if time has stood still, Chania is the ideal destination for spring and the days of Easter. The customs of the region, combined with the citys beauty, warm hospitality, and local gastronomy, will have you returning to this place again and again. Easter in Chania carries a traditional aroma, with reverence and customs observed for many years. If you choose to be there, you will have plenty to see and do during this period.
Easter in Chania
Easter in Chania is an unforgettable experience filled with traditions, delicious flavors, and genuine Cretan hospitality. The customs of Holy Week are observed in Chania in the locals unique way. Throughout Holy Week no songs or merrymaking are heard, and the men cut wood to make on Holy Thursday the effigy of Judas, which they carry around to every house in the villages. From the morning, the women dye the red eggs, make traditional lambropites, knead kalitsounia and tsourekia, and provide the clothes for Judas to be dressed.
On Good Friday you will experience the procession of the impressive Epitaphios biers of Trimartiri (the Metropolis of Chania) with the accompaniment of the Philharmonic, of St. Nicholas in Splantzia and of St. Catherine. On Holy Saturday the Resurrection is impressive at Trimartiri and at the Tzagarolon Monastery in Akrotiri.
In many parts of Chania the burning of Judas is revived. On the night of the Resurrection after «Christ is Risen», Judas, who is placed on a pyre of wood and branches -known as Fournara- is burned before the faithful. On the Holy Saturday table there is magiritsa and gardoubakia, while on Easter Sunday the revelry ignites with lamb on the spit, antikristo, and the traditional kreatotourta.
The sights of Chania
The city of Chania is divided into two parts, the old and the new outside the walls. The Old Town of Chania is the jewel of the area, with the Venetian harbor and the Egyptian Lighthouse - signature landmark. Stroll through Chanias most photographed spots, where the imprint of the Venetians, Egyptians, Arabs, and Turks has remained indelible.
In Chania the atmosphere is unique and strolls are never dull. Walk along the harbor and to the Firka Fortress that stands at its entrance and offers panoramic views of the sea, watch the sunset, and visit the Maritime Museum housed there.
Amid Venetian mansions and cobbled lanes, you will find the Yali Tzami (Mosque of Küçük Hasan) and the Venetian Arsenals, Syntrivani Square, the old Turkish neighborhood of Splantzia, the Jewish quarter Ovriaki, and the Christian Topanas, with their impressive Venetian buildings.
Continue your walk outside the walls, to Koum Kapi with its tavernas and meze eateries, to the Municipal Garden and the Municipal Market, an iconic 1913 building where you can discover the local gastronomy. Stroll through Tabakaria, with its long tannery history and striking buildings. In the Halepa neighborhood, it is worth seeing the House of Halepa, the Eleftherios Venizelos House - Museum, which was the statesmans family home. The new Archaeological Museum of Chania, as well as the Municipal Art Gallery, are also worth a visit.
Spring excursions
Just a few kilometers outside the city you can visit the Tombs of the Venizelos on the hill of Prophet Elias and the village of Vamos with its nostalgic character. In Akrotiri you will discover the old monasteries, the Agia Triada Tzagarolon Monastery, the Gouverneto Monastery, the ruins of Katholiko Monastery, and Panagia Arkoudiotissa.
If youre in the mood for exploration, take an excursion to the historic village of Theriso or to Sfakia and the small seaside Loutro. Samaria Gorge is ideal for hiking amid the areas enchanting nature and beaches such as Balos, Falassarna, Elafonisi, and Agia Marina are perfect for the first dips. Dont miss tasting the famed traditional dishes such as gamopilafo, snails, and antikristo, all accompanied by the local raki.
