Enjoy the authentic greek moments!

This year, don't miss your chance to experience one of the best Greek institutions, the panigiri (or panigiria in plural) the religious fairs celebrating the patron saint of a region with traditional Greek music, dancing and food (so much food…). Just book your tickets with Let's Ferry and enjoy an authentic Greek moment! However, before we put you in the mood, let us remind you that due to the pandemic, before traveling to one of the Greek islands where the best panigiria are held, make sure you are informed if and when exactly the festivities will actually take place and check that you have all the necessary documents with you.

Small port in Santorini island

August

Santorini
When: Typically August 4th
Where: Mouzakia, Santorini
What: The festival of the Holy Seven Children takes place on a private beach between Imerovigli and Oia, which few would have known if this religious holiday did not exist. You can only access the spot by boats that you will take from various points of the island, such as Athinios. Santorini wine and the island's famous fava beans spread await those who will find themselves in this unique seaside experience.

Fava beans in Santorini island

Amorgos
When: Typically on the 6th of August
Where: Loza, Amorgos' central square
What: Right on the day of the religious feast of the Transfiguration of Christ, the locals are involved in one of the greatest feasts of Amorgos which takes place in Chora, at Loza square with wine and local music. Loza is hidden at an altitude of 350 meters from the sea, (it was built here so as to be protected from pirate attacks). It is 5 km from Katapola and 17 from Aegiali.

Beautiful Church in Amorgos island

Ithaki
When: Typically on the 6th of August
Where: Stavros village, central square
What: On the eve and on the day of the Transfiguration of Christ, a unique island feast is set up in Ithaki, where the whole island gathers to eat, drink and dance. Stavros nestles on a mountain 16 km away from the port of Pisaetos and 7 km from Vathi.
Ithaki is considered as a natural link to Kefalonia island. The beaches of Myrtos and Asos with their icy turquoise shades are waiting for you. All you have to do is make an online reservation for cheap ferry tickets to Kefalonia through Let's Ferry.

Crystal waters in Ithaki island

Syros
When: Typically August 8th
Where: Danakos, Syros
What: Multi faceted Syros organizes a festival in the church of Agios Kyriakos in Danakos, the village where the rembetiko (the Greek blues) music master Markos Vamvakaris was born. Turkish delights, wine and local delicacies are offered to everyone! Danakos is located 8 km from the capital of Ermoupolis and 4 from Galissas.

The Turkish delights in Syros island

August 15th
This is the feast of feasts, the biggest panigiri of the summer, held in several different islands, each in their own style:

Astypalaia
Where: Panagia Portaitisa church, at the island's chora
What: Enjoy the island's traditional costumes, music with violins and daouli drums and the local delicacy lambriano stuffed lamb, cooked by the women of Astypalaia.

The beautiful Chora in Astypalaia island

Paros
Where: Panagia Ekatontapiliani church, Parikia
What: Celebrations for the Assumption of the Virgin Mary begin a few days earlier with a procession of the icon. When the sun goes down, the boats of Paros are lit, celebrating the religious holiday in their own way, while a feast with wine and plenty of food is set up on land. Parikia is at the port of the island and the church is a few minutes walk from the boat. There are buses from Naoussa and other villages that will take you to the heart of the festival.

Panagia Ekatontapiliani Church in Paros island

Nisyros
Where: Church of Panagia Spiliani, Mandraki, Nisyros
What: The festival of Panagia Spiliani is a very religious, quiet affair, centered around the enniameritises (nine-day women). These women stay in the cells of the monastery for 9 days offering voluntary work to care of the site before the celebrations begin.

Church in Nisyros island

Ikaria
Where: Langada, Raches
What: This is the queen of all panigiria. Ikaria is famous for organising the best religious fairs in Greece, the Langada one being the most popular one. Wine, local rasko baby goat and as much fun as one can take in! Many travelers prefer the month of September for their holidays, in order to enjoy more privacy, lower prices and calm sea. Let's Ferry offers you all available itineraries for your trip.

Traditional square in Greek island Ikaria

September
Sifnos
When: Typically on the 6th of September
Where: Agios Sostis, Sifnos
What: With a strong traditional and religious character, this feast will treat you with the best chickpea soup, as well as local braised beef with spaghetti and red wine. To get there, you have to walk 45 minutes from the island Chora. Fortunately, September is an ideal month for walking.

The beautiful beach in Sifnos island

Zakynthos
When: Typically on the 9th of September
Where: Kalipado, Zakynthos
What: The festival of Panagia Spiloula (small cave) takes place in a private church built inside a rock, which on the days of the festival opens its doors to the public to worship the icon of the Virgin Mary and enjoy the view to Kefalonia island. Of course, this is a good opportunity to get supplies of pastel, mandoles, mandolato and fitoures, a local delicacy made from semolina. Kalipado is 7 km from the port.

The Ionian mandolato

Donoussa
When: 17th of September
Where: Mersini, Donoussa
What: On the day of Agia Sofia, in the Saint's church, you will get the chance to sample the traditional xerotigana sweets, as they are served abundantly. Mersini is about 6 km from the port.
Island hop around the Little Cyclades by booking boat tickets through Let's Ferry, with a single reservation to Schinousa and Koufonissia.

The beautiful Church in Donoussa island

Before your trip, visit letsferry.com to find out all the health regulations followed by the different shipping companies.