Patmos among the top islands for Easter
The biggest Orthodox holiday in Greece is Easter. This year, Holy Week starts on Holy Monday, April 10, so Easter Sunday is on April 16, 2023. If you choose to spend Easter on an island, now is the right time to plan your vacation. The weather has already become much friendlier, almost ideal for strolling around cobbled streets, while days are longer, and clothes take up less space in your suitcase.
On the Let's Ferry website you will find ferry tickets, itineraries and all the information you need, to make your trip comfortable and economical.
If you are looking for the best islands for Easter, the list is long, since many stand out for their authentic festive atmosphere that blends harmoniously with tradition. Reservations usually start early and in order not to be left out, you need to find accommodation and book your tickets in time.
Patmos
If you want to spend your Easter holidays in a calm island and get to know the local traditions, choose the island of the Apocalypse. It is one of the most popular destinations for religious tourism. The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, the Cave of the Apocalypse and the Chora of the island have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The atmosphere during Easter is overwhelming and both residents and visitors get into the mood even from Palm Sunday. On Holy Wednesday, priests in all churches anoint the faithful with oil to purify their body and spirit. On Holy Thursday, a special custom takes place that has its roots in the 4th century, the "Ceremony of the Niptira", a ritual that takes place only in Patmos and Jerusalem, which is why many describe Patmos as "the Jerusalem of the Aegean". The Abbot of the Monastery of Agios Ioannis represents Christ and symbolically washes the feet of his twelve disciples. Then a procession begins, which symbolizes Christ's march to Gethsemane, where, following the betrayal of Judas, he was arrested by the Roman soldiers.
Skala, the port of Patmos
On Holy Friday, the Epitaphs meet in the square of Agia Levia, located in Skala, the port of Patmos and they reach Chora and the Cave of the Apocalypse. On Easter Sunday, during the Love Vespers at the Patmos Monastery, the Gospel is read in seven different languages (English, French, Italian, Russian, German, Serbian and Ancient Homeric Greek).
Also, during Easter, the locals organize a big feast where the traditional costumes of Patmos dominate and rich dishes such as eggs, local cheese pie, sweets and wine.
The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian
Patmos may be the center of celebrations during Easter. However, you will discover interesting customs and traditions in Corfu, Santorini and Tinos as well.
Corfu
The Easter customs on the island are the reason why the land of the Phaeacians gathers thousands of tourists every year. If you wake up early, on Holy Saturday it is worth going to the Virgin Mary of Xenon in the center of the city, for a special experience. It is all about the great earthquake, which according to the Scriptures, followed the first Resurrection of Jesus. So, around 6 am, worshipers begin to tap their feet on the floor so that the sound they create is reminiscent of an earthquake. A few hours later, people start gathering in Spianada square to see the custom of "Botides" up close. At 11 in the morning, at the time of the first Resurrection, the residents throw their Botides, the characteristic ceramic jugs filled with water, from their balconies, to the sounds of the Corfu Philharmonic Orchestra. Legend has it, that broken pieces bring luck, so you will see many people struggling to get a piece.
The famous custom of Botides in Corfu
Santorini
Relaxed, romantic, atmospheric, it's a great option if you're not after religious customs and crowds. It is a fact that Santorini does not get crowded like other islands during Easter and the atmosphere is much different than the bustling scene of summer. People gather in Fira and Oia, while the mountain villages have their fair share of traditional customs, with the most well-known being "Tenekedakia". On Holy Friday, countless tin lanterns are placed around the perimeter of Pyrgos Kallistis, in the village of Pyrgos, creating an unforgettable sight. In the same village, on Good Saturday, the Monastery of Prophet Elias is the best place to celebrate Resurrection of Jesus. At midnight, sparklers are not lit, but you are in the right place to see the ones that are lit in the various villages and have a panoramic view.
Easter on the island of Santorini, with the unique view
Tinos
Given it is a quite short trip from the port of Rafina, the island of the Virgin Mary is consistently being visited by many during the Easter days. On Good Friday, visitors are divided: Should they see the Epitaph on the Tower or go down to Chora, where the Epitaphs of the surrounding churches meet? In Pyrgos the atmosphere is special as the Epitaph passes through small back alleys, while in Chora the Epitaph of Agios Nikolaos heads to Kalamia beach. Opposite the island, is the rocky island of Handra on which illuminated crosses are placed. The priest enters the water and a memorial service is held for those who have lost their lives at sea. Finally, every Holy Saturday at noon, during the first Resurrection, lemon leaves are distributed by the church of the Virgin Mary of Tinos, symbolizing good fortune.
The Holy Church of Panagia of Tinos
Easter customs on the islands are the best way to relax and see unique traditions that remain unchanged over time. With a little organizing, you will have a unique spring break where you will see the Greek islands with a different outlook than summer. Book your cabin, a car or anything else that will make your trip more pleasant here, at Let's Ferry.