Thessaloniki is a city with deep historical roots and a rich cultural heritage. It is true that it is one of the most attractive places to spend Easter in Greece. However, for those who want something different, there are top Easter destinations near Thessaloniki that promise unique opportunities to experience the authentic Orthodox Easter experience in Greece through traditional customs.
In most regions of Greece, there are more or less the same customs. First, the traditional dyeing of the eggs on Holy Thursday, then the ceremony of the procession of the Epitaph on Good Friday, followed by the process of raking the eggs on Holy Saturday and the preparation of cooking on the same day, and finally the spitting of the lamb on Easter Sunday.
In this article, we will recommend the top Easter destinations near Thessaloniki!
Easter destinations: Kavala
Kavala, just 1 hour and 42 minutes from Thessaloniki by road, is an ideal destination for Easter. While you may not encounter customs unknown in other parts of Greece, the charm and atmosphere of the city make it a unique choice for the festive days. Get ready to experience an authentic Easter, filled with devotion, tradition and of course the unparalleled beauty of Kavala. Indeed, the city is built amphitheatrically with the Aegean Sea stretching out in front of it. Kavala also has an extremely rich cultural heritage and many places of historical interest. Apart from the impressive monuments of the Ottoman period, Kavala stands out for its tobacco warehouses. Tobacco production was a basic activity for its inhabitants. It is also worth visiting the Archaeological Site of Philippi, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Easter destinations: Ioannina
Ioannina is 2 hours and 44 minutes from the city of Thessaloniki by car. Easter in Ioannina is a festive period that combines religious festivity with the traditional flavors and the richness of the nature of the region, creating a magical atmosphere. It is true that in Ioannina there are many attractions worth visiting. Of course, Lake Pamvotida with its little island stands out. During Easter and with the characteristics of the Christian faith being present everywhere in the city, a visit to the Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas is undoubtedly one of the worthwhile options. Furthermore, the Metropolitan Church of Ioannina, located on the west bank of the island, with its refined wooden carved iconostasis and rich decoration, is also an important spot that highlights the orthodoxy of the region. Apart from Ioannina, the villages of the prefecture are top destinations for Easter, attracting a large number of visitors. More specifically Metsovo and Zagorohoria are the ones that stand out.
Destination for Easter: Pelion
Pelion is located in Volos, a 3-hour drive from Thessaloniki. Both Volos and the traditional villages of Pelion are filled with visitors during Holy Week, as many choose to spend Easter in the most traditional way. The truth is that Pelion is made up of 24 traditional villages, with some being better known, such as Makrinitsa, Portaria, Tsagarada and Milies. Easter in Pelion is an experience that combines the spiritual and religious dimension of the celebration with the authentic hospitality and gastronomic delights of the region. It is an opportunity to discover the richness of Pelion’s tradition and culture and experience the magic of Easter in a picturesque village with beautiful natural landscapes.
Destination for Easter: Arnea
Arnea is located in Halkidiki, 1 hour and 15 minutes from Thessaloniki by car. This picturesque town is built amphitheatrically at an altitude of 600 meters, at the foot of the dense mountain range of Holomontas. In Arnaia, the Easter customs are revived with great tradition and participation of the local community. On the first day of the festivities, the villagers gather in the square wearing traditional costumes. This festive gathering is accompanied by the distribution of buns and red eggs to the attendees, creating a beautiful and warm atmosphere of celebration. In addition, of great interest is the custom of the candelabra. This particular custom is named after a large cantarion (cantaloupe) that the inhabitants hang on the century-old plane tree in the central square. This cantar was used to weigh mainly those who weighed a lot of kilos, and in the past it was a proof for those who claimed to have fasted during Lent.
To sum up, there are top Easter destinations near Thessaloniki that are worth visiting to experience the Easter customs. By renting your car from Alpha Drive, you have the flexibility to travel with great ease and make your ideal trip.
Rent your vehicle in Thessaloniki online or call our reservations department Tel: +30 2310447878, Tel: +30 6944736008.