The Easter period has always been the prologue to summer and all those beautiful things that come with it. Especially this year, Easter will be our road to liberation from this tough period that seems to have lasted for ages, thus we need to cherish it as best as we can. And we will definitely combine the beauty of Greece with its unique Easter customs and summery feeling at the most!

This time, we, at The Greek Villas, will walk you through our favourite 3 destinations to enjoy Easter in Greece along with our top 2 villas in each one.

Corfu

The protagonist of Greek Easter is no other place than Corfu. The queen of the Ionian islands offers an exceptional combination of religious and Venetian customs that come together in the most distinctive festivities throughout the Holy Week. Philharmonic orchestras and municipal choirs play and sing traditional Greek songs, religious hymns and pieces of classical composers, like Verdi, in a multicultural feast honouring life. The celebrations peak on the Holy Saturday when everyone gathers at Corfu Town to participate in the most anticipated custom of the season: Botides. There, people throw clay post filled with water from their balconies in a symbolic action to get rid of the old and make space for the new. A super festive ambience that serves as a prelude for the celebrations of the following hours! The culinary aspect of Corfiot Easter includes all typical Greek Easter dishes, like lamb on a spit and “kokoretsi” along with the local “tsilichourda” (a soup with meat and an egg-lemon sauce), the “kolombines” (a type of Easter bread) and “fogatsa” (the Corfiot Easter brioche).

Stay in…

Head to the northern part of the island and, more specifically, Kassiopi area, an untouched, verdant paradise that offers seclusion, tranquillity and abundant nature. Away from crowds that usually gather on the island during Easter, here you will enjoy the untouched, authentic character of the island in two of the most exclusive luxury villas in Corfu: Villa Adriana, ideal for 14 guests, and Villa Amelia, hosting up to 10 guests, will steal your heart and mind with their aristocratic feel, contemporary comforts and sweeping panoramic views.

Santorini

For the romantic souls out there, Santorini is not only the most photogenic place in Greece but also one of the favourite destinations for Easter escapes. Stunning and seducing, Santorini is a geological monument that, by itself, creates awe to its visitors. Dotted with dozens of small churches and flooded with pristine sea views, its divine spirit is overwhelming all year-round, but especially during Easter. Apart from the usual Greek Easter customs, Santorini’s most enthralling event takes place in the village of Pyrgos, where thousands of cans scattered in the rooftops and paddocks of the houses are lit, creating a resplendent, mesmerizing spectacle that allures locals and visitors alike. As for the food, the volcanic soil of Santorini with its miraculous qualities turns all typical Easter dishes into a brand-new culinary experience.

Stay in…

Indulge in the unearthly ambience of the island and the devoutness of Easter right in the epicentre of the festive spirit, Pyrgos. Choose between two of the top luxury villas in Santorini, Villa Citrine and Villa Fuchsia. Villa Citrine is an architectural masterpiece with asymmetric volumes and minimal aesthetics, posing as the best option for a large group of friends. Villa Fuchsia is a typical Santorinian home with its whitewashed walls lined with natural stone and the best choice for families with young children.

Paros

Addressing the party animals that want to combine an intense summer feeling and a cosmopolitan atmosphere with their Easter break, Paros is your choice. The island’s traditional villages with their paved narrow alleys and colourful gardens that exude intoxicating aromas from the flowers that start to bloom is a beautiful backdrop to the numerous festivities that take place during Easter. Various religious representations, litanies and epitaph processions peak on Holy Saturday. Easter Sunday is a vibrant party that continues until the next day with multiple open fairs in various villages.

Stay in…

Ronaldo Estate, one of the largest luxury villas in Paros that can host 26 people, will be the ideal match to a large group of friends or families. Located on a hilltop with stunning sea views and utter seclusion, only an 8-minute drive from Naoussa, the epicentre of the celebrations, the property comprises of two fully independent villas and two swimming pools. On the other hand, for those who need tranquillity, Villa Novak, on the southern tip of the island, Faragas area, is an exquisite property with an artsy feel, various fitness and wellbeing facilities and an outdoor home cinema area. Airy spaces, panoramic views and absolute serenity will embrace your escape and your private Easter dining.