All the traditional destinations of the holiday season show an increased rate of bookings for the Easter days, with upward trends and last-minute prospects, both in mountainous and coastal, as well as island regions of the country.

According to the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers, the occupancy of the open hotels of most Easter destinations in the country will range from 70% to 90% during the Easter period, while in some cases they will reach 100%. However, the number of seasonal businesses that will restart their operations during Holy Week remains small compared to the total number of accommodations in the country (around 30%).

Most bookings concern trips abroad

The country’s tourist offices are talking about restoring the demand of Greeks for travel both domestically and abroad, which in each case is triple compared to 2022, this year’s Easter travel season.

In domestic travelprotagonist again this year in Corfu, which is known for its traditional Easter customs.

Nafplion, Kastoria, Pieria, Messinia, Xylokastro, Meteora, Porto Heli, Zagorochoria, as well as island destinations such as Rhodes, Patmos, Crete, Zakynthos, Chios, Mytilini, Syros, Skyros, Kythira.

As for them foreign destinationsthe Greeks prefer European destinations such as Italy, the Iberian Peninsula (Spain – Portugal), S. France, Paris, Budapest, Strasbourg, Cyprus, Vienna, Bruges and also America.

In addition, Jerusalem, Constantinople and Egypt, due to their Patriarchates, are for another year a pole of attraction for Greeks, in the context of the religious ideal.

In general, so far, most bookings concern trips abroad, with a ratio of 7 (foreign) to 3 (Greece).

High occupancy on the Greek islands during the Easter season

Mykonos and Santorini may claim significant shares of the incoming tourist flow during the Easter period, however most Greek islands are betting on the Easter days to increase their tourist flows and enter the new tourist season with the right hand.

Patmos: Occupancy reaches 100% – Impressive is the ceremony of the Holy Washbasin, a 400-year-old custom

“Easter in Patmos returns with many special customs open to the public, after three years. In the accommodations that will operate, occupancy already reaches 100%. Overcrowding, local cuisine and unique traditions will “steal” the show. Among other things, the ceremony of the Holy Washbasin, a 400-year-old custom, will impress our visitors”, says the Mayor of Patmos, Lefteris Pentas, to APE-MPE.

Ios: Ios will become a center of attraction at Easter for young people who are not permanent residents

The Mayor of Ieton Gikas Gikas notes to APE-MPE that “Ios will become a pole of attraction at Easter for young people who are not permanent residents but also visitors who wish to get in touch with the historical identity of the island. The “balls”, the “swings” with young girls and boys, traditionally dressed to set up swings at the entrance of the Chora and the impressive procession of epitaphs will star in a different island Easter that is full of traditions, local delicacies and centuries-old customs!”

Skopelos: Intense interest in Easter in Skopelos beyond expectations

“Despite the restrictions on ferry routes in the Sporades, there has been a strong interest in Easter in Skopelos beyond what was expected. The traditions, the local flavors and the picturesque settlements make up the ideal setting for Easter holidays on the island of Mamma Mia”, adds the President of the Tourism Committee of the Municipality of Skopelos, Ioanna Efstathiou, to APE-MPE.

Kalymnos: Pole of attraction the 14 epitaphs in the picturesque port, Pothia

“At Easter, increased occupancy is expected in Kalymnos. On M. Paraskevi, the 14 epitaphs in the picturesque port, Pothia, will create an unrepeatable immersive atmosphere. In Kalymnos, Easter is identified with “mouuri”, a traditional recipe with stuffed lamb or goat that is slow-roasted all night on Holy Saturday. On Easter Sunday at noon there will be a traditional feast with local dance groups”, the Mayor of Kalymnos, Dimitris Diakomichalis, points out to APE-MBE.

Naxos: The island expects more than 70% occupancy in most accommodations

“Easter in Naxos is reminiscent of a “palette” of colors, aromas, tastes and emotions. Occupancy will be high, over 70%, in most accommodations that will be open. The range of options to explore in picturesque villages, the original customs every day and our competitive prices combined with an excellent quality of service will be the “recipe” for the ideal Easter this year for many Greek travelers”, explains to APE-MPE the Deputy Mayor of Naxos and Small Cyclades Tourism, Vangelis Katsaras.

Karpathos: The island will be flooded with expatriate Carpathians

“In Karpathos, the customs of Holy Week and Easter have been preserved unchanged for centuries, offering visitors a shocking experiential experience in all villages without exception. Especially in Olympus, on Bright Tuesday the custom of the procession of the Icons stands out. Our island will be flooded by expatriate Carpathians who will come for the Holy Days, while the tourist traffic will be higher than in previous years”, said the Deputy Mayor of Tourism of the Municipality of Karpathos, Manolis Paragyios, to APE-MBE.