An experience that combines the warmth of Greek hospitality with the magical festive air. So let’s explore what one can do in three of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades: Santorini, Mykonos and Naxos. Interesting, right?
The Cyclades, this group of islands in the Aegean, known for its peaceful beauty and traditional character, bring out a unique Christmas feeling.
An experience that combines the warmth of Greek hospitality with the magical festive air. So let’s explore what one can do in three of the most beautiful islands of the Cyclades: Santorini, Mykonos and Naxos. Interesting, right?
Santorini: Romantic Paradise with a Volcano View
Christmas in Santorini is a unique experience as the romantic island hosts a number of events and celebrations. A walk in the white alleys of Oia, with the houses illuminated by thousands of lights, is a must, while a dinner with a view of the volcano, the delicious dishes of the local cuisine and the wine from the local vineyard will impress you like nothing else. A particularly exciting event this year at Christmas is the Christmas Village that will be set up on the island and will enchant young and old alike!
Houses in Santorini are decorated with white, red and green lights, while seaside villages such as Oia are lit up with thousands of lights, creating an impressive Christmas atmosphere.
One of the most characteristic customs, as in every part of Greece, is the cutting of the king pie on New Year’s Eve. The family gathers around the table, and the lucky person who finds the hidden pie flour is considered blessed for the whole year. “Carols” are also reverently observed in traditional Santorini and the local youth who sing their favorite Christmas carols, receiving small gifts or sweets from each house.
The cost of transportation by boat to and from Santorini at Christmas starts from 116 euros per person, and by plane from 280 euros per person. Prices for hotels in Santorini vary, but an average cost for a good hotel can start from around 80 euros per night, while the most luxurious options can reach 200 euros and more per night. Costs for meals range from around 20 to 40 euros per person, depending on the restaurant, while prices for activities such as guided tours, museum entrances, etc., can be around 30-50 euros per person.
Thus, the total cost for a weekly trip to Santorini can range from around 1000 to 2000 euros per person, taking into account all of the above. However, the magic of Christmas in Santorini is undeniably priceless and certainly if you choose it as a destination, you will find that it is worth every euro.
Mykonos: Lively Nightlife and Festive Parties
Mykonos, with its lively nightlife, offers a completely different Christmas experience. While most islands in Greece are known for traditional holidays, Mykonos has a unique way of celebrating Christmas.
Of course the island is lit up with thousands of lights like any other region of Greece at Christmas and the restaurants offer delicious Greek cuisine with a modern twist, but no other place organizes amazing themed parties in its full range. Christmas in Mykonos is a glitzy festive experience, unlike the classic Greek custom. The insular vitality and international reputation of the island create a unique style at this time.
Mykonos, known for its intense nightlife, stands out with a set of Christmas events and parties that evolve into world-famous clubs. The center of Chora is illuminated with colorful lights, while restaurants serve festive dishes with a unique Mykonian flavor.
One of the most widespread customs is the Asia Minor festivities, originating from the refugees of Asia Minor, combining music, dance and food that you cannot miss.
The cost of ferry transportation from the port of Piraeus per person with a return starts from 105 euros, while plane tickets also with a return from Athens range from approximately 150 to 200 euros per person. Continuing, the hotels in Mykonos are known for their luxury, so an average cost for a luxury hotel can start from around 150 euros a night, while the even more luxurious options can reach over 500 euros. When it comes to food, the restaurants in Mykonos cover all tastes and the cost for a meal can be around 30-50 euros per person. Finally, activities such as horseback riding, special events and more can add to the cost significantly. In any case, the cost depends on your choices, but an estimate is around 50-100 euros per person.
Total cost for a weekly trip to Mykonos can start from 1000 and go up significantly per person, depending on the choices you make in each of the above areas. A trip to Mykonos during Christmas is an opportunity to enjoy the high quality infrastructure, unique nightlife and luxurious lifestyle of the island at a more affordable price if you choose.
Naxos: Family Atmosphere and Traditional Holidays
In contrast to the luxury of Santorini and the lively nightlife of Mykonos, Naxos offers a family and traditional Christmas experience. Picturesque villages such as Chora and Apeiranthos are full of local festive meals and events.
You can participate in traditional dances, taste local delicacies, and enjoy the relaxed pace of island life since Christmas on this island is an opportunity for family and community to come together.
Center of attention in terms of Christmas customs and traditions of Naxos, is the cutting of the king pie. Tradition says that the first piece should go to the Captain of the house, in order to protect himself in the coming year. In families, parents gather with their children to decorate the Christmas tree and prepare the house for the festive season. Naxos is known for its traditional dances, and often, during Christmas, there are group dances with the participation of the whole village. In Naxos, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Authentic Greek Christmas Experience!
In terms of cost, return ferry tickets to Naxos for one person start from €104, while air tickets start from €130 per person, depending on the booking period. For accommodation, the island offers a wide range of options with an average price for a good hotel or a traditional villa starting at around 50 euros per night. The local cuisine in Naxos is not tasty and rich in traditional flavors with the cost of a meal ranging from 15 to 30 euros per person, depending on the restaurant. Castle exploration, traditional dances and sightseeing tours can add around 30 to 50 euros per person, with the total cost for a week in Naxos coming to 500 to 600 euros per person. If you just want to change shows, smell island air but still enjoy the well-known and beloved Christmas Greece, then Naxos is the ideal Cycladic island for you!
Christmas in the Cyclades offers a unique combined experience of the traditional with the modern, the relaxing with the dynamic. A trip that will leave unforgettable memories and unite you with Greek tradition and hospitality is what the Cyclades islands can offer you.
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Source :Skai
I am Frederick Tuttle, who works in 247 News Agency as an author and mostly cover entertainment news. I have worked in this industry for 10 years and have gained a lot of experience. I am a very hard worker and always strive to get the best out of my work. I am also very passionate about my work and always try to keep up with the latest news and trends.
