How to celebrate an epic Easter in Athens

With a calendar full of events, Easter in Athens is marked by local traditions that feel as timeless as its historic sights like the Parthenon. Greek Orthodox Easter is a big celebration with candlelit vigils, family feasts, and a community spirit. While many Athenians leave for the islands or countryside, staying in town means you can embrace all the things to do in Athens at Easter, from enjoying a typical meal with soup and lamb to watching a mesmerizing candlelit Good Friday procession at the Church of Agios Georgios. For a taste of Greek traditions, this is how to spend Easter in Athens.

Everything you need to know about Easter in Athens

Easter traditions: Holy Week services, Good Friday processions, midnight liturgies, red-dyed eggs, and Easter feasts.
Best free Easter activity: Attend or watch a candlelit Good Friday procession.
Seasonal food to try: tsoureki (sweet Greek bread), magiritsa soup (Easter soup), and spit-roasted lamb.
Average temperatures around Easter: 55-70 F (13-21 C).

1. Join a Good Friday procession in Plaka

On Good Friday, the cobblestone lanes of Plaka witness Easter processions carrying the Epitaphios (a symbolic bier of Christ). Accompanied by hymns, these processions are an inspiring display of Athens’ religious devotion. You can join the processions, walk alongside them, or watch from nearby as they move through the streets.

Highlight

The procession routes usually pass by some of Athens’ most iconic landmarks, including the Ancient Agora, a historical hub of commerce and social gatherings.

Address

Plaka, Athens, Greece.

2. Watch the Easter Procession from Agios Georgios

Atop Mount Lycabettus, the Church of Agios Georgios provides one of the best settings to watch the Easter procession in Athens. On Good Friday, the procession winds around the hilltop, with candles flickering against the night sky and panoramic views of the illuminated city below.

Insider tip

Wear sturdy shoes for the walk up the hill, or ride the cable car to the top.

Address

Athens 117 44, Greece.

Opening hours

Open 9:00 AM-5:00 PM every day (hours may vary).

3. Experience Midnight Mass at a historic church

Easter in Athens reaches its spiritual peak on Holy Saturday when locals gather at night at churches like the Metropolitan Church of Athens or Church of Panagia Kapnikarea for the midnight Resurrection Service. At the stroke of midnight, candles are lit, filling the air with warm light as people chant Christos anesti (Christ is risen).

Highlight

On Easter Saturday, witness the arrival of the Holy Fire from Jerusalem, at the Metropolis Church.

4. Shop for Easter goodies at the Central Market

Athens’ Central Municipal Market (Varvakios) is a burst of colors, smells, and sounds. The market is especially lively during Easter week, with locals shopping for lamb, spices, and tsoureki bread to prepare traditional holiday Athenian dishes. Grab eggs to make red-dyed eggs, typically eaten or used in an egg-tapping game called tsougrisma.

Highlight

Look for stalls selling lambades (decorated Easter candles), a key part of Greek Easter tradition.

Address

Νο 68 Βαρβακειος Αγορα, Athens, Greece.

Opening hours

Open Monday-Saturday, 7:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Sundays.

5. Savor a traditional Easter feast

Greek Easter is synonymous with a savory feast, and Athens’ tavernas (traditional Greek eateries) pull out all the stops. On the menu, you’ll find stables like roasted lamb, kokoretsi (offal wrapped in intestines), and Easter soup. Sweet treats like koulourakia (butter cookies) round out the feast.

Insider tip

Book a table in advance, if possible, especially around Easter, as tavernas can fill up quickly.

6. Discover the hills of Athens in spring

With sunny weather and blooming wildflowers, Easter is the ideal time to explore Athens’ iconic hills, such as Lycabettus and Filopappou Hill. These spots have some of the best views in Athens. From a sweeping vantage point, you can spot landmarks like the Acropolis.

Insider tip

Catch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill for a picture-perfect evening before watching the candlelit procession unfold.

7. Admire the National Garden in full bloom

Spring transforms the National Garden into a peaceful paradise with blossoming trees and vivid flowers, a perfect time to try a walking tour in Athens. Located near Syntagma Square, it’s a perfect spot for a family outing during Easter. The garden also has hidden treasures, like ancient ruins, on its grounds.

Highlight

One of the best things to do in Athens at Easter is to bring a picnic blanket and enjoy an afternoon in the garden.

Address

Leof. Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athina 105 57, Greece.

Opening hours

Open 6:30 AM-5:30 PM every day.

FAQs

Is Easter a good time to visit Athens?

Easter is one of the best times to visit Athens, thanks to fewer visitors compared to the peak summer season, and mild weather that’s ideal for exploring the city’s top sights, like the Acropolis or Mount Lycabettus.

What is the weather like in Athens during Easter?

Spring in Athens brings comfortable temperatures and mostly sunny days with the occasional light rain shower. It’s still a good idea to jacket and an umbrella for any sudden changes in weather.

Are there any special events or activities in Athens during Easter?

Grand Good Friday processions, midnight Resurrection Service at churches like the Metropolitan Cathedral, and large feasts with traditional Greek dishes are all part of Athens’ Easter traditions. Central markets like Varvakios fill with locals buying lamb and other Easter essentials. Locals often dye eggs red to use in tsougrisma.

Are things closed in Athens on Easter?

On Easter Sunday, many shops, museums, and services in Athens, including major attractions like the Acropolis, will be closed. However, some restaurants, grocery stores, and public parks will remain open.

What are some good weekend trips from Athens over Easter?

Great options for day trips from Athens for Easter weekend include Meteora for its clifftop monasteries or Nafplio for its old town and Venetian fortress. The island of Hydra, known for its car-free streets and traditional architecture, is another excellent choice.