April is a fabulous month to visit the Greek islands. The weather is delightfully sunny and has warmed sufficiently for sunbathing, while the seas are just about warm enough for short dips. Wildflowers are in bloom and Easter festivities add their own magical color. Shoulder-season prices still offer a bargain, many bars and nightclubs have reopened, and while this is the cusp of tourist season, the crowds haven’t yet arrived.
Spring has gracefully made its entrance, gracing the Greek landscape with a plethora of radiant, sun-kissed days, immaculate, cloudless skies, and a noticeable absence of rainfall. While the vibrant city of Athens typically records an average temperature of 68ºF (20ºC) during this period, the enchanting islands of the Cyclades, the historically rich Dodecanese, and the captivating island of Crete tend to experience slightly warmer conditions, often registering a degree or two higher. For those travelers arriving from more northern, cooler climates, the weather on these islands might even evoke the feeling of an early summer. However, it’s important to note that the waters of both the Aegean and Ionian Seas are still in the process of warming up from the winter months and generally remain too cool for comfortably engaging in swimming activities.
Despite this, the arrival of spring presents a truly fabulous opportunity for engaging in a wide array of outdoor pursuits, such as invigorating biking excursions, challenging hiking adventures, and various other active endeavors. The weather is perfectly suited for exploring the diverse landscapes and historical sites that Greece has to offer. It’s worth keeping in mind that the evenings can still retain a certain coolness, so it’s advisable to pack a light fleece jacket in addition to your swimwear and sunscreen, ensuring you’re prepared for any temperature variations you might encounter.
A steady and noticeable flow of visitors is now beginning to make its way into Greece, signaling the start of the tourist season. This includes the arrival of organized tour groups, and the majestic cruise ships are starting to make their presence known at popular island destinations like Santorini and other major islands. However, despite this increased activity, you can still relish the experience of exploring the Greek islands without being overwhelmed by the large crowds that are typical of the peak summer months.
Hotels across Greece generally implement shoulder season rates during this time, presenting travelers with attractive bargains and cost-effective accommodation options while these special rates remain in effect. It’s important to be aware that during Easter week, hotel prices tend to rise due to increased demand, and many restaurants, as well as the majority of museums and archaeological sites, may temporarily close their doors in observance of the holiday.
When deciding on your travel destinations within Greece, the most sought-after island venues offer an ideal combination of favorable factors. You’ll encounter a relatively smaller number of fellow visitors compared to the summer rush, and the weather is typically mild and sunny, creating conditions that seem tailor-made for sightseeing and exploring the islands’ many attractions. This period provides a wonderful opportunity to embark on a ferry-hopping adventure, island-hopping from Corfu all the way to Crete, taking in the unique character of each destination. The party scene on islands like Ios, Mykonos, and Santorini is also beginning to liven up, though it’s not yet as intense or overwhelming as it will become during the height of the summer season.
Given that the water temperatures are still too chilly for comfortable swimming and the weather isn’t consistently ideal for day-long sunbathing, it’s a great idea to focus your days on engaging in hiking activities, immersing yourself in the rich culture, and embarking on sightseeing excursions. The island of Corfu is a particularly appealing choice, as it checks all the boxes for a well-rounded travel experience. It boasts numerous museums, picturesque villages with their own unique charm, and a network of trails that meander through some of the most stunning landscapes the islands have to offer. Easter is also an especially captivating time to visit, allowing you to witness and even partake in the local celebrations, such as the unique tradition of pot-smashing on Holy Saturday, a spectacle that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Hikers will find themselves spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting hiking destinations. Almost every island in Greece is adorned with a network of well-maintained trails, and the isles are lush with vibrant green foliage and an abundance of spring flowers that bloom with unrestrained enthusiasm. In the Northern Aegean region, the island of Chios, often referred to as “Homer’s homeland” and recognized as Greece’s fifth-largest island, stands out as an exceptional ecotourism destination. You can combine a visit to the Mastic Museum, where you can delve into the history and significance of the island’s aromatic gum, with invigorating hikes to the Byzantine monastery of Nea Moni, the striking black-sand beach at Mavra Volia, and the charming village of Kampochora, where you can witness the short-lived but breathtaking display of wild tulips in full bloom. If you happen to be visiting during Easter, make sure to head to the village of Vrontados to witness the spectacular rouketopollemos, a tradition also known as the rocket war, where various churches engage in a friendly competition of firing rockets at each other!
**April Events**
**Feast of St. George:** This significant Greek Orthodox ceremony is typically celebrated on April 23rd each year. However, if Easter falls after this date, the celebration is moved to Easter Monday. The Feast of St. George is typically hosted at monasteries, churches, and in rural communities, as St. George is revered as the patron saint of shepherds. The celebrations are marked by festive feasting and lively dancing.
**Holy Week/Easter:** Easter stands as the most important and significant religious festival in the Greek Orthodox calendar. Every island throughout Greece will host some form of celebration, which typically involves extensive feasting and often culminates in dazzling fireworks displays. It’s worth noting that most museums and archaeological sites, as well as many shops and some restaurants, will be closed during this time in observance of the holiday. Easter is preceded by Holy Week, which can sometimes fall in March. If you have the opportunity, head to Chios to witness the unparalleled “rocket war” that is fought between the Eastern Orthodox churches in the village.
Traveling to Greece in April? Consider exploring these exceptional itineraries, which showcase the best of what the Greek islands have to offer.
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