Greece in April is a time when the country bursts into riots of colour with vistas of blooming poppies and geraniums, the days become delightfully longer, Fuschia Bougainvillea thrives in between whitewashed villas, and the country unites to celebrate Greek Orthodox Easter. April is simply one of the best months to visit Greece. Aside from the lush scenery, hotels are more affordable, streets are less crowded, and you can bask in the utmost serenity.
A spring getaway to the Greek islands is a fabulous idea, along with outdoor adventures all over the country. And the icing on the cake – a more relaxed atmosphere in Athens awaits. Anything is possible during the lovely long days of spring.
If you’re planning a trip to Greece in April, prepare to be rewarded with a one-of-a-kind holiday.
The information below will give you the essential knowledge and tips for the perfect spring trip!
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Where to Go in Greece in April
Several places are a must-see during spring when travelling through Greece in April. With the absence of tourists, you’re in for a more authentic experience, especially in the capital city of Athens. It is a calmer time to explore ancient attractions without the blistering heat.
With warmer weather, island destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, and Corfu invite you to relish entire coastlines to yourself.
The milder sun also calls for outdoor adventures that are simply too exhausting during the summer months. From water rafting in the Peloponnese and sailing in the Sporades Islands to hiking Mount Olympus in Central Macedonia and river trekking, the Panta Vrehei Waterfalls in Central Greece, Greece in spring, boasts ideal conditions for ample outdoor fun.
What to Do / Best Places to Visit / Unique Experiences
Athens
Among the best places to visit while in Greece in April is its enthralling capital, Athens. Not only is it flecked with vibrant colour, embodied by the blooming poppies, daisies and flowering lilac trees in between ancient monuments and distinctive neighbourhoods, but it is also a great time to stroll around the city comfortably.
Climb the towering Mount Lycabettus, with a temperate sun pushing you forward, or amble through the ancient spots of the Acropolis, the Neoclassical Trilogy, and the Agora during this quieter season. This 4-day Escape to Athens is a fantastic tour for experiencing most of the ancient city on spring break.
Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! Let’s face it, Santorini isn’t the same, with hundreds of tourists around every corner and at every sunset spot. In Santorini in April, you get the chance to share these moments with a quarter of the crowd, maybe just with the locals or even only with yourself! Tour the whitewashed island at your own pace, hike from Fira to Oia with sunny views and (mostly) cloudless skies, and lounge peacefully on Kamari Beach without the hubbub. For a memorable Santorini stay, check out this 10-Day All-Inclusive Luxury Santorini tour. Visiting the Peloponnese in April is the perfect idea to experience authentic Greek Easter celebrations. In Nafplio, processions and Easter egg hunts take over the romantic city, while in Kalamata, the saitopolemos (fireworks competition) dazzles the sky, all while Leonidio witnesses the launch of hundreds of fire lanterns into the twilight. Aside from the unique Easter customs, the mild weather during this time is ideal for numerous outdoor activities, including canyoning, climbing, and more. Take your pick between action-packed tours, such as this 11-Day Peloponnese Hiking Adventure and our 7-Day Mythical Peloponnese trip that combines the land and the sea for the ultimate Greek escapade. The highlight of April in Greece is the Easter celebrations that take hold of the whole country. If you’re planning a trip to Greece in April, you must tailor it to the festivities of Greek Easter. Keep in mind that Greek Orthodox Easter follows the Julian calendar, unlike the Catholic Easter which is tied to the Gregorian calendar. Make sure to check the dates ahead of your trip! On Holy Thursday, it is tradition to make koulourakia (butter Easter cookies) and dye hard-boiled eggs red, which will only be eaten on the night of Holy Saturday. While Holy Friday is a day of mourning, Holy Saturday springs with excitement upon the resurrection of Jesus. Churchgoers clutch their personal Greek Easter candles as they enthusiastically hymn under a night sky lit with fireworks. Upon returning home, you may crack your Easter egg and consequently feast on mageiritsa, a wholesome soup of lamb intestines and lettuce. Easter Sunday continues the celebration and feasting, but this day it’s juicy lamb roasts. If you’re in Greece at Easter, chances are you’ll be invited to someone’s home to share in the jubilation. Saint George is one of the most revered saints in Greece, calling for major celebrations all over the country on his name day in April. In buzzing Skiathos, horse races are organised to commemorate the day, while in northeastern city Xanthi, young wrestlers (pechlivanides), who are anointed with oil and don leather trousers, engage in Greco-Roman wrestling, whereby the winner forces his opponent on his back or removes his bottoms. Farmers in the small village of Asi Gonia in Crete, milk their sheep that are bedecked with melodic bells in the churchyard and subsequently distribute the fresh milk and homemade cheese to attendants. Experiencing any one of these unique festivities truly delivers another authentic side to Greece that not everyone can say that they’ve had the privilege to experience. Designer Journeys’ network of in-destination Local Designers will use their expert knowledge, local insight and travel planning skills to design your ultimate Greece experience. Begin designing your journey today! Perhaps one of the most picturesque marathons globally, athletes shouldn’t give this event a miss. Typically held in April, races follow a panoramic coastal route that will easily sway your mind from the flat, but nonetheless gruelling, the path ahead. Choose between a marathon, half-marathon, a 10-kilometre, and 5-kilometre race, each taking you through the UNESCO-listed Medieval City of Rhodes. Go for this 7-Day Majestic Rhodes Luxury and Discovery tour and time it with the Rhodes Marathon for an unrivalled holiday! April in Greece is when the wildflowers burst into bloom, and the sun stays out for longer. Though it’s not quite swimming weather yet (around 15°C), the weather is nonetheless delightful. However, instances of rain are expected but aren’t prevalent. On mainland Greece, temperatures hover between 11 and 20°C, while the Greek islands bask in a more satisfying sun with a heat averaging about 20°C. The islands of Kos, Corfu, Santorini, Evia, and Crete are among the hottest islands during this time, making Greece a prime time for a spring island getaway. For the ultimate travel inspiration, local insight straight from our expert Local Designers and exclusive offers you won’t find anywhere else from Designer Journeys, sign up today! Don’t miss out.
April’s pleasant conditions also label the month as an ideal time for the outdoors and sightseeing. Grab a backpack and explore the Vikos Gorge without the scathing heat. The same goes for touring the Acropolis in a comfortable manner and without the congestion of summer tourists. Keep in mind that nights can get quite chilly, so come prepared with at least one light jacket and some warm layers. For a more authentic image of Greece – void of the summer crowds and higher prices and featuring pleasant heat – April is an ideal time to visit. With the sun out, Greek island hopping is still enjoyable, outdoor activities dominate the country, and exploring Athens is pleasant without being a shoulder to shoulder with curious tourists. To find your perfect trip to Greece in April, scroll through our gallery of fully customisable Greece trips or connect with our Local Designers based in Greece and watch them curate your dream holiday!Planning to Visit Greece?
Santorini
Peloponnese
Festivals / Special Events
Greek Orthodox Easter, Holy Week
The Feast of Saint George (Agios Georgios)
Planning to Visit Greece?
Roads to Rhodes Marathon
Weather in Greece in April
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Things to Know Before You Go
