April in Greece?
Jun 22nd, 2019 | 08:04 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2
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April in Greece?
I have been a long-time lurker on these forums, using discussions and trip reports to plan my own travel. I have always found it extremely helpful.
I’m currently planning a trip to Greece, and I’ve happened upon a good deal for flights from the US in April 2020. Before I pull the trigger, I would appreciate some advice. April in Greece – yes or no? Off-season has its appeal – smaller crowds, lower prices – and we don’t mind cool weather. We’re thinking a few days on the mainland, Crete and/or Santorini and hopefully a quick trip to Delos, via Mykonos or Naxos; 16-18 days total in country.
Now for the challenges. I’ve read that seasonal businesses may not be operating in April, and that ferries will be limited. I assume airlines also reduce the number of flights they offer off-season. I can’t check hotels and ferry schedules this far in advance, so if anyone can provide details on the challenges we may experience, I would appreciate the information.
Easter falls on April 19th in 2020, which is not a problem for us – in fact it’s probably a plus. I’m thinking we could travel on Holy Thursday, possibly to Crete or Santorini, and settle in for the holiday period to enjoy the local festivities. Does that sound like a good plan? Does anyone have any recommendations regarding where to spend Easter?
Hopefully I can gather enough information here to make a decision regarding flight dates. Thanks in advance for your help!
I’m currently planning a trip to Greece, and I’ve happened upon a good deal for flights from the US in April 2020. Before I pull the trigger, I would appreciate some advice. April in Greece – yes or no? Off-season has its appeal – smaller crowds, lower prices – and we don’t mind cool weather. We’re thinking a few days on the mainland, Crete and/or Santorini and hopefully a quick trip to Delos, via Mykonos or Naxos; 16-18 days total in country.
Now for the challenges. I’ve read that seasonal businesses may not be operating in April, and that ferries will be limited. I assume airlines also reduce the number of flights they offer off-season. I can’t check hotels and ferry schedules this far in advance, so if anyone can provide details on the challenges we may experience, I would appreciate the information.
Easter falls on April 19th in 2020, which is not a problem for us – in fact it’s probably a plus. I’m thinking we could travel on Holy Thursday, possibly to Crete or Santorini, and settle in for the holiday period to enjoy the local festivities. Does that sound like a good plan? Does anyone have any recommendations regarding where to spend Easter?
Hopefully I can gather enough information here to make a decision regarding flight dates. Thanks in advance for your help!
Jun 22nd, 2019 | 10:24 AM
#2
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,682
Likes: 0
Friends of mine who live in the Cyclades have sent photos of how beautifully green the islands are in April, a total contrast to the barren look of summer and early autumn. Easter would be a wonderful time to be there, although I admit preferring to be on the islands in main season. Santorini has Good Friday celebrations in the village of Pyrgos:
https://www.pyrgos-santorini.com/eas...ntorini-pyrgos
Another good place for Easter festivities is the island of Paros, especially the village of Marpissa:
https://archaeology-travel.com/trave...s-icons-alive/
Flights and ferries to the islands during the week before Easter, and back to the mainland afterwards, are very busy, so make sure you book early if travelling during that period. This year the first daily ferries between Santorini and Crete began on April 15th.
If you want to visit Delos you will have to do it from Mykonos, because excursions from Naxos and Paros don’t start that early.
https://www.pyrgos-santorini.com/eas...ntorini-pyrgos
Another good place for Easter festivities is the island of Paros, especially the village of Marpissa:
https://archaeology-travel.com/trave...s-icons-alive/
Flights and ferries to the islands during the week before Easter, and back to the mainland afterwards, are very busy, so make sure you book early if travelling during that period. This year the first daily ferries between Santorini and Crete began on April 15th.
If you want to visit Delos you will have to do it from Mykonos, because excursions from Naxos and Paros don’t start that early.
