Top 17 Festivals in Greece: Complete Guide for Tourists

Festival Name

Date / Period

Brief

Epiphany

January 6

Celebrates the baptism of Christ with water rituals.

Apokries Carnival

February – March

A lively pre-Lenten celebration with costumes and feasts.

The Carnival of Corfu

February – March (Apokries)

A vibrant, Venetian-inspired carnival with parades.

Clean Monday

March (start of Lent)

Marks the beginning of Lent with outdoor feasts and kite-flying.

Orthodox Easter

April – May (varies yearly)

Greece’s most important religious celebration with grand traditions.

Cretan Diet Festival

July

Showcases Cretan cuisine and cultural heritage.

Athens & Epidaurus Festival

June – August

A premier arts festival with an ancient theatre and live performances.

Rockwave Festival

June – July

Greece’s biggest rock and alternative music festival.

Rethymno Renaissance Festival

Late July – Early August

Celebrates the island’s Venetian past with music, theatre, and dance.

Panagia Festival

August 15

Honoring the Virgin Mary with island-wide celebrations.

Volcano Festival

August (Santorini)

Fireworks light up Santorini’s caldera in a fiery spectacle.

Pistachio Festival

September (Aegina)

A nutty celebration featuring food, crafts, and music.

Anchialos Wine Festival

August

A week of wine tasting, local food, and Greek dances.

Armata Festival

September (Spetses)

Commemorates a naval battle with fireworks and reenactments.

Ohi Day

October 28

Patriotic parades remembering Greece’s WWII defiance.

The Athens Marathon

Early November

A race tracing the historic route from Marathon to Athens.

Thessaloniki Film Festival

November

An acclaimed showcase of international and Greek cinema.

Location

Piraeus (Athens), Thessaloniki, Hydra, Rhodes, Corfu, and coastal villages

Date & Time

January 6th, Morning (around 10:00 AM after church service)

Highlights

• Blessing of the Waters
• Cross thrown into the sea
• Divers compete to retrieve it
• Church processions and choirs

Specialties

• Vasilopita (New Year’s Cake)
• Seafood dishes
• Lenten-style meals

Pro Tip

• Arrive early for a good spot by the harbor, dress warmly, and bring a camera!

Location

Celebrated all over Greece, major festivities in Patras, Athens, Thessaloniki, Xanthi, and Rethymno

Date & Time

• Varies each year (3 weeks before Orthodox Lent)
• Main celebrations peak on the final weekend (Sunday before Clean Monday)

Highlights

• Colorful parades and street parties
• Masquerade balls and costume contests
• Satirical performances and folk traditions
• The Burning of the Carnival King in some towns

Specialties

• Kreatini (Meat Sunday): grilled meat feasts
• Tsiknopempti: BBQ Thursday
• Lagana bread and Lenten sweets toward the end

Pro Tip

• Patras is the place to go for the wildest celebration, but Xanthi and Rethymno offer more traditional vibes. 
• Bring your best costume and expect to dance until dawn!

Location

Corfu Town, Corfu Island, especially around Liston Square and Spianada

Date & Time

Carnival season runs through February to early March (3 weeks before Orthodox Lent)

Highlights

• Venetian-style masquerade parades with masks and baroque costumes
• Satirical floats and comic skits
• Cultural performances and concerts

Specialties

• Traditional Corfiot pastries like mandolato, pasteli, and loukoumades

Pro Tip

• Wear a Venetian mask to blend in with the local vibe. 
• Get a front-row spot at Spianada Square for the final parade and bonfire, it’s a magical, photogenic moment.

Location

Celebrated nationwide, especially in villages, hills, and parks, where locals gather for open-air feasts and kite flying

Date & Time

Monday after the last Sunday of Carnival (date varies by Orthodox calendar)

Highlights

• Kite flying in open spaces 
• Outdoor picnics and family gatherings
• Traditional folk music and dancing in many villages

Specialties

• Lagana bread (unleavened flatbread)
• Taramosalata (fish roe dip), dolmadakia, grilled octopus, olives, and halva

Pro Tip

• For an authentic experience, head to spots like Philopappos Hill in Athens or rural villages. 

• Bring a kite, or buy one locally, and join in the peaceful yet festive start to Lent.

Location

Celebrated across all of Greece, with especially vibrant customs in Corfu, Hydra, Kalymnos, and Crete

Date & Time

Varies by Orthodox calendar 

Key events from Holy Thursday to Easter Sunday midnight

Highlights

• Midnight Resurrection Service with candle lighting
• “Christos Anesti” chant and fireworks at midnight
• Processions of the Epitaphios (Holy Friday)
• In Corfu: pot-throwing custom on Holy Saturday

Specialties

• Magiritsa soup after midnight service
• Tsoureki (sweet Easter bread)
• Lamb on the spit, red-dyed eggs, and mezze feasts on Easter Sunday

Pro Tip

• Bring a white candle to the Resurrection service and protect the flame on your way home; it’s said to bless the house. 
• For dramatic traditions, Corfu is a top spot. 

Location

Rethymno, Crete, in the city’s Municipal Garden

Date & Time

July 1–7, annually

Highlights

• Cooking demonstrations by top chefs
• Tasting booths for local olive oil, cheeses, herbs, wines, and sweets
• Workshops on traditional recipes and healthy eating

Specialties

Dakos, kalitsounia, snails, mizithra cheese, herbal teas, and Cretan wine & raki

Pro Tip

• Go in the early evening, when it’s cooler, and bring cash for stalls. 
• You can also attend a cooking workshop to learn authentic Cretan recipes that you can take home!

Location

Athens (mainly at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus) & Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, Peloponnese

Date & Time

June to August annual events are scheduled across summer evenings

Highlights

• Ancient Greek dramas and comedies in iconic venues
• Ballet, opera, and concerts by international and Greek artists
• Modern theatre and art performances

Specialties

Enjoy local mezze and wine before or after shows; many performances are held near tavernas and open-air cafés

Pro Tip

• For Athens shows, arrive early to explore the Acropolis by sunset before performances begin!

Location

TerraVibe Park, Malakasa a lush, forested venue approximately 30 minutes north of Athens.

Date & Time

Held annually during June and July. 

Highlights

• The festival features a diverse lineup spanning rock, metal, alternative, and pop genres. Notable past performers include Metallica, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Alice Cooper, and The Black Keys. 

Specialties

An array of Greek and international street food, craft beers, and local wines is available. 

Pro Tip

• Accessing TerraVibe Park can be challenging due to limited parking. It’s advisable to use the official festival shuttle buses departing from Athens’ Larissis Station or Thissio Metro Station. 

Location

Rethymno, Crete, Greece primarily held at the Fortezza Fortress and the Erofili Theatre.

Date & Time

Late August to early September annually 

Highlights

• Theatrical performances of works by Cretan playwrights, Shakespeare, Molière, and Goldoni

• Re-enactments of historical events, including scenes from the Commedia dell’arte, in the old town streets.

Specialties

• Cretan cuisine is available at local tavernas and food stalls.
• Traditional Cretan dishes such as moussaka, dakos, and kalitsounia.

Pro Tip

• Accommodation: Book early, as the festival attracts numerous visitors.
• Transportation: Utilize local buses or taxis to reach the festival venues.

Location

Panagia, Tinos Island, Greece

Date & Time

August 15th, celebrated all day long

Highlights

• Religious procession to the Panagia Evangelistria Church
• Traditional Greek dances
• Spectacular fireworks display at night

Specialties

• Loukoum (Greek sweet)
• Tinos’ local wine
• Moussaka (Greek casserole)

Pro Tip

• Arrive early to get a good spot for the procession, as the crowds can get quite large. 
• Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking around the island!

Location

Santorini Island, Greece (Specifically around the Volcano)

Date & Time

Late August, typically on a weekend (exact dates may vary)

Highlights

• Fireworks over the caldera at night
• Reenactment of the volcanic eruption
• Live traditional Greek music
• Boat tours around the caldera to see the volcano

Specialties

• Fava (Santorini’s split pea dip)
• Tomato keftedes (Santorini’s famous tomato fritters)
• Santorini wine (Assyrtiko variety)

Pro Tip

• Wear comfortable footwear for walking on volcanic terrain. 
• Plan to book your boat tour early, as they fill up fast. 
• The fireworks are best viewed from the cliffs of Oia!

Location

Aegina Island, Greece

Date & Time

Late September, typically over a weekend

Highlights

• Pistachio-themed events and contests
• Tasting and buying pistachio-based products
• Cooking demonstrations featuring pistachios

Specialties

• Pistachio-based sweets (e.g., pistachio baklava)
• Pistachio ice cream
• Lemonade with pistachio

Pro Tip

• Don’t miss the chance to visit local pistachio farms for fresh, top-quality nuts.

• The island gets crowded during the festival, so it’s best to arrive early for parking and good seating at events.

Location

Nea Anchialos, Thessaly, Greece (Wine Festival Grounds)

Date & Time

Late August to early September, typically 4-5 days

Highlights

• Complimentary wine tastings (local wines like Roditis & Savatiano)
• Traditional Greek music & dance
• Cultural exhibitions (local crafts, history)

Specialties

• Local wines (Roditis, Savatiano)
• Tsipouro (Greek pomace brandy)
• Greek cuisine (Moussaka, souvlaki, baklava)

Pro Tip

• Arrive early for parking and good spots for performances
• Consider public transport from Volos
• Explore nearby attractions like black sand beaches and the ancient Pyrasos citadel.

Location

Spetses Island, Saronic Gulf, Greece (Main port of Spetses)

Date & Time

Annually, during the second week of September (the Main event on Saturday evening closest to September 8)

Highlights

• Naval battle reenactment (Greek vs Ottoman fleet)
• Burning of the Ottoman flagship
• Spectacular fireworks display
• Cultural exhibitions and artistic events

Specialties

• Traditional Greek dishes (Moussaka, souvlaki, baklava)
• Spetses local delicacies (Loukoum, Fistiki – pistachios)

Pro Tip

• Arrive early to secure a good spot for viewing
• Use local transportation or walk (the island is car-free)

Location

Greece, Cyprus, and Greek communities worldwide

Date & Time

October 28, annually; Celebrations throughout the day

Highlights

• Military and student parades
• Public and private buildings adorned with Greek flags
• Ceremonial events and speeches

Specialties

• Traditional Greek dishes (e.g., moussaka, souvlaki, baklava)
• Local pastries and sweets
• Greek coffee and beverages

Pro Tip

• Arrive early to secure a good spot for parades
• Public transportation is recommended due to limited parking

Location

Athens, Greece (Starting in Marathon, finishing at Panathenaic Stadium)

Date & Time

Sunday, November 9, 2025

Highlights

• Historic 42.195 km route retracing Pheidippides’ legendary run
• Finishes at the iconic Panathenaic Stadium
• Part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors series

Specialties

• Traditional Greek cuisine is available along the route and at the finish line
• Local beverages like Greek coffee and tsipouro

Pro Tip

• Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot at the stadium
• Use public transportation due to limited parking near the stadium

Location

Thessaloniki, Greece (Various venues across the city)

Date & Time

October 30 – November 9, 2025

Highlights

• Premieres of international and Greek films
• Retrospectives and tributes to renowned filmmakers
• Workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions

Specialties

• Traditional Greek cuisine is available at festival venues
• Local Thessalonian specialties such as Bougatsa and Souvlaki

Pro Tip

• Arrive early to secure tickets for popular screenings
• Check the official festival website for updates on the