We are booked on RS Greece in April and we thought we could head to Santorini for a few days before tour begins. I know that this time of year is off season but are things open or is it hit/miss? Are restaurants open? I realize beach properties may be shuttered but we were hoping to enjoy the area with less crowds. Any recommendations on what to see and where to stay during this time of year? Thanks for any help.
Posted by
Freedonia
16589 posts
Sunday, April 20, is Greek Orthodox Easter. It is a big holiday in Greece.
I was fortunate to be in Santorini on Easter a few years ago. It was wonderful to experience. The Greeks tend to celebrate Easter more than Christmas. It starts the night before with parades to festivities all day long. Restaurants will be cooking lamb.
You don't say when you are going in April but everything will be open by Easter.
Posted by
OP
4 posts
For Santorini it would be April 9-12. So celebrating Easter on the mainland.
Posted by
1 posts
I went in May and it was perfect! Not too busy but things were open. These were some of out favourite activities! https://ivehadworsemondays.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=764&action=edit
Posted by
165 posts
We went in early April 2023 and really enjoyed our visit. It was sunny much of the time. The highlight for us was the walk/hike along the caldera. Fira - Oia on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/greece/santorini/fira-oia?sh=kbw2dr&u=i
I can’t compare to high season as this was my only visit but all the restaurants were open and there were plenty of tourists. We were there for a few days and 1 did not have any cruise ships visiting. We did a boat tour around the island one day which was fun but chilly. Definitely not swimming weather. We were told to stay in Fira since it was early in the year and we’re glad we did. Tons of restaurants and a 24-hour bakery :).