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Easter in Thessaloniki

The Resurrection service in a Byzantine basilica, Good Friday processions through the old centre, spring walks in Ano Poli. Easter in Thessaloniki is unlike anywhere else.

By Loena Luxury SuitesUpdated June 20261 min read

The White Tower framed through pink spring blossom, Thessaloniki at Easter

Why Easter in Thessaloniki is worth the visit

Thessaloniki is one of the oldest Christian cities in Europe and Greek Orthodox Easter suits it exceptionally well. The city's churches, from the great Basilica of Agios Dimitrios to the compact Chalkeon, fill to capacity for the midnight Resurrection, and the Good Friday Epitaphios processions move through the streets of the old centre in the evening. Easter also coincides with spring at its best: Ano Poli is in bloom, the air carries incense and almond blossom.

Tsoureki, Ano Poli and spring walks

Terkenlis on Tsimiski Street is the city's reference for Easter tsoureki: their recipes go back decades and the shop fills up through Holy Week. For a walk, Ano Poli is the best choice in spring: the cobbled lanes, the Byzantine walls, and the view over the Thermaic Gulf from the Trigonion Tower are at their finest. The sights guide and the cafés-and-sweets guide cover everything else.

The Byzantine walls of Ano Poli, walkers on the path and flowers in the foreground

What the weather does

Easter falls in spring, when the city is at its best. March is still changeable and carries winter's chill and showers. April and May settle into clear, comfortable days made for the waterfront and the open archaeological sites up in Ano Poli. Days warm up, evenings stay cool, and any shower that arrives passes quickly. Layers and a light jacket for the evening cover it.

Your base for Easter

Loena is on Ernestou Emprar 13 in Ladadika, under a 20-minute walk from the Agios Dimitrios basilica for the Resurrection service. Easter weekend is one of the busiest periods for central accommodation; if you are travelling for the long weekend, book ahead.

Frequently asked questions

Where should I go for the Resurrection service in Thessaloniki?

The Basilica of Agios Dimitrios, the city's largest church, is the most impressive option. Smaller churches like Acheiropoietos and Chalkeon offer a more intimate atmosphere. The Resurrection service takes place at midnight on Holy Saturday.

When exactly is Orthodox Easter?

Greek Orthodox Easter is calculated using the Julian calendar and falls between April and early May, usually one to five weeks after Western Easter. The exact date changes every year.

Are restaurants and shops open during Easter in Thessaloniki?

Good Friday and Easter Sunday are public holidays, and some shops close or operate reduced hours. Most restaurants remain open, especially in Ladadika. Holy Saturday and Easter Monday see normal activity in the city.

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