Greek travel agencies are offering unique opportunities for getaways in and outside Greece during the upcoming three-day peak of Carnival events. Demand is down by up to -30% compared to last year’s levels, both in and outside Greece, mainly in anticipation of the upcoming Easter period, when traditionally the travel interest of excursionists increases significantly.
Within Greece, the first choices of travelers are Thessaly (Pelion, Trikala, Larissa), Kastoria, Lamia, Ioannina, Crete, and Lefkada. These areas combine Carnival tradition with special natural beauty and local gastronomic delights.
Outside the walls, Greek travelers seek the festive atmosphere of Carnival in Italy, France, Istanbul, Belgrade, Bucharest, and Madrid. At the same time, distant destinations such as Cuba, Vietnam, and Dubai are also popular. The list of most popular destinations also includes two of the most famous and emblematic carnivals in the world, Rio de Janeiro (February 28 – March 8) and Venice (February 14 – March 4).
Traditional customs and events in Greek destinations
In Greece, Carnival events take on their own rhythm with the famous Patras Carnival, the burning of the Tzaros in Xanthi, the traditional Bourani in Tyrnavos, the Lanterns of Kozani, and the custom of the Janissaries and Boulas in Naoussa. Events in Lamia, Skyros (The Dance of the Elders), Rethymno, Corfu (Parade “Petegoletse” and Burning of the Carnival), Kastoria (Boumbounes with bonfires in the squares), Syros (Events and dances, Zeibekika custom with parade) and Kefalonia attract crowds, while in Athens, Plaka is transformed into a large festive scene.
Prices for domestic packages
There are many options for Greek travelers, including accommodation in 3*, 4*, and 5* star hotels, and they cover different budgets and preferences. For example, a three-day trip to Kalambaka-Meteora starts at 145 euros, while for those who wish to experience the carnival in Patras, a three-day trip to a 4-star hotel starts at 149 euros.
Larissa and Ioannina stand out with affordable proposals for three-day stays in five-star hotels, with prices starting at 159 and 165 euros respectively.
Packages for Xanthi, for a 4-day stay in a five-star hotel, start at 198 euros, while prices for Kymi-Thebes (3 days in a four-star hotel) start at 235 euros.
Packages for Naoussa, for 4 days in a four-star hotel start at 240 euros, Kefalonia offers 5 days in a four-star hotel from 355 euros, Rethymno for 3 days from 139 euros, and packages for Messinia and Larissa-Kozani (3 days) start at 229 and 247 euros respectively.
Kastoria and Lefkada are excellent choices, with prices starting at 160 euros for three-day getaways, while Galaxidi is available for day trips from 22 euros.
How much does international travel cost
Abroad, packages with flight, accommodation, and tours to Rome (4 days) and Paris (5 days) start at 359 euros and 525 euros respectively, to Dubai (6 days) and Vietnam (9 days) from 1,045 euros and 1,185 euros respectively, and for Istanbul, 5-day packages are offered from 565 euros. For packages (4 days) with road transport, prices for Istanbul start at 139 euros, for Bucharest from 149 euros, and for Sofia-Philippine from 145 euros.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
