Easter in Volos & Pelion
Greek Easter is not just about lamb on a spit and going to church. It’s a true celebration of life, nature, and spring.
The Good Week is a time of fasting for the Greeks as they refrain from eating meat and dairy products. What’s more suitable then than dining at Volos’ famous tsipouro restaurants where seafood is the norm? At least that’s what the locals do, and if you want to live like a local you can join them! Οn the evening of Good Friday going to a tsipouro restaurant is almost mandatory. It’s considered sacrilegious to do anything else!
The same day don’t miss the reenactment of Christ’s funeral at the church of Saint Constantine. Next to the sea, hundreds of people holding lit candles follow the “Εpitaphios” that has been beautifulλυ decorated with spring flowers. The spectacle is mesmerizing.
On Easter Sunday, pick any Pelion village and make a reservation for a table at a tavern. Lamb and kokoretsi are on the menu today.
Pelion is also known as the mountain of the cells (rooms for the monks). There are dozens of centuries-old monasteries on the Pelion slopes that you can visit during the Good Week and attend the service. The atmosphere is solemn and feelings of reverential awe will overwhelm you.
To celebrate spring, choose a trail and enjoy the colors, smells and beauty of the season. The locals love to walk along the rails of the Little Train of Pelion, an easy hike that takes you through olive groves, waterfalls, beautiful stone bridges and charming villages.