Public Holidays in Greece 2026: A Practical Guide for Travelers
If you’re thinking about visiting Greece in 2026, it’s a great idea to check the country’s public holidays before you go. These dates can influence opening hours, transportation schedules, and crowd levels - but they can also offer a unique chance to experience Greek culture at its most authentic. Here’s a traveler-friendly rundown of the major Greek holidays in 2026.
January
January 1, 2026 (Thursday) - New Year’s Day (Πρωτοχρονιά).
Greeks welcome the New Year with family gatherings and festive meals. Most shops and public services are closed, so expect a quiet day across the country.
January 6, 2026 (Tuesday) - Epiphany (Theofania/Fota).
One of Greece’s most symbolic religious celebrations. In coastal towns and islands, you can watch the traditional “Blessing of the Waters,” where swimmers dive into the sea to retrieve a cross thrown by a priest.
February
February 23, 2026 (Monday) - Clean Monday (Kathara Deutera).
Clean Monday marks the start of Lent and the end of the colorful Apokries carnival season. It’s all about picnics, traditional fasting dishes, and flying kites - an uplifting, family-focused day that feels like the unofficial start of spring.
March
March 25, 2026 (Wednesday) - Greek Independence Day.
A major national holiday commemorating the 1821 revolution against Ottoman rule. Expect parades, patriotic ceremonies, and streets decorated with blue and white flags. It coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation, adding a religious dimension to the celebrations.
April
In 2026, Greek Orthodox Easter falls in mid-April - it’s the most important holiday period of the year.
April 10, 2026 (Friday) - Good Friday (Μεγάλη Παρασκευή).
A solemn day with candlelit processions through towns and villages. Many businesses operate on limited hours.
April 11, 2026 (Saturday) - Holy Saturday.
Preparations for Easter peak. Late at night, churches fill with crowds waiting for the moment the “Holy Light” is shared from candle to candle.
April 12, 2026 (Sunday) - Easter Sunday (Pascha).
The biggest celebration in Greece. Think family feasts, music, and deeply rooted traditions. Some islands host unique rituals — on Corfu, locals famously toss clay pots from balconies to welcome spring.
April 13, 2026 (Monday) - Easter Monday.
A relaxed continuation of the Easter festivities. Many Greeks take advantage of the long weekend for short trips or village visits.
May
May 1, 2026 (Friday) - Labor Day.
Celebrated throughout the country as both a workers’ holiday and a spring festival. You’ll see doors, balconies, and shop entrances decorated with handmade floral wreaths.
May-June
May 31, 2026 (Sunday) - Pentecost.
A significant religious observance in the Orthodox calendar.
June 1, 2026 (Monday) - Holy Spirit Monday (Agiou Pneumatos).
Another national religious holiday. Some businesses may be closed or operate with reduced hours, especially outside major tourist areas.
August
August 15, 2026 (Saturday) - Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Κοίμηση της Θεοτόκου).
One of the biggest holidays of the Greek summer. Expect major celebrations, pilgrimages to famous chapels (like on Tinos), and lively festivals filled with music, dancing, and traditional food.
October
October 28, 2026 (Wednesday) - Ohi Day.
This national holiday marks Greece’s refusal of Mussolini’s ultimatum during WWII. Military and student parades take place across the country. Many archaeological sites and museums offer free entry, making it a great day for sightseeing.
December
December 25, 2026 (Friday) - Christmas Day (Χριστούγεννα).
Christmas in Greece is warm, family-oriented, and full of tradition — even if the weather is milder than in northern Europe. Most businesses remain closed.
December 26, 2026 (Saturday) - Synaxis of the Mother of God (Second Day of Christmas).
Another public holiday, typically spent relaxing with family.
Helpful Tips for Travelers
● Expect closures: On major holidays, banks, government offices, and many shops close. Tourist-heavy destinations stay more active, but it’s still smart to double-check opening hours.
● Transportation can get busy: Around Easter and mid-August, ferries and buses fill up quickly. Book in advance if you plan to island-hop or travel long distances.
● Use holidays to your advantage: Festivals, parades, and church ceremonies offer incredible cultural insight - some of the best experiences you can have as a visitor.
● Free museum days: Especially on October 28th, but occasionally on other national holidays as well.
Comments