Discover Cretan Easter
Simpson Special Interest Holiday
15 to 22 April 2025
"Our 2nd holiday at Arosmari! A wonderful 2 weeks enjoying all aspects of the Greek Easter celebrations... a guided walk by Jonathan Peat was a particular highlight, topped by the stunning picnic created by his wife Myriam." Mrs Clare Naylor
THE EXPERIENCE
THE WEEK IN BRIEF
• Accommodation and daily breakfast at Arosmari Village Hotel
• Welcome drinks
• Programme of escorted Easter activities and celebration Easter Lunch at Arosmari
• All taxes and entrance fees
In the Greek calendar, Easter is the most important of the religious festivals and is celebrated over several days with ceremonies, processions and of course, much feasting and merriment.
This is a colourful and joyful time to visit Crete; with spring in full bloom and summer on its way, the local people observe many informal local traditions, culminating in the break of their annual fast on Good Friday. The island is also at its most lovely at this time of year thanks to the vast array of wild flowers and the wonderful sense of anticipation that pervades in the local communities. Traditionally, Cretans spend the whole month of April preparing for Easter (mentally, physically and spiritually) in the build up to Christos Anestis at midnight between Easter's eve and Easter day.
Our programme of optional guided activities affords guests a chance to experience Crete’s proud tradition of philoxenia (the warm welcome of strangers) and feel part of the Easter celebrations.
| 15 April | Arrival day | Welcome drinks and dinner |
| 16 April | Holy Wednesday | A perfect day to start your holiday in Vamos with some well-earned rest, in preparation for the celebrations to come. |
| 17 April | Holy Thursday | A chance to learn the secrets of preparing some of Crete's most popular dishes, including Cretan cheese pies, traditional dyed eggs and other Easter treats. |
| 18 April | Good Friday | Observe the evening procession of the epitaphs led by the local priest in Vamos. |
| 19 April | Easter Saturday | A varied day including a delightful walk with expert guide Jonathan Peat, picnic lunch and traditional evening church service in Vamos. |
| 20 April | Easter Sunday | Enjoy a traditional Cretan Easter lunch at Arosmari. |
| 21 April | Day at leisure | With the celebrations over, this is the day to explore the local area, head to the beach or discover some of the local archaeological attractions. |
| 22 April |
Departure day
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