News and press

At Santorini, we have been blessed with one of the most mesmerising locations. The island as it stands today, is the remnant of a volcanic explosion, thus contributing to its exotic and volcanic beauty. Santorini’s center is undoubtedly Fira, overlooking the cliff created by the aforementioned explosion, our Caldera, that creates views of immeasurable enchantment. To this great location, add the fantastic weather we have been having since the beginning of April, and there you have 2 key ingredients for vacation-al success!

By choosing to spend the Easter break in Santorini you will be able to enjoy the phenomenal views of one of the most beautiful islands of the Aegean, and stare into the big blue for as long as the eye can see. Additionally, you will experience the local customs which you will not get a chance to see any other time of the year.

The Easter celebrations are characterised by tradition; and it is traditional for the Greek Orthodox to celebrate Christ’s Resurrection with fireworks. The Resurrection is greatly linked to light, symbolising catharsis, godly attributes and virtues.

On Holy Friday, which is a day of religious mourning, Santorini’s cobble streets are filled with the light of thousands of lanterns, and people follow the flower-adorned Epitaph that is taken around the centre, in reverence.

On Holy Saturday, people congregate at their local churches, counting down towards midnight. At 12am exactly, the hymn of “Christos Anesti” is sung through the speakers, and all the people present join in creating a choir, hailing the Resurrection; the ‘Holy Light’ is then shared from the church priests to all the attendees, passing it from candle to candle, as a celebration of Christ’s resurrection and life, and the fireworks begin. For people of the faith, this is a joyous and emotional experience, following the previous evening of ‘Holy Friday’ that symbolises the mourning for Christ’s death.

Admittedly, Santorini is one of the best locations to experience celebrations pertaining to churches, light and fireworks; There are many beautiful churches to visit that have, in a sense, become the characteristic trait of the island, with the whitewashed exterior and sea-blue domes. In Kato Fira you can visit the churches of Ag. Minas, Ag. Ioannis Theologos and the First Metropolis church, while the most centrally located church is the Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral which is close to the main square, that boasts a Caldera view. This is a popular choice among locals as the central location allows for entertainment afterwards. If you wish to see the fireworks from the highest point of the island, then you should visit the church Profitis Ilias for stunning views of the entire island at your feet.

On Holy Saturday at midnight, the whole of the Caldera sky is filled with bright fireworks against the backdrop of the volcano, at night, under the moonlight. It is a spectacle in itself, watching the fading lines of fire and light sink into the Caldera sea.

Typically afterwards, according to Santorinian tradition, Sgardoumia soup is served (which is different from the Magiritsa soup eaten around the rest of Greece) and for a traditional dessert, Santorini’s bakeries and households have been preparing Meletinia (handmade small sweet pies made with honey, vanilla, mastic and mizithra cheese) all week long! On Easter Sunday after the evening prayer of ‘Love’, it is usual that the “Burning of Judas” takes place, where an effigy of Judas filled to the brim with firecrackers, is paraded around the streets before being set on fire.

Don’t miss the great opportunity to follow us to Fira this Easter, and take advantage of our Spring offer, enjoying up to -50% on our Junior and Prestige Suites, for your stay between 20/4 - 30/5 !