6 islands to visit for Christmas
Where are you spending your Christmas holidays this year?
If you're already humming the "Jingle Bells" song and downloaded the Christmas countdown to your phone welcome to the club!
Now, the real question is where will you spend Christmas this year? Check our 6 favorite islands for a Christmas getaway in Greece, Italy and Spain, and don't forget the cookies for Santa Claus:
Here's our list of islands for the holiday season:
Learn more about how to spend your Christmas holidays on the islands and check Ferryhopper's Map of ferries for available ferry routes.
Christmas lights in Greece
Spiritual Christmas vacation in Syros
One of the best islands to spend the Christmas break is... the Greek island of Syros! The Christmas festivities last from Christmas Eve until the 6th of January (the celebration of the Epiphany), which is a great period to visit the island.
During the holiday season, the impressive town of Ermoupolis is spectacularly illuminated and decorated. On Christmas Eve, the historic Apollon Theater usually hosts performances and concerts.
If the weather allows it, it is worth walking across the town of Ermoupolis as you might encounter street performances playing Christmas songs.
Ιmpressive fireworks over the church of Agios Nikolaos in Syros
Lively Christmas in Crete
Crete in Greece is a great destination for your winter break, whether you choose to spend the holidays in one of the beautiful cities or in one of the picturesque villages of the island. The year-round warm weather of Crete makes a Christmas break on the island a great choice for many international travelers!
The city of Chania with its old town and Venetian port is the ideal scenery for a romantic Christmas break. The climate is usually mild during this time of the year, which can be great for long walks and getaways to neighboring villages.
In Heraklion, you can have a joyful holiday as the city hosts many parties, DJ nights, seasonal bazaars, and live music events.
Crete is also famous for its cuisine! On New Year's Day in Heraklion, it is typical for people to eat bougatsa (custard pie) as a way to enter the new year with a sweet taste. During the Christmas holidays, you can also taste more delicious local recipes.
We suggest trying apaki (smoked meat), christopsomo (sweet bread), diples (deep-fried dough with honey), and raki, the strong Cretan liquor.
Peaceful evening at the Venetian harbor of Chania
Peaceful Christmas in Hydra
If you are looking for a getaway close to Athens for a quiet Christmas break, then Hydra is the ideal destination for you! An island without any cars, Hydra will remind you of fairy tales with how beautiful and magical it is.
Especially during Christmas, the decorations and lights create a charming atmosphere! We recommend strolling around the alleys of the main town and sitting at one of the traditional kafeneia for coffee and a Christmas snack.
Tip: explore more great islands for day trips from Athens!
Quaint square on the island of Hydra, Greece
Christmas for all in Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is one of the busiest and most cosmopolitan islands in the Canary archipelago. Spending your Christmas break in Gran Canaria means you can try hiking and trekking in awe-inspiring landscapes, such as the Tamadaba Natural Park.
If you prefer an easy-going Christmas trip, you can also spend time in Las Palmas, the island’s capital. Take your photo at the sand-made nativity scene in Las Canteras, visit the San Juan Bautista church or enjoy some papas papas arrugadas (boiled potatoes with spicy sauce) at one of the city's restaurants!
Traditional Christmas sweet from the Canaries
Warm Christmas holidays in Lanzarote
The island of Lanzarote in Spain is the ideal option for a warm, lively and out-of-the-box Christmas vacation! The main Christmas attraction of the island is the Navidad Isleña cultural program. It combines street performances, live music and Canarian traditions for all!
If you're also visiting Lanzarote for outdoor activities, its warm climate means you can enjoy diving at the family-friendly beach of Chica, explore the Timanfaya National Park or watch the starry sky from Peñas del Chache, the highest peak on the island.
Tip: have a look at our guide for more exciting things to do in the Canary Islands at Christmas.
Romantic evening at Playa Blanca
Christmas traditions in Elba
Elba is the third largest island in Italy and it’s famous for its beaches, history and natural landscapes. During the winter months, the island of Elba changes a bit and warms up with a different atmosphere.
One of the main Christmas attractions in Elba is the impressive nativity scenes scattered in various villages of the island.
In the tiny village of Marciana Marina (16 km from Portoferraio, the capital of Elba) you can witness the most beautiful nativity scene on the island! It is a theatrical representation in which many inhabitants of the village participate, including adults and children.
If you want to spend Christmas in total peace and relaxation with your kids or as a couple, Elba is a great choice!
The picturesque streets of Elba in the winter
Book ferry tickets for your Christmas vacation
On Ferryhopper, you can easily book cheap ferry tickets for Greece, Spain and Italy! Choose your favorite destination, compare ferry companies, and plan your trip with ease!
