Holy Spirit Monday 2024 in the Greek islands
First summer getaway: ✅
The weather has started to get warmer in Greece, and this can only mean one thing: summer is dangerously close. Now you have every right to dream about the beach, the golden sand, the waves and the breathtaking sunsets. And the Holy Spirit long weekend in late June gives you the chance to make this dream come true!
What do you think? Are you ready for your first summer getaway? Check the top Greek islands for a Holy Spirit Monday trip!
The turquoise waters of Milia beach in Alonissos
Where to travel on Holy Spirit Monday
That’s a good question! It’s true that, with so many beautiful islands in Greece, there are countless options for a 3-day getaway.
On Ferryhopper, we have made a list with 8 suggestions for this year’s long weekend on 22-24 June to give you a little bit of help making your decision and booking your ferry tickets!
Take a look at our favorite islands for Holy Spirit Monday:
3-day trip in Sifnos
Sifnos is one of the most beautiful islands in the western Cyclades, and impresses travelers with its architecture, landscapes and overall atmosphere. The island combines many different vacation options for every taste, and is perfect for relaxing holidays as well as intense nights with friends.
A Sifnos must activity is strolling around the Apollonia alleys. In the island’s capital, you can find many beautiful cafés and bars and buy jewelry, clothes and decor accessories at the town’s shops, open until late in the evening! Every night, the alleys and bars in Apollonia come alive, with the fun and the parties lasting until the morning.
We definitely recommend taking a romantic walk in Kastro village at sunset and discovering the island’s hidden corners via its hiking trails.
If you visit Sifnos during the Holy Spirit long weekend, then you get a chance to witness the local smoke-signals tradition, dating back to ancient times. In Sifnos, there are several ancient towers scattered across the island’s hills, which locals once used to communicate with each other by smoke signals. Every year on Holy Spirit Monday, the inhabitants revive this tradition by lighting beacons and sending messages from the towers.
Into tradition and local history? Then you can also visit some of the island’s over 200 churches and monasteries, part of Sifnos’ unique landscape. The monasteries of Chrisopigi and Prophet Elias, and the small churches in Kastro truly stand out.
The white-washed Kastro village and its churches
If you are wondering how good the food on the island is, we have news for you: it’s amazing! Some of the best delicacies you should try in Sifnos are: revithada (chickpea stew), caper, thyme honey, amigdalota (local marzipans), and pasteli (honey and sesame bar). If you are a seafood fan, head to the island’s fish tavernes for some mouthwatering dishes.
As for beaches in Sifnos, you can enjoy a cosmopolitan vibe in Platis Gialos or Vathi, but if you prefer some peace and quiet, you can try Glyfo or the remote beach of Vroulidia.
Tip: if there’s a little bit of extra space in your suitcase or backpack before you leave Sifnos, we strongly recommend buying a beautiful ceramic piece. Sifnos is famous for its ceramics tradition and we are sure you will be impressed by the works of local artists. You can find most ceramics workshops and shops in Artemonas.
Ferry tickets to Sifnos
The Piraeus - Sifnos ferry route is served daily, so you have several crossing options to choose from. As for the Holy Spirit long weekend, there are 2-3 crossings a day.
Calm waters and peace at Vathi beach in Sifnos
Getaway in Tinos
Over the last few years, more and more visitors have been discovering the beauty of Tinos, which might be famous for its Church of Panagia, but is also one of the most special and picturesque islands in the Cyclades. A 3-day trip is perfect for you to get a good taste of Tinos’ culture, hidden corners and wild beauty.
When reaching the port of Tinos, you can see the imposing bell tower of the church of Evangelistria first and then the church on Chora’s hill. We strongly suggest visiting the Church of Panagia to admire its impressive architecture.
As for trips around the island, you can discover the villages around Chora, as well as the north and northwestern part of the island (Exo Meria) by car. The Cycladic landscape and the colors and images of the picturesque villages will take your breath away.
Some of the most beautiful villages in Tinos are Volax, Pyrgos, Tarampados, Isternia, Kardiani, Dyo Choria, and Komi. There, you can find, among others, traditional kafeneia under plane trees, marble drinking fountains, as well as cafés with a wonderful view to the Aegean.
If you enjoy hiking, then you have found your destination! Tinos has many hiking trails in good condition that cross wild landscapes, thick vegetation, scenic villages, and the island’s famous dovecotes.
The famous dovecotes, a Tinos trademark
Do you want to take your first swim of the year? The beaches of Agios Fokas, Kionia and Agios Sostis are the most popular options with amenities close to Chora. However, if you have a car, you should opt for Agios Romanos, Kolymbithra and Kalivia, where you can also enjoy some ouzo by the sea. There is also the amazing Rohari beach in Exo Meria, where you can have your first cocktail of the summer while listening to chill tunes.
If you prefer more isolated beaches, you can get to Pachia Ammos, Livada, Apigania, or Agia Thalassa. Some of these beaches have no amenities and are accessible by dirt road or on foot. Therefore, we recommend bringing along lots of water and some snacks if you visit one of the beautiful remote beaches.
Tip: in the scenic village of Pyrgos, you can visit the house and Museum of Giannoulis Halepas, as well as the Museum of Tinian Artists and the Museum of Marble Crafts.
Ferry tickets to Tinos
The Athens (Rafina) - Tinos ferry route is very popular all year round, as the island is pretty close starting from the port of Rafina and the trip is shorter compared to the Piraeus - Tinos crossing.
There are daily ferries from Rafina to Tinos, both high-speed and conventional ones, while on the Holy Spirit long weekend, you can find up to 8 daily departures.
The dominance of marble in the beautiful village of Pyrgos
Escape in Donousa
Donousa is a heavenly island in the Small Cyclades and a great option for those who want to leave the fast pace and noise of the city behind and just surrender to the calmness of the sea and the island scenery.
Even though fishing is a popular activity in Donousa, stock farming has also developed on the island’s mountains. This means that you can enjoy awesome meat dishes on the island. Roasted kid or kid in tomato sauce is a top option!
Your Donousa adventure includes stunning scenery and paradisiacal hiking trails worth discovering. You can follow them to explore the whole island in just a few hours or reach magical hidden coves.
Cool vibes and swimming in Donousa's Stavros village
Speaking of coves, Donousa has exceptional beaches with crystal-clear blue waters. Some of them are only accessible on foot, such as Livadi, or by boat from the port of Stavros, such as Fokospilia.
More specifically, the beach of Kedros is one of the most beautiful on the island and is located only 15-20 minutes on foot from the port of Donousa. This beach has a popular homonymous beach bar, offering shade, chill vibes and an amazing view to the sea.
Tip: visit the village of Kalotaritissa and you might run into some impromptu local party.
Ferry tickets to Donousa
To spend Holy Spirit Monday in Donousa, you can catch a direct ferry from Piraeus to Donousa and return whenever you want, hassle-free. Alternatively, you can travel there indirectly any day: reach Amorgos, Naxos, Paros, or Syros first, and then catch a ferry to Donousa.
Maximum relaxation at Kedros beach in Donousa
Holy Spirit Monday in Alonissos
If you are dreaming of an excursion in nature that will soothe your soul, Alonissos is a great option for the Holy Spirit long weekend. This verdant and peaceful island at the corner of the Sporades will win you over with its unique atmosphere and colorful picture-perfect landscapes.
The old capital of Alonissos, Palio Chorio, is built at the top of a hill where you can enjoy a panoramic view like no other! There, you can find the island’s Folkloric Museum, places for food and drinks, and several shops. They say that in Palio Chorio you can have the most delicious spit-roasted meat dishes, with kontosouvli being the local hit.
But the Alonissos gastronomic scene has a lot more to offer. Get a table and enjoy the delicacies! Local fish and the famous Alonissos tuna are some top options, while many also praise the island’s pasta, seafood bites, local vegetables, and, of course, the Alonissos cheese pie and marzipans.
To take a swim in the Sporades waters, we recommend the beaches of Agios Dimitrios, Leftos Gialos, Chrisi Milia, and Kokkinokastro, all of which have amenities. If you are into more remote beaches, try Vithisma, Mikros Mourtias, Megali Ammos, and Spartines. In any case, you will swim in clear blue waters, surrounded by thick vegetation, pines, bushes, and olive trees. The color combinations will seduce you!
If you like scuba diving, exploring the seabed of Alonissos is an experience you can’t miss, as it is full of archeological treasures and other impressive findings. The scuba diving agencies around the island offer daily excursions and classes. Moreover, the Underwater Museum of Alonissos is the only one in Greece!
Agios Dimitrios beach: heaven on earth
There is more adventure in Alonissos: around the island, there are some small uninhabited islands, such as Peristera, Kyra Panagia, Piperi, Skantzoura, Psathoura, and Gioura, that for the National Marine Park of Alonissos. This nature reserve hosts rare flora and fauna, and is a shelter for threatened reptiles and animals, such as the Mediterranean monk seal.
Moreover, let’s not forget the trails of Alonissos, which are easy to cross and lead to pine-tree forests, magical thresholds and turquoise waters.
Ferry tickets to Alonissos
The easiest way to reach Alonissos by ferry is from the port of Volos in Thessaly. The ferry ride from Volos to Alonissos takes 4-5.5 hours and there are 2-3 daily crossings during the Holy Spirit long weekend.
As for ferries from Thessaloniki to Alonissos, there have been no announced departures as of now. The same applies to the Agios Konstantinos - Alonissos ferry connection. To find all available departures as soon as they are announced, download the Ferryhopper App for free.
Breathtaking panoramic view from Palio Chorio in Alonissos
3 days in Skyros
Skyros is one of the hidden gems of the Sporades and an ideal destination for a quiet vacation, far from the hustle and bustle.
In Skyros, you can swim in exquisite isolated beaches, explore the Byzantine castle standing over the town, and get to know a rare animal breed, the miniature Skyrian horses.
The Chora of Skyros and its imposing castle on top of the hill
Stroll around the island’s paved alleys to admire the unique Skyros architecture and the houses’ decoration. If you love nature and long walks, in Skyros you have the opportunity to discover an incomparable natural landscape. In fact, thanks to its rich natural reserves and animal protection zones, the island is a true attraction for birdwatchers.
As for Skyros’ cuisine, it is full of mouthwatering treasures. We definitely recommend trying ladopita (deep-fried dough) topped with soft white cheese and honey, and lobster pasta.
Ferry tickets to Skyros
The easiest way to get to Skyros by ferry is from the port of Kymi in Evia. During the Holy Spirit long weekend, there will be up to 3 daily ferry crossings from Kymi to Skyros.
The distinctive Skyros architecture
Visiting Aegina (even for a day trip)
Aegina is a place very close to Athens where you can enjoy the island vibe and have a wonderful time. And if you don’t have all 3 days available for your trip, don’t worry: even 1 day in Aegina is enough to get a good taste of the island.
Apart from its stunning beaches with blue-and-green waters, the island of the Saronic Gulf offers beautiful walks by the sea and large scoops of pistachio ice cream (made with local nuts!). If you stay a bit longer on the island, spend some time discovering its artistic side. The Temple of Aphaia, the Christos Kapralos Museum, the glass Gate of Aegina, the house of Nikos Kazantzakis, and the Bouza's lighthouse are only a few of the island’s points of interest.
Rock in Agia Marina, perfect for your first summer swim in Aegina
If you just want to walk around Aegina town, we suggest you start from the island’s cobbled alleys, stroll between the neoclassical buildings and finally reach the colorful floating markets at the port of Aegina.
After all the walking, you are probably feeling hungry, so prepare for some fresh seafood right by the sea.
Ferry tickets to Aegina
Aegina is connected to the port of Piraeus in Athens all year round with frequent daily crossings. More specifically, during Holy Spirit Monday and the weekend before, there will be up to 12 daily Piraeus - Aegina ferry crossings.
The dorian Temple of Aphaia in Aegina
Trip to Corfu
If you haven’t been to Corfu, the 3-day weekend of Holy Spirit Monday is an ideal opportunity to visit the “countess” of the Ionian Sea.
Corfu has always been one of the favorite traveler destinations in Greece, as the lively island combines a long history, natural landscapes of incredible beauty, a cosmopolitan vibe, and the finesse of a bygone era. There, the past and the present intertwine beautifully and visitors have a wide range of options.
The island’s beaches have golden sand and are perfect for a first summer swim. However, if you still find the water too cold for swimming, Corfu has many more things to discover. First of all, walking around the narrow alleys and impressive mansions of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must for your Corfu getaway.
Admiring the Venetian architecture at the paved alleys of Corfu
If you travel with friends and want to experience the Corfu nightlife and gastronomic scene, you will not be disappointed. From cafés in Spiniada, one of the biggest squares in Europe (yes, you read that right), to fancy restaurants and great tavernes for food and wine, and bars and clubs for drinks and dancing, there are fun options for every taste!
Nature lovers, of course we didn’t forget you! There are so many natural treasures that you can visit in Corfu; from Mount Pantokrator, the highest mountain in Corfu, to the Nymfes Waterfalls, Corfu will captivate you with its magical landscape. And if you feel hungry at the end of the day, a good plate of pastitsada (pasta with braised meat and fresh tomato-based sauce) will get you back on your feet!
Ferry tickets to Corfu
The best way to reach Corfu is to catch one of many daily ferries departing from the port of Igoumenitsa in northwestern Greece. During the Holy-Spirit long weekend, there are up to 15 Igoumenitsa - Corfu ferry crossings per day.
In case you have some extra time to also visit a nearby Ionian island, Corfu is a perfect starting point for island hopping. Have you maybe watched the Greek show Maestro? Then you should visit the island of Paxi and see the locations where your favorite scenes were shot for yourself. Find out more about the Corfu - Paxi ferry route and plan your jet-setting tour.
The Old Town of Corfu, a UNESCO-protected site
3-day vacay in Hydra
If you want to spend the long weekend of Holy Spirit Monday far from the city noise, then a short holiday in the calm Hydra is exactly what you are looking for. Cars and motorcycles are not allowed on this island, and this is how it has maintained its authentic character and beauty intact.
On Leonard Cohen’s favorite island, you can only get around on foot, by bike or sea taxi. This allows visitors to really observe Hydra’s remarkable architecture and get to know its important history by walking around its narrow alleys.
The cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Lady of the Saronic Gulf
If you intend on taking your first summer swim in Hydra, then we recommend the beach of Spilia which is very close to the town port. Alternatively, you can opt for Hydronetta or Avlaki. If you want to reach a more isolated coast, you need to hire a sea taxi from the port and head to one of the beaches in the southern part of the island, such as Bisti.
As Hydra is a truly cosmopolitan island, it offers many options for walks, entertainment, food and activities, so it’s unlikely that you’ll get bored. And if you feel like exploring more of the gulf, there are frequent connections to the other Saronic islands.
Ferry tickets to Hydra
The island of Hydra is well connected to the port of Piraeus all year round with frequent crossings. On the Holy Spirit long weekend, there are several daily ferry crossings from Piraeus to Hydra.
We recommend booking your ferry in advance, as tickets to the Saronic islands usually sell out fast on holidays.
The rocky landscape of Avlaki beach in Hydra
When is the Holy Spirit Monday holiday in 2024?
In 2024, the long weekend of Holy Spirit Monday is from Saturday, June 22, to Monday, June 24.
Book ferry tickets for the long weekend on Ferryhopper
The holiday of Holy Spirit Monday is getting closer and your new favorite Greek island is just a few clicks away! Discover all available ferry crossings, book ferry tickets in no time, and pack your suitcase for the 3-day weekend!
May you enjoy beautiful days by the sea!
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