Photo source: Patras Carnival official website (carnivalpatras.gr)
With the carnival season coming to an end, Greeks are preparing to celebrate Clean Monday on March 3, a national holiday that marks the beginning of Lent and the 40-day countdown to Easter. Many are taking advantage of the long weekend (March 1-3) to make travel plans.
According to data from the Federation of Hellenic Associations of Tourist & Travel Agencies (FEDHATTA), despite a 30 percent decrease in travel demand this year, destinations in Thessaly such as Pelion, Trikala, and Larissa remain among the most popular choices for the holiday weekend, as well as Kastoria, Lamia, Ioannina, Crete, and Lefkada
In Greece, cities known for their vibrant carnival celebrations see a significant influx of visitors.
The carnival in Patra is the most famous, while other lively destinations include Xanthi, Tyrnavos, Kozani, and Naoussa. Public celebrations in Lamia, Skyros, Rethymnon, Corfu, Kastoria, Syros, and Kefalonia also attract large crowds, while in Athens, people gather in the traditional neighborhood of Plaka.
Notably, many destinations host local celebrations on the final day of the carnival, some of which date back centuries – even to ancient Greece.
Travel costs and accommodation
Asos Village on Kefalonia.
Travelers in Greece can choose from a wide range of accommodations to suit various budgets. For example, a three-day stay in Kalambaka – Meteora starts at just 145 euros, while those attending the vibrant Patras Carnival can find 4-star hotel rooms starting at 149 euros.
The cities of Larissa and Ioannina offer affordable luxury, with three-night stays at 5-star hotels starting at 159 and 165 euros, respectively. For those traveling to Xanthi, packages start at 198 euros for a four-day stay at a 5-star hotel, while Kymi and Thiva offers three-day stays in 4-star accommodations starting at 235 euros.
In Naoussa, a 4-star hotel room costs a minimum of 240 euros for a four-day stay, while visitors to Cephalonia can enjoy a five-day stay at a 4-star hotel for 355 euros. Rethymnon, on the island of Crete, offers three-day packages at a 4-star hotel starting at 139 euros. Meanwhile, three-day stays in Messinia and Larissa and Kozani start at 229 and 247 euros, respectively.
Kastoria and Lefkada are also excellent choices, with three-day stays starting at 160 euros. For those seeking a shorter getaway, Galaxidi is an ideal destination for a day trip, with costs starting at just 22 euros.
International travel trends
Rio de Janeiro
Many Greek travelers also opt for international destinations, with Italy, France, Istanbul, Belgrade, Bucharest, and Madrid ranking among the top choices.
More distant locations are also in demand, including Cuba, Vietnam, and Dubai. Among the world’s most sought-after carnival destinations, the iconic celebrations in Rio de Janeiro and Venice remain particularly popular with Greek travelers.
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