Festive season on the islands of Attica: Traditional customs and endless blue!
The enchanting islands of Attica, the Greater Athens Region, extend a warm invitation to visitors this Christmas & New Year, reviving customs of bygone eras, hosting joyful events for all ages and offering unlimited natural wealth: an ideal suggestion for cheer holidays. Indulge yourself in a purely authentic experience, filled with the heartwarming ambience created by islanders, within the coziness emitted by their lit-up houses!
The birthland of Goddess Aphrodite, Kythera is perfect for an extended stay, letting you explore its scenic villages and the charming Chora, and to delight in the island’s spirited festivities. On Christmas Eve, families come together and enjoy homemade dishes, such as boutino, a pudding filled with resins and chopped almonds and the traditional christopsomo bread; Rozedes, a local specialty made of the popular kytherian honey and sesame-sprinkled xerotigana are also a must; delicious flavors crafted from the finest ingredients that the land of Kythera has to offer. Feel the tranquility of the island and discover its natural wealth by welcoming the New Year at the crossroads of three greek blue seas!
Surrounded by the Saronic Gulf and just a heartbeat from the greater Athens region, the island of Aegina is a true gem all year long. Enjoy local pistachio flavored treats and listen to children cheerfully playing along the small alleys, or singing local Christmas carols that are so uniquely melodic that they bear no resemblance to any of your familiar tunes. Truth be told, festive traditions have been thriving on the island. On Christmas Eve, housewives used to keep the fireplace burning to keep the Holy Virgin and the newborn Jesus warm, whereas, the tradition of the first-foot, that is the first person to enter a household, is still alive on the New Year’s Eve.
Hop on the first ferry to Agkistri, this little piece of heaven in the west of Aegina and get to know its well-hidden beauties. Gaze at the azure color hugging its coastline and discover its breathtaking nature through hiking or biking. This is the place to celebrate your own, alternative, festive atmosphere.
While in Hydra, the “Lady of the Saronic”, the cosmopolitan allure of the island smoothly matches the celebratory adornment of its scenic alleys. A dazzling Christmas tree, traditional ships and vibrant lights twinkling on the bell-tower of the Cathedral Church lure visitors to local festivities. As soon as the New Year kicks in, cannon fires from the Kavos Castle spread the joyful message, while house doors remain open so that each household welcomes their first luck-bringing visitor of the year. Make lasting memories in the stunning landscapes of Hydra as you wander freely around its charming, picturesque alleys.
What better than a trip to the so-close island of Spetses? This magnificent little islet, pivotal during the Greek Revolution of 1821, boasts an abundance of festive delicacies. Taste its traditional pancakes named kiourlies, with homegrown thyme honey atop and also the local christopsomo bread, psomies. Stroll along the port of Ntapia and the Clock Square; wonder at the captains’ gracious mansions, discover the historic 27-meter lighthouse and listen to Christmas carols sung by children on the streets. Every corner of the island feels like stepping into a living postcard!
If your plans include the island of Poros, you will surely leave your demanding routine behind as you immerse yourself in the island’s vibrant festivities, blending seamlessly with the spirited local way of life. Taste traditional dishes, lavishly offered by the locals, such as pork fillet with celery, christopsomo bread and marzipans. In the past, people of Poros used to decorate all kinds of ships with lanterns instead of Christmas trees, so the beaches of the island are full of adorned little boats. On the first day of the Year, children will be the first-foots, holding a pomegranate to break for good luck, or a small rock, symbol of strong health. Want to learn more about the locals’ customs? Just take a closer look at their doorsteps!
Just a stone’s throw from the mainland of Attica, Salamina is another option for your Christmas holidays. Dedicate some time to exploring the island and learn more about the legendary Naval Battle of Salamina, homeland of the great tragedian Euripides and the mythological king Aias.
Bonus tip: lucky enough to extend your holidays up to January 6, the day of Epiphany? On this feast day, waters are blessed by throwing the holy cross inside. Faithful to this long-followed tradition, believers dive into the cold water, trying to be the first to grab the cross. In all islands, as soon as each parish completes the formal service, believers start walking down the sea. Some islands, such as Hydra, still revive older traditions: on the eve of Epiphany, sanctification rituals are performed to banish goblins, with holy water sprinkled in every corner of the house.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve aren’t just about snowy alpine scenes. The deep blue of the sea makes them truly unique and unforgettable. Choose the islands of Attica as an alternative option, a destination to thrill you in the heart of winter!
Info
Visit the updated website of the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association and find the perfect accommodation that best meets your needs. A lot of hotels host their own parties and festive meals.
