01.12.2024
The first picture that comes to mind when thinking of Greece is a sea view from an island in the Aegean, with the hot summer sun. But Christmas in Greece is one of the best times of the year. In Greece’s big urban centers, like Thessaloniki and Athens, the city is transformed with lights. And in Greece’s villages, we see local food traditions and Christmas markets. In this article, we discover all of Greece’s unique Christmas traditions.
Yes, that’s right. Instead of a tree, Greeks decorate a boat for Christmas. This is to honor St. Nicholas, who is the protector of fishermen and sailors. This is because fishing was one of the most popular jobs in the past. Also, the boat represents a new voyage in life with the birth of Christ. The decorating of trees is a relatively new tradition from after World War II.
Greeks are known to wait until the last minute to do things. Greek children get presents on New Year’s Day and not Christmas. This is because January 1st is the day of St. Basil. St. Basil is known to bring toys and Christmas treats. Some areas of Greece, like Crete, for example, are known to give money instead of physical gifts. This is known as the tradition of “Kali Hera” (Good Hand) - giving money to nieces and nephews who are around on New Year’s Eve or New Year's Day when they visit.
Melomakarona are made with olive oil, flour, honey, and lemon or orange. Relatively speaking, they are healthier than most desserts, and often include cinnamon and walnuts. Melomakarona were also eaten in ancient Greece, when a barley mixture called makaria was eaten at funerals. The addition of honey to this mixture gives the name “melomakarona.” Kourabiedes are famous as a Christmas cookie in Greece, and the main ingredients are flour, butter, almonds, sugar, and brandy. The most important part is the powdered sugar on top, which adds a wonderful sweetness when you bite into them. Kourabiedes have their roots in Persia in the 7th century, and they eventually made their way to Greece.
The Epiphany is one of the biggest holidays of the year in Greece. It is celebrated especially in areas of Greece on the coast. Priests throw a cross into the sea and young men dive in to get it back. The symbolism of the day is the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist.
Another Christmas tradition is carol singing. “Kalanda,” the Greek word for carols, are usually sung on Christmas, New Year’s, and Epiphany. It is normal that children, either individually or in groups, visit houses and shops, with the accompaniment of an iron triangle, and sing the carols. To do so, they ask, “na ta poume?” which translates into “should we tell them (the carols)”. In the past, carol singers were rewarded with sweets, but today, most people tip carolers.
Greeks bake a special bread to honor Saint Basil, the Greek Santa Claus. There is a special bread baked in his honor called vasilópita, which contains eggs, milk, flour, sugar, butter, and sometimes walnuts. A lucky coin is baked into the cake, and after midnight on New Years’ people all get together to cut the vasilopita. Whoever finds the coin will have good luck for the next year.
05.10.2026
Leonard Cohen's poem "Days of Kindness", from 1985, describes Greece as being a good place to read by moonlight on the terrace. He knew this from experience. Hydra was his home for much of the 1960s. He arrived in the spring of 1960, aged 25, and bought a house on the island, where he wrote much of his early work. Many places on Hydra still carry traces of him, even now that Hydra has become far better known.
16.04.2026
Greece is often associated with ancient history, island landscapes, and carefully preserved traditions. Less discussed, however, is another layer of its identity: its place names. Across the mainland and the islands, thousands of villages carry names that can sound unexpectedly funny or strikingly literal to a modern Greek speaker. These are not recent inventions or deliberate attempts at humor. Most date back centuries, shaped by geography, daily life, local dialects, and historical circumstances. What makes them stand out today is the shift in language over time. Words that once served as straightforward descriptions of land, resources, or communities can now feel unusually direct or unexpectedly humorous. Looking at these names more closely offers insight into how earlier generations observed their surroundings and chose to define them.
20.03.2026
Greece has long been more than a travel destination. For centuries, writers have been drawn to its history, natural beauty, and authenticity, finding in Greece not just a setting, but a source of inspiration that shapes narratives, characters, and perspectives.
19.02.2026
02.01.2026
In Greece, the holiday season does not end on New Year’s Day. Instead, it culminates in one of the most symbolic celebrations of the year: Epiphany, known in Greek as Theofania. More than a religious holiday, Epiphany in Greece represents the triumph of light over darkness, a spiritual “new beginning” for individuals and communities. For anyone living in Greece, or dreaming of owning a home here, Epiphany offers one of the most authentic snapshots of local culture. From the blessing of the waters to ancient folk rituals, this day reveals the deep connection between the Greek people, nature, and tradition.
30.12.2025
Crete is stepping into the global spotlight once again. According to Airbnb’s latest travel trend insights based on worldwide search data from Q3 2025, the island — and especially the iconic Samaria Gorge National Park — ranks among the most sought-after nature destinations for 2026. This surge reflects a broader shift in how people choose where to travel, live, and invest. Travellers are no longer looking only for beaches or city breaks. Instead, they are drawn to authentic natural environments, outdoor experiences, and destinations that offer both beauty and balance, qualities that Crete delivers effortlessly.
19.12.2025
Greece is known mostly for its pristine beaches and its endless summers. Also, Greek cuisine, with its unique Mediterranean dishes, is widely sought after. What might feel surprising is the magical beauty during Christmas in Greece. The country has a long festive season that runs from Christmas to Epiphany (the “Φώτα” on 6 January), full of local customs, food traditions, and small village rituals that still matter to people today. Winter destinations are also famous in Greece, as according to the latest Monitoring Sentiment for Intra-European Travel report (Wave 23) by the European Travel Commission (ETC), Greece ranks among the top 10 most desired European destinations for travel between October 2025 and March 2026, holding a solid 7th place.
19.12.2025
Spending New Year’s Eve on Greek islands is about much more than fireworks, food and champagne. It’s about little family rituals, centuries-old customs and the warm feeling of being part of a close community. For anyone dreaming of a holiday home or a new life in Greece, New Year's Eve is one of the unique moments to experience the soul of island life, when most tourists aren’t there, and you can experience authentic community moments with locals. As we’ve mentioned in an older blog post, cutting the famous Vasilopita, a special bread to honour the Greek Santa Claus, is the most important custom happening in almost every house in Greece at the turn of the year. A lucky coin is baked into the cake, and whoever finds it will have good luck for the next year or may even take a gift. But let’s explore a bit more of Greece’s rich traditions and local communities, from its enchanting islands to the unique customs celebrated on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
