From Good Friday through Easter Monday, Greece’s islands and villages were filled with life as holiday travelers returned to their favorite destinations. While this year’s Easter may not have been as warm as last year’s, it didn’t stop Athenians from heading to the islands for a quick swim or visiting coastal towns known for their unique Easter customs that draw large crowds.
Among the most popular destinations, one island in particular stood out — a place so close to Piraeus that many are surprised how quickly and cheaply they can get there, even during the busy Easter season.
According to data released by Ferryscanner, bookings made through its platform crowned Corfu as the top Easter destination this year. This suggests that many travelers from outside Athens, especially those with easy access to western mainland ports, took advantage of the platform to visit the famed Island of the Phaeacians and experience its iconic Easter tradition of Botides — the pot-smashing ritual.
The Top 10 Islands for Easter Travel — and the One That Surprised Everyone
Second place in the top 10 went — unsurprisingly — to Aegina, which is just an 80-minute ferry ride from Piraeus. In third was Tinos, another expected entry given its religious significance and Easter festivities (read more about Tinos here).
The rest of the top 10 featured well-known names — until we got to number 10. There, we find Kythira, an island many travelers don’t realize has an airport and can also be reached by ferry from Piraeus in just 6.5 hours (we used to think it took at least 8!). Even more impressive: round-trip tickets start at just €44 — making it one of the most affordable options available. (Check ticket options here).
Top Easter Destinations by Popularity (2025):
Corfu
Aegina
Tinos
Mykonos
Paros
Kea
Syros
Andros
Kythira
Departures from Athens were busiest at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio, with ferries heading to popular destinations like Aegina, Paros, Tinos, Kea, Andros, Syros, Mykonos, Heraklion, Chania, Hydra, and Kythnos.
Travel Trends Shift in 2025: Lesser-Known Islands Gain Ground
This year also saw a major shift in travel trends, with bookings to lesser-known destinations soaring. Islands and regions such as Donousa, Sfakia and Loutro in Crete, Kos, Skopelos, Methana, Samos, Kalymnos, Lefkimi (in Corfu), Hydra, Anafi, Nisyros, Skyros, and Kythira all reported booking increases ranging from 20% to a staggering 900% compared to 2024. This confirms the growing interest among travelers in discovering hidden gems and alternative destinations.
Ferry Ticket Prices by Port: Still Affordable Despite High Demand
Even with the increased demand, average ferry prices remained stable or slightly decreased compared to the previous year — a reassuring sign for budget-conscious travelers.
From Piraeus, the average passenger ticket cost €49, down from €51 in 2024. The cost for vehicles also dropped, from €97 to €92.
From Rafina, average fares were €31 per passenger (down from €37) and €63 per vehicle (down from €67).
These figures reflect Ferryscanner’s continued commitment to keeping island travel affordable and accessible, even during peak holiday seasons.
