Passover in Greece: kosher hotels, Seders and kosher food
Pesach 2027 begins on 21 April, and a week later Greeks celebrate Easter. Where to find kosher hotels, where to join a Seder, and how to manage kosher-for-Passover food.
- First Seder: Wednesday 21 April 2027. Outside Israel the holiday ends on 29 April.
- Kosher Pesach programs for 2027 are already listed, mainly in Crete, Rhodes and Mykonos. Check the supervision and cancellation terms.
- Greek Easter is on 2 May 2027: from 30 April to 3 May much is closed and ferries and flights are busy.
Pesach in Greece is doable, but plan early: a kosher hotel or a Chabad Seder needs advance booking, and flights fill up before Greek Easter.
When is Pesach 2027?
| Date | |
|---|---|
| Erev Pesach and first Seder | Wednesday 21 April 2027 |
| Second Seder (diaspora) | Thursday 22 April 2027, evening |
| Seventh day (in Israel) | Wednesday 28 April 2027 |
| End of Pesach in the diaspora | Thursday 29 April 2027, at nightfall |
Outside Israel Pesach lasts eight days; in Israel, seven. Israelis celebrating abroad who are unsure whether to keep one festival day or two should ask a rabbi before travelling.
Kosher Passover hotels in Greece
Each year Greece has several "Pesach programs": a whole hotel, or part of one, made kosher for the holiday, with meals, Seders and services. Passover listing sites already show 2027 programs mainly in Crete, Rhodes and Mykonos, and also in northern Greece (Paralia). In 2026 there were also programs in the Athens area and Loutraki.
We are not recommending a specific program, because the offers change every year. Before you book, check:
- Who gives the supervision (hechsher), and whether it is acceptable to you.
- What is included: first and second Seder, all meals, a synagogue, children's activities.
- Cancellation terms: what happens if flights are cancelled or changed.
- Flights: whether they are included, and to which airport.
You can see current offers on listing sites such as Passover Listings and Totally Jewish Travel. Check 2027 availability directly with the operator.
A Seder at Chabad
Chabad houses in Greece have held public Seders in past years. For example, Chabad of Thessaloniki held a Seder at the city's historic port in 2022. We have not yet found announcements for Pesach 2027. Contact them early in the city where you will be, because places are limited and registration is required:
- Athens – Chabad of Greece: Aisopou 10, Psiri. Tel 210 323 3825, chabad.gr.
- Thessaloniki: Salaminou 9, jewishthessaloniki.com.
- Rhodes: Leof. Iraklidon 84, Ialysos, chabadrhodes.com.
- Crete: Hersonissos, chabadcrete.com. Mainly active in the tourist season, so confirm it is open in April.
You can also search for a Seder with Chabad's worldwide Seder locator (chabad.org).
Full details on every Chabad house: Chabad in Greece. For Crete and Rhodes specifically: Chabad of Crete and Chabad of Rhodes.
Kosher for Passover food
- e-kosher.gr: Chabad's grocery and delivery service, delivering across Greece, including the islands. Check with them whether they will have kosher-for-Passover products and matzah, and by when you need to order.
- Kosher restaurants (Gostijo in Athens, Jerusalem in Rhodes, and the Chabad houses in Thessaloniki and Crete) may not operate over Pesach, or may run a special menu. Check in advance.
- Renting a flat? You can bring matzah and sealed products from Israel. Note that meat and dairy products from outside the EU are restricted at EU entry.
All kosher places in Greece, with addresses · Holidays, Chabad and kosher in Greece
Greek Easter the week after
In 2027 Orthodox Easter falls on 2 May, a few days after Pesach ends. It is the busiest time of year for domestic travel in Greece:
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 30.4.2027, Friday | Good Friday: banks and offices closed, shops usually open only from midday |
| 1.5.2027, Saturday | Labour Day (may be moved to another day) |
| 2.5.2027, Sunday | Easter Sunday: almost everything closed |
| 3.5.2027, Monday | Easter Monday: almost everything closed |
What it means for you:
- Ferries and flights: Greeks travel to their villages and islands, so ferries and domestic flights fill up. Book early.
- Flights back to Israel: many Israelis fly home after Pesach, so book your return flight early too.
- Errands: don't plan a notary signing, a bank appointment or a visit to a government office between 30 April and 3 May.
Greek public holidays calendar
Frequently asked questions
When is the Seder in 2027? Wednesday 21 April 2027. Outside Israel the second Seder is on Thursday 22 April.
Are there kosher Passover hotels in Greece? Yes. Passover listing sites already show 2027 programs, mainly in Crete, Rhodes and Mykonos. Check the supervision, what is included and cancellation terms before booking.
Can I join a Chabad Seder in Greece? Chabad houses in Greece have held public Seders in past years. For Pesach 2027, contact the Chabad house in your city in advance. Registration is required.
When is Greek Easter in 2027? 2 May 2027. From 30 April to 3 May much is closed, and ferries and flights are busy.
Details checked in October 2026. Pesach programs, Seders and opening hours change every year, so check with the operators and Chabad houses before booking.
