The Best Places to Celebrate Easter in Europe

It’s that time of the year again. Easter is finally upon us, which can only mean one thing: travel season is here. If you're ready to trade in your usual Easter basket for something truly unforgettable, Europe doesn’t disappoint. 

From candlelit processions and ancient folk traditions to vibrant street markets and spectacular fireworks, each destination puts its own unique stamp on the holiday.

Whether you're planning a spiritual pilgrimage or a festive family vacation, here are the best places to celebrate Easter in Europe this year.

Rome, Italy

For a deeply meaningful yet electrifying Easter experience, Rome is very difficult to beat. The Eternal City is always abuzz with energy, but during Holy Week it reaches an entirely different level. Massive crowds converge around Vatican City to create an atmosphere unlike anything else in the world.

The highlight of Good Friday in Rome is the Via Crucis — the Way of the Cross, a torchlit procession led by the Pope himself. Dating all the way back to the 18th century, the procession starts at the iconic Colosseum and proceeds toward the Roman Forum.

On Easter Sunday, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and tourists gather in St. Peter's Square to witness the Pope celebrate Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. The ceremony concludes with the famous Urbi et Orbi blessing — "to the city and to the world" — delivered from the basilica's main balcony.

Insider tip: Don't leave Rome without trying Colomba di Pasqua, the traditional Italian Easter cake made with soft dough, candied citrus fruit, and almonds.

Best for: Religious travelers, history lovers, first-time visitors to Italy

Seville, Spain

If you've ever wanted to witness Semana Santa in Seville, this is the perfect time to tick it off your bucket list. Widely considered to be one of the most dramatic Easter celebrations on the planet, Seville's Holy Week transforms the entire city into an open-air spectacle.

A great number of religious brotherhoods, many dating back over 500 years, march through Seville's beautiful streets in long robes and distinctive pointed hoods, holding ornate floats called pasos that depict scenes from the Passion of Christ.

Accompanying the processions is saeta music, a moving flamenco-influenced vocal tradition sung from balconies as the brotherhoods pass below.

The combination of candlelight, incense-filled air, drumbeats, and thousands of spectators creates an atmosphere that will last long in the memory.

Best for: Culture seekers, photographers, travelers wanting an immersive local experience

Vienna, Austria

For a relaxed but magical Easter vacation, Vienna is a great choice. The capital of Austria transforms its historic squares and palace grounds into charming Easter markets as spring gets underway.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the Schönbrunn Palace Easter Market, where visitors are free to browse handcrafted gifts, decorations, and seasonal treats surrounded by imperial architecture.

Another highlight certainly worth visiting is the Old Viennese Easter Market at Freyung, best known for its display of over 40,000 hand-painted Easter eggs.

For those of you with big appetites, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Am Hof Easter Market, serving Austrian classics such as:

• Osterpinze (sweet Easter bread)
• Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancakes)
• Roast lamb

Best for: Families, food lovers, couples seeking a relaxed Easter break

Corfu, Greece

Easter is without doubt the most important holiday in Greece. And though the entire country marks the occasion with reverence and joy, nowhere does it quite like Corfu.

The island throws itself into Holy Week with extraordinary energy. Every night of Easter week brings something new: solemn candlelit processions wind through the old Venetian streets of Corfu Town, accompanied by the haunting sound of brass bands playing funeral marches.

But the highlight that truly sets Corfu apart is Botides, which takes place at 11 a.m. on Holy Saturday. In a tradition that dates back centuries, believed by some historians to have Venetian origins, locals throw large clay pots packed with water and red ribbons from their balconies. The symbolism is layered: the smashing of the old pots represents casting out evil spirits, clearing away the darkness of winter, and making space for the new life of spring.

Best for: Adventure travelers, Greek culture lovers, unique experiences

Florence, Italy

Florence in Italy hosts one of Europe's most spectacular Easter traditions: the Scoppio del Carro (Explosion of the Cart).

The origins of this remarkable spectacle stretch back over 350 years, though the roots of the tradition stretch back even further to the First Crusade. The day begins at around 10 a.m., when the Brindellone, a 30-foot wooden cart laden with fireworks, is hauled from Porta al Prato to the Piazza del Duomo by two enormous white oxen garlanded with flowers.

The cart is then left outside the main doors of the cathedral, connected by a long wire running all the way to the high altar inside. The Archbishop of Florence lights the rocket which shoots along the wire and ignites the Brindellone in a cascading 20-minute fireworks display that fills the piazza with rapturous applause.

Best for: History lovers, art enthusiasts, travelers seeking spectacle

Braga, Portugal

For an authentic Easter celebration away from the crowds, head to Braga in northern Portugal.

Throughout Holy Week, the city's churches are decorated with purple drapery and candles while solemn processions move through Braga's historic streets.

The most notable event is the Ecce Homo procession on Maundy Thursday, where participants dressed in hooded robes carry candles through the city in near silence.

While visiting Braga, try traditional Portuguese Easter treats:

• Folar (sweet Easter bread)
• Pão de Ló (light sponge cake)

Best for: Travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences

Planning Your Easter Trip to Europe

Planning a holiday in Easter can be stressful. Luckily, we have got you covered. Here are some of our best tips and tricks to help you secure the holiday of a lifetime.

• Book early: Easter is one of Europe's busiest travel periods.
• Check the dates: Easter Sunday falls on April 5th, 2026.
• Travel by ferry: Many destinations such as Corfu and parts of Italy are easily accessible by ferry.
• Respect local customs: Many celebrations are deeply religious, so dress modestly at services and processions.

Book Your Ferry

It doesn’t matter which destination you choose. Celebrating Easter in Europe is an experience like no other. From Seville's legendary Semana Santa processions to Florence's medieval fireworks, each city has its own extraordinary spectacle.

If you are looking for transport on your travels this Easter, book your ferry tickets today and start your trip the right way.