Events in the Dodecanese, Saronic and Sporades 2026: Festivals, Food & Seasonal Celebrations in The Cyclades

Quiet beauty, spiritual depth and the return of island life.

Easter on Patmos – Dodecanese (April 2026)

Patmos is unlike any other Greek island. Known as the “Jerusalem of the Aegean”, it is a place of pilgrimage, contemplation and striking natural beauty. Easter here is deeply moving and one of the most powerful religious experiences in Greece.

Holy Week culminates in the ritual of the Washing of the Feet, performed in Chora beneath the Monastery of St John. Candlelit processions wind through whitewashed streets, bells echo across the hills, and the island feels suspended in time. For travellers seeking cultural depth and tranquillity, Easter is one of the most compelling moments to visit Patmos.

Spring Cultural Events on Hydra – Saronic Islands (April – May 2026)

Hydra’s charm lies in its restraint, a car-free island of stone mansions, quiet lanes and a long artistic legacy. Spring brings a gentle reawakening, with small-scale cultural events, exhibitions and literary gatherings taking place as the island prepares for summer.

These understated occasions suit Hydra perfectly, offering visitors a chance to experience its refined, creative spirit without the high-season crowds.

Art, music and celebration beneath the summer stars.

Hydra Festival – Hydra (June – September 2026)

One of Greece’s most distinguished cultural programmes, the Hydra Festival spans much of the summer. Concerts, theatre, dance and art exhibitions are staged across the island, often in atmospheric historic venues overlooking the sea.

Hydra’s long association with writers, artists and musicians lends the festival an intimate yet sophisticated feel, ideal for travellers who value culture as much as coastline.

Skopelos Traditional Feast Days – Sporades (June – August 2026)

Skopelos is known for its green hillsides, whitewashed chapels and deep-rooted traditions. Summer feast days honour local saints with village celebrations that blend music, dancing and home-cooked food.

These gatherings are unpretentious and heartfelt, moments where visitors are welcomed into the rhythm of island life rather than observing from the sidelines.

Skiathos Summer Cultural Programme – Sporades (July – August 2026)

Skiathos combines lively beaches with a strong cultural identity. Throughout summer, the island hosts open-air concerts, theatrical performances and local celebrations, many set against the backdrop of its historic Old Port and waterfront squares.

These events offer an appealing balance to days spent at sea, energetic yet rooted in local tradition.

Spetses Armata Festival – Spetses (September 2026)

Although held at the end of summer, the Armata Festival is one of the most visually dramatic events in the Saronic Islands. Commemorating a key naval battle of the Greek War of Independence, the festival culminates in a spectacular reenactment and fireworks display in Spetses harbour.

The island fills with music, exhibitions and celebrations, making it a fitting finale to the summer season and an excellent reason to travel in early autumn.

Warm seas, softer light and meaningful celebrations.

Alonissos Tuna Festival – Alonissos (September 2026)

Alonissos is synonymous with nature, sustainability and the sea. Each year, the island celebrates its fishing heritage with the Tuna Festival, a gastronomic event highlighting responsibly caught bluefin tuna.

Visitors can enjoy tastings, traditional recipes and local music, all within the relaxed setting of the harbour. It’s a celebration that reflects Alonissos’ commitment to preserving both culture and environment, and an excellent reason to visit in early autumn.

Late-Season Cultural Evenings – Patmos & Sporades (September 2026)

September brings a gentler pace to islands such as Patmos, Skopelos and Alonissos. Small concerts, religious commemorations and village gatherings continue, offering visitors the chance to experience these islands when they feel most authentic and serene.

Planning your travels around these Dodecanese, Saronic and Sporades events in 2026 allows you to connect more deeply with the islands, transforming a beautiful holiday into a meaningful one.

Whether you’re drawn to spirituality, culture or nature, these islands reward those who travel with curiosity and time.