Are you planning a trip to Greece for Easter 2026? Discover everything about the working hours of shops, banks, and institutions, as well as how Greek holidays affect your vacation or shopping in Thessaloniki and Athens.

Easter in Greece 2026 - non-working days of institutions, banks, shops, and restaurants

If you are planning a trip or business with Greece during the Easter holidays, it is important to know that state institutions, banks, and most private companies are closed during “Holy Week.”
In the year 2026, non-working days for these institutions are from Good Friday (April 10) until Easter Monday (April 13). The first working day after the holiday is Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

Calendar of non-working days for Easter 2026:

  • April 10, 2026 (Friday) – Good Friday
  • April 11, 2026 (Saturday) – Holy Saturday
  • April 12, 2026 (Sunday) – Easter
  • April 13, 2026 (Monday) – Easter Monday

Note for travelers: On Good Friday, stores and supermarkets often have shortened working hours (usually opening around 1:00 or 2:00 PM), while on Easter day, almost everything is closed, except for catering establishments.

Important note for travelers to the islands: During the Easter holidays, and especially on Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, the ferry schedule is drastically changed and reduced. We advise you to book your tickets in advance and check departures in detail. All information on purchasing tickets and tips for traveling to the islands can be found in our guide: Ferry lines to islands in Greece - estimated prices and timetables.

Many tourists choose this period for relaxation by the sea. Explore a wide range of accommodations and choose your spot under the April sun:
Thessaloniki and Thessaloniki region (from Thessaloniki to Nea Vrasna and Asprovalta). Kassandra

If you are looking for an authentic experience, read our suggestion: Lutra Pozar - discover the natural spa on the slopes of Kaimaktsalan. The warm water outdoors is a perfect contrast to the fresh April air.

Holiday working hours of shops and shopping malls

The holiday working regime in Greece traditionally starts ten days before the holiday itself. This includes a special working week (the week before Easter) when shops and malls are open for everyone to do their shopping. According to the general recommendations of the Chambers of Commerce, the scheduled working hours for Easter 2026 are as follows:

Date Day Working hours (Athens/Thessaloniki)
April 2 Thursday 09:00 – 21:00
April 3 Friday 09:00 – 21:00
April 4 Saturday 09:00 – 18:00
April 5 Palm Sunday 11:00 – 18:00 (stores are open)
April 6 Holy Monday 09:00 – 21:00
April 7 Holy Tuesday 09:00 – 21:00
April 8 Holy Wednesday 09:00 – 21:00
April 9 Holy Thursday 09:00 – 21:00
April 10 Good Friday 1:00 – 7:00 PM
April 11 Holy Saturday 09:00 – 3:00 PM
April 12 Easter Closed
April 13 Easter Monday Closed

Note: By law, stores do not open on Good Friday before noon due to religious services.

Restaurants, cafes, and taverns

Eateries have a slightly different rhythm:

  • Until midnight on Holy Saturday: Operate normally (many Greeks head directly to the traditional Easter dinner - Magiritsa after the Easter liturgy).
  • On Easter day (April 12): Most restaurants and cafes in cities will not work as it is celebrated within families, while in tourist areas many remain open for tourists.
  • Easter Monday (April 13): All eateries are open again, and this is usually the busiest day in taverns.

It is useful to know where the best shopping is: Shops and shopping malls for shopping in Thessaloniki.

If you are planning a trip, see the complete list of non-working days - national holidays of Greece.

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