Known as the birthplace of democracy, Greece is nothing short of breathtaking due to its fascinating and unique historical structures that stood the test of time. All of these are truly worth visiting. Its distinctive architecture is surely an impressive sight, but other than basking in the wonderful view, you can enjoy more of Greece through festivals as well! Lots of annual events like the Rockwave Festival, the Athens Open Air Film Festival, and much more will make your stay more engaging. Bond with the locals and actively get to know more about the culture. Read on to find out the top festivals in Greece.
Check out the best long-term rentals and Airbnbs for a comfortable stay in the country too!
1. Cretan Diet Festival [Last event in 2019]
Would you want to go on a culinary adventure? Check out the Cretan Diet Festival where you can try out authentic Cretan products including the local wine. Follow the promoted diet and indulge in fresh fish, dairy products, high fiber fruits, etc. Learn from the experts as they narrate how Cretan products were produced. During this celebration in Greece, hotels and restaurants offer special items based on this diet. At the same time, cultural events that take place in the festival will entertain you. It will be such a remarkable experience!
Cretan Diet Festival
Address: Rethymno Municipal Garden, Crete
Website: Cretan Diet Festival
Takes place:: July
2. Kalymnos Climbing Festival [Last event in 2019]
Loukas Dourdourekas, one of the best Greek climbers, will be making a presentation and participating in our activities,...
Posted by Kalymnos International Climbing Festival on Tuesday, 10 September 2019
Greece has something in store for almost any kind of enthusiast. Besides music festivals and galleries, there is also an event for climbers! Kalymnos Climbing Festival brings you to the scenic places of Greece where you can put your climbing skills to the test or simply watch and learn from the experienced ones. Other than climbing, many more activities take place in this event including a nature walk at the botanical gardens, audiovisual presentations, and even a DJ-powered party! It is a well-rounded event with lots of surprises for you.
Kalymnos Climbing Festival
Address: Kalymnos Island
Website: Kalymnos Climbing Festival
Takes place: October
Price: Free
3. Rockwave Festival
Who loves rock? While here in Greece, you should definitely not miss the prestigious Rockwave Festival! Happening in TerraVibe Park, this historic event attracts a staggering twenty thousand people annually. Check out this year’s line-up to get to know the big stars who will star in the show. Take note that Rockwave is not only one of the biggest music festivals in Greece, but in Europe as a whole! Feel the electrifying energy coming from international artists as they rock the stage. The days and nights are phenomenal with the ever so popular Rockwave Festival.
Rockwave Festival
Address: TerraVibe Park, Malakasa, Greece
Website: Rockwave Festival
Takes place: July
4. Sani Gourmet Festival [Last event in 2019]
Posted by SANI GOURMET on Monday, 27 May 2019
With a gastronomic adventure laid out for you, Sani Gourmet Festival showcases some of the finest local and international chefs to make some tasty contemporary dishes! During this Greece festival and celebration, you will be witness to Michelin-starred chefs at work. To give you more perspective, you will be looking into the top restaurants of different backgrounds and origins. Experience the diversity of culture and tradition in Greece presented in plates. On top of that, you can enjoy the fine local wines as well as international selections - the perfect way to wrap up this tasty adventure!
Sani Gourmet Festival
Address: Halkidiki, Greece
Website: Sani Gourmet Festival
Takes place: May
5. Athens-Epidaurus Festival
Προκήρυξη – Πρόσκληση Ενδιαφέροντος για την Πλήρωση Θέσεων Γενικού Διευθυντή & Τεχνικού Συμβούλου της Ελληνικό Φεστιβάλ...
Posted by Athens & Epidaurus Festival on Friday, 3 January 2020
The art scene in Greece is very much active and bustling. You can see it bloom during the annual Athens-Epidarius Festival during the months of May to October. In here, you will witness spectacular shows of the musical, cultural, and theatrical worlds of Greece. Have all these in grand venues like the ancient theatres of Odeon Herodes Atticus and much more! Fill your nights with wonder and indulge in Athens’ artistic culture with this amazing festival - it’s definitely something you can’t miss!
Athens-Epidaurus Festival
Address: Athens - Epidaurus, Greece
Website: Athens-Epidaurus Festival
Takes place: June to October
Price: Free
6. Kastoria River Party [Last event in 2019]
Posted by River Party - Nestorio Kastorias on Thursday, 27 August 2015
Nestorio becomes a lively meeting place for more than 50,000 people whenever it’s the Kastoria River Party in July. This is the biggest music and camping festival in all of Greece, featuring musical artists of different genres including rock, reggae, and so much more! The music lovers of Greece have been meeting at the banks of Nestorio since 1978. It is awesome to know that the tradition was kept alive through the times! Groove to the music and make friends with the locals. It’s going to be a blast!
Kastoria River Party
Address: Nestorio 520 51, Greece
Website: Kastoria River Party
Takes place: July to August
7. Athens Open Air Film Festival
At the Athens Open Air Film Festival, see the historical sites of Athens through new eyes! The unique idea of transforming the beautiful iconic landmarks of Athens into outdoor cinemas would already entice you to attend this event. Featuring fantastic movies from the legends of cinema directing, the film fest brings timeless enjoyment while at these scenic locations. A lot of people - locals and tourists - anticipate Athens Open Air Film Festival. Be updated on the details through their website. Experience the event at a museum. Next, in an archaeological park. You will get to explore more of Athens through this event, too!
Athens Open Air Film Festival
Website: Athens Open Air Film Festival
Takes place: June to August
Price: Free
8. Thessaloniki International Film Festival
A testament to the bustling film scene in Greece is the Thessaloniki International Film Festival. Celebrating its 61st anniversary this year, the film fest has kept the indie film as well as international film scene in Greece alive through the times. By attending, you will witness the artistry of the humble filmmakers, production teams, and directors who will proudly showcase their masterpieces. Take a step back from the usual trendy movies to see more of the rustic yet whimsical journey that indie films can take you on. This major event in Greece also gives an avenue for budding artists and you’ll be pleased to see their work!
Thessaloniki International Film Festival
Address: 10 Aristotelous Square, 546 23 Thessaloniki
Website: Thessaloniki International Film Festival
Takes place: November
Price: Free
9. Kalamata International Dance Festival
FULL RECAP LAST DAY SUNDAY | ΚΥΡΙΑΚΗ 28.7 25KDF2019 — Photos by © Mike Rafail
Posted by Kalamata International Dance Festival on Sunday, 28 July 2019
For ten days, the city of Kalamata will hold an annual dance festival featuring local and international artists. To those who adore everything about dance, this is a thrilling and informative approach to discovering more of different dance styles and techniques. What’s more? There are side events and workshops which are open to everyone. Get wowed by watching performances of both budding and amateur dance artists. Meet local fellow dance lovers and make friends! This is a fantastic venue to socialize.
Kalamata International Dance Festival
Address: Kalamáta, Greece
Website: Kalamata International Dance Festival
Takes place: July
Price: From 17 USD
10. August Moon Festival
August marks an important phenomenon in Greece so mark your calendars. The moon ascends and shines fully at this special event. The view from Athens was too majestic to ignore, and thus, a festival emerged. On this day, everyone is entitled to free admission to archaeological destinations and historical centers! Go to the Acropolis or the Roman Agora to enjoy wonderful musicals. Set a date with your significant other in a restaurant that is overlooking the city with the moon in a clear view. See Greece in a whole new light and do these adventures under the moonlight - it’s going to be unforgettable.
August Moon Festival
Takes place: August
Price: Free
Fun and thrill through the festivals of Greece
It is always a fulfilling experience to be aware and to take part in the culture in a country as beautiful as this. All year round, there are fantastic events you should consider attending. If you have your family with you, no problem! People of all ages can enjoy and everyone is entitled to the inviting atmosphere of these bustling scenes. Make your stay fun and thrilling with these top festivals in Greece!
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