Easter travel and meals become costly for Greek families

As Orthodox Easter approaches, many Greek families are facing sharply rising costs for both travel and traditional holiday meals.

Travel expenses, particularly ferry trips to the islands, have surged. 

A family of four traveling from Piraeus to Paros with a car would need €568.50 on a conventional ferry, rising to €688 on a high-speed vessel. 

Trips to Chania, Crete cost €405.50 for a family with one child, while a Rafina–Tinos journey would reach €309. 

Despite government pledges of €56 million to subsidize ferry discounts, some passengers report that savings on certain routes have decreased, adding to public frustration.

Easter meals

Rising prices are also affecting Easter meals. According to the Greek Consumers’ Federation (INKA), a traditional Easter table for six to eight people now costs around €412—€50 more than last year. The increase is driven by sharp rises in meat and produce prices. Lamb, the centerpiece of the Easter feast, can reach €18 per kilogram, while goat, beef, pork, and chicken have also grown more expensive. 

Tomatoes, impacted by high fuel costs and greenhouse expenses, have become a particularly costly ingredient, despite stable supply overall.

The combined impact of high travel and food costs is making Easter celebrations feel increasingly unaffordable for many households, highlighting the broader strain of inflation on Greek families during the holiday season.