Every summer Greece hosts millions of tourists as it is a top destination for many reasons. The cradle of Western civilization, home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, and finally a country of unique islands. However, for those who want to get more than a beach hangout, we recommend checking out the events to attend in Greece this summer.
Why is Greece Popular Among Armenian Tourists?
When you think about traveling to Greece, islands like Santorini, Mikonos, Rhodes come to mind. However, besides picturesque islands, tourists are drawn to Greece for its iconic sites such as the Acropolis or Delphi. The country’s warm climate, friendly locals, and diverse activities make it a favorite among travelers of all ages.
Overall, the country recorded over 36 million international tourists last year. Greece with its Mediterranean charm is a place where you can fully enjoy the summer vacation. This is one of the key reasons Greece is popular among Armenian tourists. One of the regions for beach vacations is Halkidiki, a popular destination with crystal-clear water and dozens of hotels for any budget. It’s also one of the favorites of Armenian tourists.
Secondly, Greece is close to Armenia. The flight to Athens takes less than three hours. With convenient flights from Yerevan to Athens and Thessaloniki, spending summer vacation in Greece is a popular choice. Besides, there are charter flights from Yerevan to Heraklion, Crete.
Now let’s see what events Armenian tourists can attend in Greece to learn more about this beautiful country.
Traditional Greek Panegyris in Halkidiki
If you want to feel the heart and spirit of Greek culture, don’t miss the “panegyri”, a lively village celebration best enjoyed in the summer. This tradition harks back to Ancient Greece, when it was known as “Mysterio” and honored gods or goddesses. Today, it’s dedicated to Greek saints and celebrated on their feast days. The most significant panegyri is on August 15th in honor of the Virgin Mary, known as Panagia.
Each village and town has its own patron saint. For instance, on June 24th, the Solstice is celebrated with bonfires, traditional dances, and songs in Polygyros, the capital of Halkidiki.
The feast of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th brings impressive festivities in Ormylia and Nea Fokea. On July 20th, Ierissos hosts a festival with free food and wine. On July 26-27, Arnea hosts a folk festival showcasing textile exhibitions and folklore art.
Epidaurus Festival 2024
This is one of the country’s signature cultural events. The Epidaurus Festival has a remarkable 69-year history and reputation as one of Europe’s longest-running festivals. It collaborates with esteemed Greek and global organizations. This means its program includes top-tier music, dance, and theatre performances from both local and international artists.
This year the festival is expecting guests from July 5 to August 24. Traditionally it is held at different venues so check the upcoming program to choose one of the performances. Just imagine this year’s event will draw approximately 2,500 performers from around the globe. If you are looking for a top cultural event, that is definitely a festival to visit.
Rockwave Festival
Music lovers also have a great place to attend. Rockwave Festival, held in Malakasa, Greece near Athens, is a renowned music event that started in 1996. It is known for organizing great shows and promoting emerging artists across the EU.
Each year the festival attracts top bands and artists globally, making it one of the premier festivals worldwide. Over 300 international and Greek artists have appeared on its stages over the years. This year’s lineup features performances by Pink Martini and Placebo. By the way, if you did not manage to attend Ara Malikian’s concert in Yerevan, you can see him among the headliners of Rockwave.
Colourday Festival
Greece’s most vibrant and fun event will take place on June 16 at OAKA in Marousi, attracting tens of thousands of participants. Unlike typical music festivals, Colourday focuses on interactive fun in the arena where attendees engage in colorful paint play and dancing.
Participants flood social media with joyful, colorful images. You can be one of them if you visit Greece this summer. The tickets are available on the official Colourday website. The price starts from 18 euros.
August Moon Festival
Celebrated on August 19 this year, the August Moon Festival marks the brightest full moon of the year in Greece.
This festival is deeply rooted in Greek mythology. It is reminiscent of ancient times, celebrating the Titan goddess Selene and her nightly travels across the sky. In particular, this is a night when locals and tourists enjoy the moonlit beauty of archaeological sites and museums, which offer free admission after sunset.
This tradition of having free admission to archaeological sites and museums began in 1996. Iconic historic sites turn into stages for concerts and performances. For example, during the night you can attend a concert at the Acropolis or the Agora.
Thessaloniki International Fair
While Greece is renowned for its vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations, it also hosts significant international business events like the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF).
The annual fair is a major commercial exhibition attracting exhibitors and visitors from around the globe. This year the fair will feature cutting-edge innovations, business networking opportunities, and various thematic exhibitions in September.
By the way, in addition to a diverse range of industries, including technology, energy, and tourism, the exhibition has a colorful section showcasing Greek food and beverages. The public can purchase and sample the local produce.
Travel to Greece with Levon Travel
Just like in the case of other destinations, Levon Travel will take care of all the details for your summer vacation or a business trip to Greece. With our expertise of over 30 years, we handle flight and accommodation booking and recommend the best tours and activities.
Reach out to Levon Travel to make the most of your tours without worrying about details.