Rome
An Easter city break to the Eternal City is something everyone should experience at least once. As well as being perfect time of year weather-wise, it comes as no surprise that Rome, as the centre of the Catholic world, really goes for it at Easter with festivities that are little short of spectacular whether you are participant or spectator. Take, for example, the Via Crucis at the Colosseum on Good Friday, a procession which re-enacts Christ’s struggle to carry his crucifix. Beginning at the Colosseum, the parade then travels around thirteen locations across the city, each known as the ‘stations of the cross.’ Meanwhile, on Easter Day itself, visitors can expect fireworks over the monolithic Castel Sant’Angelo, while St Peter’s Square is decorated with 35,000 plants and flowers from the Netherlands. Across town, the Spanish Steps are decorated by hundreds of lilies and rhododendrons, making this one of the most beautiful moments in the year to experience Rome.
Stay
If funds stretch to it, The Six Senses is an out-of-this-world treat. The modern Citizen M, meanwhile, is spectacularly situated on the Isola Tiberina and is perfect for more mid-range budgets.
Seville
Balmy temperatures, the scent of jasmine and orange blossom, tiny hole-in-the-wall tapas bars and flamenco bars strewn about the city, Seville is a headily intoxicating place, not least for those who are just emerging into the sunlight, blinking, from a long winter. Its knot of narrow medieval streets and the architectural legacy of 500 years of Moorish rule make the city a wonderful place to explore at any time, but at Easter, the fiesta, always simmering, really takes centre stage. Experience dramatic processions featuring ornate floats, hooded penitents, and haunting music as they wind their way through the city's passageways. The atmosphere is intense and deeply religious, offering a profound cultural immersion. Expect nearly sixty confraternities take to the streets to bring the Passion and Death of Christ to life, while flamenco dancers stationed at various points along the route perform a special style of the dance called saeta.
Stay
For endless and irresistible character, head for Las Casas de la Judeiria in the city’s Jewish quarter. Comprising of traditional houses yolked together with a couple of palaces, it exudes atmosphere thanks to the many little passageways and tunnels that connect each of its component parts. Dreamy.
Prague
With its fairytale architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic charm, Prague is a magical destination for an Easter getaway. Explore Prague Castle, stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, and sample traditional Czech delicacies like trdelník (chimney cake) at Easter markets in Old Town Square. Expect eye-popping colour, painted eggs everywhere, houses decorated with flowers, delicious food – and to witness pomlázka, an Easter morning tradition of whipping women with willow twigs (the idea being that it brings health and strength to the whipped, while the men are rewarded for their ‘work’ with eggs and shots of liquor).
Stay
Blow the budget at the exquisite Augustine, which is refined and luxurious and in possession of a wonderful spa, courtyard terrace and killer cocktail bar. Or go lower key at Le Palais Art Hotel Prague, a Belle Epoque beauty just 20-minutes’ walk from Wenceslas Square, whose lovely characterful rooms, restaurant, glorious terrace and wellness centre come at a lower cost for being just that little distance from the centre.
Athens
Easter in Athens is a lively and joyous affair, blending ancient traditions with modern festivities. Visitors can witness the midnight Resurrection service at the historic Agia Irini Church, participate in the cracking of red eggs symbolizing Christ's resurrection, and savour traditional Greek Easter dishes like lamb, tsoureki (Easter bread), and avgolemono soup. If you have Greek friends, do make sure you nab an invitation on Easter Sunday, which is all about roasting an entire lamb on a spit.
Stay
Try The Gatsby which, as its names suggests, is all about Art Deco elegance and also happens to be a sublime spot for those who want to be in the thick of things. If, on the other hand, you want a blissful retreat, then One&Only Aesthesis is unparalleled. On a peninsula and surrounded by sea, it has a 1950s pool club vibe, knock-out spa and a resort feel. The tagline? ‘Nostalgia on the Athenian Riviera’. We are sold.
Krakow
Poland's cultural capital comes alive during Easter with colourful folk traditions and religious customs. Join locals in decorating Easter eggs, blessing baskets of food at church, and enjoying festive meals with family and friends. Don't miss the famous Easter Market in Krakow's Main Square, where you can sample traditional treats and artisanal crafts.
Stay
Breathed into life as a palace some 600 years ago, The Bonerowski Palace was latterly a German pharmacy during WWII before falling into ruin. Now beautifully restored, it exudes charm and character, and is superbly situated right on Krakow’s market square – the perfect spot for the Easter festivities.
By Nancy Alsop
February 2024
