Taste, Tradition and Togetherness: Spring at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens

Spring is better known as Greece’s secret season at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens. Sunlight sparkling on the Aegean, city adventures without the crowds, and a thrilling array of culinary and cultural experiences await those in the know. April is the perfect month to immerse in seasonal magic, from traditional taverna feasting to playful family activities, across two long, celebratory Easter weekends (Western Christian and Greek Orthodox).

Easter is one of the highlights of the Greek calendar: a huge, nationwide celebration of food, faith and family. From Monday, April 6 to Monday, April 13, 2026 at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens the focus is on bringing people together for a best-of-both seaside and city break. Surrounded by pine-fringed coves and 30 minutes from Athens’ history, the seafront sanctuary – 17 in The World’s 50 Best Hotels – offers the ideal setting for a cultural spring break.

Easter Dining

Central to the hotel’s Easter calendar is Sunday lunch at seafront Taverna 37, led by Greek culinary custodian Chef Alexandros Koskinas and Executive Chef Apostolos Dimou. Available from 1:00 pm on April 12, Orthodox Easter Sunday, tender Roast Lamb, traditional Kokoretsi, and a selection of classic desserts lead a menu made for sharing. The warm sense of community makes this an unmissable experience – and one to reserve early — that blends heartfelt traditions with refined culinary flair.  

Other Taverna 37 highlights include signature fish dishes on Palm Sunday, April 5, and steaming bowls of Magiritsa (lamb) Soup to follow Holy Saturday’s candlelit service on April 11. Equally symbolic are the season’s red eggs - kokkina avga – and families are invited to paint their own before cracking them together, adding a time-honoured Easter ritual to the table. The hotel’s Italian trattoria Mercato will also be serving Magiritsa on April 11, plus Braided Sweetbread Tsoureki at breakfast from Good Thursday. Mercato’s Sunday brunch on both Western and Orthodox Easter Sunday (April 5 and 12) will showcase a delicious array of bright, fresh flavours.   

Edible Artistry by Executive Pastry Chef Michalis Chatzikalimeris

Heritage and tradition also inspire the hotel’s Easter egg this year. Created by Executive Pastry Chef Michalis Chatzikalimeris, the edible delight is shaped like an ancient Greek amphora, an elegant vessel for transporting wine, oil, and grain. Hand-crafted from dark chocolate, the egg features a rich filling of salted hazelnut caramel, caramelised white chocolate, crispy wafer, and caramelised hazelnuts. A refined Easter gift, it’s available to purchase from Astron at EUR 55 from Monday, March 31. 

Astron will be celebrating the season of indulgence with an array of pastries and treats crafted by Chef Michalis that are as pleasing to the eye as to the palate. Beautiful confections include a Chocolate Palette with double chocolate cremeux and a hazelnut crispy base, and the melt-in-the-mouth decadence of caramelised choux pastry in Saint Honore Vanilla Caramel. Pretty coloured eggs are the perfect Easter surprise for youngsters and adults alike.

Athens: Insights From the Experts

The Concierges are passionate about sharing insider tips from the Forbes Five-Star Athens Riviera retreat. Early April offers ideal weather for sightseeing, and they recommend morning visits to the Acropolis for space, stillness and unbeatable views. Day trips can be arranged from the Hotel to the Temple of Poseidon: perched atop Athens’ Cape Sounion, this 5th century BC ruin is especially beautiful in spring sunshine. Music lovers will appreciate the many classical concerts held during Holy Week in Athens’ town centre.

Just moments from the Hotel, the coastal churches of Vouliagmeni offer an intimate window into local Easter traditions. From the hilltop Panagia Faneromeni to the whitewashed Agios Georgios, guests can experience atmospheric services in serene surroundings. Other neighbourhood churches such as Plaka, Thiseio, Koukaki, and Anafiotika invite visitors to take part in community celebrations. At midnight on Holy Saturday, a single flame passes hand to hand until it becomes hundreds: a magical moment enhanced by ringing bells and fireworks over the Aegean.

Family, Discovery and the Secret Season
Whether travelling as a family, a couple, or a cultural explorer, spring at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens holds the promise of discovery. The Hotel’s Kids Club provides a creative haven for younger guests, with hands-on seasonal activities that include crafting Easter cookies, cards, decoupage eggs, and lanterns. A themed piñata and chocolate egg hunt adds extra excitement for little ones. Couples can enjoy sunset views along the riviera or at the Temple of Poseidon, while culture lovers can immerse themselves in a seamless blend of ancient landmarks and living traditions.

With temperatures ranging from 18 to 22 degrees Celsius (64 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit), blooming landscapes, calm seas, and golden light, April reveals a softer, more intimate side of Athens. Free from peak summer crowds, it is a time for unhurried exploration, meaningful connection, and authentic experiences — a true secret season on the Aegean.

To immerse in a season of tradition, taste and togetherness at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, call +30 210 890 1000 or visit the website