Greek Islands: 8 festivals you shouldn't miss in 2023
Just pick your favorite one!
Are you a cinephile, a theater lover or a sports enthusiast? The Greek Islands have something for everyone! See the best cultural and sports festivals and choose your favorite one. After all, where else will you find picturesque alleys, sandy beaches and festivals, all in one place?
See here the list of the top 8 festivals on the Greek islands and choose the one that suits you best:
- IOS Festival in Ios
- International Animation Festival in Syros
- Ifestia Festival in Santorini
- Running Festival in Mykonos
- Multi-Thematic Festival in Tinos
- Fistiki Festival in Aegina
- "Psimeni Raki" Festival in Amorgos
- International Film Festival in Kimolos
The imposing Town Hall of Syros in Miaoulis Square
1. IOS Festival in Ios
The 3rd multi-thematic IOS Festival hosts several artistic activities that include music, visual arts, theater, and dance!
The events jazz up the central square of Ios (opposite the Town Hall) for 7 days (from August 20 to 27) and the Amphitheater “Odysseus Elytis” comes alive with concerts in hip hop, jazz rhythms, and theatrical performances.
2. International Animation Festival in Syros
First stop in Ermoupolis on the island of Syros, the majestic capital of the Cyclades! The International Animation Festival, Animasyros, is held in Syros every autumn. If you love animation, hop on the ferry to join the biggest festival of its kind in Greece (and one of the 20 most significant in Europe).
There, you will find workshops for university and elementary students and of course screenings of animated films. The festival usually takes place in the impressive Apollo Theater with its red, velvet curtains and detailed murals, while events are also held in central Miaouli Square.
This year, it will take place near the Apollo Theater, at the "ERMIS" cinema. The entrance is free and it will take place from the 26th of September to the 1st of October 2023. The focus of Animasyros 2023 entitled “Anima Ancients”, highlights the impact of Ancient Greece in modern animation.
Tip: ANIMASYROS 2023 gives also a tribute to the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America.
The picturesque Vaporia district in the center of Ermoupolis
3. Ifestia Festival in Santorini
Santorini is probably the most popular Greek island with its volcanic landscape, the impressive caldera with the whitewashed houses and the crimson sunset. But did you know about the Ifestia Festival, held every September with a spectacular firework show?
A great celebration awaits you on the island with events and fireworks reenacting the famous Minoan Eruption (or the explosion of Thera).
The stunning village of Oia in Santorini
4. Running Festival in Mykonos
Are you in for a run? For the first time, the Running Festival takes place in Mykonos on the 24th of September 2023. It will last 3 days starting with the 10 km Half Marathon, perfect for athletes and middle-distance runners.
Tip: if you have children, Mykonos Family Fun is an easy race of about 2.5 km for all ages.
5. Multi-Thematic Festival in Tinos
From July to October, Tinos has a rich program full of events, theater performances for children and adults, concerts, opera evenings, photography workshops, interactive seminars and book presentations.
Tinos World Music Festival is held from 22 to 24 of September this year. The 14th Jazz on Tinos Festival takes place in the Chora from 25 to 28 of August in the Chora.
The picturesque port and the impressive Chora of Tinos
6. Fistiki Festival in Aegina
We are leaving the Cyclades to travel towards the Argosaronic Sea where Aegina and Spetses celebrate with cultural and sports events respectively. Take the ferry from Piraeus to Aegina to find yourself in front of two-story neoclassical buildings, floating markets, and enchanting sunset in just 1 hour from Athens.
From 14 to 17 of September, the Aegina Fistiki Fest trade fair is held in the port of Aegina. There, you will try delicious pistachio praline, ice cream, spoon sweets and pasteli made from the famous Aegina pistachio.
Tip: you can combine your visit to the island, discover its artistic corners that start from the port, or extend your stay and explore the enchanting hiking trails of Aegina.
The beautiful port of Spetses at sunset
7. "Psimeni Raki" Festival in Amorgos
After so much exercise, it's time for some raki, local delicacies and dancing, don't you think? Of course, you do so, our next stop is Amorgos! The "Psimeni Raki" Festival is held every year on July 26 in the central square of Katapola.
There, you will see the island’s customs in which the locals prepare the traditional drink “psimeni raki” for the guests. You will see how it is made, you will dance with the locals and you will taste the delicious pasteli.
Tip: from 12 to 17 November, Amorgos will hold the 14th International Short Film Festival with films from around the world. If you love cinema, mark this date on your calendar for your second visit to Amorgos 😛.
Stone-paved alleys in Chora of Amorgos
8. International Film Festival in Kimolos
Are you a cinephile? Then, off you go to Kimolos for the International Film Festival. Open-air cinema, starry sky, and selected films that only a true cinephile can really appreciate. Is there a better way to start your summer?😀
Tip: the festival is held at the beginning of June every year.
Stunning panoramic views of Kimolos main town
If you were complaining about not having options when it comes to festivals and sporting events, the Greek islands just proved you wrong! Choose your favorite festival and book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper!
Tip: oops! We almost forgot to tell you about our application! Download the Ferryhopper App for free, book your tickets faster, and track your ferry any time in real-time!
