Where to Celebrate Easter in Europe: 5 Destinations Worth Traveling For

Spring in Europe is special—but Easter? That’s when it really comes alive. Bells ring. Fireworks pop. Cities glow with candlelight. Villages gather in the streets. And ancient traditions that go back centuries suddenly feel brand new again.

If you’re thinking of planning a spring escape, Easter might be the perfect excuse. Here’s where to go if you want to experience Europe at its most festive, meaningful, and wildly photogenic.

1. Seville, Spain – For the Drama (and the Drums)

Semana Santa in Seville isn’t a holiday—it’s a spectacle. Massive processions fill the streets, led by hooded penitents and golden floats carried on the shoulders of locals. The music is haunting. The incense hangs in the air. It’s emotional, powerful, and unforgettable—even if you’re not religious. Just be ready: it gets packed, so book early.

2. Corfu, Greece – For the Flying Pots (Yes, Really)

Greece loves a good celebration, and Corfu does Easter loud. On Holy Saturday morning, locals toss giant clay pots out of their windows in the old town, smashing them in the streets below to symbolize the start of new life. It’s chaotic, joyful, and strangely satisfying to watch. The food, the midnight church services, and the firecrackers? Just icing on the (Tsoureki) cake.

3. Kraków, Poland – For Tradition and Handmade Everything

Easter in Poland is all about beautiful details: hand-painted eggs, flower-filled baskets, and family feasts. Kraków’s Easter Market in the Main Square is like a spring fairy tale—wooden stalls, folk music, crafts, and way too many pastries. And don’t miss the blessing of the Easter baskets on Holy Saturday—simple, sweet, and deeply heartfelt.

4. Florence, Italy – For Fireworks That Explode from a Cart

Florence doesn’t just celebrate Easter—they blow up a 30-foot-tall antique cart in front of the Duomo. It's called the “Scoppio del Carro” (Explosion of the Cart), and yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Thousands gather to watch it light up the city in a burst of sparks and applause. Afterwards? Pizza, wine, and pastel-drenched bakeries.

5. Braga, Portugal – For Old-World Easter Energy

Portugal’s most religious city takes Holy Week seriously—and beautifully. Think candlelit processions through narrow cobbled streets, flower carpets, and music echoing through ancient churches. Braga keeps it traditional, which makes it perfect if you’re after a more reflective, authentic vibe without the crowds of bigger cities.

Final Tip:

Easter dates shift every year, so check the calendar and book early. These cities fill up fast. But if you make it—expect good food, great energy, and a glimpse of Europe you won’t get any other time of year.

Whether you go for the rituals, the chaos, or just the pastries—Easter in Europe hits different.

And it’s well worth the trip.