As spring heralds nature’s revival with its explosion of colors and fragrances, it naturally intertwines with Easter’s joyous celebrations and the hopeful message of resurrection. These optimistic months inspire us to seek experiences that relax, rejuvenate, and reconnect us with nature’s enchantment.
While Easter traditionally calls for excursions to Greece’s captivating landscapes, it also presents an opportunity to experience something different yet equally fulfilling – a celebration that combines authentic Easter customs with incomparable hospitality, luxurious comfort, and engaging activities for the entire family. This is precisely what the Cape Sounio resort on the Athenian Riviera promises with its Easter program, transforming the approaching holiday into a sensory journey against a backdrop where mythology and history beautifully converge.
In a privileged location overlooking the Doric Temple of Poseidon – one of Greece’s most significant ancient monuments – and harmoniously integrated into the natural landscape, Grecotel‘s resort emerges from the Aegean, adding its distinctive touch of elegance to Cape Sounio. It invites guests to enjoy vibrant flower-painted days and sweet nights that bring summer’s promise ever closer.
A Landmark Reborn
Welcoming guests to a new chapter in its distinguished history in Attica’s hospitality landscape, the newly renovated Cape Sounio impresses as much as its idyllic location. Embraced by virgin pine forest, with architectural design that honors its surroundings and premier services catering to every need of the modern traveler, this luxury resort proves with every space and experience that it has rightfully established itself as a destination in one of Attica’s most beautiful areas.
In this mythical place, tranquility and balance take on a mystical character, both in the aesthetically refined common areas and in the spacious private retreats – bungalows, suites, and villas with private pools – all bathed in Attica’s brilliant light and offering postcard-perfect views of the Saronic Gulf. Built amphitheatrically to embrace the landscape’s unique energy, all accommodation options epitomize sophisticated Mediterranean aesthetics and luxurious seaside living. Terracotta, soft earthy tones of natural materials, and pristine white create a canvas for the play of azure waters and verdant nature, composing the ideal country home – secluded yet easily accessible from the capital.
Equally elegant, the four bright dining venues add exquisite gastronomic pleasures to the resort’s offerings. Whether enjoying award-winning Executive Chef Sakis Tzanetos‘ Mediterranean-inspired menu on The Restaurant‘s terrace with its unobstructed views, or wine pairing experiences at Yali’s pier seemingly floating on the serene Aegean, dining at Cape Sounio reflects the high quality and variety of Greek and international cuisine.
Enhancing these unique experiences, the shoreline below Cape Sounio reminds us that summer approaches, while the impressive pool surrounded by towering palm trees tempts us for a first swim or to surrender languidly to the warm spring sun. Meanwhile, the Spa, nestled in the resort’s most exclusive spot, offers signature beauty and rejuvenation treatments, personalized massages, a glass-enclosed hydrotherapy pool, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The zen atmosphere is further enhanced knowing that while adults relax, children enjoy the Kids Club with activities designed for every age, including their own exclusive children’s pool.
Holy Days
Opening its doors for the season on April 17, Cape Sounio welcomes spring’s greatest celebration with a program that uniquely blends traditional customs with exciting experiences, perfectly balancing reverence with spring’s outgoing spirit.
Holy Thursday
From Holy Thursday’s warm welcome with surprise gifts for young guests, tradition begins as families knead Easter cookies while tantalizing aromas of vanilla and mastic waft from the ovens. Meanwhile, Grecoland buzzes with egg painting and Easter basket making from noon until 8 PM. While parents rest, children play at inflatable castles on the hotel beach, and after a special Easter lunch at Aegean Grill or Yali Restaurant, the play continues with Survivor-style adventures.
Late arrivals need not worry – from 6:00 to 9:00 PM, Cape Sounio Restaurant serves traditional Lenten delicacies, with à la carte dining also available at The Restaurant. For those wishing to attend Holy Thursday service commemorating the Last Supper and the reading of the 12 Gospels, the resort’s staff can direct guests to the Orthodox Church of Panagia Eleousa in Legrana or the Catholic Church of Saint Barbara in Lavrio.
Good Friday
These same churches host the moving Epitaphios procession and Good Friday service, but until then, Cape Sounio offers a day rich with meaningful activities against a backdrop of classical music.
After a generous breakfast featuring Lenten options, guests are welcome to stroll the hotel gardens and collect fragrant flowers for decorating the Epitaphios. For children, adventures continue at the beach’s inflatable castles or at Grecoland with egg painting, candle decorating, and Easter crafts. They might also explore the beaches, test their skills at rock climbing, or challenge themselves in the specially designed escape room. Adults can find serenity in yoga and meditation sessions until traditional Lenten dinner is served. For those not attending the Epitaphios procession, the evening closes with favorite films for the whole family.
Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday, the day of Resurrection, promises even more activities and surprises. A nourishing Lenten breakfast provides energy for creating with clay and balloons, enjoying clown shows and magic tricks, or participating in games, dance, and song. A photography competition welcomes participants of all ages, while another yoga and meditation session awaits adults seeking renewal.
At Grecoland, the day includes “Capture the flag,” more crafts, face painting transforming little ones into bunnies and other creatures, and knowledge competitions before children enjoy the evening buffet and cinema, ending at 11:00 PM so everyone can prepare for the Resurrection. Live music in the Lobby accompanies guests until departure for local churches where “Christos Anesti” (“Christ is Risen”), the traditional Easter chant resounds joyfully through the night. The day concludes with the cracking of red eggs at the Resurrection dinner, where “magiritsa”, the Greek Easter soup, takes center stage.
Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday begins with a nutritious breakfast and the traditional “Kiss of Love” exchange of wishes. By early afternoon, everyone gathers for treats of tsipouro, raki, and red eggs with delicious mezedes. Children proudly display their Easter creations before returning to the beach castles or delighting in the Bubble Show.
The tantalizing aroma of roasting lamb – the day’s most traditional custom – leads guests to a beautifully set Easter table laden with delicacies, accompanied by music in the Lobby. The afternoon offers choices of laser paintball, dance and song activities, or a karaoke competition to discover hidden talents. The evening concludes with children’s cinema and perhaps a cocktail at Panorama Lounge Bar with its magical view of Poseidon’s Temple.
Easter Monday
Easter Monday continues the festive spirit with themed breakfast from 7:30 AM. By mid-morning, children create sundials (Sine Sole Sileo), return to the inflatable castles, or enjoy laser paintball. Creative activities include making rainbow bottles – colorful keepsakes to take home – and baking more cookies. Adults continue with yoga and meditation, while survivor games and face painting bring smiles until evening’s children’s cinema, which welcomes parents too.
Lasting Impressions
That no one – young or old – will want to leave is perfectly natural, as the Easter experience in Cape Sounio‘s idyllic setting remains unforgettable. The dazzling environment, thoughtfully designed activities, impeccable service highlighting genuine hospitality, and refined aesthetics at every level confirm that at the magical promontory of Sounio, Athens’ hidden paradise awaits.
