With Orthodox Easter just around the corner, Crete is now officially in a festive mood! Whether you’re looking for the perfect lambada (Easter candle), traditional treats or gifts for your loved ones – the local market warmly welcomes you.
To help you plan your shopping, the Heraklion and Chania Trade Association has published the official holiday schedule, which begins on Palm Sunday, 5 April 2026.
Plan your visit: The full Easter schedule
From tomorrow, shops in Crete will have extended opening hours so that everyone has plenty of time for their seasonal shopping. A special highlight is that shops will remain open on Palm Sunday to mark the start of Holy Week celebrations.
Here is the detailed list of opening hours:
Date
Heraklion
Chania
Palm Sunday (5 April)
11:00 – 18:00
11:00 – 16:00
Holy Monday (6 April)
09:00 – 14:30 and 17:30 – 21:00
09:00 – 14:00 and 18:00 – 21:00
Holy Tuesday (7 April)
09:00 – 14:30 and 17:30 – 21:00
09:00 – 14:00 and 18:00 – 21:00
Ash Wednesday (8 April)
09:00 – 14:30 and 17:30 – 21:00
09:00 – 14:00 and 18:00 – 21:00
Maundy Thursday (9 April)
09:00 – 21:00 (all day)
09:00 – 20:00 (open all day)
Good Friday (10 April)
12:00 – 18:00
11:00 – 17:00
Holy Saturday (11 April)
09:00 – 15:00
09:00 – 15:00
Easter Sunday (12 April)
CLOSED
CLOSED
Easter Monday (13 April)
CLOSED
CLOSED
What to expect at the market
Local retailers are optimistic about this year’s market activity. Despite global economic pressures, the Greek Supermarket Association has assured consumers that there is ample stock available and that joint efforts are being made to keep prices for the festive meal stable.
Quick tips for shoppers:
1. Shop early: Make the most of the extended opening hours on Maundy Thursday to avoid the last-minute rush.
2. Opening hours on Good Friday: Remember that shops open later (at 12:00) on Good Friday out of respect for the religious significance of the day.
3. Support local shops: Easter is a great opportunity to explore the unique boutiques and traditional shops in the heart of Heraklion.
Enjoy your preparations for the holidays and have a wonderful Orthodox Easter!
NORMAN 'KRETANER': After more than 20 years on the ‘Island’ and having gained a lot of experience here, CreteTip does not only present you the beautiful holiday (dream) world as most travel or tourist websites do, but the reality, which is often not as colorful as on the glossy photos of the travel portals. Hence, the effort of a long-time inhabitant of the island to provide objective and unbiased reports about sights, excursions and holiday destinations, news, tips and also problems directly from the largest Greek island !
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