Local life · Leonidio
The climbing festival, the aubergine festival, Easter on the cliffs and the village feasts. When things happen around Leonidio and what to expect.
The short answer
Leonidio has three events that bring people from far away: Orthodox Easter, the Melitzazz aubergine festival and the Climbing Festival. Around them are village feast days, national holidays and the rhythm of the harvest.
Dates are listed as we know them today. Some are fixed by the church calendar, others are announced each year, so we mark which is which. Ask us at reception and we will confirm before you plan your trip around one.
Written by the Sampatiki Suites team. Updated September 2026.
Easter 2027
Sunday 2 May
Melitzazz
Early July (2026: 2 to 5)
Climbing festival
Late October (2026: 30 Oct to 1 Nov)
Village feasts
All summer
The big three
Easter
Greece’s biggest holiday. Leonidio is known for a night of lights and balloons on Holy Saturday. Families travel from Athens, so book early.
July
Held in Plaka, the harbour 4 km from town, with music, dance, workshops and cooking contests built around the local aubergine. In 2026 it ran from 2 to 5 July. We will update the 2027 dates when they are announced.
Autumn
Three days of climbing, talks and a community of climbers from many countries. The 12th edition runs from 30 October to 1 November 2026, with Chris Sharma as a guest. The 2027 dates are not yet announced.
Through the year
March
The start of Orthodox Lent and a family day out with kites, flat bread and picnics.
25 March
A national holiday with school parades in towns and villages.
15 August
The biggest summer holiday. Many villages hold a church feast with food, music and dancing the night before.
28 October
A national holiday with parades. It falls close to the climbing festival.
Planning around an event
Book early
Easter and the climbing festival are the busiest weekends of the year in Leonidio. Book your suite as soon as you know your dates.
Expect crowds
Plaka and the town square get busy. Arrive early, walk the last stretch.
Ask us
Municipal events are confirmed late. We will tell you what has been announced.
From us at Sampatiki
Dates for local events are confirmed late, and we hear first. Ask at reception and we will tell you what is on during your stay.
Keep exploring
Questions
When is Orthodox Easter in 2027?
Sunday 2 May 2027. Greek Easter often falls on a different date from Western Easter.
What is the Melitzazz festival?
A summer festival at Plaka celebrating the Tsakonian aubergine with music, dance, workshops and cooking contests. In 2026 it ran from 2 to 5 July.
When is the Leonidio Climbing Festival?
The 12th edition runs from 30 October to 1 November 2026. The 2027 dates have not been announced yet.
Is it worth visiting Leonidio at Easter?
Yes, if you enjoy a local celebration. Book early because families come from Athens.
What happens on 15 August?
The Dormition of the Virgin is celebrated in most villages with a church service, food and music.
Where can I check event dates?
Ask at reception. We will confirm what the municipality has announced.
Stay with us
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