2025 Easter Vacation Trip/Holiday Ideas
Find the best easter vacation trip or holiday ideas varies for everyone. People love Easter for a mix of spiritual, cultural, and seasonal reasons that tap into universal human desires for renewal, connection, and joy. At its core, Easter is about resurrection (for Christians) and renewal (in broader cultural contexts).
After Lent’s 40 days of reflection or winter’s hibernation, Easter feels like a fresh start. People embrace it as a time to:
- Shed old habits (spring cleaning).
- Reconnect with loved ones.
- Celebrate life’s sweetness.
Ready to turn to “How was your Easter?” into the most thrilling story at the dinner table? Let’s unpack the best easter vacation trip ideas that’ll make 2025 the year your Easter holiday gets exciting and thrilling.
Below, we’ve split our recommendations into two distinct sections to inspire both continental and international journeys.
What is Easter all about?
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is considered the most important event in Christianity, symbolizing hope, renewal, and new beginnings. Many people observe Easter with religious services, festive meals, egg hunts, and family gatherings, making it a time of joy and togetherness.
Why Is an Easter Vacation Worth It?
An Easter vacation offers a perfect mix of cultural experiences, festive celebrations, and the beauty of spring. Whether you’re looking to witness traditional Easter processions, enjoy special holiday events, or simply relax in a scenic destination, traveling during Easter provides a refreshing break from routine. It’s also a great time to explore new places as many cities and towns come alive with unique Easter festivities.
Which Country Is the Best Easter Vacation Place to Visit?
Tthe best easter vacation trips depends on the kind of experience you’re looking for. In Africa, Ethiopia offers one of the most unique and spiritual Easter celebrations, known as Fasika. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church follows ancient traditions, with a period of fasting leading up to a grand feast and vibrant church services, particularly in Addis Ababa and Lalibela. Nigeria, on the other hand, blends religious observance with lively cultural celebrations. Many people travel to their hometowns, attend church services, and enjoy family gatherings, while cities like Lagos and Calabar host festive events and beachside parties. South Africa provides a more relaxed Easter experience, where families take advantage of the long weekend to travel, have picnics, and enjoy Easter egg hunts in scenic locations like Cape Town’s vineyards or Johannesburg’s parks.
Outside Africa, Italy stands out as a prime destination for Easter, especially in Rome and Vatican City, where the Pope leads grand religious ceremonies, including the famous Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square. Spain is another remarkable option, particularly in cities like Seville and Málaga, where Semana Santa (Holy Week) is observed with dramatic processions featuring elaborate floats, traditional music, and a deeply solemn atmosphere. Greece, known for its spectacular Orthodox Easter traditions, offers a mesmerizing experience with midnight church services, candlelit processions, fireworks, and festive feasts, especially in Santorini and Corfu.
Meanwhile, the Philippines blends religious devotion with cultural festivities, as many towns reenact the Passion of Christ, followed by colorful processions and grand Easter Sunday celebrations.
Whether you prefer a deeply spiritual observance, a cultural immersion, or a festive getaway, Easter provides a unique travel opportunity in various parts of the world.
Popular African Destinations You Can Spend Easter
1. Lalibela, Ethiopia
Easter in Lalibela is like stepping into a time machine of faith and devotion. Here, Fasika (Ethiopian Orthodox Easter) is more than a celebration, it’s a journey. Imagine standing before ancient, rock-hewn churches that have watched over believers for centuries, their walls echoing with the sound of soulful chants and candlelit prayers. The energy is humbling, the traditions are mesmerizing, and when the fasting ends, the grand feast begins flavored with rich Ethiopian spices and unmatched hospitality.
Why Go: Experience Fasika, Ethiopia’s Orthodox Easter, marked by candlelit processions and ancient rituals in UNESCO-listed rock-hewn churches. Attend easter service in Ethiopia and spend time exploring the surreal architecture of the 11 medieval churches carved into mountains.
2. Cape Town, South Africa
Think Easter should be all about cozy brunches and chocolate eggs? Think again! Cape Town takes Easter to the next level with scenic picnics, wine tastings, and epic road trips along the Garden Route. The city’s V&A Waterfront transforms into a festive wonderland, while Boulders Beach invites you to celebrate Easter with the most adorable locals African penguins! Whether you’re sipping a glass of Pinotage as the sun sets over Table Mountain or indulging in a beachside Easter egg hunt, Cape Town makes Easter unforgettable.
Why Go: Autumn brings crisp weather and fewer crowds, and you get to enjoy easter markets at the V&A Waterfront or penguin-spotting at Boulders Beach or even go on a road trip to the Garden Route.
3. Kwahu, Ghana
If you’re looking for a high-energy, heart-pounding Easter, Kwahu is the place to be. Home to Africa’s largest paragliding festival, this Ghanaian town transforms into a vibrant mix of adrenaline and tradition. Picture yourself soaring above lush green hills, feeling the rush of the wind as people below dance to rhythmic drumbeats and colorful street parties light up the night. The fusion of adventure, culture, and warm Ghanaian hospitality makes this an Easter like no other.
Why Go: Ghana’s Kwahu Plateau hosts Africa’s largest paragliding festival during Easter (Kwahu Easter), blending adrenaline and the country’s culture. Experience paragliding over lush hills or even join street parties and traditional drumming ceremonies.
Want to Plan your Easter Holiday Trip? Start HERE
4. Lamu Island, Kenya
Easter in Lamu isn’t just a holiday it’s a retreat for the soul. This Swahili coastal gem is where history, relaxation, and culture blend effortlessly. Imagine waking up to the sound of gentle waves, wandering through centuries-old stone alleyways, and setting sail on a dhow at sunset. The island’s unique mix of Islamic and Christian traditions creates a fascinating cultural harmony, making it the perfect place for a peaceful yet enriching Easter experience.
Why Go: A serene Swahili coastal escape with tranquil beaches and a mix of Islamic and Christian Easter traditions would be an experience to remember. Sail on a showboat, explore Lamu’s stone archways, and attend a sunrise service at a historic church.
5. Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech may not be Easter-centric, but who needs Easter bunnies when you have bustling souks, aromatic spice markets, and breathtaking riads? In April, the city is at its most magical, warm but not scorching, vibrant but not overwhelming. Spend your Easter sipping mint tea in a courtyard, wandering through the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square, or escaping to the serene Atlas Mountains for a hike. It’s an Easter break packed with color, culture, and endless wonder.
Why Go: While not Easter-centric, spring blooms, and mild weather make it ideal for cultural exploration. Wander the souks, relax in luxury riads, and take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains.
Popular Non-African Destinations You Can Spend Easter
1. Rome & Vatican City, Italy
Easter in Rome is nothing short of spectacular. Imagine standing in St. Peter’s Square, surrounded by thousands of people from around the world, as the Pope delivers a powerful Easter Sunday blessing. The entire city breathes history, from the Vatican’s sacred sites to the ancient ruins of the Colosseum. After the spiritual experience, indulge in creamy gelato, sip on rich espresso, and let Rome’s timeless charm sweep you off your feet.
Why Go: Attend the Pope’s Easter Mass at St. Peter’s Square and explore Rome’s iconic sites. It’s Rome, think of all the history of Easter you can experience here.
2. Seville, Spain
Seville’s Semana Santa isn’t just an event it’s a deeply emotional, awe-inspiring spectacle. Picture this: massive, centuries-old religious floats carried through cobbled streets, the air filled with the scent of incense, and locals dressed in traditional robes walking solemnly under candlelight. The processions are both grand and intimate, and when the solemnity ends, the city erupts into a vibrant Easter celebration, complete with flamenco performances and endless tapas.
Why Go: Semana Santa (Holy Week) features dramatic processions, ornate floats, and soulful saeta hymns. Experience nightly parades in historic neighborhoods paired with tapas tours.
3. Kyoto, Japan
Who needs Easter lilies when Kyoto’s cherry blossoms are in full bloom? In April, this ancient city turns into a pink wonderland, making it one of the most picturesque places on Earth. Spend Easter picnicking under sakura trees at the Philosopher’s Path, visiting breathtaking shrines, or embracing Japan’s playful side at Tokyo Disneyland’s Easter festivities. It’s a serene yet exciting escape that blends nature, culture, and tradition perfectly.
Why Go: Cherry blossoms (sakura) peak in early April, overlapping with Easter-themed events in Tokyo Disneyland. You can enjoy a picnic under pink blooms at Philosopher’s Path and visit Fushimi Inari’s torii gates.
4. Queenstown, New Zealand
Forget Easter egg hunts, how about bungee jumping, skydiving, or jet boating? Queenstown is an adventure lover’s dream, and in April, the golden hues of autumn make it even more breathtaking. Whether you’re sipping world-class wine in Central Otago, enjoying a lakeside Easter brunch, or taking in the majestic mountain views, Queenstown is where thrill meets tranquility.
Why Go: Southern Hemisphere autumn offers golden landscapes and adventure sports. You would love Bungee jumping, wine tasting in Central Otago, and lakeside Easter brunches.
5. Oaxaca, Mexico
Easter in Oaxaca is a sensory feast. Here, Semana Santa is a beautiful blend of Catholic tradition and indigenous heritage, with flower-strewn processions, intricate sand carpets (alfombras), and dramatic reenactments of Christ’s journey. And when the spiritual celebrations end, the food takes center stage, mole sauces, tamales, and decadent Easter feasts await. If you love vibrant culture, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine, Oaxaca is the place to be this Easter.
Why Go: Witness Semana Santa fused with Indigenous traditions, including vibrant street carpets (alfombras). Experience Processions with flower-decorated floats and mole feasts.
Want to Plan your Easter Holiday Trip? Start HERE
Travel Tips for Your 2025 Easter Trip
- Plan Properly: Always check travel advisories, visa requirements, and local event dates before finalizing plans.
- Local Customs: Research events (e.g., Ethiopia’s fasting rules, Spain’s procession schedules).
- Book Early: Popular spots like Kyoto or Cape Town fill quickly so book early enough.
- Pack Smart: Research the weather in these different countries, plan your itinerary, and pack accordingly.
FAQ: Common Questions About Easter Travel
Where to go for Easter in 2025?
For Easter in 2025, you can explore both African and non-African destinations based on your preferred experience. In Africa, Ethiopia (Lalibela) offers a deeply spiritual Orthodox Easter, Ghana (Kwahu) hosts Africa’s largest paragliding festival, and South Africa (Cape Town) provides scenic autumn getaways. Outside Africa, Rome & Vatican City are ideal for religious celebrations, Seville in Spain offers vibrant Semana Santa processions, and Kyoto in Japan features stunning cherry blossoms.
Where is the best place to visit during Easter?
The best place to visit during Easter depends on whether you seek religious traditions, cultural experiences, or a relaxing getaway. If you want a deeply religious experience, Rome & Vatican City or Lalibela, Ethiopia, are excellent choices. For cultural festivities, Seville, Spain, and Oaxaca, Mexico, provide stunning Easter processions. If you prefer nature and adventure, Queenstown, New Zealand, and Cape Town, South Africa, offer breathtaking landscapes.
Which country is best to visit during Easter?
Italy is one of the best countries to visit during Easter, with Rome and Vatican City hosting grand religious events, including the Pope’s Easter Mass. In Africa, Ethiopia is a top choice for its Fasika (Orthodox Easter) traditions. Spain, Greece, and Mexico also offer remarkable Easter celebrations with processions and cultural festivities.
Where is the best place to holiday at Easter?
For a holiday-style Easter getaway, Cape Town (South Africa) offers autumn scenery, road trips, and Easter markets. Lamu Island (Kenya) provides a serene coastal retreat, while Marrakech (Morocco) is great for cultural exploration. Internationally, Queenstown (New Zealand) and Kyoto (Japan) offer breathtaking natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Which country is the best to visit in April?
Japan is a top country to visit in April, with cherry blossoms in full bloom. Italy and Spain also offer pleasant weather and vibrant Easter festivities. In Africa, Morocco and South Africa provide excellent spring/autumn travel experiences.
Which country celebrates Easter the best?
Italy and Spain are known for having some of the best Easter celebrations. Rome & Vatican City host religious ceremonies with the Pope, while Seville and Málaga in Spain feature dramatic Semana Santa processions. Ethiopia also offers a unique Orthodox Easter celebration called Fasika.
Where to go for Easter in Europe?
In Europe, Rome & Vatican City are top destinations for a religious Easter experience. Spain, especially Seville, is famous for its elaborate Holy Week processions. Greece, particularly Santorini and Corfu, offers traditional Orthodox Easter celebrations with candlelit midnight services and fireworks.
Where is the best place to travel in April?
April is a great time to visit destinations with mild weather and seasonal attractions. Japan (Kyoto) is ideal for cherry blossoms, New Zealand (Queenstown) offers beautiful autumn scenery, and Mexico (Oaxaca) has a vibrant Easter culture. In Africa, Morocco and South Africa are great choices due to pleasant weather and cultural experiences.
Happy Easter and Safe Travels.
