Easter 2025 brings unique travel hurdles for tourists heading to Europe.
Easter 2025 might present unexpected challenges for travelers planning the holiday in Europe. Orthodox and Catholic Easter will align this year, creating a series of complications for those planning an international getaway.
- Skyrocketing Accommodation Costs: Due to the overlapping Easter celebrations, hotels across major European cities are experiencing unusually high demand. Room prices have surged, and booking last-minute in popular areas may prove nearly impossible.
- Challenges with Dining and Shopping: In countries like Italy, France, and Spain, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday are public holidays, meaning many businesses, restaurants, and tourist attractions will be closed. Travelers may find themselves scrambling for dining options or unable to shop during their stay.
- Travel Delays and Overcrowded Hubs: Airports and train stations are expected to be bustling—with delays and crowding likely, as local and international tourists move about for the holiday weekend.
The Cultural Impact: Easter 2025 in Catholic Europe
The Easter season is extremely significant from a religious perspective, particularly in dominant Catholic nations. European communities commemorate the occasion with a solemnity that includes closures on the principal Easter days at shops, restaurants, banks, and museums. Besides visiting churches and other religious landmarks, tourists may find less to do in these countries.
Anyone booking a European Easter holiday in Catholic Europe in 2025 must be ready for the woes of holidaying during a high season. This year, the rare coincidence of both Easter calendars complicates the tourist flow. From higher flight prices to the hassle of arranging meals or sightseeing, it is clear that flexibility and thoughtful planning will be paramount.
Anti-Tourism Backlash in Key European Locations
In the Balearic Islands—often romantically described as an eternal paradise—the fervor against overtourism is palpable. Iconic destinations like Mallorca and Ibiza are no strangers to mass tourism, but this time, things look a little different. Local protestors, armed with banners and a growing wave of discontent, are organizing a series of demonstrations to coincide with peak tourist seasons, including the Easter holidays. These protests aren’t just small clusters of people holding signs—they’re significant efforts urging governments and tourism boards to recalibrate priorities.
For instance, the Balearics have already seen their “first huge anti-tourism protest of the season,” with residents criticizing overcrowding, environmental strain, and soaring housing costs driven by short-term vacation rentals (Majorca protest details). There’s even talk of a coordinated boycott, with locals urging potential travelers to skip specific destinations, a stark reminder that not every spot craves crowds.
Mallorca remains at the forefront of this year’s resistance, with prominent groups gathering strength to potentially deliver what some have dubbed “a summer of discontent.” Locals are advocating for fewer visitors and a more measured approach to tourism—one that keeps communities intact rather than frazzled by constant surges (Mallorca’s anti-tourism plans). Demonstrations in other Spanish locales like Málaga are sprouting, offering their flavor of resistance, often punctuated by phrases like “Tourists go home.”
Travel Disruptions Expected During Easter 2025
Easter always brings busy airports, but this year, Italy and Greece are adding an extra layer of complication with planned aviation strikes. Both countries have confirmed labor disputes scheduled before the height of the Easter travel rush.
On April 9, 2025, airline staff in Italy, including air traffic controllers, are planning a multi-hour work stoppage, specifically from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. local time. This strike coincides with a 24-hour walkout by Greek aviation workers, further crippling the already strained air travel system. Flights operating out of hubs like Milan, Rome, and Athens will be heavily impacted, leading to cascading delays and cancellations that ripple across Europe.
Public transit systems are already warning about service shortages in cities like Paris and London. Over in Germany, major hubs such as Munich and Frankfurt grapple with infrastructure updates that will limit train routes, while French unions have hinted at potential walkouts in protest of austerity measures (details). Commuter trains, intercity buses, and even metro services in hotspots like Rome and Barcelona might be sporadic or overly crowded, leaving tourists scrambling for other transport options.
Additionally, weekend driving bans in parts of Switzerland and Germany will make car rentals less viable (restrictions overview). If you rely on rideshare services, brace yourself for higher surge prices and longer wait times.
Avoid Overcrowded Attractions
Europe’s iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and the Sagrada Família are irresistible magnets for tourists, especially during the peak holiday season. But there’s a charm (and peace) in exploring lesser-known gems:
- Lesser-known Attractions: Why not explore the Château de Malmaison instead of Versailles? Swap Santorini for islands like Naxos, where the views are just as spectacular but with half the crowds (hidden gems for Europe Easter escapes).
- Go Rural: Embrace the tranquility of Europe’s countryside. From the tulip fields of Holland to the quiet wine regions of Hungary, rural destinations provide an authentic slice of European life far from the tourist throngs.
- Arrive Early or Stay Late: Some attractions are breathtakingly calm first thing in the morning or late afternoon when crowds thin. Use that to your advantage.
Traveling off the beaten path isn’t just a cliché—it’s your ticket to rediscovering Europe’s magic without fighting for space in every photo.
Stay Informed About Local Events and Updates
In Europe, holidays like Easter often bring surprises: local events, transportation strikes, or spirited protests. Staying one step ahead is easier than you think.
- Follow Local News: Reliable online resources and travel apps like Euronews or Rome2rio update regularly with critical updates. Social media can also keep you looped into real-time developments (recent traveler news).
- Check Government Alerts: Many countries offer traveler advisories (like the UK’s Foreign Office or the US State Department). Look up notices specific to your destination in the weeks leading up to your trip.
- Stay in Touch With Your Accommodation: Hotels or host families are often the best source for hyper-local advice. They can alert you to demonstrations, road closures, or other potential hiccups.
When you tune in to these updates, you’re not just being cautious—you’re positioning yourself to make smarter, more strategic choices throughout your journey.
