25 March 2027 in Greece: The 1821 Trail in the Peloponnese

25 March is a double celebration in Greece: the Annunciation and Independence Day, marking the start of the War of Independence in 1821. In 2027 it falls on a Thursday, so many Greeks make a four-day weekend of it. It is the perfect time to follow the 1821 trail through the Peloponnese, where the revolution began – with spring flowers, school parades and few tourists.

Where the revolution began

• Areopoli, Mani – on 17 March 1821 the Maniots under Petrobey Mavromichalis declared the revolution at the church of the Taxiarches in the main square. Stay nearby at Trapela or Limeni Village, and read where to stay in the Mani.
• Kalamata – liberated on 23 March 1821, one of the first towns freed. Today a lively seaside city with its own airport.
• Agia Lavra, Kalavryta – the monastery where, by tradition, Bishop Germanos raised the banner of the revolution on 25 March. Combine it with the Kalavryta rack railway.
• Dimitsana and Karytaina, Arcadia – Dimitsana made gunpowder for the fighters in its water mills, today the Open-Air Water Power Museum; Karytaina, with its castle above the Alfeios, was a stronghold of Theodoros Kolokotronis.
• Tripoli – the siege and capture of Tripolitsa in September 1821 was the first great victory of the war.
• Nafplio – the first capital of modern Greece, where Ioannis Kapodistrias arrived as the first governor. Climb to the fortress of Palamidi and see where to stay in Nafplio.

A 4-day 1821 route

• Day 1 (Thursday 25 March) – Athens to Nafplio, watch the parade, evening in the old town.
• Day 2 – Tripoli, Dimitsana and its Water Power Museum, Karytaina; night in the Arcadian mountains.
• Day 3 – drive south through Kalamata to Areopoli in the Mani.
• Day 4 – the Diros caves, then back to Athens or on to Kalamata airport.

With a private driver you can follow the route without worrying about mountain roads or parking – we tailor it to your dates and pace.

Partner hotels along the route

We work directly with these properties. All prices on request – we send you a personal offer.

Frequently asked questions

What happens on 25 March in Greece?

There are school and military parades in every town, the biggest in Athens, church services for the Annunciation, and a traditional lunch of fried salted cod with garlic dip (bakaliaros skordalia).

Is 25 March a public holiday?

Yes. In 2027 it falls on a Thursday, and many Greeks take Friday off for a long weekend, so book hotels early.

Can I combine the 1821 route with the sea?

Yes – Nafplio, Kalamata and the Mani are all by the sea, and late March is ideal for walking and sightseeing.