April is when the island wakes up, unevenly. Hotels start reopening through the month, partially, rather than on a fixed date. Greek Easter, whenever it falls, is the practical trigger for the season, and it moves: it is usually later than Western Easter.
That means two Aprils. Before Easter you get a quiet island with limited coastal opening. After it, more tavernas, more hotels and the first charter routes.
The island bus season does not open until 1 May, so getting around in April means a car, a taxi or the reduced winter service. Beach bars and sunbed operations are mostly still shut.
23 April is the feast of Saint George, with horse races near the chapel and then an open panigiri with dancing. It moves to Easter Monday if it falls in Holy Week. We have one source for this, so check locally.
The trails are the reason to come. The pine canopy shades much of the network and the island is green.
Crowds: Very quiet, island waking up. Prices: Low — strong value.
