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Holiday Activities

skills, inspiration, passion

Writing Retreats

Writing courses are available at  Atsitsa Bay on the island of Skyros in Greece.

Skyros writing retreats offer writers, thinkers and dabblers the opportunity to learn from distinguished writers, share the joys and struggles of the creative process, discover their strengths and polish their skills.

In an idyllic holiday environment, far away from the demands and routines dictated by a busy life, writing holiday course participants can navigate beyond old boundaries and emerge with pieces of writing of which to feel proud. 

Former Writers’ Lab participants such as Susan Elderkin, Crysse Morrison, Shani Solomons, Emma Darwin or Grace Wynne-Jones have gone on to publish books or to stage plays they started, developed or completed in Skyros. 

Writing courses are open to novices with a secret passion for writing as much as to writers who already have a book under their belt. The tutors enjoy helping people at any stage of development – so do come with work in progress or just an empty page. 

The Skyros Writers’ Lab has built up an excellent reputation over the years. Steven Berkoff, Rachel Billington, Margaret Drabble, Hanif Kureishi, D M Thomas, Sue Townsend, Marina Warner, Hugo Williams and many others, including Booker and Pulitzer Prize winners such as Hilary Mantel, James Kelman, Barry Unsworth, Bernice Rubens and Alison Lurie, have graced the centre with their presence over the years and given hundreds of people the benefit of their experience.

Intellectual rigour, spiritual encounters and good old-fashioned rioting in the evening’. The Times

Sat 18 May - Fri 31 May 2024 (13 nights)

At a glance

Atsitsa Bay is a holistic holiday centre set in a stunning, natural location, right on the bay and surrounded by pine forest. With a wide range of courses and activities and an outstanding team of facilitators, it's the perfect place to be inspired and try something new. Julian Russell is directing this fortnight in Atsitsa. You can, if you choose, book one week of this fortnight. Call +(0)1983 865566 for advice on flights.

Find out more about the courses and activities during this week below in What's On.

About

Skyros attracts mostly solo travellers from all over the world. Although all ages are represented approximately 70% are between 35-65. A huge majority - over 80 percent - report that the Skyros holiday experience had a lasting positive effect on their lives. Nearly a third of guests come back again and again - even after they have said that Skyros was the 'holiday of a lifetime'.

Accommodation

Most people choose to live simply and comfortably in twin-shared rustic huts in the gardens. Or stay in Atsitsa's main house, subject to availability. See more about accommodation in Atsitsa here >>

Inspiring Courses

Courses and activities are introduced to you at the beginning of each week. Choose your favourites from a wide range including yoga, writing, art, kayaking, windsurfing, personal development, singing, comedy and more.

Food & Drink

All meals are included and served as a buffet. Special diets are always catered for. Teas and coffees are available throughout the day. Other drinks and snacks can be purchased at Atsitsa's bar.

Guide Itinerary

07.15: Morning drop-in classes
08.30: Breakfast
09.00: Demos (news of the day)
10.30: Oekos (home groups)
11.15: Mid-morning courses
13.30: Lunch
15.00: Siesta/beach time
17.00: Afternoon courses
19.00: Sunset classes
20.00: Dinner & evening activities

Average Temperature

May can be a lovely time of year to be in Greece, mild and warm with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day, temperatures between 14 and 22 degrees Celcius, and the spring flowers still in bloom.

Location

Summary

Cost
£1,745.00
Location
Atsitsa Bay, Greece

What's included?

  • More than three courses per day over four to five days each week
  • An unrivalled and vibrant community atmosphere
  • Fun evening activities and events
  • Three delicious Mediterranean meals each day
  • Twin shared rustic accommodation in Atsitsa's gardens

What's On

Travel

To travel to Skyros Island you must go to Athens. We have organised transfers from Athens (detailed below) to take the stress out of your journey.

Domestic Travel (Athens – Skyros, return)

Flights to Skyros island are limited so we recommend booking as soon as possible with Aegean Airlines. For this session we recommend – 

If the flight to Skyros sells out for these dates we will organise an overland transfer. 

International Travel (to/from Athens)

For those arriving in Athens on the 17th May we have an organised transfer including an overnight stay in Central Athens. If many arrive into Athens at a similar time we will arrange a courtesy coach (minimum numbers required) departing Athens Airport to the hotel where you can relax and meet others joining the session. The following day the bus will return to Athens Airport in time for the flight to Skyros. To join this transfer, select Single/Twin Share at the Dorian, Transfer to Athens Airport & Transfer to Atsitsa when booking. 

For those arriving in Athens on the 18th May you will only require a transfer from Skyros Airport to Atsitsa. To secure this please select Transfer from Skyros Airport to Atsitsa only when booking. 

We recommend allowing at least two hours in Athens Airport by booking an international return flight after 5.20pm on 31st May. 

There are several ways to get in touch, and we'd love to hear from you…

Telephone: +44 (0)1983 865566

Email: holidays@skyros.com

Or Chat to us online using the link in the corner or your screen

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