The Skyros Centre
The Skyros Centre
4.5
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Best nearby
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30 within 5 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
139 reviews
Excellent
93
Very good
34
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
0
Amanda T
1 contribution
Jun 2022
Be aware that the typical Skyrian accommodation as advertised on the website is of a very poor standard and has not been well maintained, broken shower, broken mosquito netting, holes in the towels and so on. It was very much along the lines of student accommodation unfortunately which considerably impacted the enjoyment of my holiday.
Whilst the writing course was good, this is something to consider before booking this holiday as well as poor organisation at the centre itself which was a shame.
Whilst the writing course was good, this is something to consider before booking this holiday as well as poor organisation at the centre itself which was a shame.
Written 21 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ally1964cat
Heath, UK43 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
I feel so blessed to have spent time, not only on the island of Skyros, but at the Skyros centre. I participated in a wonderful course called New Beginnings, which helped me focus on the "what next" in my life. there were also writing and art courses available. the course encourages personal growth and community living. we shared tasks and ate the majority of our meals together, good healthy tasty local produce, as well as having great adventures and exploring the island. it was a relaxed atmosphere and people quickly bonded and forged deep friendships. I can't imagine anyone regretting choosing this venue and the holistic courses on offer, the really are life enhancing. absolutely one of the best things an individual could do for theirself in my opinion! the staff were all fantastic and the only regret was having to come home!
Written 4 November 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourist1054
Dublin90 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
I was a bit reluctant contemplating a 'solo' holiday. The reviews reassured me and the recommendation of a friend who told me that 'a skyros holiday' was on her 'dream holiday' list.
It was a fantastic holiday from start to finish. Very exciting overland trip from Athens to Skyros - involved leaving the 'Dorian Hotel' at 11.00 a.m. having met the group - all very friendly - and taking a coach for 2 hours, a ferry for 20 minues, a coach for 2 hours and finally a ferry for 1.5 hours (times approximate). It was a great trip and felt like the holiday was unfolding gently. To be honest, you can take a flight and you'll be there in 20 minutes - I might recommend taking the flight when returning.
We were welcomed upon arrival by the two nicest holiday reps I ever met, Richard and Clare (a married couple). They were so good to us throughout the holiday. I was staying in the Skyros Centre and it is really well located on the edge of a most perfect village. I cannot explain how beautiful and peacful it is. The photos most certainly don't do it justice. There is a beautiful veranda overlooking the sea and the valley before it and a path to the beach (10 walk, steep but if I can do it - you can). I'm so glad I chose Sykros centre, rather than Atsitsa. That was just a bit too remote for me - but those that went there adored it.
The group gelled pretty much immediately. you had your space and you had company. Ideal. My room was actually in the centre. There were 14 in our group. Generally, there are more. The classes were a choice between 'Life Choices' with the renowned 'Ari Bidanes' and 'Writers lab' with the renowned 'Mez Packer'. Both were superb. Classes were every morning on Monday to Friday. After that you are on your own.
The beach is quite frankly spectacular with beautiful sun loungers available - they are attached to tavernas, and yours for the price of a served 'sparkling' water.
Every night there was some activity - dinner in the centre or dinner in a local taverna. One night we went to a beach taverna, one night to a cliff taverna, one night to a fabulous village taverna etc. etc. The fun just went on and on. It was so special. We laughed and laughed. The Rupert Brook Tour is highly recommended. I wasn't going to go and am so glad I did. The temperature was early 30's and not too much at all. A nice breeze.
I just loved this holiday and made some really special friends. Don't hesitate and don't be worrying about the 'solo' aspect. Your new friends await as does a fairly special and unique experience. A special thanks to Richard, Clare, Mez and of course our great course director 'Ari Bidaines', Thanks xxxx
It was a fantastic holiday from start to finish. Very exciting overland trip from Athens to Skyros - involved leaving the 'Dorian Hotel' at 11.00 a.m. having met the group - all very friendly - and taking a coach for 2 hours, a ferry for 20 minues, a coach for 2 hours and finally a ferry for 1.5 hours (times approximate). It was a great trip and felt like the holiday was unfolding gently. To be honest, you can take a flight and you'll be there in 20 minutes - I might recommend taking the flight when returning.
We were welcomed upon arrival by the two nicest holiday reps I ever met, Richard and Clare (a married couple). They were so good to us throughout the holiday. I was staying in the Skyros Centre and it is really well located on the edge of a most perfect village. I cannot explain how beautiful and peacful it is. The photos most certainly don't do it justice. There is a beautiful veranda overlooking the sea and the valley before it and a path to the beach (10 walk, steep but if I can do it - you can). I'm so glad I chose Sykros centre, rather than Atsitsa. That was just a bit too remote for me - but those that went there adored it.
The group gelled pretty much immediately. you had your space and you had company. Ideal. My room was actually in the centre. There were 14 in our group. Generally, there are more. The classes were a choice between 'Life Choices' with the renowned 'Ari Bidanes' and 'Writers lab' with the renowned 'Mez Packer'. Both were superb. Classes were every morning on Monday to Friday. After that you are on your own.
The beach is quite frankly spectacular with beautiful sun loungers available - they are attached to tavernas, and yours for the price of a served 'sparkling' water.
Every night there was some activity - dinner in the centre or dinner in a local taverna. One night we went to a beach taverna, one night to a cliff taverna, one night to a fabulous village taverna etc. etc. The fun just went on and on. It was so special. We laughed and laughed. The Rupert Brook Tour is highly recommended. I wasn't going to go and am so glad I did. The temperature was early 30's and not too much at all. A nice breeze.
I just loved this holiday and made some really special friends. Don't hesitate and don't be worrying about the 'solo' aspect. Your new friends await as does a fairly special and unique experience. A special thanks to Richard, Clare, Mez and of course our great course director 'Ari Bidaines', Thanks xxxx
Written 16 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susan R
Rome, Italy1 contribution
Aug 2013 • Solo
No wonder the Skyros Writers’ Lab was listed by The Guardian as number one of the World’s Best 5 Writing Holidays. You can have your lessons and lunch in the open air beneath overhanging vines overlooking the valley and sea.
We had our lessons with Leigh Russell (bestselling author of the Geraldine Steel series). Thanks to her I came home feeling motivated, inspired and with lots more confidence than I arrived with. She soon got the group working together and it was wonderful being with like-minded people and having lots of laughs. Just to tell you how wonderful it was - we are all meeting up for a reunion soon.
Apart from lesson time, there are many other things to do - walks, beach, yoga, excursion or just chilling out. On the last evening we got together and put on some entertainment – singing, poetry reading, impersonations and a play. Thanks to Richard, our artistic director who opened up our creative side, I discovered more about myself than I knew. It was more than a course it was a life-changing experience (even for me, a granny). It’s wonderful to discover these things at any age. So, if you are writing a book or haven’t done so and would like to, this is the perfect place to learn and get top class professional guidance.
Susan
We had our lessons with Leigh Russell (bestselling author of the Geraldine Steel series). Thanks to her I came home feeling motivated, inspired and with lots more confidence than I arrived with. She soon got the group working together and it was wonderful being with like-minded people and having lots of laughs. Just to tell you how wonderful it was - we are all meeting up for a reunion soon.
Apart from lesson time, there are many other things to do - walks, beach, yoga, excursion or just chilling out. On the last evening we got together and put on some entertainment – singing, poetry reading, impersonations and a play. Thanks to Richard, our artistic director who opened up our creative side, I discovered more about myself than I knew. It was more than a course it was a life-changing experience (even for me, a granny). It’s wonderful to discover these things at any age. So, if you are writing a book or haven’t done so and would like to, this is the perfect place to learn and get top class professional guidance.
Susan
Written 8 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the review, Susan. We're delighted to hear you had such a great time away and we wish you luck with your novel writing! Warm regards, The Skyros Team
Written 10 October 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lollyallen
london20 contributions
Jul 2013 • Solo
Just back from two weeks at the skyros center in skyros. The course was not clearly described on website or brochure it was far more serious that I expected but have noticed since my return that they have rectified this and they now have a full description online. The accommodation was very basic I was disappointed with the quality, A/C was ineffective, shower room poor, no cleaning done at all during my stay, I was staying in shared accommodation, I did have my own room but it was very small and the owners of the house kept their personal in the drawers and cupboards so I only had limited space for my own stuff, I did have a small balcony which I could use. The other person had a bed in the lounge with no space for her clothes so she had to keep all her clothes in her suitcase. The kitchen was in the corner of her room as was the shower room so if I needed the loo during the night I had to creep around her bed so also no way could I make a hot drink if she went to bed before I did. I did not enjoy staying in this property at all. The people on the courses were all very friendly so I did enjoy my time at the skyros center the staff were wonderful, mealtimes were very sociable and we were served some delicious meals and eating on the terrace was amazing. We had to do our own washing up but usually with no hot water so I doubt if the plates etc were ever properly cleaned. I get the feeling that Skyros spent the bare minimum which was a shame. I wouldn't use this company again but I know there were others who would definately return. I loved the ethos of the company but feel they have lost their way a bit.
Written 31 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alison
London, UK4 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
Beautiful place, great food, fantastic people, gorgeous beach, fun shops and restaurants, lovely community spirit, excellent teacher/course, interesting excursions... rejuvenating! Highly recommend it! Alison
Written 7 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward L
Prague, Czech Republic1 contribution
Aug 2013 • Solo
I've been on creative writing courses three times at the Skyros centre, and each time I've come away with a real sense of achievement. The opportunity to meet an interesting, diverse and eclectic group of people in such a lovely setting with perfect weather, beaches and food can seem like a dream come true, but it's not : it's reality, and it works on every level. The team go out of their way to make you feel welcome, and every time I have come away on a creative high. Long may it continue, and I hope I find an excuse to come back before long !
Written 2 September 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the kind review. It's great to hear you've benefited from the Writers' Lab courses three times already and we'd love the opportunity to welcome you again in the future. In the meantime, we wish you a very creative winter. Happy writing! Regards, The Skyros Team.
Written 10 October 2013
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
UkAdventure
uk2 contributions
Aug 2012 • Solo
The Life Changes Course at the Skyros Centre offers lots of skills and experiences which you can integrate into your life at home to make changes. The course is, however, only one part of a wonderfully, nourishing, stimulating and fun holiday where there is lots of opportunity to meet new friends, enjoy chatting on the beach, swimming in the gorgously warm blue sea and having dinner in one of the many tavernas in the town or near the beach. The island of Skyros is beautiful with narrow streets and interesting architecture. Some of the buildings are on steep slopes as is the museum but when you reach the top the views are stunning.
I loved beginning my day with an excellently taught yoga class on the open terrace over-looking the sea then having breakfast outside at the centre again looking over the sea. It was fun getting to know a wide-range of people chatting over meals and through the courses.
I decided to share a room and this worked out really well as there were two rooms in the apartment so in effect we had a room each and we were only there to sleep. it was also good to have a room-mate to walk to yoga with and share experiences with.
We had a couple of great parties, dancing outside in the warm night air. Everyone working at the Centre did their best to ensure that everyone had a good time, there was delicious food, excellent organisation and a I had a real sense of being cared for which I really appreciated it.
i highly recommend this holiday.
I loved beginning my day with an excellently taught yoga class on the open terrace over-looking the sea then having breakfast outside at the centre again looking over the sea. It was fun getting to know a wide-range of people chatting over meals and through the courses.
I decided to share a room and this worked out really well as there were two rooms in the apartment so in effect we had a room each and we were only there to sleep. it was also good to have a room-mate to walk to yoga with and share experiences with.
We had a couple of great parties, dancing outside in the warm night air. Everyone working at the Centre did their best to ensure that everyone had a good time, there was delicious food, excellent organisation and a I had a real sense of being cared for which I really appreciated it.
i highly recommend this holiday.
Written 24 September 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
burkittg
London, UK18 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Not sure why this is listed as an 'attraction': it's a perfect place to actually have a course-based holiday. Accommodation is mostly in local houses -- ours was a five-minute walk away, a house for our exclusive use with a kitchen (we didn't use it except for making tea) and a shower room.
As the world knows, the Skyros Centre runs courses. My wife and I spent two weeks there in August 2014. Joan did the painting course, facilitated by the excellent Amanda Davidson. I'm too old at 63 to do the life choices course and, as a full-time editor, I didn't want the busman's holiday of the writing workshop (though I had glowing accounts from Leigh Russell's students).
But the centre was perfectly happy for me to bumble about on my own during the three and a half hours every morning when the courses were on. I explored the town, climbed up to the castle, walked along the beach and headed off up a green valley past an ancient watermill to the local reservoir. When I wasn't doing that I read -- a great opportunity for uninterrupted relaxation.
Richard and Clare Maddicott, who were running the centre, were marvellous -- perfect hosts who spent a lot of time making our stay a wonderful experience. They organised trips (a local restaurant on the first night; to the other Skyros location on the island, Atsitsa; a concert on the night of the full moon; the local folk museum; a boat ride; and to Rupert Brooke's grave in the south of the island), and took part in the soirée on our final night. And Vasso's cooking was great.
We got on very well with the other people at Skyros Centre -- so much so that we've set up a closed Facebook group to keep in touch. And Joan and I hope to be back in 2015.
As the world knows, the Skyros Centre runs courses. My wife and I spent two weeks there in August 2014. Joan did the painting course, facilitated by the excellent Amanda Davidson. I'm too old at 63 to do the life choices course and, as a full-time editor, I didn't want the busman's holiday of the writing workshop (though I had glowing accounts from Leigh Russell's students).
But the centre was perfectly happy for me to bumble about on my own during the three and a half hours every morning when the courses were on. I explored the town, climbed up to the castle, walked along the beach and headed off up a green valley past an ancient watermill to the local reservoir. When I wasn't doing that I read -- a great opportunity for uninterrupted relaxation.
Richard and Clare Maddicott, who were running the centre, were marvellous -- perfect hosts who spent a lot of time making our stay a wonderful experience. They organised trips (a local restaurant on the first night; to the other Skyros location on the island, Atsitsa; a concert on the night of the full moon; the local folk museum; a boat ride; and to Rupert Brooke's grave in the south of the island), and took part in the soirée on our final night. And Vasso's cooking was great.
We got on very well with the other people at Skyros Centre -- so much so that we've set up a closed Facebook group to keep in touch. And Joan and I hope to be back in 2015.
Written 28 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bobomuse
London, UK143 contributions
Jun 2014 • Solo
I had the pleasure of having 2 weeks holiday at the Skyros centre in June. The "hosts" Richard and Clare could not have been more fun to be around and/or efficient! The Skyros centre gives you an opportunity to stay on this wonderful island mix with the locals, whilst trying new skills or further develope not so new hidden talents on one of the 3 courses run each week. All this whilst eating deliscious home made food by Vasso the local legend in the kitchen! You also get to learn a little Greek every morning with the option for any early risers to partake in Yoga classes pre breakfast both of which were run by the multi talented Alexia. When there was an island cruise organised through Richard and Clare, the Skyros company did not put on any extra charges unlike some companies that would and this was so in keeping with the ethos of this holiday company, nice! The other wonderful thing is that you have time to chill or continue to have fun with all the lovely new people you meet after your course has ended for the day. Highly recommend visiting Rupert Brooks grave, the small folk museum, the archealogy museum and go and see some Skyrian horses. As the holiday is half board the "hosts" would often suggest somewhere to dine in the evening, so you can arrive at the Centre alone but you will not be eating alone on holiday unless you wish to. The 10 min walk down to the beach means you can have extra portions of Vasso's food or a bougatsa (local sweet pastry) each day!!! The beach is sandy and wonderfully long. There are bars there but are also places where you can be "far from the madding crowd" if you so wish to.I have to let you know that there really is something very magical about the island of Skyros that once you have experienced it you will find yourself wanting to come back again and again.............. and so do give it a try!
Written 10 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
As a company you used to only have vegetaian/vegan food which was great but now I see you don't mention this anymore. I also noticed that you serve meat and fish now. What happened to your ethics? I was thinking of booking but I am vegan, so I am not sure if you could cater for me any more.
Written 13 October 2019
Κανένα παράπονο μονο μια απορία.
Γιατί δεν γεμίζει ο δήμος όλη τη παραλία στα μαγαζιά κι αλλου με παλαμάκια σκουπιδιών.Στη χώρα κρατούσα το κυπελακι της Φαλτσαινας για αρκετά μετρα μέχρι να βρω καλαθάκι να το πεταξωΣτα μαγαζιά δε που εμένα αναγκαστηκα να πετάξω τα σκουπίδια μου σε ιδιωτικό κάδο σε ενα σοκάκι και μάλιστα με ειρωνευτηκαν οι ντόπιες κυριες της αυλης
Written 9 August 2019
I am trying to figure out the address, since google maps don't give it to me
Written 3 July 2019
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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