20 independent reviews for Painting Holiday in Crete
Reviews for Painting Holiday in Crete
Amanda Turner review 12 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I enjoyed all of it - it would be wrong to pick any one thing. The walking was excellent and most enjoyable. The accommodation was perfect, well managed and again, just what I wanted. Painting also really filled the bill with a lovely variety of subjects, ideas and support. My idea of a perfect holiday in a lovey spot.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Come ready to enjoy - the pace is relaxed and friendly - if you like walking and painting in beautiful, unspoilt, sunny spots with real history, you couldn't do better.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
That really helped - it was not a resort but sharing with people/family - seeing how history and terraine had shaped their lives, they were able to show us Crete, not try to be what a tourist expects. We found a real respect for the place as it was and were welcomed as such.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent and just what I wanted! A big thank you for making it such a good relaxed experience.Bridget Peachey review 16 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Painting from the amphitheatre overlooking the turquoise sea, and also the ancient olive trees2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To bring your own brushes for acrylic paints and a sketchbook and pencils.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We patronised the local tavernas. Every care was taken to protect the environment from litter etc.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A lovely restful week in good company in our group of 4 artists. A perfect balance of painting and relaxation. The hotel was comfortable and quiet and rooms spacious. Thank you especially to the family team for all your care and the special painting locations you chose for us. Also the lifts were appreciated as I can’t walk far.Bill Hunter review 25 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I really enjoyed painting and icon with tempera, but Iakovos and Dafni made the holiday with thier warm hospitality and local knowledge. the walking was good and took us to interesting places.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
if you are on the painting holiday, take a sketch pad to work on your art. The local tavernas and shops were starting to close for the season in mid-October, but there were cooking facilities at the hotel.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - we used local businesses but the area is quite touristy.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a good holiday, very relaxed and well organised with plenty of time for relaxation between the session.Sally Ladbrooke review 23 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Kissamos itself, the variety of lovely painting locations. And great companions to share it with.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you don’t want to try acrylic painting bring your own basic materials .3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
A key part of the success of the holiday was the local family that led and organised all aspects of it. An insight into ancient Crete and the modern way of life there and how local produce was harvested. We used local buses, drank locally produced wine…4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It far exceeded my expectations, great painting locations, seamless organisation, well situated hotel and a great group of fellow travellers. Perfect!Louisa Littler review 25 Sep 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
An all round great experience, hard to choose one thing2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Plenty of suncream! also note the airconditioning is not included in the price3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, every effort made to use local resources. may help to explain if composting available4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentHeather McAdam review 24 Sep 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I had such a lovely painting holiday in Crete with Camille, Iakovos, Dafni and Foivos from the operator. They were so kind to us all and looked after us so well. The holiday was so relaxing and just what I needed. The Comoranos Apartments were lovely and close to the beach and local tavernas. We had plein air sessions at lovely chapels and villages with Camille’s encouragement and the support of Iakovos, Dafni and Fiovos. There was enough time outside the sessions to paint on our own, relax or do some sightseeing. A great holiday to escape the everyday stresses.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Although there were no formal “lessons” we all learned from each other and shared tips. Camille gave us lots of encouragement, ideas and suggestions. We could do as much or little as we wanted - I chose to paint quite a lot during our free time as it was time away from work and everyday distractions.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used local buses, tavernas an taxis and the apartments were family run - so yes, I think it benefited local people and reduced environmental impacts4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had such a lovely time and met some wonderful people- and felt really cared for by Camille and her family. I would rate this highlyKaren Pollock review 4 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Amazing holiday exploring Crete, I really enjoyed the icon painting, visiting the museum in Kissamos and meeting new people!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would highly recommend this holiday! Camille, Lakovos and Dafni are all very friendly and did a great job organising all the trips and painting sessions.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - used local transport, and ate in local tavernas4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I would highly rate this holiday - lovely people, lots of painting and in a beautiful country!Jane Low review 28 Sep 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
visiting unusual places2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
bring an apron! Read up about Crete beforehand3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I enjoyed the coromanos apts. Very comfortable. Pool and surrounding area clean and attractive. As a virtual beginner, I iwould have liked more in depth tuition.. I felt a bit lost sometimes and rather disappointed in my efforts! It might be worth studying up painting techniques before going.Gussie Schacke Andersen review 25 Sep 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Camille and her team were very supportive and helpful.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Local buses were used. Also the area around the holiday base was well utilised by foot. It was easy to walk to the local tavernas every night .4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Accommodation and breakfasts were superb. Painting activities were well organised and resourced.Elizabeth Lilley review 27 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Having a go at painting en plein air with a group of lovely people. I thoroughly enjoyed the session where Camille demonstrated painting Icons and another where she demonstrated painting a simple seascape with large brushstrokes.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Although Camille has a boot full of everything you need for painting outside I would bring a selection of what you use at home to carry on with your work after the session has finished.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
timetables allowing we used local busses to get around the area, the equipment Camille provided us with was largely repurposed and recycled. We ate in a variety of local tavernas. We shared taxis back to the airport reducing emissions.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Camille, Iakavos and the family were very friendly and welcoming and shared with us their love of Crete. I am aware that it is difficult to tailor a holiday to suit all ability levels and if you are looking for structured lessons this is perhaps not for you. The wonderful scenery, food and company have made this a holiday to remember.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you very much for your positive review. we are so glad you enjoyed the holiday painting. Just in answer to Point 2, although it is a good idea to bring your own materials with you if you want to use them, it is not necessary. It is possible to borrow a wet box and brushes, board etc. to continue your painting after the session.
Mary Halmshaw review 21 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The island and people and the excellent hotel.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Lovely family running the tour.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, as far as could see.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good.Silvia Gomez review 9 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The best part was after the painting holiday, I'm afraid.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Find other paint holiday.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Not necessarily4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was the worst painting holiday I've ever been. I'm very sorry to say that. It is a nice family but irresponsible to offer a holiday like that, They have no idea what a painting holiday is about.Read the operator's response here:
We are very sorry that the reviewer did not find our Painting Holiday f interest, this is exactly what we describe on our website and in our detailed programme sent in our booking email. We strive to accommodate all our travelers but we are sorry this holiday didn't meet your expectations.
The reviewer does not explain the reasons or raise anything with us. Fortunately the vast majority of customers have exactly the opposite opinion to the reviewer’s.Camille is a very experienced facilitator of art workshops. She has also been an artist for over forty years, exhibiting regularly in Greece and UK. On a holiday of participants of mixed abilities, the workshops give everyone opportunities to practice their individual art making.
It is a pity that the reviewer did not recognise that the excellent tavernas and Cafes where run entirely by local people, usually being members of the same family. The hotel too is family run and are especially welcoming to artist holidaymakers, clearing tables in their restaurant which has beautiful sea views, allowing them to paint there in the afternoon. Finally, many people work together to make this a holiday of a lifetime for each participant and we are only sad on the very few occasions it does not seem possible.
Elizabeth Tucker review 25 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Gradually developing my drawing and painting skills over the week.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you would like a relaxed informal painting holiday with a bit of sightseeing thrown in, then I think you would really enjoy this holiday. For people looking for more formal teaching (which I wasn't) then perhaps this would not be such a good fit for you. And bring insect repellent for the biting flies in the afternoon!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed in a hotel run by a local family and ate in tavernas run by locals. I don't think our holiday had much of an environmental impact, but I can't think of specific instances of reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a lovely week and really enjoyed it . Camille who was leading the group was a great and collegiate team leader, and took us to a wide variety of locations to paint. She was also very helpful at giving me useful tips to improve my painting. I would definitely recommend this holiday.Carol Hill review 12 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Great accommodation. Perfect itinerary to meet my needs and expectations2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you want a great combined experience of Crete, art and painting then this is for you3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very enjoyable and well arrangedGeoff Hayward review 21 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole thing was memorable. I enjoyed the painting. I met nice people. The area was lovely and the locals friendly.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Next time I will take a light, portable easel. These are the things you figure out during your stay.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used the local shops and Taverna. We used public transport and we left no litter. We were respectful of the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Totally enjoyed it. I would do it again for sure. The Hotel was great too.Margaret Baker review 21 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walks with our host Iakovos. His knowledge of Cretan history was truly educational. Painting en plein air with Camille was a new adventure for me. Camille has oddles of patience had guided us to just the right locations.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I was able to walk and paint, but make sure you use the time between the two activities to sample local culture.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes I did. The hotel was a local family business as were the restaurants we went to. These were pointed out to us by our hosts. We used local transport which was reliable. Iakovos was able to contact local bus company to check buses were running in the day. Remarkably achievement!!!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Fulfilled all my objectives. Loved it, will definitely be going back.Vickii Davison review 16 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
We had a number of memorable times on the Painting Holiday in Crete, a number stood out. These included the the visit to the museum in Kissamos, the egg tempera session and the session to the olive grove with 1000 year old Olive Trees.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Come expecting a relaxed, happy workshop, in a beautiful part of Crete.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we dined in local restaurants, and used local facilities such as taxis and buses.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Our holiday was memorable mainly because of the attention our two hosts gave us. Both Camille and Iakovos both went out of their way to ensure that we were looked after. Camille was sensitive to our needs and the program was flexible enough to change according to the weather etc. The accommodation was terrific and in a great position.John Jones review 16 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking and painting.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It was a great holiday. I would recommend it.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I did.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Barbara Lynch review 1 Jul 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Sharing experiences like painting with new people and doing it plein air.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy the experience wherever it takes you. There’s so much to see and paint from vast landscapes to a simple caper flower under the guidance of Camille an experienced arts facilitator.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, having an organised painting holiday outside touristy areas while staying and eating locally benefits a small community.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent care and attention by Camille who brought us to various interesting locations for painting along with Lakovos who quided us on archaeological sites. They couldn’t do enough.Vicky Rogers review 30 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was lovely to meet up on the first evening in a local taverna. Each day was a delight as it involved something different.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take your materials with you.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Each day was spent locally so hardly any travel.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.Holiday Reviews
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