19 independent reviews for Vegan holiday in Greece, cooking and food
Reviews for Vegan holiday in Greece, cooking and food
Piritta and Janne review 21 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The dishes we prepared were delicious, traditional Greek recipes. They were challenging but not too difficult, and we've already started making them at home. Working in the kitchen was fun and truly enjoyable, and the lovely instructors knew their stuff. The excursions during our free time were interesting, and the hikes were somewhat challenging (good!) — but if you felt tired, you always had the option to just relax on the beach.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just go with the flow, both in the kitchen and during your free time. If your accommodation is in Methoni, you’ll get to enjoy the charm of a lovely small village. The 30-minute commute to the kitchen is easy, as transportation is provided both ways.3. 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?
It was a wonderful vegan cooking holiday in sunny Greece, surrounded by lovely people.Paul Smith review 11 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Meeting many interesting in fun people, learning to cook vegan Greek dishes from kind hearted instructors in the villa kitchen, which had the most spectacular view. I also enjoyed the after cooking/lunch excursions to area beaches, villages, and archeological sites.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Relax and enjoy the experience. All the instructors brought different energy and approaches but I was able to learn something from all of them.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We visited local markets, shops, cafes, and restaurants throughout the week. We discussed local environmental issues and history. All food waste was composted. All gray water is reused for irrigation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very much enjoyed it. I’m glad I decided to do a vacation focused on learning new skills Loved the energy, humor, and positive spirit of the host. This was also a great way to experience the Messenia area of Greece for the first time.Charlotte Houke review 20 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hospitality of everyone, teachers and guest chefs. The feeling of community among everyone in the group, and especially Fiona.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring cash. Bring gifts from your country or city for everyone.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. One of my favorite things about the trip was going to the local markets, eating at local restaurants, and local shops. I also enjoyed learning more about veganism and its environmental impact.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The best vacation I have ever had. We created some priceless memories.Margot Bell review 30 Jun 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The location was beautiful and we had a lovely friendly and easy going group who got along well. Fiona is great fun and hugely encouraging and made the experience very enjoyable. She arranged fun side trips and ensured we experienced all that the area has to offer.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take notes while you’re cooking as you think you’ll remember everything but once you’re back home if all starts to blur.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We shopped for food at local markets and bought directly from producers. We also supported local restaurants and shops.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a memorable week filled with delicious food, good company, beautiful scenery and exploring the local area.Linda Sielaff review 24 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to name just one! True local cooking and great host, Fiona!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?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent!Trish O review 20 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to say because there was so much. Both environment and classes were exceptional.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it don’t hesitate!! Sign up asap.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Local cooks came in and taught us and we ate out with several locals included in local restaurants. They were warm and outgoing and we came to understand a lot about the local way of life and they learned about us too. We used olive oil and the food grown by locals. We also composted food and separated recycling. Actually one of the highlights of the trip was our immersion with the locals. Much different experience than we would have had as a tourist. Don’t hesitate to go for it.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Can I give it six stars? It was my first time in Greece and turned out to be the trip of a lifetime. Fiona made sure we not only learned a lot but enjoyed ourselves too. I am already incorporating what I learned. It was about much more than the food although it was great. Learning about how the Greeks include herbs and nuts and seeds was very helpful. Nutritional aspects also included.Helen Young review 18 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole experience was memorable and exciting and I would wholeheartedly recommend it. The cooking classes, Fiona and her team and the guest chefs were innovative and great at sharing their knowledge. The free time and trips to the beach and archaeological sites were a bonus. The other course participants were brilliant, collaborative and great fun. I made wonderful friends and had a blast!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Enjoy, don't be afraid to make mistakes and simply go for it. You do not have to be a vegan to get so much out of this course in terms of cooking and nutritional knowledge. Try it all even if you think you do not like it - that was fennel for me!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - we bought all of the food produce locally so it was super fresh and had not been transported in. We spent some time at the local shops and restaurants buying coffees etc and shopping for lovely items such as jewellery made at the shop where we bought it.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was brilliant! Fiona, Dimitris, the local people and the other guests made it a trip I will never forget and I know that I have made good friends that I will see again.Dianne Rowe review 1 Nov 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's genuinely hard to choose as each day was memorable in its own way. We were made to feel so welcome from the moment Fiona and Dimitris met us at the airport. It was such a relaxed and friendly atmosphere throughout the whole week. Nothing was too much trouble and we were treated as friends, rather than guests at all times. I was the only actual vegan and it is honestly the first organised holiday I have been on where I didn't feel a nuisance or the odd one out, which was such a lovely change. We were a small group and cooked really well together with great banter! Fiona kept us on our toes in the nicest possible way and our visits and excursions were both really enjoyable and informative each time. The people she introduced us to were all so kind and friendly - we couldn't have asked for more. Finally, what I will also never forget is the nightly serenading of the Golden Jackals - I found it so endearing and recorded it for posterity most evenings! It has to be heard to be believed.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you like your holiday to be laid back, lots of laughs and relaxing, this is for you. If you like a repetitive daily routine and prefer to be clock-watching all the time, it isn't! If you are a strict vegan, such as myself, I would recommend doing some research beforehand to have a list of vegan wines - if, like me, you drink red and prefer not to drink the local rosé (vegan) wine. Try to learn some useful Greek words and phrases in advance - the local people seemed to find our attempts amusing, so it helps to break the ice. With many people their English is very good but I think they appreciated the effort.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
This is a hard question to answer. It hopefully benefited the local people we were introduced to as we genuinely had a fun and very enjoyable time with each one. Plus, when we ate out some evenings we ate locally in establishments run by local people well-known to Fiona. Did it benefit the greater community - not in any way I can specifically exemplify. Again, I can't think of an example where we reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation other than the vast majority of what we cooked and ate was sourced locally.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great hosts who helped to make the whole experience very friendly, very relaxed, lots of laughs, delicious food, informative (both nutritionally and culturally) and loads of happy memories to look back on.Lynn Wyzkiewicz review 2 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The cooking and eating, and meeting so many local people was very memorable. We also learned a lot of tips and tricks throughout the week while cooking with Fiona and the other chefs. Everyone went out of their way to ensure we had a good holiday. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable time!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Relax and enjoy yourself! Become like a local and visit the shops and cafes and bakeries! Fiona and staff are very flexible about how to spend time each day, so if there is something you'd like to do, you can talk to the group and create your own holiday.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we spent time with the local people and learned from them, and supported the local farmers.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was fantastic! I would highly rate it.Rosemary Stanbury review 11 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's impossible to say - it was all wonderful. The cooking, making new friends, amazing views, shopping in the markets, accomodation, the weather, the beaches, exploring the ancient sites, evening tavernas, meeting Greek friends, local wine. ........2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go via Athens. It's a long journey, but worth it. Leave room in your case to bring back delights. There are (very friendly) pets at the house. Go with a relaxed and open mind - 'elf and safety are not quite as rigorous as in UK. So lovely.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, definitely. Local produce, local businesses, local everything.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was great! I really hope to return. Everyone was so friendly.Cathy Chapman review 8 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole experience was memorable! It began by going into Kalamata to buy fresh fruits and vegetables for our meals at an open air market. We got to see the various different Greek fruits and vegetables as well as use our primitive Greek language skills to interact with the vendors. We had the opportunity to attend a Greek Orthodox Easter service which was a unique experience. We also stopped by a local chapel near the cooking school later in the week for a celebration of the the name day of the saint that the chapel was named for. They had food and desserts after the service which the church people eagerly invited us to share.. An older Greek man shared some of the history of the area going back to what his grandfather had shared of the Turkish control, then the Italian/German control during WW2. Amazing information that one doesn’t learn in the history books as a child. We were amazed how how everyone there made us feel welcome even though we clearly were not Greek Orthodox. We frequently stopped for coffee on our drive from the villa to the cooking school. We experienced various Greek breakfast foods, Greek coffee, fredo expresso, and other unique coffee drinks. Fiona treated as like family and introduced us to everyone. My husband is a retired forester which included fighting forest and brush fires. One morning we stopped by the fire department and met the fire chief. She and my husband “talked shop” about how Greeks fight forest fires and discussed the different equipment used both here and in Greece. On several days we had guests from other areas of Europe who joined us for dinner at the cooking school. We enjoyed the exposure to other cultures and the robust conversation. There was a cultural day built into the schedule for the week. We had the opportunity to see several archeological sites and learn some of the history of the Peloponnese. We learned so much about not only vegan Mediterranean cooking but the nutrition behind much of the food we cooked. Fiona shared her knowledge of the health benefits of the various foods we ate. We learned the value of nuts, olive oil, and fresh herbs not only for flavor but for the micronutrients they provide. We discussed the health benefits of our food choices in preventing chronic health conditions as well as treating them when they have occurred with our food choices.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a taxi from Athens airport to the cooking school. The central bus station in Athens is a bit of a scary place and not language friendly to those who don’t speak Greek. Don’t be afraid to walk around town and interact with local people both on the street and in various shops. Knowing a few Greek words goes a long way to being conversation starters with the local people. Most people in Greece speak some English but they really enjoy helping tourists with their Greek language skills. If you spend time in Athens, definitely take advantage of the hop on/hop off tour buses. The historical sites are all over Athens. We walked and ran out of time to see everything.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel that every positive interaction with people from another country or culture benefits everyone involved. We did our best to be friendly, polite, and engaging Americans. We stopped every morning for coffee and breakfast foods which supported the local economy. Our foods for cooking were bought locally. We went out to dinner twice during the week which again supported local restaurants as well as gave us an opportunity to experience authentic Greek foods and interact with the local restaurant staff A lot of our cooking involved using wild herbs and native greens. It has motivated me to learn what “weeds” are growing in my yard that are edible.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was absolutely the vacation of a lifetime for us. I don’t think we will every experience another vacation that gave us such diverse experiences and intimate exposure to the local community and culture.Jackie Devaney review 17 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It's hard to pick the best bit of such a great holiday, but I would have to go with the people. Fiona and her team (Dimitri, Goni and Christina) could not have done more to make us feel welcome. We had a small group which was great. Second to the people was the food and cooking. We learned so much about cooking in general and Greek cooking in particular. The meals that we prepared were nothing short of restaurant quality, thanks to the advice and support of the tour operator.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to get involved. We cooked, discussed life, shopped in a Greek market (sometimes in our very broken Greek), washed up, made Greek coffee, met locals, and on, and on, and on.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Clearly Fiona and her team know the local market traders and restauranteurs, so you know that the produce that you use is locally sourced wherever possible. The fact that we are bring custom to small local tavernas, not just to bigger restaurants near the beach, is great. Fiona's philosophy is to use sustainably sourced local ingredients to create great, healthy food.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was one of the best holidays that we have had, and we have been talking about it to all our friends. We have also been in touch, swapping photos and WhatsApps with the rest of the group. We may have made some forever friends :¬)Richard Howarth review 9 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fact we felt like were visiting friends from the moment our host Fiona called to us across Kalamata bus station. Walking in the steps of locals from koulouria with coffee shared with Gony the local fire chief in the morning, to seeing the market fayre through Fiona and Christina’s eyes.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a break mid week to visit the area especial a boat trip around Navarino bay and the fort at Methoni.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, shopping for food to cook in local stores and eating in local restaurants when we had room left.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday was better than we could have expected, cooking, sharing, learning and eating under the olive trees was all as described but feeling so welcomed by the friends of Fiona and Dimitris and spending time with them took the holiday to the next level. Special thanks to Fiona, Dimitris, Gony and Christina :-)Louise Coe review 7 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was a great holiday full of learning new things, meeting new people and being inspired to cook and try new dishes.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to be open to new experiences and trying new flavours. Fiona is very knowledgeable about the local cuisine and how to prepare it to maximise the health benefits. Be open minded and take this on board3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, all local produce was used in the cooking and we ate in local restaurants4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Really enjoyed this holiday, would definitely recommend it.Maarten Steenhuis review 6 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The outdoor kitchen and outdoor cooking. The lovely long dinners with lots of laughter and conversation.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take salt. If salt is your thing. Plus a spare stomach or a chair that reclines if possible. There will be lots of cooking, the results will be delicious and you won't avoid some serious over eating.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. This holiday was very embedded in the location. From buying all our ingredients at the local Kalamata markets, to preparing nearly everything from scratch, and the local DIY style accommodation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Simply gut-bustingly fabulous.Gaina Dunsire review 10 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The warmth, fun and generosity from our host and the view from the kitchen!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book 7 nights not 5 if you can as it was great to relax before & after the course3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, locals benefitted from us using the arranged airport transfers, boat hire, restaurants, markets etc. Food waste was composted and local ingredients used as much as possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Nancy Leibig review 26 May 2019
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Creating fresh vegan meals.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be open to everything.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, everything we bought and everywhere we went was local.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fun, interesting, a nice mix of busy and relaxing, and so much excellent super healthy vegan food.Katy Poynter review 30 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
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?
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I have just got back and I had the most wonderful time on holiday - Fiona and her friends and family were great hosts, made me feel very welcome. They also took me around to see wonderful sites in and around Kalamata..... I learnt to make the most delicious food. I have added a link to Vegan FB groups. The apartment I stayed in was very clean and comfortable with beautiful views of the hills, olive and lemon trees, and the sea.Jean Doorley review 13 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Being part of and immersed in the Greek lifestyle through being with Fiona, her team and their families. The course was taught in a relaxed fashion, was fun and we came away with a new approach to cooking.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just do it.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed in Methoni for ten days and supported the local market, cafes and shops.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ten out of ten.Holiday Reviews
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