27 independent reviews for Walking and painting holiday in Crete
Reviews for Walking and painting holiday in Crete
Melanie Steele review 9 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Dafni, who organised the painting sessions, knew the area well as her father's family had been there for generations, though they now spend half the year in Athens. That local knowledge meant that we went to draw or paint in areas it is unlikely I would ever have found by myself: a beautiful Byzantine chapel next to an olive grove; a village with lots of interesting spots; a modern but replica of ancient amphitheatre by the sea stand out. Dafni herself was lovely. She remained calm whatever and put herself out to ensure people had what they needed and had their questions answered. Last but not least, the cats!! Chief among them a very friendly cute tom kitten who moved in with the family during the week!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Think about what you want to get out of the holiday. The week is structured with two separate sessions between 2 and 3 hours, at different sites*. It is surprising how fast the time goes! I would consider doing more quick sketches rather than attempting one 'finished' painting for each session, if I went again. * The 2 sessions run every day apart from a rest day and 1 afternoon off. Resources: there were a lot of materials in terms of paint (all quick drying) and also chalk and pastels. Boards were supplied each session with paper pre-taped to them, ready to paint. Best to take your own sketching paper if you chose to sketch more. There is time in the afternoon to eat lunch at restaurant on the beach, and swim and every evening was free. I stayed at the apartments and there was not really enough time to go into the nearby town on a painting day as walking would take up to an hour and the bus is not very regular. It was easy to get to Chania on the day off, taking the bus on the busy road that you can walk to about 100m from the apartments.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The women working at the apartments were lovely and one of them brought me my breakfast every day, so staying there provided work. Eating at the local restaurants every day similarly supported the staff there. Using a bus was good, rather than driving every where in a car. Conservation not really covered here given you fly to Crete though I loved getting to know about olive growing and realising its crucial importance to Crete.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Great holiday for people who want to paint/sketch outside and have the opportunity to paint at a lot of different sites during their stay. Very helpful and kind organisers. If you want to combine with sight seeing or shopping etc consider adding on a day or two either end.Valerie Driver review 8 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Organised by a kind and gentle family in quiet areas away from the hustle and bustle of life. Being taken to areas that we would not otherwise have known about. The welcome meal and invitation to the organisers’ home.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Come on your own or with others. The organisers work hard to include everyone in the group.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Definitely. Travelling by local bus and buying food in the local shops.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was great, I really enjoyed it all.Geoff Smith review 2 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
A great combination of morning walks and afternoon painting sessions. A lovely group of people. The local tour company people were very friendly and helpful.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The group was very supportive so don't worry about your (lack?) of painting skills. Be prepared for walking in the heat.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used local buses and local tavernas. The tour operatrors/guides are local and the hotel owned by locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good. A very enjoyable, varied mix of reasonably paced walks and opportunities to paint & sketch.Alison Appleton review 1 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
All the different locations for walking and painting were beautiful and unique, the people who ran the tour were just amazing and the other travellers were just fantastic.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
I would say just go with an open mind and an open heart, if you enjoy painting walking and meeting new people, this is the experience for you.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We definitely spent some money with local businesses which I hope benefited the local people, we were encouraged to be environmentally friendly and learnt a lot about conservation in the area.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I can’t rate holiday highly enough, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a real holiday experience with fun adventure and creativity.Soma Rao review 24 Sep 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was all memorable! The walks, the painting, and the informative guides. The best part was the lovely family who is the local set up.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring canvas panels to paint on if you prefer canvas to paper.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was amazing. Iakovos, Dafni, Foivos and Camille were so welcoming and helpful. The scenery was beautiful. History comes to life here.Ellen Beacon review 25 Sep 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring hiking boots and poles.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?
Anita Rattan review 23 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wonderful walks through olive orchards, farms & beaches, taking local buses, visiting a winery and the monastery. A holiday with a warm friendly family company that are adaptable to eatable each individual to enjoy walking and painting at their level. Really enjoying local food in real Greek taverns.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take walking shoes and poles to make the most of the walks.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes travelled on local buses, lived in a wonderful family run hotel and visited real local cafes and taverns.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentLynne Rosenthal review 9 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The environment and people2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
enjoy!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
wonderful experienceKam Poonia review 3 Jul 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole holiday was a wonderful experience, from my lovely apartment, gorgeous breakfast delivered every morning. To the walks and art time in the evening. The host family were so attentive and kind. They responded to a whole variety of needs within the group, tailoring each persons experience appropriately. I went as a solo traveler and was welcomed by the rest of the group, even though most of them knew each other.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
When I went it was very hot, apparently heat waves are becoming more common, so go prepared and don’t over do the walking. You are given options to do less or more.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The accommodation and where we ate were all locally owned establishments.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Good value for money and a lovely experience. Five stars. ??Brigitte Buss review 30 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Gorgeous landscape with a deep teal sea, beautiful views everywhere. Very relaxed life style. Lovely tour organisers.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you’re mostly coming for the painting and are a more aspiring artist, bring your own art supplies and tools.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - it’s organized and run by a local family with a definite awareness of these issues, shown by choices such as the use of public transport.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a great time and would recommend this vacation to anyone looking for a relaxed, comfortable and friendly group holiday with flexible activity options!Julie Lewis review 22 May 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The opportunity to see beautiful unspoilt areas of Crete, painting and relaxing ??2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are a confident artist this holiday would suit you. If you're looking for detailed tuition it might not be for you. Take your own paints with you. If you rely on borrowing the materials from Camille and don't get your work finished on site, you won't be able to complete the painting back in your hotel room.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Travelling to different areas by walking and/or using local transport definitely supports locals. As does using local tourist attractions and local restaurants.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I thoroughly enjoyed the walking and painting holiday. Camille and her family were very accommodating. They supported those who struggled with walking long distances. I would highly recommend this holiday if you like painting, walking and meeting people from all walks of life.Read the operator's response here:
We are happy you enjoyed your holiday painting and walking with us. Thank you very much for your review. We would like to point out in answer to Point No. 2 that we offer equipment, including a wetbox of acrylic paints to borrow during the week in order to finish painting after the session. Maybe because the Julie was working with her own material she was not aware of this. She is right that formal classroom tuition is not given in the art workshops and this is declared on our website and in our information emails. Personalised guidance is given to less experienced participants, with some tips on perspective, paint handling, colour mixing and approaches to landscape painting.
Carol Allen review 2 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walking every day was great but I was disappointed with the painting part of the tour. The equipment and paints were not great2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you want to walk around Crete this is a great tour.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I don’t think there was any impact on the environment or local people4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall the walking part was great the painting not so good.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you for your comments Carol. As far as painting equipment goes, as it says on our website and we wrote in our initial response to your holiday enquiry we have basic equipment: paints, paper, boards, wet boxes, stools, chalks, charcoal, pencils, rubbers, brushes etc. Participants are encouraged to bring their own materials if ours do not suit them. You can appreciate that ours are not of the highest quality as this would make your holiday much more expensive and is not necessary for many participants. We are glad you enjoyed the walking. We are glad that you saw there was no impact on the environment but the local people benefited from your presence as you were staying in a family run hotel and ate in family run tavernas.
Cyd Rosen-Herrmann review 11 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was a wonderful time in all that I was able to do. I did get sick so I missed out on a few things, however, since I was staying on in that area the people who run the tour, Camille and Iakovos invited me to join them with the next group. I was above and behind. they were wonderful and I genuinely miss them. What I did do was quite lovely and you do meet the nicest people as well.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you are going to do watercolor, because you really can use any media you like. Camille does supply materials. But I do recommend bringing your own watercolor paper, especially if you are a serious watercolorist.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate dinner at a local taverna that was privately owned. We walked or took local transportation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I was nervous about it at first, because I generally am not a joiner of these types of activities but I never felt judged. Everyone there was there to just have a good time, and I felt very comfortable. Again, all the people were just great. It wasn't fancy and first class accommodations which I wasn't looking for or even like. The apartments we stayed in were just great though; two verandas and window and doors everywhere, so there were breezed from every direction and lovely views. I went swimming in the pool almost daily, before and after I got sick. It was a really nice and well kept pool. Breakfasts were also very nice.Kate Mason review 5 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Walking along the coast path and then swimming in the sea was a highlight though I loved all the guided walks2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a walking pole and sturdy walking shoes3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes as we are out locally every day and used local buses4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent -I really enjoyed both the painting and walking -Camille and Iakovos were great company and very knowledgeable and helpful -I hope to return ….Sue Neve review 5 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
For me just walking along the rural part of the beach on my own on a hot morning. The sun sea and wind was perfect and meeting a herd of goats who had been released from their night time enclosure grazing nearby. The goat herd went for a swim with his wife watching from the beach. Not a bad life. On a more practical note, from the start, the pick up at the airport to the end of the holiday it all went well. Camille and Lakovos went out of their way to provide everything we needed. It was the first time we’ve been on a small group holiday and we will definitely do it again even though I knew from the start I may not be able to join in all the walks due to my health. I did do some though and enjoyed the historical places pointed out on the way. I’m a complete novice at painting but others were like me and Camille was very encouraging.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you get stressed (as we do now!) hiring cars, finding places and deciding what to do on holiday, this type of break was a welcome departure. Be prepared for heat though as was hotter than normal for this time of year. Being near the sea, the pool and the fact it is a quiet area meant this was not a problem although for me a little hot for long walks.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes . We were encouraged to use the buses and the whole community (restaurants, taxi drivers etc) were involved. It was good the air con is charged separately too as it was easy to cope with the heat if you do what the locals do and shut blinds etc during the day. We never needed ours.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent. Loved the apartment as although not luxury and more of a kitchenette than a kitchen, it was clean and had everything we needed. The cleaner came every day and the breakfast delivered in the mornings was delicious. Great mosquito blinds too.Amy Welch review 4 Oct 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walks, majestic scenery with the sea almost always in sight, and then the chance to just paint with no interruptions. Our hosts and the fellow travelers were such fun. Swimming in the warm crystal clear sea.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring watercolor or gouache paints, sunscreen, a fold up canvas shopping bag to stick in your day pack for purchases at the winery or in the villages.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We stayed and ate and drank at family owned establishments4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely wonderful! This is my second time doing this trip and I would hesitate to return.Lydie Gardner review 22 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Lovely walk along the coast followed by a swim at a deserted beach2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring good shoes and insect repellent.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I stayed in a family run apartment and ate in a family run taverna. We also ate local cheese and drank copious quantities of local wine4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A well balanced holiday in a beautiful area. Camille and Jakovos were excellent hosts making sure we were getting the most from our holidaySusan House review 25 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Each day feeling immersed in the local community with warm, genuinely caring guides.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Embrace the opportunity to learn about the past and present lives of the people living in such an extraordinary landscape.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, I felt privileged to walk gently through landscapes, experiencing traditional production of local artisans, historical and environmental landmarks and meeting warm and friendly people. Our focus was appreciation for maintaining the quality of the environment, and respect for traditional life.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Such a rich and rewarding experience led by extremely knowledgeable, kind and caring guides.Tony Upton review 23 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The walk to the gorge.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a walking pole if you use one.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?
Excellent.Zoya Duba review 17 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hiking, walking through the small villages, the varied landscape.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?
Yes to all.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent.Amy Welch review 13 Oct 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything. I completed 12 paintings/drawings most while being outside with my travel companions. I painted in olive groves, on the seacoast, in front of ancient churches, and on one of my two terraces. Each walk/ hike was filled with beautiful scenery cultural historical ahorticultural and geologic information. Our hosts were wonderful and like family. The family that owned our apartments also treated us so well. The pool was great. breakfasts huge and delicious, and the local foods and wines delicious and inexpensive. Our little village was so charming and safe . I could go on and on. Oh my gosh I had such a great week.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Practice taking long walks and bring just sandals you can wear in the sea and athletic shoes for the walks/hike. They are good about accommodating however people of different physical abilities. I brought my own watercolors and others brought gouache but we were particular about our art supplies. I did use their acrylics. There is no pressure and beginner artists would do fine.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we took public busses, ate and drank local products, went to local museums.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
One of the best trips of my life and I hope to repeat it next year.Jane Greening review 25 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Loved all of it - lovely location that was so beautiful, great company, good walking, fun painting - a good introduction to Crete!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Book it!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Of course - used the local taverna overlooking the sea most nights - delicious food and very friendly.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very warm and friendly organisers who made you very welcome.Anne Wheeler review 23 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The hosts, Camille and Iakovos, their local knowledge, the varied walks and locations for painting, and the company of the small group of fellow participants.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Travel light, take a sun hat and beach shoes for swimming in the sea and be prepared for a stress free holiday in a lovely quiet corner of Crete.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. We stayed in accommodation and ate in restaurants belonging to friendly local people and we got around on foot or on local buses.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had wonderful time.Graham Nicolls review 23 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to pick out one aspect alone but probably the walks up in the hills.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don't be afraid to attempt any of the walks and don't worry if you are not an experienced painter.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
All the activities were effectively carbon neutral and trod lightly on the earth. None of my group had cars and travelled locally by bus. Small local tavernas and producers benefitted from our custom.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall a very lovely experience led by a great couple whose approach was flexible to suit differing abilities. I intend to return.Corinne Tucker review 18 May 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fabulous walks in the hidden parts of Crete, led by charming and informative hosts2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The season doesn’t really start until the 15th May when more places would be open and the weather might be a bit warmer3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We ate in local restaurants. We took buses or walked everywhere4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great success. Beautiful and varied walks and encouraging painting sessions.Read the operator's response here:
Many thanks indeed for your positive and considered review. We would like to point out out that the later start to the season was only this year because of Covid restrictions only recently
relaxed. Usually tavernas and cafes are open from the end of April.
Anonymous review 22 Jun 2022
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Really friendly and interactive group. Camille and her partner Jacob were warm, gentle and welcoming, it set the tone for the group. Jacob knows the area very well and was an excellent guide. Lovely part of Crete. Enjoyed painting in locations.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Practical Support for painting but limited teaching. Walks maybe would be better starting early so not so hot rather than 9-9.30am.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Recycling at accommodation. Used local buses to get around further afield. Supported small out of the way hotel in Nopigia4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Good.Read the operator's response here:
Thank you so much for taking the time to give us your feedback. In answer to your comments, we do not advertise the painting workshops with tuition, although Camille often gives this in response to requests for help. The aim of the workshops is for guests to enjoy painting 'en plein air' or in the studio with like-minded holiday makers, whatever their experience.
As for starting the walks earlier, we can change the start time in response to people's needs but most do not want to start earlier than 09.00
Aya Hastwell review 12 Oct 2020
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I visited Crete in September and was warmly welcomed by Camille & Iakovos. Due to COVID, I've got a bespoke holiday as a result! :) Every day we discussed and planned our next day programme and it was as per my wishes and interest. We did walks to various locations and every place we went was different with beautiful views and surroundings. My interest as an artist was to reflect on all the new images and colors, and I have a lot of photographs I took during the walks and plan to do a series of Crete paintings. After the walks and rest, Camille and I went to sketching sessions outside and I enjoyed them as well, and we had wonderful talks about art and life. Thanks to Camille I tried egg tempera technique first time and I loved the experience.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Get your sketchbooks and walking boots ready and you will never forget the experience!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The experience is unique as you will visit places that you will not see otherwise - real rural Crete with small villages, ancient churches, olive groves and herds of goats. It is "all inclusive" but in a very organic and natural way.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Camile and Iakovos are amazing hosts, warm, friendly, attentive and supportive, and I would highly recommend their tours.Holiday Reviews
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