Skyros Holidays provides the perfect location for solo travellers to lap up some sun and fulfill a week with activities. Carol Repton, a second time participant, previously visited Atsitsa with her daughter in 2013 before deciding to return by herself. Carol reflects on her fabulous Atsitsa experience with us and how she found visiting Atsitsa as a solo traveller.

I had another wonderful holiday in Atsitsa, July 2015, getting away from the stresses of city/family life and back to nature, surrounded by friendly people of all ages. It was my second Atsitsa experience after going in 2013 with my teenage daughter, who had a fun time playing in the sea and abseiling with other teenagers.

Although I went on my own this time, I didn’t feel alone at all. From the word go, it was easy to make new friends and a lovely surprise to meet up again with friends I’d met on my first Atsitsa holiday. Like last time, I’m keeping in touch with some of the people I met in Atsitsa this year, as we all had such a great time.

The welcoming, community spirit of Atsitsa is unique, and the place has a creative, nurturing magic all of its own. Thanks to the friendly, hard-working staff, from the course leaders to the work scholars, cleaners and gardeners. I had the luxury of a comfortable double bed in a hut perched high up in the pine garden, surrounded by fragrant herbs and tropical flowers. It was a delight to wake up in the morning with the sun peeping through the bamboo blinds and the gentle sound of goat bells.

I loved swimming in the unspoilt Dead Goat’s Bay, where the sea is so clear you can see right to the bottom, swimming among shoals of little fish. It was a joy to meet for a fresh fruit smoothie at Marianna’s cafe for our supportive little oekos group.The Vinyasa yoga course with Andreas was stretching, spiritual and satisfying, to the tune of the cicadas and Indian harmonium. Julie McNamara’s life-coaching course was an eye-opener with a caring, small group and meditative walks to windy hilltops and a charming beachside chapel.

There was a wide variety of courses to choose from, and if I’d had time I’d have done them all, from comedy to singing, mosaics and windsurfing. But there was no pressure to do anything we didn’t want to. There was the right balance of relaxation and activities. We had an enjoyable night out in Skyros Town, where we visited the Skyros Centre high up on the cliff among the white-washed town houses. We saw Rupert Brooke’s statue and dined at a homely taverna in the open air.

The talented children and adults who performed in the cabaret on the last night moved me to tears and, last but not least, the homely Greek cooking of Takis and the other chefs was delicious and abundant as ever.

I’ll be back!

Thank you for another very enjoyable and memorable holiday.

Best wishes,
Caroline Repton