Skyros Centre or Atsitsa for a Holistic Holiday?
Which is Better for a Holistic Holiday on the Greek Island of Skyros
Nov 3, 2009
The courses at the Skyros Centre and Atsitsa range widely from group therapy (under titles like "The Path to Happiness" and "Choose Life At Any Risk") to creative writing, singing, dancing, massage and yoga. They run from spring to autumn.
Skyros Centre or Atsitsa
The two places - the Skyros Centre and Atsitsa – have much in common but also many differences. So which is better?
At the Skyros Centre there are usually between a dozen and twenty-five people; at Atsitsa there could be as many as eighty including sometimes a few children.
Skyros Centre in Skyros Town
The Skyros Centre is a large modern villa on the edge of Skyros town. Close to the sea, the town spreads picturesquely across a rocky hill beneath the remains of a small castle.
It is a maze of narrow flag-stone alleys bordered by small cube-shaped white houses. The sloping main street is lined with shops and restaurants.
Accommodation at Skyros Centre and Atsitsa
Guests at the Skyros Centre are accommodated either in Greek homes or in modern but simple purpose-built rooms in converted or purpose-built buildings.
By contrast at Atsitsa, which is on a remote stretch of pine-forested shore on the other side of the island, a few people stay in a large stone house. but most sleep in bamboo-sided huts which have space for just two beds and two bedside lockers.
At first sight the Atsitsa huts look rather tatty but they are perfectly adequate. In fact the only snag is that some are very close to the wash-blocks/toilets which means that any light sleeper is liable to be disturbed by footsteps and toilet flushing, as well as lights blazing all night.
Nude Swimming at Skyros Centre and Atsitsa
For beach lovers, the Skyros Centre is about 20 minutes walk downhill to two long sandy beaches. One has tavernas and loungers for hire, while the other has no facilities and is "clothes optional" so popular with those who enjoy nude swimming and lying naked on the sand to get an all-over tan.
By contrast at Atsitsa, people can swim from the rocks directly outside it. There is also a small quay and for anyone who wants to learn sailing or wind-surfing, Atsitsa is ideal as its sheltered bay enables even complete novices to progress very quickly. The only nearby beach, a few minutes’ walk away, is uninvitingly small and pebbly. Some who use it swim nude.
Meals at Skyros Centre and Atsitsa
At the Skyros Centre, guests have breakfast and lunch on its terrace but have to fend for themselves in the evening. Fortunately the town has a good choice of restaurants and bars.
Atsitsa provides full board. Meals are served in its open-sided dining area and it has a bar, though there is also a nearby taverna.
Evenings at Skyros Centre and Atsitsa
In the evenings, as the fortnight progresses, more and more people from Atsitsa seem to head for Skyros Town, hiring taxisto get there.
It isn’t that Atsitsa is unattractive but it is an almost-entirely British community and can undoubtedly feel rather claustrophobic. Hence some people prefer to escape from it for a while and enjoy some genuine Greek atmosphere in Skyros Town.
And of course at Atsitsa, guests don’t have the convenience of being able to pop to the shops whenever they want, nor of being able to escape easily if they feel they need some 'space' for a while.
People Go Back to Skyros Centre and Atsitsa
What Atsitsa and Skyros Centre definitely have in common is the fact that many people who go there return year after year and say they would never dream of holidaying anywhere else.
Certainly everyone who goes to either seems to have a stimulating holiday and make interesting new friends.
Alternative Holidays in Spain
Similar alternative holidays are also available in southern Spain at the Cortijo Romero centre.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
