Cooking School In Greek Island Sifnos                                                             

I have been visiting Greece every year for the last 30 years. I love the simplicity of Greek life and I feel at home with the people. Over the years I have fallen in love with Sifnos, a small island in the Western Cyclades, and every summer I return to have my nerves soothed and my mind healed after the hubbub of life in Rome. On the island the light is very special and the sea is always present.

I stay in Vathi, which is a sleepy cluster of houses on the beach to the south of the island. Vathi has 6 tavernas serving traditional greek food and a charming little Greek Orthodox church, all on the beach. There are only one or two rows of houses and the hills host goats, donkeys and bees. An island bus links Vathi to the small towns of Apollonia and Artemonas, named after the gods, a high Venetian fortress, Kastro and the lively port, Kamares.

One summer, after a morning swim when I was the only person in the sea, I sat enjoying a glass of wine and thinking “et in Arcadia sum”. Arcadia should be shared with the deserving few, so three years ago the idea of my Greek island Idyll was born. 

On Sunday we will catch the fast boat to Sifnos and unless the timetable changes (always very possible) we will arrive in time for our first lunch.Accommodation will be in Vathi in private houses on the beach in self-contained bedrooms with simple private bathrooms and refrigerators. Many of the rooms have small balconies where you can sit and gaze at the sea with a glass in your hand.

Every morning breakfast will be served at a pretty terrace by the sea. We will help cook one or two specific dishes at one of the tavernas for about an hour. Then everyone goes off to do what they like until we meet again at the taverna to eat what we have helped cook and anything else that appeals. After that more free time to read, sleep, sun bathe or explore.

I have arranged some memorable meals, like a whole lamb cooked on the spit, eaten on the beach at the taverna beside the little white church, and a sumptuous lobster lunch and fish soup dinner. Other meals depending on how we feel, or people can opt for time alone.

Dates

2010   4-10 September

If you plan to visit Sifnos at other times you can contact Ronia, who speaks perfect English. She left her successful life in Athens to move back to Sifnos when she inherited her grandmother's house, and she organises many things, including cooking lessons in her home. "Anastasiadi Ronia" <ronia@syr.forthnet.gr>

 Sample Dishes

Mastelo (traditional Sifnos lamb dish) , Briam (vegetable dish), Psarasoupa (fish soup), Zucchini filo pie, Cheese pies, Chickpea balls, Moussaka,Stuffed Tomatoes and Peppers,  and all your favourite starters like tsasiki and eggplant salad.

 Prices

€ 1500 euros for the week - This includes 7 meals with local wines, lessons, accommodation including Piraeus, and transport from Piraeus

Where to Stay

In Athens I usually stay at Hotel Cypria in the Syntagma/Plaka district  - 5 Diomas Street

Telephone + 30 210 3238034

 How to Get Here

 Flights should be booked to Athens then taxi to Piraeus where we will meet for dinner and overnight on Saturday

   It was even more beautiful than I had imagined. I loved every minute, but perhaps the early-morning swim before the fun day began was my favorite. I didn't  want to leave.