Cooking Holiday in Greece: Cooking Vacations Poros, Greece

Greek Cooking Odyssey
Poros Island, Argo Saronic Region

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About the location: The ancient Greeks were among the first to discover the benefits of adding herbs and spices to their food. This process was used not only to enhance the tastes, but also provided medicinal benefits. Greek food is still a unique mix of fresh, seasonal ingredients and a generous blend of herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary and oregano, which grow all over Greece. Greece is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and has one of the largest coastal areas of any country in Europe, and for this reason fish is an integral part of Greek cuisine. Fresh seasonal vegetables are also a significant element in traditional Greek cooking. And Greek food would not be Greek without the olive oil, as olives are grown and olive oil produced in many parts of Greece.

Your base for this very special cooking holiday experience is the 4-star Sirene Blue (photogallery), which is perched on a cliff in a small Mediterranean coastal town on Poros Island. Every room comes with a balcony so that you can enjoy the stunning views of the Saronic Gulf as well as the oasis of pine trees that surround the hotel property. The hotel also features two swimming pools, a tennis court, and a private beach with a beach bar, among many other luxurious amenities.

Your second option for accommodations is the Odyssey Centre (photogallery), which are large private maisonette-style residences; each residence has air conditioning, a private terrace, two ensuite bathrooms, and is located next to the Odyssey cooking school facilities where your cooking courses will take place. The Odyssey Centre offers numerous other activities such as sailing, sea kayaking or cycling.

About the cooking lessons: Katerina is a professional chef and is the owner of the Odyssey Centre. She was born in Poros, is passionate about cooking, and is interested and knowledgeable in the historical roots of traditional Greek cooking. She specializes in both traditional and modern Greek cooking, and her skills have become very sought after; when she is not giving lessons in Poros, she also provides lessons in Greek cooking and Greek language throughout other parts of Europe.

Your culinary vacation in Greece will be very friendly and personal. Each course will be limited to a maximum of 8 guests, and each week will also include a special Greek cultural excursion, which will vary according to the local calendar of events. Participants will have fun while experiencing real Greek culture, cooking and delicious food—all during this unique cooking school vacation on a beautiful, unspoilt Greek Island!

Greek Cooking Odyssey Itinerary

Day 1 - Saturday

Due to local events such as seasonal festivals, holidays, etc., the order of activities is subject to change.

  • Transfer from Athens airport to your accommodations.
  • Katerina Sakelliou will welcome and meet you anytime after midday; you have the afternoon free to explore Askeli, relax by the pool or enjoy the pleasures of a swim in the clear blue sea.
  • In the evening you will be a guest at the welcome dinner at Odyssey center; you will be introduced to some of the foods that you will learn to cook during your stay.
  • Overnight.

Day 2 - Sunday

  • After breakfast you will explore the menus and recipes you will learn during you lessons.
  • Lunch will be served around 12:30 PM.
  • Following, time at leisure to take a stroll into Poros or a local walk followed by a swim at Love Bay.
  • Around 2:30 PM your first cooking lesson begins, followed by a late afternoon drink or a small siesta.
  • Return around 5:00 PM to cook the final stages of dinner which will be served in the balmy and relaxed evening atmosphere of the Odyssey Center.
  • Overnight.

Day 3 - Monday

  • Early breakfast.
  • Walk into Poros Harbour to visit the fish market where you will pick out and select a range of ingredients for today’s lesson.
  • This will be followed by a visit to a local cafe for coffee and Greek pastries.
  • After lunch at the Odyssey, the early part of the afternoon is free for individual activities.
  • Mid-afternoon, begin preparing the evening meal from the fish selected at the market along with some freshly prepared Greek salads, fish sauces, roasted vegetables and herb dressings.
  • Enjoy dinner at the Odyssey.
  • Overnight.

Day 4 - Tuesday

  • Breakfast.
  • Today will include a visit to the island of Hydra, with lunch provided.
  • Return to Poros, where you will have a choice of dining at the Odyssey center or at a local tavern.
  • Overnight.

Day 5 - Wednesday

  • Breakfast followed by a free day to explore Poros Island, mainland Greece or to just relax by the beach or pool.
  • Lunch will be provided at Odyssey around 1:00 PM.
  • Dinner tonight will be either at the Odyssey center or at a nearby local restaurant around 8:00 PM.
  • Overnight.

Day 6 - Thursday

  • After breakfast, an opportunity to visit either your hosts’ lemon or olive grove to learn about the use of both ingredients in Greek cooking; a picnic lunch will be provided.
  • On returning to Odyssey in the mid-afternoon, begin your final cooking lesson, a Greek classic meal that might feature such items as Mousakka, Pistachio or Souvlaki.
  • Dinner will be served at the Odyssey.
  • Overnight.

Day 7 - Friday

  • Depending on the season, today you will make some local visits to learn about the important seasonal nature of ingredients in Greek cooking. This may include collecting local herbs and flowers or visiting local farms.
  • Lunch will be provided either at Odyssey or in a picnic fashion.
  • Tonight your final cooking lesson and a wonderful farewell dinner — a true Greek experience with many surprises!
  • Dinner tonight will be either at the Odyssey center or at a nearby local restaurant.
  • Overnight.

Day 8 - Saturday

  • Breakfast followed by transfer to Piraeus Port (taxi on your own to airport or hotel).
  • You could also book additional nights at very special rates.

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