Creative holidays in Europe; 6 ideas to improve your skills or learn something new

Holidays are mostly about resting. After months of hard work, daily routines and dealing with responsibilities, all you dream of is relaxing. But what about relaxing actively? Instead of just sunbathing on a beautiful beach, you can also paint it. After having a taste of delicious, heavenly pizza, you may learn how to make it by yourself. Before you lay down in a hammock with your favorite book, you can spend a few hours working on your literature. It’s not only going to be pleasant but also inspiring, energizing and developing. Here’s a list of 6 different destinations for spending creative holidays in Europe.

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   Circle of Misse, Writing Courses, and Retreats, Moncontour in the Loire Valley, France

Each summer a group of writers gathers in a lovely farmhouse in the southern part of the Loire Valley. The house sits on the banks of the Thouet River. The surroundings are so beautiful than compared to other places; it’s impossible to do not get inspired. Since it’s situated on a branch of a historic route leading to Santiago de Compostela, it’s always been close to the ethos of pilgrimage. Besides of being a farmhouse, Circle of Misse is also a community of creative people. The writing courses are addressed to all sorts of writers, whether they look for motivation to begin their work or continue something they’ve already started. There’s also a possibility to have your pieces revised or to take a peaceful retreat. Besides, they also organize food & wine, painting, and photography.

2. Brambles Art Retreat, Painting Holidays, Devon, the United Kingdom

Peter Davies and Janet Brady own a beautiful cottage situated in the picturesque countryside of Devonshire. The cottage of Peter and Janet is only a few miles away from the Dartmoor National Park. The setting is so stunning that even without art classes visitors would most likely feel inspired to start painting. It is, therefore, a great destination to have creative holidays in Europe. No wonder the owners came up with an idea to open the retreat as soon as they discovered this place. During the summer there are two options available: weekend or 5 days long painting breaks. The tutors teach drawing, oil and acrylic painting, experimental painting with the use of recycled materials, watercolor and other techniques. In addition to hosting artists in their house in Devon, Brambles Art Retreat also organizes art breaks abroad; the next one’s going to be in Morocco.

3. Paint Andalucia, Painting Holidays, Torrox in Andalucia, Spain

Andalucia is one of the best destinations for creative holidays in Europe. It’s a perfect combination: during the Painting Holidays, you can immerse yourself in the local culture. You’ll learn about the fascinating history of Andalucia, find out how’s the daily life in a Spanish village and develop your creativity. Your accommodation will be in a comfy hotel, and you’ll have lovely picnic lunches with fresh food. You’ll also taste traditional dishes in local restaurants, explore the art, architecture, and nature of Andalucia. Besides, of course, there are also painting classes: in gorgeous gardens, on the beach, and in the village. Paint Andalucia also runs photography holidays.

4. The Writers Lab, Skyros, Greece

Situated on the gorgeous Greek island of Skyros, the Skyros Centre organizes a variety of courses. One of them is the writers’ lab during which the writers have a chance to share the creative process, both its ups and downs. The days begin with yoga classes, and then participants attend the writing course. If you decide to stay in the center for two weeks, you can commit a part of this time to the Life Choices and Art Studio programs. Moreover, the Skyros Centre runs a variety of other courses, such as meditation, mosaics, dance, comedy, yoga, art or jewelry making.

5. Derryaun Crafts, County Mayo, Ireland

What about wire work or felt making? That’s what you can learn in the Derryaun Crafts. There’s also an opportunity to practice dyeing fibers, silk paper making, bead-weaving and jewelry making. This small rural business, surrounded by the natural beauty of County Mayo, runs a variety of unique courses. The classes are held in a lovely stone-built farm cottage. Derryaun Crafts doesn’t offer accommodation, but visiting it is a great way to spending a day if you’re staying somewhere nearby or traveling around Ireland.

6. Organic Tuscany, Cooking Vacation, Certaldo, Italy

Cooking vacations are art and even more so if it’s done in Italy. It is, therefore, one of the best destinations to choose from to have creative holidays in Europe. The masters of pasta and magicians of pizza, Italians certainly know how to prepare food. Each day of the course you’ll learn to cook a few dishes. After completing the course, you’ll know how to cook potato and spinach gnocchi, slow-cooked beef with herbs and veggies.

Besides that, you’ll also learn how to make artichoke risotto, handmade pasta, tiramisù, various sauces, fresh salads and other dishes. In addition to the cooking classes, you’ll also have a chance to taste oils, wines, and meals prepared by professional, wonderfully creative chefs. Organic Tuscany takes care of your free time as well. Excursions to Siena and Florence are a part of the schedule, but if you want to explore further, ask the organizers, and they’ll help you out.

If you have some recommendations for other creative holidays in Europe, let us know and leave a comment! And don’t forget to share this article with your friends.