Speak Greek to Me

Greek Easter Retreat in Kos - Day 6 (Last Day)

This day was dedicated to the things that Kos produces: The olive oil, the wine, and the aloe vera. We were supposed to also visit the dairy, but it was not possible during that day due to their heavy workload. Nonetheless, we had tried their famous ‘krasotyri’ during the outdoor event by the wood oven (see day 3 post), and it was still a day full of activities.

Places we visited:
Hatzipetrou Olive Oil Factory



At the olive oil factory, Liza showed us around the machines that are used to produce cold-pressed olive oil. After the tour, my appreciation for this golden liquid definitely changed! Their products include even kitchen utensils from olive wood. My favorite one is the orange-infused olive oil. I use it in green salads with lettuce, fresh green onion, fresh dill, nuts, orange bits, and (optionally) prosciutto.

Next, we had the pleasure to do an interactive tour around the organic aloe vera farm. Kontessa was the sweetest and most hospitable hostess, and she helped us create an aloe vera essential oil mix that we could take with us as a souvenir. The farm also produces a variety of high-quality cosmetics that you can find at Greek airports’ Duty Free shops.

Later on, at the winery, Konstantinos showed us around the vineyard and the facilities where the wine is produced. The tour was educational, easy to follow for learners, and fun, as our curiosity for what seemed to be tiny manholes on those gigantic metallic barrels led us to try entering through one ourselves! Conclusion? They are large enough! 😂 Those holes exist so that the barrels can be cleaned from the inside. The tasting included 4 different wines (dry white, rosé, red, and sweet) that were all delicious! I bought a bottle, but I wish I had space in my suitcase for more because those wines are only available in Kos due to small production for local use only.

After lunch back in and the last Greek lesson of the retreat, we ended this great week with a walking tour around Kos town.

And that’s a wrap! What a blast we had!

Και του χρόνου!

Greek Easter Retreat in Kos - Day 5

Day 5 started with a visit to where Yulie took us on a vivid trip in the ancient Greek world through philosophy. And I say 'vivid' because the setting was a replica of an ancient Greek house surrounded by lash gardens with Mediterranean plants and herbs such as the ones used by Hippocrates. It "transported" us to those times! At the end of the tour, we had the honor to plant a fig tree in the property, contributing to the beautuful greenery. After it was in the ground, we gave it wishes for a long and prosperous life!

Next stop was and learning about the world of the bee. We tasted delicious honey and rakomelo which was perfect after our big lunch and then we headed to Agios Stefanos beach in Kefalos to visit the early-Christian Basilicas. Not much is left unfortunately and the mosaic you see on the picture, is from a previous trip of mine. This time we couldn't find it, so I'm hoping they covered it for protection.

The day ended with a quick dive from two very brave swimmers (the waters were still quite cold) from our group and the typical group photo in front of Kastri, the tiny islet you see with the picturesque chapel.

Easter Retreat in Kos - Day 4

Welcome to our Easter feast! This was a relaxed day with a lot of food and good company! We filled our bellies with the lamb Mama Rosa prepared for us, we drank wine, played some music, sang, and enjoyed the lovely spring weather.

Greek Easter Retreat in Kos - Day 3

This day was dedicated to the outdoors and nature.

Our first stop was the ghost village of Chaihoutes, also known as Agios Dimitrios. We walked among the ruins and the fragrant chamomile blossoms.

The next stop was the church of Asomaton Asfendiou characterized by the beautiful traditional pebble mosaics with their intricate patters, typical around the islands of the Dodecanese like Rhodes, Kalymnos, Nisyros, etc. This form of art was established around the 19th and 20th century and is part of the Neohellenic traditional architecture in courtyards, entrances, and the streets.

Next, we headed to the Byzantine Castle and Settlement of Old Pyli. What remaims today is its ruins and fragments of marble from older temples nested on top of the mountain where one can enjoy breathtaking 360o views of Kos.

Our lunch stop was at the local taverna Oria right in front of the castle and reachable only by foot through a hiking trail. Although it was Holy Saturday, a public holiday, Giorgos, the owner, didn't mind opening his restaurant just for us! I can't thank him enough for his kindness and for allowing us to enjoy this unique place on such a special day of the year!

During our afternoon Greek lesson, Mama Rosa prepared for us delicious 'lambropites' a type of cheese tarts with myzithra that are made typically in Kos.

But the highlight of the day was our visit to a nearby house where the whole family gathered outside by their traditional wood-fire oven along with friends and neighbors. The men, and also each one of us, fed the oven with wood and waited till the charcoal was ready to receive all the different pots of different families that were filled with stuffed lamb. Once they were placed in the oven, the oven got sealed with mud so it was airtight. This allows the meat to cook overnight so it becomes extremely tender.

The hospitality and the gifts we received were truly heartwarming. It was such a powerful experience that even brought tears to my eyes!

Our day ended with a mezmerizing sunset at Tigaki wetland and the Resurrection Mass where we got the Holy Light with our handmade candles.

Hristos Anesti! Christ is Risen!

Greek Easter Retreat - Day 2

Our day started with an early-morning excursion to Antimachia Castle, a 14th-century Venetian fortress built by the Knights Hospitaller on a plateau in Kos, Greece. Known for its impressive, intact exterior walls, it formerly protected the area from pirates and Ottoman attacks. It successfully repelled a 16,000-strong Ottoman army in 1457. Today, the ruins of the old settlement include old cisterns, and two, still-standing Orthodox churches (Agios Nikolaos and Agia Paraskevi). From here, we enjoyed panoramic views of Kardamena and the Aegean Sea.

Next, we visited the village of Antimachia where the carer of the Traditional House of Antimachia showed us around truly unique pieces of folk history. Tools, textiles, furniture, and an amazing αργαλειός, used to weave impressive textiles that the families would use as blankets, among other things, at home.

Right across this small folk museum, lies the Traditional Windmill of Antimachia, one of the very few fully operational windmills that are left in Greece. Our visit was quick but interesting nonetheless.

The afternoon was dedicated to decorating our Easter candles, or λαμπάδες in Greek, which we would use the next day at church. We used Anastasia's workshop at our guesthouse which had everything we needed to make our own unique creations!

What followed was our daily Greek lesson, and in the evening, we went to the church of St. Nicholas in Kos town to attend the Epitaph procession.

The procession, was a solemn gathering of people, faithful, and curious tourists who followed the local philarmonic band up to the central square where all the Epitaphs of Kos town gather. At the square we listened to people chanting hymns and observed this very special atmosphere.

At the end of the procession, the men that carry the Epitaphs engage in a small friendly competition to see who can stand the longest. As the fatigue takes them down one by one, the last one standing receives the cheers of the crowds and the belief that they will be lucky for the rest of the year.

Greek Easter Retreat in Kos - Day 1

We kicked off our language immersion with a guided tour to the Asclepieion, an ancient healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the first doctor-demigod in Greek Mythology.

Next, we visited the International Hippocratic Foundation () , a center devoted to Hippocrates' work with sculptures, archaeological finds, medical tools, herbs, and a library.

The afternoon was dedicated to the typical Easter traditions of Holy Thursday: baking τσουρέκια (tsurékia) and dying eggs.

The lovely Mama Rosa showed everyone how to braid the dough and while we waited for it to rise, we dyed our eggs with natural dye from boiled onion skins. As per tradition, we also used old panty hoses, flowers, and leaves to make floral 'prints' on them.

Some were doubtful about the outcome regarding the intensity of the color, but as you can see, they came out with a nice natural-looking brownish red!

What do you think? Do you like them?

The day ended with a late night visit to a local church in Kos town where we helped pluck bay leaves for next day's Mass while the Epitaph was being decorated next to us.

It was a long day but rewarding nonetheless! A day where we deep dived into history and tradition.

This year, my house got the lucky coin! Do you know which tradition am I talking about or what a φλουρί is? 🤔😊

2026 started during the coldest day of winter so far here in Greece, but with a magical sunset! Wishing to all of you and your families a καλή χρονιά! ✨🥂❤️

Γεια σε όλους!

📣 Announcing: Greek Language Retreats 2026
🇬🇷 Early-Bird Pricing until Nov 30! 🦉

After our wonderful sailing retreats this summer, I wanted to refresh the experience, especially for those who keep returning (thank you! 🙏) or are considering it. That's why I spent some time traveling, exploring new places, and shaping new itineraries that feel even more meaningful and add more value to the experience.

So… what's new?

1. UPDATED ⛵️ Sailing Retreat: New stop in Troizinia, Peloponnese

Now including:

🫒🍫 Olive oil & chocolate tasting at the historic Tombazis Olive Grove
🐝🍯 Honey tasting straight from the comb
🍇🍷 Wine tasting at a boutique local vineyard

PLUS the classics you love:

🏛️ Guided tours (Sounion & Aphaea)
👩‍🍳 Cooking lesson
😋 Pistachio tasting
🍽️ Traditional meal in Kea in the garden of the Folk Museum

👉 Full details:
https://speakgreektome.com/sailing-retreats

2. NEW 🪺 Greek Easter Retreat in Kos (land-based)

What awaits you:

🌿 Explore the island at its greenest and most fragrant.
🕯️ Experience the solemn beauty of Holy Week and its uplifting celebration.
🥣 Enjoy nourishing Lenten gastronomy.
💬 Practice Greek naturally through daily immersion.
🤝 Connect with a Greek family, locals, and fellow learners.
🌅 And simply slow down… in a way that spring makes possible.

Check it out here:
https://speakgreektome.com/kos-easter-retreat/

Come join me for unforgettable moments off the beaten path in Greece!

https://speakgreektome.com/

Greek language retreat: Day 1, Athens-Sounio

What a way to end the first day with a sunset visit to Poseidon's Temple and a guided tour!

NEW Podcast Episode! 🎧

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6K8MKrI1iDwapBd4XxTsft?si=2Nm5BL6HS3ybZBrCvuaaiA

For this episode, I invited my dear friend Daniela, an Argentinian psychologist who is also a tango teacher, dancer, and therapist, to talk about her Greek language journey while living in Greece with a Greek family.

Follow her on Instagram: ⁠

Ep. 4 Living with a Greek Family Speak Greek to Me | Podcast Stories Over a... Kappa Tea · Episode