Why start a writing journey on Crete?
In Plato’s ‘The Laws’, Plato and his companions hiked to the cave of Zeus (Ideon Andron on Mount Ida) and were inspired to philosophise on the way. If Crete was good enough to inspire Plato, then perhaps it might work some creative magic for you.
Courses
Create in Crete
June 2nd to 6th 2025 (5 day course)
Creative Fiction
An introduction to storytelling structure and narrative techniques in Creative Fiction.
Providing a framework that will help with writing short stories, film and TV scripts, genre novels and literary novels.
Create in Crete
June 9th to 13th 2025 (5 day course)
Creative Non-Fiction
An Introduction to storytelling structure and narrative techniques in Non-fiction.
Providing a framework that will help with writing articles, family histories, autobiographies/biographies and memoir.
Whether you need a Writing Retreat (a quiet place to focus predominantly on your writing) or a Writing Holiday (an opportunity to combine writing with sandals and sun cream), we’re here to help you enjoy either approach.
Itinerary
Daily itinerary for both courses (though examples and exercises vary accordingly)
9.30am - 1.00pm
Each morning we study the mechanics of writing, adding tools to our toolbox. We look at how successful writers have employed those tools, and then practise them ourselves in a series of exercises.
2.00pm - 6.00pm
One-to-one sessions are available in the afternoon, but there is also time to walk, read, swim, sunbathe, take a boat trip, visit neighbouring towns along the coast or up in the mountains, or just keep writing. And don’t forget – partners are welcome.
6.00pm +
In the evenings the harbourfront is the ideal place to eat, drink and attempt a little symposium-style philosophy or our own.
Price
£550
per head per course.
Included:
Refreshments during the lesson break.
Not included:
Accommodation and meals.
(See ‘Accommodation’ for recommendations and discounts)
Deposit of £150 to hold your place.
Balance to be paid within 14-days of paying your deposit.
Full refund of deposit if cancelled within that 14-days.
Full payment to be made if you book within 42 days of the course.
If a deposit was placed less than 14 days prior to the 42-day threshold, the balance will still be owed at 42-days.
100% return of total – cancellation 60+ days before.
50% return of total – cancellation 30-59 days before.
0% return – cancellation 0-29 days before.
David Tomlinson is not responsible for additional costs incurred as a result of cancellation owing to unforeseen circumstances or a force majeure.
Explore Sfakia, Crete
It’s where I can guarantee silence, and a combination of sunny strolls and shady café corners – sunny strolls for thinking, and shady café corners for writing. And even though the average temperature in June is in the mid 20s, it’s still ‘out of season’, therefore peaceful enough to work outdoors without being disturbed by anything more than the sound of waves and cicadas.
Hóra Sfakíon or Sfakia is a small village on the south coast of Crete. It is the capital of the remote and mountainous region of Sfakiá, with a population of just 322.
Sfakia suffered terrible loses from ceaseless bombardments during the Battle of Crete and the Allied evacuation that followed, but is famous as one of the centres of resistance on the island, not only against the Nazi invasion, but also against the occupying forces of both the Venetians and the Turks.
The impenetrable White Mountains to the north combined with the rocky beaches on the south helped the locals fight off all invaders. Anopolis, a village in the hills above Sfakia, is the birthplace of one of the most celebrated Cretan revolutionaries, Daskalogiannis (Chania airport is named after him).
The ruggedness of the landscape aflame with wildflowers, combined with starbright nights and the ever-present reminder of the bounteous sea on restaurant menus, makes Sfakia a natural source of inspiration for any writer.
Travel & Accommodation
Fly to Chania or Heraklion
Chania is more convenient for Sfakia.
From Chania Airport:
Hire a car – approximately a 1½ hour drive over the White Mountains.
Take a taxi – Approximately €105 one way.
Or catch a bus – Approximately 3 hours, allowing for a connection in Chania.
From Heraklion Airport:
Hire a car – Approximately 2½ hours over the White Mountains.
Take a taxi – Approximately €150 one way.
Or catch a bus – Approximately 6 hours, allowing for connections in Heraklion and Chania.
I can put people in touch if they wish to exchange flight details and arrange to share travel expenses from the airport.
There are plenty of rooms, studios and apartments to choose from, catering to all budgets. But the three venues listed below are the ones I’d recommend through personal experience. All are clean and comfortable with friendly hosts, and offer rooms with balconies and sea views.
The Stavris (the Perrakis family)
www.hotel-stavris-sfakia-crete.com
“Our village has something special, almost magical. Once this magic touches you, Chora Sfakion will always keep a place in your heart. We look forward to meeting you under the old Tamarisk tree in front of our hotel.”
(The Perrakis family)
The Lefka Ori (the Fasoulakis family)
Ventus Suites (the Magelakis family)
The Ventus Suties are at the luxury end, but out of season prices are surprisingly low, and a further discount is offered if you quote the course when you book. Talk to me first and I’ll give you the direct contact details for the owner, Giannis.
Things To Do
Any questions, please drop me a line.
I’m happy to chat, either via email or, if you prefer, via Skype.