Zakynthos: Ceramic Making Class & Olive Grove Walk

Summary

Pottery class in zakynthos with local artist and olive grove stroll

You’ll shape clay with your own hands in Zakynthos alongside Dionysia, a local ceramic artist who guides you through making turtles and whatever else you dream up. Sip tea or water as you work, then stroll through ancient olive groves before leaving your creations to be fired and glazed. It’s creative playtime for all ages — expect to get messy and maybe a little inspired.

What’s the experience like?

Dionysia was already showing us her favorite turtle designs when we wandered into the Adamieion studio — I think I was still brushing clay dust off my hands from the door handle. The place smells faintly of earth and coffee, and there’s this quiet hum from the kiln room in back. She laughed when I tried to pronounce “keramika” properly (I definitely didn’t), then handed me a lump of cool, heavy clay. It’s messier than I expected — bits get under your nails, and suddenly you’re six years old again, just squishing mud for fun.

We started with turtles — apparently they're kind of a Zakynthos thing — but after that Dionysia encouraged us to just play around. My friend made something that looked like a lopsided bowl; mine turned into more of a tile with wobbly edges. She showed us how to press little patterns into the surface using dried leaves from outside. There was bottled water and tea on hand, which I needed after accidentally getting clay on my face (don’t ask). The whole ceramic making experience felt relaxed, not rushed at all — even when kids from another family started giggling at their own creations.

Afterwards, Dionysia took us out behind the studio for a walk through her family's olive grove. Some of these trees are older than most countries — she said over a thousand years old, which is wild if you stop to think about it. The air smelled sharp and green, cicadas buzzing somewhere above our heads. We left our pieces to dry in the sun; she’d glaze and fire them later, ready in three days or shipped home if we couldn’t wait around that long. I still remember the light filtering through those twisted branches — it’s funny what sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ceramic making workshop and farm walk

• Visit gallery shop for inspiration
• Work with Dionysia for 2.5 hours
• Create turtle and free form ceramics
• Dry ceramics under the sun
• Dionysia glazes and fires ceramics
• Walk in farm among olive trees

Top questions

How long does the ceramic making class in Zakynthos last?

The workshop lasts 2.5 hours.

Can children join the pottery class?

Yes, kids are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; for children under 7 years old, at least one adult must also attend and pay.

What do you make during the Zakynthos ceramic workshop?

You’ll make a turtle plus a second free-form piece like a bowl or tile.

Is pickup included for this pottery experience?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests should arrive at the studio 5-10 minutes early.

Are drinks or snacks provided during the class?

Bottled water as well as coffee or tea are included.

When can I collect my finished ceramics?

Your pieces will be ready after three days (72 hours) or can be shipped to your home.

Is the Adamieion Ceramic Art Studio wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible.

How many people can join each session?

A maximum of 12 people per booking is allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes all clay materials and tools for your projects, guidance from Dionysia throughout the ceramic workshop, bottled water plus coffee or tea while you work, firing and glazing service for your pieces after class (ready in three days or shipped), and time to wander among some of Zakynthos’ oldest olive trees right outside the studio.