Our painting holidays

On our painting holidays, learn not just how to capture the essence of a place, but respect it, too. Painters don’t always have to be hiding behind a canvas – whether you’re en plein air in France, or on a Greek beach, these are opportunities to meet, not just like-minded fellow artists in your group, but also fellow creatives in the communities in which you stay. Our holidays are often run by partners who are invested in their local area year-round – whether they offer their own space for events for the local village or buy local produce from their neighbours. So, travel slower, look deeper, spend longer – and go and chase that perfect light, sketchbook in hand.

Our top Painting holidays

Watercolour painting holiday in France

From £1595 to £1895
7 days ex flights
Watercolour / Pastel with expert tutors
Small group2027: 27 Apr, 6 May, 25 May, 3 Jun, 13 Jun, 22 Jun, 1 Jul, 9 Jul, 18 Jul

Painting holiday in France

From £1595 to £1895
7 days ex flights
Painting in the studio and en plein air (all mediums)
Small group2027: 27 Apr, 6 May, 25 May, 3 Jun, 13 Jun, 22 Jun, 1 Jul, 9 Jul, 18 Jul

Cyprus painting holiday

From €950 to €1000
7 days ex flights
Full board art holiday based in Cyprus mountain village
Small group2026: 30 Sep, 14 Oct, 28 Oct, 11 Nov, 25 Nov, 9 Dec, 2027: 15 Jan, 1 Feb, 15 Feb, 1 Mar, 15 Mar, 1 Apr, 15 Apr, 1 May, 15 May, 1 Jun, 15 Jun, 1 Jul, 15 Jul, 1 Sep, 15 Sep, 1 Oct, 15 Oct, 1 Nov, 15 Nov, 1 Dec

Walking and painting holiday in Crete

From €1180 to €1200
8 days ex flights
Walking and Painting in unspoilt picturesque areas of Crete
Small group2027: 1 Jun, 7 Sep

Plein Air painting holiday in Greece

From €1990 to €2254
9 days ex flights
An opportunity to meet other artists from around the world
Small group

Painting holiday in Montenegro

From £950 to £1295
7 days ex flights
Montenegro painting holiday with an experienced art teacher
Small group2027: 6 Jun, 5 Sep, 12 Sep

Art therapy retreat in Spain

From €1299
7 days ex flights
Transformative retreat for healing & self-discovery in Spain
Small group2026: 14 Nov

Painting holiday in Morocco

From £2150
13 days ex flights
A 'sketchbook journey' through the stunning sights of Morocco
Small group2027: 26 Mar

Painting Holiday in Crete

From €1210
8 days ex flights
Painting and sketching outdoors by the Cretan Sea
Small group2027: 31 Aug
Contact Us
Call us for a chat about our holidays. We are happy to discuss your holiday and help in any way we can. No bots, queues or awful hold music.
Responsible Travel, Travel Team

Pick your destination

Our painting holidays go all the way around the world. In between painting jungle scenes in Sri Lanka, you might find inspiration from local craft cooperatives and art galleries. In Morocco, take inspiration from the landscapes around your Berber-owned desert accommodation. In Europe, you won’t just be inspired by the Impressionists, but by the living traditions that you see in the towns you visit. Wherever you are, these holidays are immersed in local life – helping inform your art.

From oils to watercolours

Are you a watercolourist seeking new sights for your sketchbook, an oil aficionado, or are you interested in learning more about alla prima? Our holidays come with art teachers who are accomplished exhibiting artists in their own right – and they also have a passion for travel. They’ll be able to provide tuition suitable for your medium. And we’re always thinking about the impact – whether that’s providing environmentally-friendly paints and thinners, or encouraging our travellers to learn about local artistic traditions, from Greek icon painting to Byzantium mosaics.

Arts & crafts

The greatest souvenirs are ones you’ve made yourself. If you’re more of a craftsperson than a painter then you could try one of our workshops, which put budding calligraphers through their paces, and might inspire you to make myriad mosaics. Set up with local partners who are passionate about their craft, you can learn something new or perfect your skills with the best of the best.

A great place to paint

The setting is everything. Whether it’s a terrace with a commanding view of sunset, a garden or rewilded space, or a quiet nearby town with a vivid market, our holidays use locally owned accommodation where possible, and especially places that have their own stories to tell – like a French chateau, or a lovingly-restored traditional stone home in Montenegro. If you’re painting in a beautiful place, you’ll feel that connection closely – and our holidays can help.

Our Painting holidays reviews

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Helen Tennant25 Sep 2026
It was a wonderful break. The accommodation is very comfortable, the food excellent and beautifully presented. The tutor, Ian, was patient and encouragingread more
Gabriela Caballero17 Sep 2026
I loved every part of it. I loved the places we went, the adventure of exploring unique spots away from touristy, crowded places... The tour operator was amazing and very knowledgeable about their culture and heritage. read more
Emily Hedges16 Sep 2026
I enjoyed it very much. Iakovos, Dafni and Phevos were lovely hosts and skilfully managed the different requirements of guests in the group. The accommodation was charming!read more
Jeff Jones13 Sep 2026
The staff are truly exceptional and their focus is on ensuring that participants have the best experience possible. A joyous holiday with an excellent teacher.read more
Written by Eloise Barker
Photo credits: [Page banner: Eddy Klaus] [Entails: Ben Iwara]