Pottery Tours in Sifnos – Meeting the People Behind the Clay

We visit traditional and modern workshops, listen, watch and sometimes get our hands on the wheel.

On this pottery tour in Sifnos we visit local workshops where ceramics are still made every day. We step into two traditional workshops that still follow the old ways, and one modern workshop that continues the tradition with a different look.

We talk about the long local tradition of pottery in Sifnos, see the tools, the preparation of the clay and the different stages of making ceramics. Along the way, we notice what has stayed exactly the same, what has changed and why both the old and the new ways still exist side by side.

Two versions of the pottery tour

There are two main ways to experience the pottery tradition of Sifnos. Both are small-group tours and include real working spaces, not showrooms created only for visitors.

• Version A – Three workshops (traditional & modern)

  In this version we visit three different workshops: two traditional and one modern. We talk about the local history of pottery, see the tools and the spaces where clay is prepared and shaped, and follow the procedure of making ceramics from the first lump of clay to the finished piece.

  We focus on the stories of the people who work there and on the differences and similarities between the past and the present. This is a good option if you are especially interested in the tradition itself and want to see more workshops in one tour.

  Duration: Around 2–3 hours

• Version B – Pottery tour with hands-on wheel session

  In this version we visit two workshops as observers, like in Version A, and a third one where the potter gives a short presentation and then invites you to try the wheel.

  You see a piece being formed in front of you and then, with guidance, you can sit at the wheel yourself and make something simple. It is not a long lesson, but it is enough to feel the clay and understand how much practice hides behind a “simple” bowl or cup.

  Duration: Approximately 3 hours (depending on the number of people participating in the hands-on part)

Who can join & trying the wheel

Pottery tours are suitable for adults, teenagers and children who are curious about how things are made. We move mainly between workshops by car and short walks, so the physical effort is light compared to other activities.

All ages are welcome to try the wheel in the hands-on version. Children up to around 6 years old may need some help from a parent to reach and use the pedal comfortably. It is perfectly fine if they only want to touch the clay or sit on your lap while you work together.

Because we enter real workshops, it is good to wear clothes that can take a few drops of clay or dust without stress. Closed shoes are also a good idea.

Availability & practical notes

Pottery tours are not available on Sundays, because many of the workshops we visit are closed that day.

The exact starting time can change slightly depending on the season and the schedule of the workshops. When you send a request, we choose together what works best for you and for the potters we will visit.

There is usually time to buy ceramics directly from the workshops if you wish. This supports the potters in a very direct way and gives you the chance to take home something you have seen being made or fired in the same place.

Practical details

• Location: Pottery workshops in different parts of Sifnos
• Type of experience: Guided visits to traditional & modern workshops, with the option of a hands-on wheel session
• Guide: Experienced English-speaking local guide on all tours
• Version A duration: Around 2–3 hours (three workshops, no wheel for guests)
• Version B duration: Around 3 hours (two workshops as observers + one with hands-on wheel)
• Days: Not available on Sundays
• Wheel: All ages welcome, small children may need help reaching the pedal
• Transfers: Transfers between workshops can be included on request with an extra cost.

To ask about dates, starting times or to choose between Version A and Version B, please send me a request with your preferred day (except Sunday), the number of people and whether you would like to include the hands-on wheel part.