30 Years Omilo – The Founders’ Story!

Amparo – SPAIN

“Congratulations! It was a true pleasure studying Greek with you, and I have wonderful memories of Nea Makri, Syros and Athens, as well as of you and your team. I would love to return someday! I wish you another thirty years!”

Albert & Anita – THE NETHERLANDS

“Even after 30 years, your enthusiasm still shines through! What an incredible achievement, and of course, congratulations!

We love the anniversary initiatives and the beautiful photos of Greece. We wish you a wonderful summer, filled with lovely students and many special moments.

Greetings and a big hug from Kythira!”

Liliana Caporale – SWITZERLAND

“Warmest congratulations on Omilo’s 30th anniversary! What a wonderful achievement and inspiring journey, from a beautiful idea in 1996 to an international success.

My language stays with you in Syros remain among my very best memories. I greatly appreciated not only the Greek lessons, but also the warm atmosphere, the activities and the many special moments shared with teachers and fellow students.

Omilo has a wonderful way of bringing people, language and Greek culture together, and I am very happy to have been a small part of this journey. I am sure that I will book another course with Omilo in Syros again one day.

I wish you continued joy, success and many more memorable courses in the years ahead. You have every reason to celebrate, and I raise a glass with you!

Καλό καλοκαίρι και θερμά συγχαρητήρια!”

Maxine Honnest-Redlich – UK

“Congratulations, Omilo! My journey with you started in 2003, on my very first visit to Greece and with my very first Omilo lessons. I arrived at Athens Airport knowing only two or three words of Greek and told the taxi driver, πάμε στη Νέα Μάκρη. I tried a little conversation, and he quickly told me that I was making πολλά λάθη… and he was quite right!

I returned to Nea Makri in 2005, and from then on, to beautiful Syros.

What I loved about Syros—apart from the sea, the lovely pension, the bougainvillea, tavernas and beaches—was that it felt like a Greek island for Greeks. I returned many times, with my last Omilo visit in 2016.

Eventually, I realised that perhaps it was no longer such a good idea to continue travelling on my own. I turned 91 last March! That hasn’t stopped me from returning to Greece accompanied, but I do miss Syros, the lessons and everything else.

So once more, congratulations! You must be very pleased with what you have created, and if one day you decide to sit back and relax, I hope you will leave Omilo in good hands!

With all my love.”

Marina Riga –  ITALY

Dear Maya and Dimitri, dear Omilô-Team!

I just want to say  a truly heartfelt thank you  for creating 30 years of Omilô and for all the wonderful experiences I’ve been able to have and share with all of you until now.

It really means a lot to me to have been part of this special community, and I’m very grateful for everything I’ve learned, experienced and shared with you. I have been fortunate to be at your school nine times in different locations. Each place is unique, but the spirit is always the same, it always feels like coming back to somewhere familiar and welcoming.

What I enjoy most learning Greek at Omilô is learning surrounded by wonderful people and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it truly feels like coming home.

Also, Greek is never just grammar or vocabulary. It is part of everyday life: in cafés, in the streets, in real conversations. That makes learning natural, easy and genuinely exciting.

I especially loved the small groups and personal atmosphere. I quickly felt part of the school community. The Omilo teachers  are fantastic: warm, enthusiastic and always approachable, they soon feel more like friends than teachers.
Equally special were the shared moments outside the classroom: city walks, events, dancing, and dinners together. These experiences created real connection and lasting memories.

A big compliment to the school management: you, Maya and Dimitri, have created something truly special, a perfect balance of professionalism and a relaxed, welcoming spirit. Everything feels personal, never forced, and full of warmth.

Would I come back?
Absolutely. Without hesitation, I already look forward to it.

The best thing about my experience at this school was…
…that I never felt like I was just attending a course. I felt happy, connected and part of something real.

So please: keep the spirit of the school, keep the groups small, and stay exactly as you are! It is something truly special.

Sincerely , Marina