Join Skyros' 'laugh-until-your-belly-hurts' comedy courses. Professional comedians, including Arthur Smith, Logan Murray, Karen Hayley and Andy Ford, offer guidance in the tricks of the comedy trade. Guests are helped to create a comedy persona, gain a greater awareness for different comic styles and write and perform brand new comedy material. All this on the beautiful Greek island of Skyros which this year is going to vibrate with laugh out loud mischievousness. www.skyros.com.

The comedy courses are a fantastic way to think outside of the box, hone communication skills and increase your self-confidence in everyday life. You can learn how to use comedy to be more creative, think laterally, try a new skill, or generally just to laugh until your belly hurts! Prior experience is totally unnecessary and you do not have to be witty, clever or funny to join in. Just show up and be yourself. Through practical exercises, ad-libbing, clowning, stand-up and much more, your comic voices will soon be flowing freely in a fully supportive environment. At the end of the holiday, you may even take to the stage and perform in front of an audience during the popular Skyros cabaret.

A variety of comedy courses are available to choose from between June and September. For those with an eye on TV, film or theatre, specialise in Comedy Writing at The Skyros Centre's renowned Writers' Lab, set in a stunning hillside location only moments from the sea. Whether you wish to write gags, sitcoms, novels or plays, you will find something here to stimulate you. Or choose Atsitsa Bay, right by the sea and in the arms of a magnificent pine forest, for comedy improvisation, endless laughter, magical hut-land accommodation and a large and vibrant community offering varied activities.

Prices start from £625 for a week long holiday, including courses and accommodation. www.skyros.com

W. www.skyros.com T. +44 (0)1983 865566 E. office@skyros.com

Skyros, described by The Guardian as 'the first and still the best' alternative holiday, offers the independent-spirited traveller a totally unique and unforgettable holiday. The perfect antidote to dated package holidays, this is an adventure that opens the heart, expands the mind and recharges the body and uplifts the spirit.

Courses, usually held outdoors in the beautiful landscape, are inspiring and entertaining. You can take as many or as few of them as you would like, relax and enjoy the company of like-minded people and the good food. Skyros holidays has gained an outstanding reputation for its cuisine and vegetarians are always catered for.