After a tumultuous few months, I booked a last minute package holiday to Skiathos in Greece with the lovely Lynsey. I was hoping for seven days lazing around in the sunshine, looking out to the horizon and jumping in the sea.

But on the first morning we awoke not to glorious sunshine but the familiar sound of rain pummelling the roof. It was raining so hard we couldn’t see the horizon and the only jumping I thought I would be doing would be in puddles.

We headed down to breakfast in our jumpers, laughing and sighing about our bad luck.

The skies were dark, and the rain intermittently pounded the ground, with claps of thunder and bolts of lighting joining in the fun every now and then.

It seemed as though something had upset Zeus. According to Greek mythology, Zeus overthrew his father Cronus (because he ate his children) to become ruler of the Olympian Gods, lord of heaven and the sky and king of the rain. He was a caring ruler, and would keep a tender eye on mortals, rewarding good behaviour and providing his support, friendship and help to those who needed it. However, upset him, and he would throw his hands in the air and bring down storms, thunder, rain, lighting and tempests on those who had displeased him.

We hoped his anger wouldn’t last too long.

We spent the morning drinking coffee, reading books, chatting and downloading films in case the rain continued.

But after a few hours, the dark clouds started to move away, providing us little by little with the view we had travelled so far to see.

Eager to explore, we headed out when we thought it was safe, taking shelter where we could when Zeus had a final little tantrum. We were staying on a hill surrounded by pine trees and olive groves, and the air was fresh and crisp.

We headed into Skiathos Town and jumped into a little taverna in the old port for a late lunch. Vine leaves, tuna salad and baked feta.

Creamy and tangy, mopped up with bread. Yum.

After lunch we continued exploring, and I found what is likely to be my ‘happy place’ for years to come. A little peninsula just off the main town that has a hidden little rocky sun trap and fabulous views over the bay to the town.

To me, this place felt calm, serene and totally me. I came back almost everyday and loved it a little bit more each time.

As we headed back, we were relieved to see a rainbow. Perhaps a sign from a different God that would be the last of the rain?

Feeling confident, we studied the map over coffee to see what adventures we could have when the sun came out.

….I’ll let you know what happened!

Have you ever had a rainy holiday?