FAQs

I’d like to know..

  • I value creating an environment where you can chill out, experience local Cretan culture and reconnect with your creative self. An authentic, open experience for guests. Working with the local community, and building great friendships we draw on nature for better health and well-being.

    The emphasis is on simple things and a shared experience.

    A good laugh wherever possible
    It’s more outdoors than in
    It’s about today
    We don’t take stuff too seriously.

  • Please read about specific accommodation below.

    Details of retreat accommodation here.

    I can also recommend fantastic options local to the village if you prefer to stay elsewhere. I recommend speaking with me before booking!

  • The retreat is 40 minutes by car from Chania airport and sits in the beautiful lush area of the Apokoronas in northwest Crete. We have the beautiful blue flag beaches in front of us and mountain views behind. Don’t forget the 300 days of sunshine.
    Find out more about retreat location

  • Not a lot. I encourage you to just do a carry-on case or backpack. All art materials are provided.

    Suggested pack list:
    - Passport!
    - Travel Insurance
    - Card and Cash
    - Sunnies
    - Swimming kit
    - Micro Towel (Towels also provided)
    - Your water bottle
    - Your personal stuff
    - A good book
    - Sun Hat
    - Sunscreen
    - Toothpaste
    - Power Adapter

  • Chania airport

    Taxi Transfers

    Direct flights from UK with Easyjet (London), Ryanair (Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester), British Airways

    Daily flights from Athens
    Other airlines’ direct flights Swiss, Finnair, SAS
    Direct flights from Stockholm
    45 min drive to the retreat

    Heraklion airport
    Direct flights from UK with Easyjet, British Airway, etc.

    4 Direct flights/day from Athens
    Other airlines Swiss, KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair, SAS, Eurowings
    90 min drive to the retreat

    Comprehensive Ferry Services for those on a touring mission with their own vehicle.

  • Depends of course.. flight time is about 4 hours from the uk as an example.

  • I can arrange airport transfers.

  • This one depends on your plans. While it is reasonable and possible to use local taxi services and transfers, you may decide that you want more flexibility that this depending on the length of your stay. With a week you can reasonably depend on taxis and lift share while here but for longer stays may consider a car rental.

  • The retreat is designed to minimize the impact on the local environment with the use of smart tec and old school systems. Some power is generated with Photovoltaic panels and our hot water is generated from two solar water heaters. The house has 50 inch thick stone walls and is well insulated..

    We’re starting to grow our own homegrown vegetables and herbs and the retreat has its own olive and lemon fruit trees.

    Save for getting here we aim to reduce our footprint by creating a more sustainable approach to living and offer sourced products. This is always a work in progress.

  • See specific retreat page for details on the cost.

    Art Retreat specific cost

    *    Subject to change based on group size, accommodation and availability at the time of booking.

  • Simple. Want to reserve your place? Just get in touch, confirm your reservation with a 30% downpayment, and pay the balance 4 weeks before arrival.

  • In the unfortunate event that you need to cancel… This depends on the circumstances and the timeframe from the point of notification that you cannot join the retreat from the retreat start date. I will always want to ensure all receive a great value experience and offer to be fair. So no hard policy and this is discretionary.

  • Both. Suggest you carry some cash in Euros as this is always useful. The cash economy is still alive and well for many on the island. That said the island of course has card processing for all the major debit and credit cards.

  • Light breakfast, lunch and drinks are included in the art retreat cost. All food is seasonal, locally sourced and combined with fresh produce from the retreat kitchen garden.

    Find out more on Art Retreat meals

    *Evening meals are not included. There are delicious options for food in the village at several tavernas and cafes and this is a lovely way to meet enjoy the atmosphere and support local business.

  • Yes. The studio has a wifi connection and most cafes also have good wifi.

    Connections are generally stable so you can open that email (; Or do the right thing and switch off completely…

  • The retreat uses a smart photovoltaic and battery setup for powering all the typical needs of your devices with uk adapters provided.

    The solar setup and battery directly powers USB and USB C / three-pin plugs for laptops etc.

    With solar it’s just about conscious management of energy. We do have mains electricity but a large part of usage is primarily from solar power.

  • Oh yes. The retreat is a 5 minute walk downhill to the heart of the village and Kafenion. If you stay at the retreat or in accommodation in the village (I can make recommendations) you will be within walking distance too the retreat and local Kafenion, cafes and restaurants.

  • The retreat is about 10 minutes from the beach by car. You can walk, run it or use an ebike. Alternatively, I’m happy to drop you to the coast in the jeep before you’ve even put your sunnies on. Read more about the location here

  • All specific day trips not included in the retreat and evening meals out are an additional cost and payable by you. It might be that we want to combine a day at the market in Chania (Saturday) as part of the retreat with some sketching so this can be planned ahead of course dates for the logistics / travel etc..

  • There are too many amazing experiences on the island to list here so a few ideas we can organise to get you started as follows:

    1. The Samariá Gorge (Greek: Φαράγγι Σαμαριάς or just Φάραγγας) is a National Park. A major tourist attraction of the island – and a World's Biosphere Reserve.

    2. Hiking in the White Mountains (Lefká Óri) and Mt. Volakias. We know some of the best guides in the region for hiking trips.

    3. Olive Press Tours / Wine Tastings

    4. Visits to ancient ruins of Minoan civilizations.

    5. Specific local tours learning about the agriculture and produce of the region.

    6. Boat day trips/excursions / local beach discovery off the tourist trail.

    Just a few ideas to get you thinking.

  • It’s scorchio in the peak summer months and beautifully pleasant either side of this. We’re in southern med and Crete has both African and Mediterranean climates. Think 35 degrees plus in June and July. It’s a Lovely temperature either side of summer so great in April/May/Sept and October for those who like it in the mid-later 20’s

  • This varies. Main cities and towns have good air-conditioned coach services across the island and this is very affordable, that said, as with all these things sometimes the best way to explore is still with a car. investment in infrastructure is growing for EV charge points but this is still some way off in reality.

  • Yes. Well-trained dogs are welcome if you are able to make the journey with your canine friend.

Book a place

Reserve your place on the retreat.

Coming with a friend or a family member? It's possible to share accommodation. I’ll be happy to chat more about your trip and answer any questions you have. Friendly, healthy, and affordable experience on the beautiful island of Crete awaits.

Spaces are limited so get in touch!


Nick - Artisan Retreat / Crete