the reading retreat in greece
the reading retreat in greece
28th september - 4th october 2025
early bird pricing ends soon!
you are invited to a transformative literary retreat on the stunning island of zakynthos, greece. this intimate experience is designed for readers, writers, and thoughtful souls seeking to deepen their connection with books, creativity, and themselves. with limited spaces, the retreat offers a peaceful, nurturing environment for reflection, rest, and meaningful connection.
throughout the week, a professional bibliotherapist will guide you through workshops exploring the emotional and creative power of literature. you’ll also enjoy quiet moments for reading, journaling, and personal insight. your stay will be at luxurious villas surrounded by the natural beauty of zakynthos, olive groves, cypress trees, and the shimmering Ionian Sea.
in addition to the workshops, you’ll begin each day with yoga and gather for beautiful, relaxed dinners where you can share thoughts on the books you’re reading. you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the island, or simply sit by the pool with a novel. this retreat is a space to unwind, reconnect, and return home feeling restored, inspired, and creatively recharged.
location
zakynthos is a breathtaking greek island located in the ionian sea, just off the country’s western coast. known for its turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and golden beaches, it’s one of greece’s most picturesque destinations. famous for the iconic navagio (shipwreck) beach and the blue caves, the island offers a perfect blend of natural wonder and mediterranean charm. beyond its coastline, you'll find rolling olive groves, traditional villages, and warm, welcoming locals. with its relaxed atmosphere and stunning scenery, zakynthos is an ideal escape for both quiet reflection and unforgettable exploration.
itinerary
day one
YOU HAVE ARRIVED in zakynthos, greece
SETTLE into your luxurious private villa for the week
MEET your new friends for the next week
INTENTION setting ceremony
DINNER your first taste of mediterranean
POETRY or excerpt reading. wind down with short passage reading from daisy or one of your fellow retreat attendees with a short period of discussion
day two
QUIET reading time. start the day with a moment of peace to read, journal, stretch, meditate or simply take in your surroundings (optional)
YOGA. enjoy a calming yoga session to stretch, breathe, and centre yourself for the day ahead
BRUNCH
WORKSHOP with our bibliotherapest. join a gentle group session and explore reading prompts and literary tools for self-reflection. you’re welcome to engage or simply listen
FREE TIME. the afternoon is yours to enjoy, whether you choose to read by the pool, explore the island, or relax in solitude, this time is for you to recharge and reflect
DINNER
EVENING reading circle. come together for an optional reading of a short passage or poem, followed by light conversation or simply quiet contemplation beneath the stars
day three
QUIET reading time. start the day with a moment of peace to read, journal, stretch, meditate or simply take in your surroundings (optional)
YOGA and meditation
BRUNCH
FREE TIME. read, relax, take a walk, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the island. this is your time to recharge and reflect
YACHT sailing experience, discover the azure waters, blue caves and famous shipwreck sights
DINNER
POETRY or excerpt reading. unwind with a shared reading of a poem or excerpt, followed by quiet reflection or a brief discussion with fellow retreat attendees
day four
QUIET reading time. start the day with a moment of peace to read, journal, stretch, meditate or simply take in your surroundings. (optional)
YOGA and meditation
BRUNCH
WORKSHOP on reading for confidence with daisy
CHAKRA cleansing massage for one hour
BOOK club and bibliotherapest open hours. join a relaxed group discussion or take the opportunity for one-on-one time with the bibliotherapist to explore reading suggestions, ask questions, or talk about your personal literary journey. or simply enjoy FREE TIME to unwind and explore at your own pace
DINNER
POETRY or excerpt reading. wind down with a short passage reading, either from the bibliotherapist, fellow retreat guests, or a favourite piece you've brought along, followed by a short period of quiet reflection or gentle discussion
day five
QUIET reading time. Start the day with a moment of peace to read, journal, stretch, meditate or simply take in your surroundings (optional)
YOGA and meditation
BRUNCH
FREE TIME. read, relax, take a walk, or simply soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the island. this is your time to recharge and reflect
TRADITIONAL greek cooking class
BOOK club. engage in a gentle book club discussion, or take the opportunity to connect one-on-one with the bibliotherapist for personalised literary guidance or FREE TIME to explore at your own pace
DINNER
POETRY or excerpt reading. wind down with a short passage or poem reading from a fellow attendee or the facilitator, followed by a short period of quiet reflection or gentle discussion.
day six
QUIET reading time. start the day with a moment of peace to read, journal, stretch, meditate or simply take in your surroundings (optional)
MORNING meditation
BRUNCH
FREE TIME to explore the nearby hidden coves and beaches or head to zakynthos town for souvenir shopping
SUNSET yoga
FAREWELL dinner
day seven
QUIET reading time. Start the day with a moment of peace to read, journal, stretch, meditate or simply take in your surroundings (optional)
BREAKFAST
FAREWELLS as our journey ends and transfers to the airport
exclusions
Flights to and from Greece
Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
inclusions
Workshops with Bibliotherapest
6 nights accommodation in an opulent, private greek villa
Brunch and dinner every day prepared by in-house chefs and made with locally sourced, organic ingredients that can tailor to any dietary requirement
Yoga
Hike & swim
Greek cooking class
Luxury yacht sailing experience
Massage
All ground transportation
Goodie bag
Transformative travel guidebook from Aweventurer
why a reading retreat?
in a world that moves too fast, a reading retreat offers something rare: space to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect—with yourself, with words, and with other women who feel the same pull toward quiet and meaning.
this retreat is designed to be restorative at its core. whether you’re craving stillness, looking to spark your creativity, or simply want to read without interruption, you’ll find room here to exhale. days are shaped gently around moments of solitude and togetherness—yoga and meditation, nourishing meals, and meaningful conversations sparked by the books we carry with us.
for women who don’t always want to be “on,” who prefer softness over small talk and depth over distraction, this is a space to feel fully yourself. you’ll have the chance to meet like-minded women—introverts, creatives, deep feelers—and form quiet, genuine connections without pressure.
whether you're writing, resting, or simply reading by the pool, you'll return home feeling replenished, re-inspired, and more rooted in your inner voice.
accomodation
we are staying at a group of luxury intimate hideaways nestled in the greek island of zakynthos. the villas are one of the most inspiring spaces you could find. the classic cycladic architecture is an overwhelm of azure sea and natural design, with views of the island landscape. the dreamy architecture is complemented by private pools. each villa has a glorious view of the sparkling ionian ocean and lush hillside decorated by olive and cypress trees.
FAQs
How can I join?
Please secure your place by paying a deposit, the full trip price or opting onto a payment plan. Confirmation will take place via email when the trip reaches it’s minimum number required. There is a maximum number of places available on this trip so act fast.
How do I get there?
By Air
Direct flights: Zakynthos International Airport (Dionysios Solomos Airport) receives direct flights from various European cities, especially during the tourist season (May to October). Check for flights from major airlines or budget carriers.
Via Athens: If you're coming from outside Europe or during off-peak times, you might need to fly to Athens International Airport (ATH) first. From Athens, take a domestic flight to Zakynthos (flight duration ~1 hour).
By Ferry
From Mainland Greece:
The most common route is via Kyllini Port on the Peloponnese peninsula. Ferries from Kyllini to Zakynthos run multiple times a day, and the journey takes about 1 hour.
You can reach Kyllini by bus or car from Athens (~3.5 hours).
From Other Ionian Islands:
Ferries connect Zakynthos with nearby islands like Kefalonia. The ferry between Pessada (Kefalonia) and Agios Nikolaos (Zakynthos) takes about 1.5 hours.
Please do not purchase your transport until the trip is confirmed.
What is the rooming configuration?
The rooms are majority ensuite and have stunning views. The rooms available are either double or twin share, so you will either have a bestie for the entirety of the trip to share the experience with or can opt for more privacy. There are limited private rooms available, Confirmation of your place will be roommate dependent.
How can I pay?
Either pay in full or pay the deposit now, and book onto a payment plan, using the book now button.
What should I pack?
Day pack for carrying essentials.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip.
Sun protection - a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen.
Insect repellent and hand sanitiser.
Light layers for the daytime
Warmer layers for night time.
Sandals, flip flops, or any kind of water shoe.
Swimwear.
Electrical adaptor.
Water bottle.