art retreats under
the sun of Crete
Myrsini Alexandridi
13 - 17 May 2026
Beya Rebai
23 - 28 September 2026
Matthew Forsythe
14 - 18 October 2026
FULLY BOOKED
A curated destination for internationally respected illustrators, designers, and visual storytellers who want to teach intimate, high-quality creative retreats in Crete.
THE VENUE
Dear island art retreats are held in the picturesque village of Kaliviani, located in the northwest part of Crete, just 44 km from Chania city and about an hour’s drive from Chania airport. Surrounded by olive groves, the village offers a few small shops, traditional tavernas, and restaurants, and is only a 20-minute walk from the nearest beach.
The masterclasses take place in a charming 100-year-old stone villa featuring five bedrooms and stunning views of both the mountains and the sea. The ground floor preserves its original arches and fireplace, as well as the stone chimney on the façade. A large table on the spacious veranda will serve as our main working area, while the lush garden—with its expansive swimming pool—is open for everyone to enjoy throughout the day.
Just below the main villa lies the cave studio where the guest teachers will be hosted. This unique space, first inhabited around 1850 and later was used to store agricultural products such as olive oil, wheat, and wine. During World War II, it even served as a refuge for many local residents.
To link the past with the present, a new building was constructed in 2019 just across the street. Designed to accommodate three guests, it shares the same breathtaking mountain and sea views and stands as a contemporary continuation of the villa’s enduring story.
THE EXPERIENCE
Imagine waking up to the gentle sounds of the Cretan countryside and starting your day with a homemade breakfast served on a sun-drenched terrace. Freshly baked breads, seasonal fruits, local honey, and traditional delicacies set the tone for a week of creativity, connection, and inspiration.
Each morning, art masterclasses take place in a beautiful setting overlooking the sparkling sea. Surrounded by breathtaking views and guided by experienced artists, you'll have the opportunity to deepen your practice, experiment with new techniques, and create meaningful work while immersed in the island's natural beauty.
Afternoons are dedicated to discovering the unique culture and landscapes of western Crete. Swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the famous Balos Lagoon, explore charming villages, or visit local olive oil producers to learn about one of the island's most treasured traditions. Each activity offers a deeper connection to the land, its people, and its rich heritage.
As the sun begins to set, the group comes together once again for unforgettable farm-to-table dinners at Gramvousa Restaurant. Here, ingredients are harvested directly from the restaurant's own gardens and transformed into authentic Cretan dishes bursting with flavor. Paired with carefully selected local wines, each dinner becomes a relaxed and joyful celebration of good food, meaningful conversations, and the simple pleasures of island life.
