Kissamoss, Crete
We will be staying within the rural Bay of Kissamos, on the very outskirts of the resort of Kastelli. Our beach is called Mavros Molos, here the sea is clean, warm and shallow making for easy swimming with a long strand of golden sandy beach with occasional shingle. Cafes are accessible directly from the beach, with sun umbrellas, beach showers and sunbeds. A walk around the bay will bring you to empty beaches.
Yoga & Wellbeing
2 Daily Yoga sessions suitable for beginners and intermediate levels. Enjoy our daily Hatha flow classes, a balanced & holistic flow sequence will be introduced each morning to energise you for the day. Followed by breakfast
You then have free time to explore the area, spend time on the beach, or simply enjoy the company of like-minded people.
Evening sessions will nourish and nurture with a more restorative & relaxing Hatha practice that focus on healing and letting go. Both classes are designed to help you develop your own personal practice once you leave the retreat.
After this yoga class the participants meet up again to eat, relax and chat.
Where We Are
We are located on the western side of the island of Crete, near to the town of Kastelli.
It is very important that your flight arrives at Chania also called Hania) airport (NOT Heraklion which is almost 3 hours away). Flights to Chania depart from the UK on Tuesday from Gatwick and Manchester airports. If it is not possible for you to fly to Chania airport please contact the Free Spirit Travel office for advice on how to reach the venue from Heraklion airport at the minimal cost.
Beyond this coastal plain the backdrop is mountainous, the area being broken into gorges and craggy peaks. This provides for many easy grade walks, the chance to see birds of prey, vultures and wild flowers and old rural ways like treading grapes. The yoga space is one floor up overlooking the beach. Michael Bampounakisis is your host (known as Mike) and his parents run the taverna where your included meals will be served. This also overlooks the beach – expect vegetarian food with Greek specialities
There are wonderful beaches on the west coast – we particularly like Falasarna which is only a ten minute drive from Kastelli and, further away, Sfinari. Gramvousa Island and Balos Bay are worth the boat trip for their startling white sands and electric blue waters. Mike can arrange for taxis to take you to a beach for evening yoga which can be followed by a meal in a beach taverna – see picture right of David Sye teaching here.
There will also be an optional excursion to the organic olive oil mill at Astrikas; this is world famous olive oil which you can purchase on site if you wish. It is fantastic and includes both organic lemon olive oil and organic orange olive oil. Should you purchase any oil they will wrap it in bubble wrap so you can pack it in your case – wrap your towel around it as an added precaution – this oil is fantastic, they have won the world wide olive oil awards.
To find out more go to http://www.biolea.gr Chania (town) is a walled city with 8,000 years of history, a Venetian harbour, Turkish quarter, quaint narrow streets and markets. There are plenty of shops and bustle, in great contrast to the peace of country life. You can travel to Chania on the local buses, ask Mike for details. Walks There are many villages in the hills with their churches, some with richly decorated screens and other artefact’s of interest and spectacular views across unspoilt countryside.
One of the churches in Spilia has a healing icon of the Black Madonna. Kastelli and its environs is a good base for exploring further afield including the sites at Agia Triada and Festos. You can chose any grade of walk from the gentle to the really taxing: Sirikari, Mouri and Deliana gorges are all easy to walk and the latter has griffon vultures. Sassalos and Roka gorges are for seasoned walkers.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact me 0797 331 1361
To reserve your place, or for more information, please contact the Free Spirit Travel office: 01273-564230
email: info@freespirituk.com