
Welcome to Aegina Retreats where creativity meets tranquility on the enchanting island of Aegina.
Our concept is rooted in the desire to share our passion for arts & crafts. If you want to rediscover your ability to play with colour and clay like a child, free of judgement and explore your own creative process in a warm, welcoming and easy going environment, this is the place for you.
At Aegina Retreats, we invite you to embark on a unusual and possibly transformative journey. Embrace your creativity as it is allowed to flow, free and unperturbed, in the calm, warm and welcoming environment of our studio and of the island. Whether you're an artist, a curious beginner or a creative traveller, our workshops provide a unique opportunity to refine your skills, overcome creative blockages and let go of preconceived ideas.
Leave your everyday life behind for a short while, put on your travelling shoes, take a plane and a boat to dock on Aegina. Open new doors to your creativity and your ways of seeing.
All our courses are in English or Greek, with the occasional ones in French.

What you get
A creative paradise
Spend your time creatively by taking one of our workshops or retreats. Experience a journey of artistic exploration and self-discovery.
Our activities provide a unique platform for you to connect with your inner creativity and express it through a variety of art forms while having fun.
Aegina Island
Aegina is like a small paradise. Just one hour away from the port of Pireaus, it is easy and fast to access from Athens airport. It iso near yet so far: here you will feel space and time stretching. And there is so much to do: explore the island through hiking or swimming, discover local music and food, bathe in its amazing light, surrender to its gentle energy.
Activities
We organise events, weekly and weekend workshops, courses and artist retreats revolving around crafts and arts: ceramics, painting, writing... with creativity as best friend. Make your choice and join us to explore your creative process, discover Aegina, meet its local artistic community to share and collaborate with.
The Grapevine House
The Grapevine house is located on the edges of the port, where nature starts taking over the landscape. It is situated on a farm land with about 60 pistachio and 12 olive trees. Its courtyard has lemon, pomegranate and fig trees, two old grapevines, many cats and a dog. It is the perfect place to create a bubble of tranquility and relaxation while on one of our workshops.
What we do
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We share our experience of 25 years from working in the fields of arts & crafts.
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We offer a series of retreats, workshops, courses and events in our fully equipped ceramics and painting studio.
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We love to play and travel with colour and clay and provide an ephemeral yet unique bubble of immersive experience.
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We design creative retreats for individuals, couples or small groups on the island of Aegina. Perfect, all inclusive, creative escapes where everything is taken care of and you are free to play, create, explore and recharge.
Reviews
My time at the Vedic art retreat in Aegina was exceptional.
Yanis, who runs the workshop, shared his knowledge and artistic insights with tailored guidance and a personalized approach, which made this retreat extraordinary.
It gave me a unique perspective on the creative process and helped me clear some creative blocks.
Marina and Yanis created a peaceful, safe and welcoming environment that felt like home. The food was always fresh and good.
I left the retreat feeling calmer, focused, and inspired.
I fully recommend this retreat to anyone seeking to expand their artistic vision in the company of real people in a simple yet lovely and unique environment.
Ayelet Naveh, Vedic Foundation October 2024
I wanted to spend time immersed in the painting process again. Life is very busy, and I was finding it hard to be relaxed enough to paint.
I liked the idea of travelling to Aegina and spending time in the flow of painting.
I loved being able to do this. I also loved Yanis teaching, the art all around me, the lovely food and lunches, the great company and an introduction to the island.
It's a beautiful place. Marina and Yanis are very thoughtful and have considered what is needed to relax and create. I really enjoyed spending time with the other person who was on retreat.
Antonia
Fluid Creativity Workshop
November 2025
I had a wonderful experience at this pottery retreat! Marina is such a patient and thoughtful teacher—you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn in just one week. From picking your own clay to practicing slab and pinch techniques, every step was hands-on and inspiring. And of course, enjoying the famous pistachios of Aegina made it even more special. I can highly recommend this workshop to anyone interested in clay, creativity, and a truly unique cultural experience!
Constanze Kolbe, Exploring Ceramics, June 2025
I wanted to go to a retreat because life wasn’t working out at the moment and I really needed a change, getting out of my situation and into something new.
I ended up choosing this retreat because it seemed so free, relaxed, personal, warm, and holistic—and it really was.
I was welcomed with open arms and had a magical time.
I learned so much about art and life from Yanis while enjoying the beautiful island and even better company.
As dramatic as that may sound, my time in Aegina gave me a new outlook on life, which I will hopefully continue to follow now that I am back.
I cannot thank Yanis, Marina and the others I met enough for my time there, for their warmth, love and wise words.
I cannot describe my whole time there in one review, but in short, I would recommend that everyone who is thinking about going take the leap.
For me, that was a very scary thing to do, but I am beyond happy I did :)
Thank you again for everything, and all the best!!
Magali Reijneveld, Beyond the Intellect, September 2024
Yanis’ Vedic art workshop was like a ripple effect; it went far beyond my expectations. His wisdom, combined with the uniqueness of the sessions, helped me unblock a long-stuck part of my creativity. The experience felt truly transformative.
Beyond the workshops, simply being in Aegina with both of them; sharing the freshest local foods, blending into nature, and enjoying the silence of the landscape...made it a week I will never forget. I’m already looking forward to returning again.
Fulya Guney - Vedic Foundation, September 2025
I was trying to get my love for ceramics back and escape from city life for a little bit. This retreat was the perfect thing for both! Marina was a great guide, not only for the process around finding and working with clay, but also for the island Aegina. It was a peaceful and inspiring experience on a beautiful island, I would happily come back again for this retreat!
Sanna Gertenbach, Exploring Ceramics, March 2025
I had an incredible experience at this unique art studio. It is a space where anyone can freely express, create, and discover, all while connecting deeply with themselves. I took the Vedic Art course and am grateful to have met Yanis, who is both highly knowledgeable and incredibly attentive as a teacher. Huge kudos to Yanis and Marina for creating such a safe and welcoming environment that fosters genuine self-expression.
Figen Geerts, Vedic Foundation Course October 2024
I wanted to experience something new for a fresh perspective and inspiration - this was definitely achieved by the end of the week!
I liked the tranquillity of the location and felt the values of the host reflected my own.
Marina puts her heart & soul into the retreats & itinerary, I felt like I learnt so much about ceramics, the surrounding landscapes & environment, arts & culture. I never felt rushed; the pace was perfect.
Plenty of food, I never felt hungry, accommodation is beautiful, well thought out, and cared for. The company of the host & other guests was delightful.
Georgia Eiles-Clarke, Shape & Decorate, October 2025
I wanted to experience hand-building with wild clay on a Greek Island.
This retreat provided an excellent opportunity to work with wild clay, meet interesting people from different countries, in a Greek island environment.
The time on Aegina gave me a good understanding of working with local clay. The host, Marina, was fantastic. She helped with her technical knowledge to overcome any difficulties and her friendly, attentive approach ensured that we all greatly enjoyed each other's company. The accommodation was great and gave the opportunity to experience local hospitality. Aegina is a typical small Greek port.
I'd strongly recommend attending one of Marina's residential pottery workshops.
Geoff, Ceramics Residency, October 2025




