6-Day Yoga and Zen Meditation Retreat on Serifos, Greece

The retreat is hosted at Kaisanji, the first Zen monastery in Greece, located in the Kalo Ampeli region on Serifos' south side. The name Kaisanji combines three Japanese words: 'KAI' (sea), 'SAN' (mountain), and 'JI' (monastery), reflecting the setting between the Aegean Sea and the island's hills. The new building follows traditional Zen monastery principles, and the vision is to expand Zen meditation in Greece. Being here feels like stepping out of normal life and into a more contemplative rhythm.

Each day includes two yoga classes led by Alexandra Sotiropoulou, who has taught since 2003 and is certified by Yoga Alliance International. Her teaching draws on Ashtanga Vinyasa, Satyananda, and Scaravelli-inspired approaches, with a focus on breath and alignment. Two daily Zazen sittings are guided by Konstantinos, a Soto Zen monk trained in Japan, or by Antaratma, who also teaches yoga. The combination of these two traditions—physical yoga and seated meditation—gives the retreat a distinctive depth.

The schedule includes classes on yoga philosophy, where teachers discuss practical questions about happiness, health, and how meditation can improve daily life. There's also Karma Yoga, which is mindful work done as part of the practice, helping to keep the retreat running. The afternoons are mostly free, allowing time to rest, walk to the nearby beach, or just sit quietly and let the practice settle.

The food is a major part of the experience, prepared by Esco Essence, a Finnish vegan chef who runs The Plant Kingdom. He uses fresh, seasonal vegetables and simple recipes that focus on taste and nutrition. Guests often mention the food as a highlight, and dietary requirements can be accommodated with notice. Overall, the retreat is intense but accessible, suitable for those who want to deepen their practice as well as newcomers.

What's included

- Daily yoga classes - Daily Zen meditation sittings (Zazen) - Daily pranayama classes - 3 daily vegan meals - 5 nights accommodation - Specialized workshops - Parking - Wifi - Water, tea, coffee throughout the day - Karma Yoga and mantra chanting sessions - Pre and post retreat support from our team

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Travel insurance - Flights cost - Additional activities not included in the itinerary - Visa fee