Guided Mountain Hiking and Creative Arts Retreat in Cyprus

A walking holiday that keeps you in one place is rare, but that's exactly what this retreat offers. You'll stay the whole week at Cyprus Art Retreat's mountain lodge, tucked beneath Kionia Peak in the village of Agioi Vavatsinias. From February onwards, the mountains come alive with wildflowers and blossoming trees, and the guided hikes fan out from your front door. The full-day treks cover some of Cyprus's most remote countryside, passing through orchards, vineyards, and historic mountain villages, with a picnic lunch along the way.

The itinerary is a blend of nature and art. On some days, you'll hike for hours to reach a summit like Chionistra at 1,952 meters, while other days are spent painting in Kionia Forest or the village itself. The retreat is run by Cyprus Art Retreat, founded by Tim, a permanent resident of Agioi Vavatsinias. Your hiking guide is Theodosia Hadjiloe, a certified trekking leader who has hiked from the Himalayas to the Andes and knows the local flora, fauna, and history intimately. Art instruction comes from experienced teachers like Tony, who runs the woodcarving workshops, and the team supports guests in everything from acrylic painting to photography.

What makes this retreat special is how the activities feed each other. The mountains you climb become the landscapes you paint. The village you sleep in is the same village where you'll draw, mosaic, and carve. The pace is flexible—some guests focus entirely on hiking, while others split their time between trails and the studio. Meals are prepared by Chloe in her kitchen, serving traditional Cypriot dishes that refuel you after a long day outside. It's a personal, small-group experience (up to eight people), where the hosts know your name and tailor the week to your interests.

What's included

- 6 nights accommodation in a private room (upgrade available) - 3 meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks - Airport pickup and drop-off (Larnaca or Paphos) - Welcome drink - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Guided nature hikes with a certified leader - Art workshops (painting, woodcarving, mosaics, etc.) - All art materials - Excursions and activities as per itinerary - Professional event photos - Transportation during the retreat - Free cancellation up to 72 hours before arrival

What's not included

- Flights - Travel insurance - Visa fees - Optional spa treatments or personal expenses - Extra nights (available at EUR 175 per night)