We’re delighted to welcome you to the next Holistic Centers Gathering, in Greece from May 10-15, 2015. Hosted by the Kalikalos Pelion Holistic Network and Alchemy Associates, the venue is the beautiful Mount Pelion peninsula, in the charming hamlet of Damouchari.

The venue is the Damouchari Hotel because Kalikalos Retreat Centre runs only from May-September as it’s located in the mountains where it gets cold and snowy. During the May work camp we unpack everything and rebuild the yurts and roundhouses for the centre’s workshop accommodation. There are also two other centres in the Pelion Holistic Network which will do the same and we’re co-ordinating with them to share how things are done here.

The hotel is also more comfortable and conveniently situated for the Gathering. We’ve developed a good working relationship with the owner, Apostolis, over the years and are very grateful he’s agreed to host us. This is the hotel where Mamma Mia scenes were filmed so there are photos of Meryl Streep having a whale of a time with the staff!

The Kalikalos website has been updated with this season’s programme and is a good source of travel info about how to reach the Pelion Peninsula from all over the world. The best way is to fly into Athens and travel by bus to Volos and then another bus to a seaside resort town called Agios Ioannis which is very near Damouchari, or share a taxi with three others, which is much quicker. You could also fly in to Thessaloniki and do the same.

The cost of the Gathering is 500 euros all inclusive, except for your travel arrangements, based on twin share accommodation and full payment is due upon arrival. If you would prefer single accommodation there is an additional payment of 100 euros.

Dorota will be arriving in Athens at 13.30 on Sunday 10th May and can co-ordinate with others arriving at the same time, then we will all meet for a welcome meal that Sunday evening in Damouchari.

We might also be able to arrange a pick up service in Athens, for people arriving on other flights, for an additional contribution. It will probably be much easier for not much more expense, to travel direct from door to door. Please advise your flight details when you book your place so we can co-ordinate arrangements.

The Gathering will end at lunchtime on Friday 15th May. After the Gathering we’re planning to offer follow-on workshops and/or trips around sacred sites on Greece for those who have some more days to spare. You’re welcome to extend your stay and enjoy the various options available. Dorota is departing from Athens 17th May at 13:55 and again transfers can be co-ordinated if you’re flying at a similar time. Christine will be extending for an extra week.

We’ve been asked about families wishing to come – we think this is a great idea as there’s plenty for kids to do with an adult supervising them, and it could turn into a wonderful family holiday!

To read more about the area, please click here to read a Kalikalos blog post by Adam Reising, who will be guiding excursions around the local area during the free time of the Gathering.

As well as the excitement of guided hiking, rambling, and sea kayaking trips, you might wish to relax by some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in the Mediterranean, right on our doorstep!

Click the play button to enjoy to a great video from Carmen Klammer that offers a flavour of Kalikalos.

Please don’t hesitate to contact the team if you have any other questions. To register your interest complete the online form here and we’ll be in touch with more details.

If you’d like to extend your stay we recommend A Journey into the Light a five day tour exploring the mythic landscape of Greece, led by Adam Reising, a Director of the Kalikalos Holistic Centre, and a co-host of the Centers Gathering in Greece. He holds an MA in History and Philosophy from Cambridge University, and is thrilled to be able to share his knowledge of Pelion and Greece with you.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Gathering!

Warm wishes,

Dorota Owen, Christine Lines and Adam Reising
Co-ordinators of the Gathering in Greece

connect@centersnetwork.org