Please read carefully. When you sign the booking form you will tick a box agreeing that you have read and understood ALL these FAQ, and are happy to abide by their terms.
When you have some idea about dates and the accommodation you'd like, please contact Mariel. She will send you more information on accommodation, programme and cost. If you decide to take part she will send you a booking form and guide you through the next stages. Registrations will be processed in order of receipt. Email: mariel@limnisa.com.
There is no program during the week only a routine, with a set time for yoga and the evening meal but extended periods for breakfast and lunch buffets. You can eat out if you prefer. We also organise literary evenings for those who want to take part but nothing is mandatory.
You are welcome if you want to focus on a project or something on your mind, be it artistic or more personal, provided you are happy to be silent in the mornings and quiet in the afternoons, to make space for other guests. Primarily, however, Limnisa is intended as a place for writers to write.
Not too much. Remember you'll have to carry it- see below. A memory stick might be useful, also a small flashlight; beach towel & plastic jellies for swimming; insect repellent & bite cream.
The path to the house is uneven, most of it unpaved. At Limnisa there are stairs. If you feel unstable on your feet or need crutches you will have to be very careful though we will help you as much as we can. Unfortunately neither the garden nor house are suitable for wheelchairs.
English is the first language. Mariel is from the Netherlands and likes to welcome Dutch speakers. (We also provide writing workshops in Dutch.)
Writers from non-English speaking countries are also very welcome. Between Mariel and Philip (mainly Mariel) some communication is possible in Greek/French/Spanish/German and Italian but some knowledge of English is essential for talking with other guests.
You can swim In early May if you don't mind it a little chilly. The temperature in the shade is usually between 20 - 28 degrees, into the 30s in June with the water also much warmer. We carry on swimming through Autumn when the climate is usually balmy with pleasently cooler evenings. However, we take no responsibility for what the weather might do. It can suddenly go stroppy and stormy like anywhere else in the Med.
On a local level, definitely. Methana is a beautiful volcanic peninsular with a wealth of ancient sites unknown to the ordinary tourist. You can walk through olive groves, climb rocky crags, visit simple villages and swim in a clear blue sea. If you want to go further afield, to islands like Hydra and Spetses, or visit Epidavros and Mycenae, why not extend your stay a few days and visit them before you arrive or after you leave?
Our pricing varies depending on the type of accommodation you choose and the length of your stay. Please contact us for current pricing and availability.
Retreats are 'full board', apart from three weekly evening meals in a taverna at your own cost. The prices are very modest, about 15 euros per meal. Any excursions organised from Limnisa are optional and to be paid for, plus any taxi hired, including to Methana port - 15 euros per car one way - best shared with other guests. There is an extra charge for writing consultations, taking part in the 'Writers' Lab' and for reflexology and reiki sessions.
The Yoga and Chi Qong sessions, weekly meditation and silent walk as well as the participation in the literary evening and film night are free and optional.
No. The village Agios Georgios consists of about 50 houses, three tavernas in summer, a church, a mini-market, a harbour and a beach. The bakers’ van passes by most days and a veggie van three times a week. But to do any shopping, use the post office or draw any money you need to go to Methana town (10km).
The menu at Limnisa is entirely vegetarian. Dishes are based on Greek and mediterranean cooking and are made with fresh, organically grown, local products.
Please state on the booking form if you are vegan. For any other (strictly) medical problem please contact us.
For most retreats you are welcome any day of the week with a suggested minimum stay of seven nights. The prices on the site are per week but extra days can be added at the appropriate price.
We provide local wine, canned beer, soft drinks and fruit juices at a reasonable price. Just help yourself, tick the box and pay at the end of your stay.
You can only smoke outside, away from the house where no one else will be bothered. And please take maximum care as most wild fires in Greece are started by smouldering butt ends.
If you need to cancel your retreat please contact us as soon as possible. Cancellation fees are £50 if you cancel more than six months before the start of the retreat, or your full deposit (25%) if you cancel less than six months before your retreat starts. 30 days or less before the retreat: no refund will be made. In the latter two cases it is possible to register a substitute participant.
You do. The cost of travel is NOT included in the price paid to Limnisa.
In general, guests make their own arrangements but it’s best to get in touch with Mariel beforehand: mariel@limnisa.com. She can advise you about flights and help you to find flights that connect to boat and coach times or help organise travel arrangements to and from Methana.
Athens (ATH) is the nearest airport. Ryanair and Aegean Air both operate daily flights between Athens and London Stansted. Easyjet flies between Athens and London Gatwick. It is also worth checking BA and surfing sites like www.skyscanner.com. For flights from other parts of Europe check eurowings, www.transavia.com as well as the scheduled airlines. We STRONGLY advise EARLY BOOKING as the later you make your arrangements the higher the cost will be.
In order to reach Limnisa by public transport, landing time should be EARLIER THAN 3PM.
Transportation from Athens airport to Piraeus is fairly simple. There is a direct bus (X-96) from the airport to Piraeus port. This takes about an hour and costs €6. Tell the driver you want to get off at Gate E8 for the ferry to Methana / Poros.
A taxi costs €50.
The daily ferry to Methana (www.saronicferries.com) takes 2 hours and costs €16. It stops first at Aegina. The second stop is Methana. (the third stop Poros). We order a taxi that will bring you to Limnisa (15 min / €15).
Boat times are published two weeks before sailing, so it is difficult to plan ahead. On most days the ferries leaves around 9am. Some of our guests prefer to stay in a hotel in Piraeus the night before in order to catch this ferry.
Definitely!
By sea;
* A good alternative to the direct ferry is the Flying Dolphin which also leaves from Piraeus. It goes to the island of Poros, takes about 1 hour and the ticket costs €34. We will arrange a taxi to bring you to Limnisa (€40 / 40 minutes). To make the latest Flying Dolphin you need to arrive at Athens airport around 4 pm during the week, or around 5pm at the weekend.
* If you come with a group and catch the ferry to Aegina (for which there are frequent sailings) we can arrange a water taxi from Aegina to Agios Georgios (close to Limnisa). This costs about 130 euros. The boat can seat up to ten.
By road;
* There is a daily coach from Athens bus station to Galatas. This coach costs €18 and leaves at 16.30hrs. It reaches Agios Apostoli (the place where you get off for Methana) at 19hrs. A taxi will collect you and bring you to Limnisa (€25).
*A door to door taxi from Athens airport to Limnisa takes two and a half hours and costs €180 if arranged by us, using our local driver. He can bring up to four people sharing the cost between them (if you don’t have too much baggage!).
* A direct train, leaving every hour, from Athens airport to Korinthos. (takes one and half hours / €17). From the railway station you can take a taxi (two hours to Limnisa / €120).
* Rent a car direct from Athens airport. The trip is 220km and takes about 3 hours. We will send you a detailed itinerary.
Two weeks before your arrival at Limnisa (or earlier if the boat times are known) Mariël will contact you with a personal itinerary from the airport to Limnisa. If you wish, she will also put you in contact with other Limnisa guests travelling on the same day.
We have a leaflet explaining the different travel options from the airport or Athens to Limnisa with websites, cost, etc. Drop us a line if you'd like to receive it: info@limnisa.com