Aegina Island · Greece · September 2027
Eight guests.
One island.
A week forever.
An intimate 8-day all-inclusive art retreat on Aegina Island — morning yoga, painting workshops at ancient ruins, authentic Greek cuisine, and crystal-clear waters. Everything handled. Nothing to worry about.
Next Retreat
2–6 Sep · 5-Day Escape
8–15 Sep · 8-Day Retreat
26 Feb – 1 Mar · New Zealand Retreat
2026 Sold Out
Why Love My Greece
Everything you need.
Nothing you don't.
Intimate & Personal
Just 8 guests per retreat. Every detail attended to, every moment curated for you.
All-Inclusive
Accommodation, art workshops, yoga, daily breakfast, main meals, and all excursions included.
Expert Guidance
Led by Sue MacDougall — award-winning artist and Aegina local with 20 years of island knowledge.
Authentic Greece
Hidden tavernas, ancient ruins, local markets, and the real island life most visitors never see.
Featured Experiences
Days filled with beauty,
creativity & connection
Each day on Aegina is a perfect balance of guided experiences and free time to explore the island at your own pace. From painting at ancient ruins to swimming in crystal waters, every moment is yours.
See Day-by-Day Itinerary ↓
Paint at the Temple of Aphaia, beachside, and through village streets. All levels welcome.
Optional sunrise yoga sessions in The Pearl Yurt — a beautiful tranquil space for mindful practice.
Long lunches at family tavernas, fresh seafood, local wine, and the famous Aegina pistachios.
The Temple of Aphaia, Kolona ruins, Byzantine churches, and the island's hidden corners.
Draft Itinerary · September 2027
Your 8 Days on Aegina
Each day is thoughtfully crafted. Details may be refined as the retreat approaches — any changes will only enhance your experience.
Day 1Arrival & Welcome
Day 1 — Arrival & Welcome
Athens → Aegina
"Your first glimpse of Aegina's turquoise waters and the warm welcome that sets the tone for the week."
Morning
Meet Sue at Piraeus Port Gate E8. Board the hydrofoil or ferry to Aegina (approx. 1 hour). Enjoy your first views of the Saronic Gulf as the island comes into view.
Afternoon
Settle into The Beachhouse Apartments. Welcome lunch together, introductions, and receive your personal 'Welcome to Aegina' pack — complete with island maps, local tips, and your activity overview for the week.
Evening
Sunset drinks at the beachside bar. A relaxed first evening to soak in the atmosphere, meet your fellow guests, and feel the island magic begin.
✦ Breakfast served daily 8–10am · Optional yoga 8:30–9am
Day 2Colour & Creativity
Day 2 — Colour & Creativity
Art Workshop · Beach · Greek Lunch
"Discover how the Mediterranean light transforms colour — an experience that changes how you see the world."
Morning
Optional yoga 8:30–9:00am in The Pearl Yurt. Morning art workshop: exploring colour, the colour wheel, and the extraordinary quality of Greek light. Paint at the beach or in the garden.
Afternoon
Lunch at a nearby Greek restaurant. Free afternoon to explore Aegina at your own pace — swim, wander the harbour, or simply sit with a coffee and watch the world go by.
✦ Breakfast served daily 8–10am · Optional yoga 8:30–9am
Day 3Ancient Wonders
Day 3 — Ancient Wonders
Kolona · Archaeological Museum · Harbour
"Aegina has been inhabited for over 6,000 years — painting here connects you to something ancient and profound."
Morning
Visit the Kolona Column archaeological site and the Archaeological Museum of Aegina. Sketch or paint the ancient artefacts and columns — history brought to life through your brush.
Afternoon
Explore Aegina town's charming backstreets, visit local shops, and enjoy a long, leisurely lunch at a harbour-front restaurant. Watch the fishing boats come and go.
✦ Breakfast served daily 8–10am · Optional yoga 8:30–9am
Day 4Creative Deepening
Day 4 — Creative Deepening
Art Review · Free Time · Beach
"Mid-week reflection — watch your confidence and skill grow as your paintings come alive."
Morning
Optional yoga. Art workshop: review your work from the week so far, receive personal feedback from Sue, and continue developing your paintings with new techniques and fresh eyes.
Afternoon
Lunch at a local restaurant. Free afternoon at the beach or exploring the island — perhaps a scooter hire to discover hidden coves and villages.
✦ Breakfast served daily 8–10am · Optional yoga 8:30–9am
Day 5Temple of Aphaia
Day 5 — Temple of Aphaia
Ancient Temple · Ag. Marina · Swimming
"Standing among 2,500-year-old columns with a paintbrush in hand — one of the most memorable moments of the retreat."
Morning
Visit the magnificent Temple of Aphaia — one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece, with sweeping views across the Saronic Gulf to Athens. Paint and sketch among the ancient ruins.
Afternoon
Lunch in the charming village of Ag. Marina. Swim at the beach in the afternoon sunshine, then return to the retreat for a relaxed evening.
✦ Breakfast served daily 8–10am · Optional yoga 8:30–9am
Day 6Island Secrets
Day 6 — Island Secrets
Aegina Town · Tower of Markellos · Pistachio Trail
"Aegina produces some of the world's finest pistachios — a taste you'll never forget."
Morning
Explore Aegina town's rich historical sites, including the 17th-century Tower of Markellos. Discover the pistachio orchards Aegina is famous for — and taste the world's finest pistachio ice cream.
Afternoon
Lunch at a local restaurant. Free afternoon to continue exploring, browse the markets, or return to the beach for one last long swim.
✦ Breakfast served daily 8–10am · Optional yoga 8:30–9am
Day 7Final Touches
Day 7 — Final Touches
Last Workshop · Farewell Dinner
"The friendships made on this retreat often last a lifetime — the farewell dinner is always full of laughter and warmth."
Morning
Optional yoga. Final art session: lay out your completed works, add finishing touches, and share your artistic journey with the group. A moment of quiet pride and celebration.
Afternoon
Last afternoon of free time — beach, exploration, or simply savouring the island. Perhaps one final swim, one last coffee at the harbour.
Evening
Farewell dinner and drinks at a local restaurant. Stories, laughter, and the bittersweet joy of a week well lived. Exchange details with your new friends.
✦ Breakfast served daily 8–10am · Optional yoga 8:30–9am
Day 8Departure
Day 8 — Departure
Aegina → Athens → Home
"You'll leave with more than paintings — you'll leave with a piece of Greece in your heart."
Morning
Breakfast at 10am. Pack your bags — and your paintings. Travel to Aegina Port together. Board the ferry to Piraeus. Depart with memories, friendships, and artwork to last a lifetime.
✦ Breakfast served daily 8–10am · Optional yoga 8:30–9am
Your Home on Aegina
The Beachhouse Apartments
Perfectly situated on the quiet northern shores of Aegina, The Beachhouse Apartments provide a peaceful base with a private sandy beach just steps from your door.
Each apartment is uniquely designed with vibrant artworks, a private outdoor space, and views of either the garden or the Saronic Gulf. Your personal sanctuary for the week.
- Private sandy beach
- Sea-view balconies
- Beach bar on-site
- Morning yoga yurt
Guest Stories
Words from our guests
"I came not knowing what to expect and left with a heart full of memories, new friendships, and paintings I'm genuinely proud of. Sue made everything feel effortless and magical."
Margaret T.
Auckland, New Zealand
"The most restorative week I've had in years. The combination of art, yoga, incredible food, and the sheer beauty of Aegina was transformative. I'm already planning to return."
Caroline B.
Melbourne, Australia
"As someone who 'can't draw', I was nervous. But Sue's gentle guidance and the magic of the island made me create things I never thought possible. Truly life-changing."
Diane H.
Wellington, New Zealand
The Island
Aegina — where history meets the sea
Just 40 minutes by ferry from Athens, Aegina is a jewel of the Saronic Gulf. Ancient temples, golden beaches, world-famous pistachios, and a warmth of character that makes visitors return year after year.
Unlike the crowded tourist islands, Aegina retains its authentic soul — family-run tavernas, unhurried village life, and the kind of beauty that makes you want to paint everything you see.
Temple of Aphaia
Best-preserved Doric temple in Greece
Private Beaches
Crystal-clear Saronic Gulf waters
Aegina Pistachios
PDO-protected, world-famous
Byzantine Villages
30+ ancient churches at Paleochora
40 min
from Athens by ferry
"I'd love you to join me."
Your Host
Sue MacDougall
Hello, I'm Sue — award-winning New Zealand artist, former Aegina resident of 20 years, and your guide to the real Greece. I built deep connections with the island's people, places, and hidden corners during my two decades living there.
I created Love My Greece because I wanted to share the Aegina I know and love — not the tourist version, but the authentic, warm, unhurried island that captured my heart.
From the moment you arrive at Piraeus port, I'm with you every step of the way. Everything is handled so you can simply arrive, breathe, and enjoy.
More About Sue"Leave your schedule behind.
Bring your curiosity."
September 2027
Your place on Aegina
is waiting
September 2027 — two retreats now available. 2–6 September (5-day creative escape) and 8–15 September (full 8-day experience). Limited to 8 guests per retreat. 2026 is sold out.
Also joining Sue in New Zealand? The Love My New Zealand Art Retreat runs 26 February – 1 March 2027.