Writing Retreat in Crete, Greece

Peitho’s Gift: A Writing Retreat in Crete, Greece

Friday, September 3rd to Saturday, September 11th, 2027

Lentas, Crete, Greece

“Throughout ancient Greece, Peitho was worshipped as a minor deity whose gift was pleasing words, persuasion, and seduction. Peitho’s gift was pleasure for words and bodies.”

from “Yearning for Peitho” by Patricia Fancher

Join us for a week-long writing retreat in the quiet beachside town of Lentas, on the southern coast of Crete, Greece. Away from the crowds, Peitho’s Gift offers writers a peaceful place close to nature and steeped in history to connect with their creative spirit and partake in the joys of an intentional creative community. 

Your Time at the Retreat

Your facilitators, Trish Fancher and Brian Gresko, will provide a balance of structure and spaciousness, including, morning messages of encouragement to focus your energy and intentions, followed by a delicious breakfast at a nearby taverna, and evening salons with local wine and snacks featuring generative writing exercises and lively group discussions about writing, books, and the creative life. Most of the day will be free for each writer to write, read, and bask in the generative energy that comes from luxuriating in a beautiful seaside tucked away from the hustle and bustle of contemporary life. Additionally, each afternoon, Brian and Trish hold office hours at the beachfront taverna, where they are available for group discussions or private meetings if you want to to talk in-depth about your art and goals, and ensure that you make the most of your time on retreat. 

Evening Salons

The evening salons, the community gatherings that happen each night before dinner, are the beating heart of the Peitho’s Gift retreat. In the spirit of the Greek tradition of gift-giving, participants take turns leading or co-leading salons, literally bringing their unique passions and interests to the table to share with the group. Past retreats have seen participants share readings (of their own work or excerpts of favorite essays, poems, stories) or videos of talks on writing, after which the group discussed then wrote on their own. Other participants brought generative writing exercises, designed playful arts and crafts, or led the group in movement experiences designed to awaken the senses. Still others inspired the group in non-literary ways – through somatic divination, or tarot and yoga sessions. 

We intend for our salons to be a non-hierarchical creative space and welcome writers of all genres and experience levels to share their creative gifts with the community. Think of it less as “no gods, no masters” and more like we are all the experts of our own creative practices and have connections with our own inspired spirits. Together, we’ll share these joys and revel in the pristine beauty of an ancient island hideaway.

Our final salon is a Writers’ Showcase that includes the option of a public reading from each writer. 

Crete

The first night of our retreat is spent at a hotel in the ancient fortified city of Heraklion, where participants will arrive. The following morning we travel by mini-bus to Lentas, a small town nestled in the shadow of a mountain shaped like a lion (which provides Lentas, lion, its name). The town’s protected bay provides ample swimming opportunities, and the dusty hills are beautiful for walking. People have been gathering in Lentas for over 4,500 years, drawn by the striking light, whispering winds, and the area’s healing properties. A sanctuary and temple to the god of healing, Asklepios, overlooks the town. Please note that Lentas is on a hill, so requires comfortability with walking and a sure-footedness.

The accommodations are rustic and the food simple, fresh, and delicious. The retreat fee covers four group dinners, and your facilitators will ensure that you are able to taste Crete in the best way possible–in community, with shared plates and plenty for all.