June 15, 2025June 15, 2025NEWS, Retreat

Municipal Councillor for Tourism – Culture

CULTURAL EVENTS & TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS 2025 WITHIN THE BOUNDARIES OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF ZAGORA – MOURESIOS

23-24/06/2025 ~ Feast of St. John ~ Makryrrachi Central Square
28/06/2025 ~ Cultural Association of Zagora “Yanis Kordatos”: Festival of Traditional Dances ~ Central Square of St. George of Zagora
28/06/2025 ~ Municipality of Zagora Mouresi: Concert of Classical Music with the Youth Orchestra of the Archdiocese of Athens ~ Central Square of St. George of Zagora
29/06/2025 ~ Municipality of Zagora Mouresi: Classical Music Concert with the Youth Orchestra of the Archdiocese of Athens ~ St. Paraskevi Tsagarada Square
06/07/2025 ~ Feast of St. Kyriaki ~ Ag. Kyriaki Square, Zagora
17/07/2025 ~ Feast of Ag. Marina ~ Kissos Central Square
20/07/2025 ~ Feast of Prophet Elijah ~ Chapel of Prophet Elijah – Zagora
20/07/2025 ~ Feast of Prophet Elias ~ Anilio Central Square
25-26/07/2025 ~ ΠAg. Paraskevi Fair ~ Ag. Paraskevi Square, Zagora
11-12/07/2025 ~ Pelion Society of Letters and Arts: Two-day conference dedicated to the recently restored St. Nicholas Church ~ G. The newly inaugurated exhibition of the newly founded church of St. Nicholas in the town of Nafplio, in the square of G. Drosini in Choreyektou.
27/07/2025 ~ Feast of St. Panteleimon ~ Puri Central Square
27/07/2025 ~ Feast of St. Panteleimon ~ Mouresi Central Square
30/07-02/08/2025 ~ Anilios Cultural Association: 1st Anilios Pelion Festival ~ Anilios Central Square
05/08/2025 ~ Cultural Association of Ag. Dimitriou: Traditional Music Evening ~ Central Square of Ag. Dimitrios
09-10/08/2025 ~ Cultural Association of Puri: Honey Festival ~ Central Square of Puri
14-17/08/2025 ~ Makryrrachi Cultural Association: Floral Exhibition – Exhibition of Local Products ~ St. John’s Courtyard of Makryrrachis
15/08/2025 ~ Fifteenth of August Festival ~ Puri Central Square
23/08/2025 ~ Cultural Association of Zagora “Yanis Kordatos”: folk night with live orchestra ~ “Lakka Kolettis” Stadium
27/08/2025 ~ Feast of St. Fanouri ~ Mouresi Central Square
28-29/08/2025 ~ Feast of St. John Choreftos Beach
14/09/2024 ~ Feast of the Holy Cross ~ Mouresi Central Square
4-5/10/2025 ~ Association of Long-standing Long-standing Members: Mushroom Festival ~ Makryrrachi Central Square

December 22, 2024July 26, 2025Retreat

DEEP DIVE

a yoga re.treat by thia yoga collective

re.connect. re.charge + deep dive into yourself

our deep dive yoga re.treat offers the perfect escape from daily life – think of it as a holiday combined with nourishing yoga classes + rituals that calm your mind.

in these 7 days, you’ll have time to relax, deepen your yoga practice + connect with like-minded people.
indulge in a sacred space that allows you to reconnect with your most authentic self + leave behind all masks and roles.

our re.treat is all about connecting to your inner selves, fostering growth + embracing relaxation in an inclusive environment.

what you’ll experience

during your time with us, you’ll experience a blend of ancient yogic practices, sacred rituals, moments of connection with yourself and others + last but not least, moments of joy and bliss.

You’ll have the opportunity to:

deepen your understanding of yoga by learning to trust your body and giving it what it needs. sometimes, this means not going further in a posture, even if the person next to you does. only go as far as you feel ready, exploring what your body is capable of when it’s the right time. your body, your yoga <3

explore different pranayama techniques (breathwork)

cultivate mindfulness through guided meditation + journaling

dive deeper into asana techniques with hands-on workshops + an “asana lab” session

connect with others in a safe + welcoming community, celebrating everyone’s unique journey

celebrate + connect through storytelling evenings, tarot card readings + ecstatic dance under the Greek sky

what you’ll get

morning yoga classes: start with journaling, followed by pranayama + meditation. theresa or sophia will then guide you through an invigorating flow or hatha practice to energize your day.

evening yoga sessions: restorative classes allowing your body to fully relax + begin its natural healing process by releasing unnecessary tension.

asana workshops: to refine your practice.

opportunities for 1:1 personalised sound healing therapy

immersive experiences, such as a mindful hike, beach yoga, ecstatic dance + a magical boat trip.

authentic Greek vegetarian meals: breakfast at the guesthouse + dinner at a cosy local taverna.

free time to unwind, soak up the sun + enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

why join us?

As two passionate yoga teachers from Austria, we bring our years of expertise + heartfelt dedication to creating a safe, inclusive space for growth + connection.
held in English, this retreat is open to everyone, regardless of yoga experience. whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or new to yoga, you’ll find inspiration, support + community here at thia.collective.

Take the plunge + deep dive into your practice, your inner self + the beauty of Greece.
Let this be your time to re.connect, re.charge + create lasting memories.

for bookings and inquiries reach out to us on instagram @thia.collective or drop us an email at thiayogacollective@gmail.com

we want to express our sincere thanks for trusting our vision + concept. your support means the world to us.
we can’t wait to connect with you <3

daily schedule
this is how a sample day looks like during our retreat

morning:

early morning journaling, guided meditation + pranayama

energising yoga class to start your day

delicious breakfast at the guesthouse

midday:

free time for relaxation or optional activities like hiking, a boat trip, or a beach picnic

evening:

grounding yoga class with sound healing

hearty dinner featuring authentic vegetarian Greek cuisine

special evening gatherings: storytelling, tarot readings, or ecstatic dance to deepen connection + intention.

we begin + end the retreat with a special welcome + closing ceremony, where we’ll come together to celebrate our shared experiences + newfound unity.

Course language
English (translations upon request)

July 3, 2024November 26, 2025Retreat

JOYOUS OLIVE HARVEST

We cordially invite you to take part in our cheerful olive harvest in the picturesque Peli Kastri in southern Pelion!

Our olive harvest is not a typical retreat, instead it’s all about community, olive oil and exuberant celebrations. Our olives are harvested by hand and have to go to the mill on the same day because this is the only way to get the best oil from the olives. That’s why we all have to work together from October to January and every extra pair of hands is welcome. Because work and celebration are inextricably linked for us, food is included in this week. And don’t worry – there’s no shortage of relaxation.

What can you expect?

Happy olive harvest: Learn why it is important to harvest the olives quickly and help us to pick only the green olives from the tree – no fallen or red olives, we leave them for the birds.

Celebrate and enjoy: Experience our traditional harvest celebrations, including music and singing.

Exciting excursions: visit the oil mill with us and learn about the entire oil production process, walk with us across the calderimis to secluded bays (with a bit of luck we can still swim) and fascinating views.

Tree christening: You have the opportunity to choose a tree and adopt it for 1 year. Make your own name tag and hang it on the tree. If you wish, we can support you with your very own “christening ceremony”.

Cooking course Greek specialities: Get to know traditional Greek cuisine and learn how to prepare it yourself. (At the end, of course, everything cooked together is enjoyed over dinner).

Introduction and organisation: On the first evening we discuss everything important – how to harvest the olives correctly and which tasks are to be distributed.

Child-friendly: Bring your children, the more the merrier.

Olive oil: By participating, you naturally secure a share of the harvest. Your olive oil (we will know the quantity after the harvest) will be delivered to you fresh from March 2025.

What to bring with you: Work gloves/gardening gloves (we have some of course, but it’s more comfortable if they fit really well) and sturdy shoes

Course management

Elisabeth and Peter Riedl

Registration:

Please register in advance (see right). If you would like to help out a little but don’t want to take part in all the activities, you are cordially invited to join us on the first evening for the introduction and allocation.
If you are making a last-minute booking that does not require a room, please email olive@pelikastri.com by 10 October at the latest. Subject: “Happy harvest”.

We look forward to spending a wonderful time with you at the olive harvest and introducing you to the fascinating world of olives.

More about our olive oil and our vision: https://shop.pelikastri.com/

Course language

German, Greek, English, etc. at the olive harvest we all speak the same language and laughter is universally understood.

March 18, 2024August 24, 2025Retreat

INTUITIVE ARCHERY AND MINDFULNESS

This unique seminar teaches a combination of intuitive archery and mindfulness.

While using a bow and arrow can be a meditation that connects the outer and inner worlds, the teaching of mindfulness supports you in accepting things as they are.

In the beautiful landscape of southern Pelion, we, Kornelius Hentschel and Peter Riedl, are organizing the seminar “Mindfulness and Intuitive Archery”.

Embedded in the sun, the sea, the wind rustling the olive trees and the chirping of the cicadas.
Warmth that envelops you, and then only sound, feeling and mindful perception of the world from the centre.
The movement of archery develops from this mindfulness, a kind of standing meditation.
I have my place, I am rooted and can unfold and let go through personal responsibility and self-efficacy. This has an external effect through the shot, which slides away from me, as it were, like the snow sliding down from the cedar branch.

Tension and relaxation, acceptance of myself as an ACTUAL state and joy in my heart.
To perceive the world, myself, as it is, without judgement, silence of thought.

Archery is also an immersion in the archetypal world of archetypal images, a confrontation with my inner images and powers.
To entrust myself to Artemis, the goddess of hunting, the forest and birth, courageously and responsibly.
And to return again and again to the place of meditation in order to practise mindfulness.

This seminar will be led by Kornelius Hentschel, therapeutic archery trainer, and Peter Riedl, mindfulness teacher.
For one week we will focus on mindfulness training and intuitive archery.
Peter Riedl will teach us mindfulness every day.

This seminar is aimed at beginners; advanced archers are also welcome.

The first few days are spent learning archery and then devoting ourselves entirely to intuitive movement.
In the second half of the week we will learn to build our own personal arrow, which we will then shoot into the sea with all our wishes in a ritual and a special shot.

Course management

Kornelius Hentschel and Peter Riedl

Good to know

The number of participants is limited to a maximum of 6 people.

The price includes the seminar and all materials (all archery equipment is provided).

The course is suitable for beginners and advanced learners.

Course language

German (translations on request)

For more information about Kornelius Hentschel and therapeutic and intuitive archery, please visit: Therapeutic Archery Vienna & Surrournding – Kornelius Hentschel or follow him on Facebook: Kornelius Hentschel on Facebook

February 22, 2024December 29, 2025Retreat

THE HEALING POWER OF THE ESSENES

6-day retreat with Kira and Wolfgang Kerschbaummayr, a journey to your spiritual source. We explore the ancient wisdom of the Essenes and their connection to nature and the cosmos. Immerse yourself in this field with us, you will be amazed!

In recent years, Kira and Wolfgang have discovered a valuable treasure in the teachings of the Essenes. The deep truth and healing power of their insights touched us through and through.

They were great masters at establishing an intimate connection with their spiritual source and called their encounters with the visible and transcendent forces of the universe “communions.”
Her entire life was designed to vibrate in harmony with these forces. This enabled them to develop healing powers that enabled them to live an extraordinary life in harmony and peace. Their way of life was far ahead of that time.
The most famous Essene master was Jesus.

In the daily ‘communion’ (guided Essene meditations), Kira and Wolfgang want to show you how you can connect with these healing powers and utilise them.
Kira and Wolfgang: “For us personally, this has opened (another) door to the inside. We would like to share with you the deep peace we experienced.”

The beautiful surroundings, the sea in Greece, the magical place in Peli Kastri support you.

Kira and Wolfgang accompany you on this journey with very special guided meditations, yoga, breathing sessions and much more. There is of course plenty of time to relax, hike, swim, enjoy and chat with a nice group of like-minded people.

If you are unsure whether this retreat is suitable for you or if you have any further questions,
please contact Kira and Wolfgang at
kira@empowering.at
or
+43 699 17 10 47 99

Course management

Kira and Wolfgang Kerschbaummayr

Course language

German

November 28, 2023May 26, 2026Retreat

RHYTHM AND REMBETIKO

Travel with us into the world of Greek sounds

A journey through Greek music history awaits you. We fly over the Greek rhythms, dance Sirtaki (which isn’t actually called that) and sing with Eastern sounds.

We will take you on a week-long journey into our world in southern Pelion, into the world of rhythm and rembetiko:

You learn:

To sing greek songs

Why 90% of all Greek songs are in a minor key

What is the background of eastern sounds

How the Rembetiko came about

Why Sirtaki doesn’t even exist

The 4 most important dances that will get you ready for every Greek festival

And the most important thing about rhythm and rembetiko:

Your soul flies with us into the freedom of the Greek mentality. She experiences the sweetness of melancholic music and immerses herself in a world where there are no time limits. No train timetables, no expectations and where performance is a foreign word.

South Pelion is one of the few places in Greece that has remained rustic and mass tourism has not yet taken hold. People here have time to talk and cook. In Greek mythology, it was the place where the Greek gods vacationed and where the centaurs chased after beautiful young girls.

Why this retreat?

Our workshop is a balanced mix of music, rhythm, history, dance and magic.

Let yourself be enchanted for a week and relax your body, mind and soul.

Course management

Romina & Niko

Course language
German and a little Greek (translations on request)

Good to know

You are welcome to take part in individual sessions without living with us… More information about this at info@pelikastri.com

In addition to the Rhythm & Rembetiko sessions, you can also book a combination with guided hikes with Michael Haid. Surcharge for combined retreat: €490.

Immediately afterwards, the retreat
‘Mindful Hiking’
with Michael Haid will begin.

October 28, 2023October 11, 2025Retreat

MINDFULNESS AND JOY OF LIFE

Mindfulness helps us to consciously experience the moment and thus feel more joy in life. ‘To become content, we have to let go of our ego.’ In the ‘Mindfulness and joy of life’ retreat, you will learn techniques that are suitable for everyday life and how you can find more joy in your everyday life through mindful presence.

Discover the connection between mindfulness and joy of life! When we consciously perceive the moment, we experience life more intensely and with greater fulfilment. ‘Happiness arises when we are fully present in the moment.’ You will learn simple, everyday techniques to integrate serenity and joy into your life in the long term – for more ease, clarity and genuine joy in life!

Peter Riedl takes Buddha Shakyamuni’s great teaching on mindfulness and transfers it to today with a lot of experience and practical exercises and thus reveals a secret.

The seminar teaches you to distinguish reality from your own imagination and, above all, it teaches serenity as a path to freedom.

Through proper mindfulness practice, you can gain freedom of choice and lead a successful, contented life instead of a stressed and suffering one. How this can be achieved through the practice of mindfulness is her second secret and focus of this retreat.

Why this retreat?

What we learn

is the conscious design of one’s own life so that it succeeds in all areas.

What we discover

are the hidden structures in one’s own self that so often prevent this success.

What we take with us

are methods of mastering life and its difficulties.

Seminar schedule

The course begins with closing the door at home and ends with opening the door upon return.

The guided exercises and lectures during the seminar include the following topics:
What is the exercise for?
Meditation I Mindfulness I Examination I Effort
Synthesis of the individual exercise steps
Implementation of the exercise in everyday life
Deepening the exercises
Open framework
Unconventional exercises

Saturday

Arrival and getting to know each other
The course begins with the locking of the flat door.
6 pm Dinner together and getting to know each other.
Presentation of the weekly structure

Sunday – Thursday

Morning
09.00 Breakfast
10.00 Lectures and guided exercises
13.00 Vegetarian lunch together

Afternoon
Time by arrangement.
Lectures and guided exercises
18.00 Dinner

Depending on your needs and course progression, exercises are also offered before breakfast and after dinner.

Friday

from 08:00 Breakfast
10.00 Final round
13.00 Lunch
Afternoon at your free disposal and integration
Dinner

Saturday

Breakfast and departure
Topic: Recognising the difference to the beginning.

Course management

Peter Riedl

Course language
German (translations on request)

Good to know

This course can be credited as part of the training to become a WISDOM teacher basic or mentor.

October 28, 2023August 2, 2025NEWS, Retreat

WISDOM TRAINING

Immerse yourself in the enriching world of WISDOM training. This year-long journey takes you through five modules, including seminars in Greece and Vienna. Experience mindfulness, meditation, inquiry and effort in their essence. The training goes beyond simply imparting knowledge – it enables personal transformation and enables you to actively pass on what you have learned.

Difference from other forms of Buddhism

The difference to religious Buddhism lies primarily in the interpretation of individual teaching content, Buddhist terms and beliefs, such as the doctrine of dependent emergence, the definition of rebirth, enlightenment, ignorance and the methods of Buddhist mental training.

Difference from other methods of mental exercise, such as psychotherapy

WISDOM could be described as Buddhist therapy. However, the focus is not on analyzing personal problems, but rather on recognizing and overcoming them yourself without evaluating and judging them.

The WISDOM training is for you if you:

Already have experience in meditation, mindfulness or yoga.

Want to deepen and expand your understanding of a mindful life.

Want to pass on the WISDOM method.

Want to develop skills as a meditation and mindfulness teacher.

The training lasts 1 year and extends over five modules, which take place in a mix of face-to-face units in Vienna, online units and as self-study.

Module 1: Mindfulness

7 days seminar in Greece

Personal feedback after the course

Module 2: Finding Inner Peace – The Essence of Mindfulness and Meditation

Module 3: Deeper Calm and Problem Solving

Module 4: Consciousness, Creativity and Leadership

Modules 2 – 4 each consist of 6 evening units on the main focus of the module with lectures, exercises, joint meditations and reflections on the exercises. The units take place online or in person in Vienna.

1 personal feedback at the end of each module

Module 5: Maturity, Overcoming Suffering and Enlightenment – Applying what you have learned

4 day seminar in Vienna

Finally, you will complete a specially created 60-minute unit with your course team.

Self-study

For each module, self-study is planned for integration into everyday life. Here, the teaching content made available on our Learn platform should be developed independently. We provide you with video lectures, concrete exercises and our WISDOM manual. These documents are included in the module price. As part of self-study, it is planned to form small groups over the course of the training in order to design courses for yourself and your team. We support these and provide space for them.

Course leader: Peter Riedl

Do you have any questions? You can reach the WISDOM team at wisdom@pelikastri.com.

Curriculum (subject to change)

The exact course of the training courses will be determined together with Peter Riedl. Inquiries for personal preliminary discussions with Peter Riedl at info@peterriedl.at.

WISDOM teacher Basic
Duration: 1 year (5 modules and self-study)
Goal: Internalisation of the WISDOM method, as well as the 4 stages of personal WISDOM practice and independent instruction of WISDOM courses

October 6, 2023August 24, 2025Retreat

BUDDHA & SIRTAKI

Mindfulness – Psychotherapy – Spirituality

Get to know the mindfulness center in the wild nature of Peli Kastri and develop future seminar projects together with other experts.

Why join?

Are you thinking about offering seminars/workshops/retreats in the perfect, wild and romantic area of Pelion, but the initial spark has been missing so far? Then this week Buddha & Sirtaki is just right for you.
This week is intended to serve as a melting pot for different approaches and ideas, to network experts, to broaden horizons and to serve as the perfect opportunity for networking.

Peli Kastri follows the vision of Peter and Elisabeth Riedl and combines wild nature and tranquil places that only exist in the absolutely untouristy area of southern Pelion.

Peli Kastri includes extensive terrain that offers a myriad of opportunities for seminars and retreats.
A place to relax and take a vacation.

A place for self-awareness and introspection.

A place for physical and mental healing.

A place as beautiful as nature itself.

Daily schedule (subject to change! The exact schedule will be discussed with the participants on site.)

Sunday, 5 p.m.: “Come Together” at Julia’s authentic tavern – located directly on the secluded beach of Kastri, 50 meters from the Peli Kastri Guesthouse.

The offer during the week

includes

Morning sessions from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m

A Buddhist exercise path to insight and clarity. Peter Ried (the founder of Peli Kastri) teaches the exercises of meditation and mindfulness, as originally taught by Buddha, in a contemporary form.

and

Afternoon sessions from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., designed by Anna Mauer and Michael Haid

In workshops, discussions and working groups, you will get to know this seminar location and have the opportunity to talk and exchange ideas with colleagues. The aim is also to get to know different directions in a relaxed atmosphere and perhaps develop new, exciting projects and visions together – with the opportunity to present them too. We will also hike along paths and paths to other bathing bays – and whatever else we can think of.

There will also be many opportunities to get to know the area and each other, exchange ideas, go on excursions or simply unwind.

Course led by

Anna Maurer, Peter Riedl and Michael Haid

Course language

German, with English translation on request

Extension option:

The seminar “Rhythm and Rembetiko” will take place starting on May 30.

October 6, 2023August 2, 2025Retreat

PRACTICE PATH WISDOM

WISDOM serves as a method and exercise to make your own life a success.

For whom?

For all people who want to follow a non-esoteric and non-faith-based practice path and workshops or seminars based on this

Goals of the method:

Depending on the intensity and duration of the exercise, the following goals can be achieved:

Come to rest

solve problems

Develop leadership skills

Ripen and grow

Be free

Difference from other forms of Buddhism

Difference from other methods of mental exercise, such as psychotherapy

WISDOM could be described as Buddhist therapy. However, the focus is not on analyzing personal problems, but rather on recognizing and overcoming them yourself without evaluating and judging them.

The aim of the WISDOM method is to learn to deal better with the difficulties of everyday life

The course itself is designed individually and therefore does not run in the traditional way with set course and free time, but rather mindfulness is practiced in and for life, so that this can be achieved even after the joint practice in everyday life.

The course pace and content are determined by the participants

course led by
Peter Riedl

Course language
German, with English translation on request

why join us?

daily schedulethis is how a sample day looks like during our retreat

Course management

Registration:

Course language

Course management

Good to know

Course language

Course management

Course language

You learn:

And the most important thing about rhythm and rembetiko:

Why this retreat?

Course management

Good to know

Why this retreat?

Seminar schedule

Course management

The WISDOM training is for you if you:

Module 1: Mindfulness

Module 2: Finding Inner Peace – The Essence of Mindfulness and Meditation

Module 3: Deeper Calm and Problem Solving

Module 4: Consciousness, Creativity and Leadership

Module 5: Maturity, Overcoming Suffering and Enlightenment – Applying what you have learned

Self-study

Curriculum (subject to change)

Why join?

Daily schedule (subject to change! The exact schedule will be discussed with the participants on site.)

Course led by

Course language

Extension option:

Peli Kastri

daily schedule
this is how a sample day looks like during our retreat

Peli
Kastri