Once you’ve read the following, feel free to email us with any questions…

Getting There

Anna Karra Studios are located in the beautiful village of Vourvourou, which is an approximately 90-minute drive from Thessaloniki Airport.

With almost daily flights from Berlin and London, Thessaloniki is served by both easyJet and RyanAir. Alternatively, you could fly to Athens – but be warned, Halkidiki is a six-hour drive away.

Transfers

We will assist in organising a group transfer from Thessaloniki Airport to Anna Karra Studios to coincide with the arrival of the Berlin flight on arrivals day. If you are already in the area, you can take a local bus to the airport and join the group. In autumn 2025, the transfer price was approximately 20 euros per person. We’ll also help with a return transfer on departures day.

Car Hire

Of course, you may like to rent your own transport. Car rental is very reasonable (in 2025, we paid 250 euros for three weeks!), the roads are good and we found driving around Halkidiki surprisingly easy. EU, UK and US licenses are all accepted. It’s cheapest if you buy the basic insurance from the car hire company and then use a broker to buy comprehensive excess. We used a car hire comparison website to find a deal and then this article to help with the comprehensive insurance.

Public Transport

If you are coming a few days early and wish to explore the region by bus, then you can check out the KTEL website (it has English translation). There are buses around Halkidiki, although they are less frequent in the shoulder season and the website isn’t always up to date. You might have to take a bus to Nikiti, the nearest town, and then a taxi. Alternatively, a bus to Sarti should – in theory – go past Vourvourou and let you out. From the airport, you must first take a local bus to IKEA to connect with KTEL services going in the direction of Halkidiki. 

For bus times:

https://ktel-chalkidikis.gr/en/index.html

Eating & Drinking

A delicious breakfast is included, but not lunch or dinner. Vegetarian options will be available. If you have any further dietary requirements, please let us know upon booking.

All the accommodation options have a fridge and small kitchen so you can prepare your own meals if you don’t feel like eating out. A grocery store/small supermarket is nearby, as are a number of tavernas. In the event the local supermarket is closed (opening times can be unpredictable), we will organise a supermarket run to Nikiti.

The tutors and those writers feeling sociable eat together at a taverna most evenings (except on the free day). Greek food is marvellous and reasonably priced! Cards are accepted everywhere although cash will be your friend when it comes to divvying up the bill.

Facilities

There’s wifi in the studios and all the accommodation options have satellite TV, air-conditioning and heating. For more photos of Anna Karra Studios, you can visit their website here.

Only some of the rooms are wheelchair accessible. If you have any accessibility needs, physical or otherwise, please email us and we can advise you.

Activities

Both kayaks and motor boats are available to rent from an onsite rental service at Anna Karra Studios – just ask for Dionysus! 48 hours before the free day, we will take names of those interested in a motorboat day trip out to Diaporos Island. In 2025, this cost around 30 euros per head and took in the island’s wild beaches before stopping at a floating tiki bar in a hidden bay.

Terms & Conditions

Once your deposit has been paid, your spot on the retreat is confirmed and refunds are not possible. If Ink & Salt cancel the retreat, we will offer a full refund of any payments made. However, we cannot offer reimbursement in the case of events beyond our control – such as natural disasters, government restrictions, personal illness, or unexpected global pandemics. We advise buying travel insurance upon paying your deposit since that will cover you for all eventualities!

Our aim is to create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for all writers – any racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or otherwise bigoted behaviour will not be tolerated. We reserve the right to ask any attendees to leave the retreat if we consider their behaviour unacceptable, and will not offer refunds in this instance. Our full terms and conditions are available when booking.

Useful Halkidiki Websites

For local area info:

https://www.halkidiki.com/

https://sithoniagreece.com/

https://visit-centralmacedonia.gr/en/where-to-go/61/1-halkidiki

  • "The retreat really equipped me with tools I require to finish my novel, as well as opening me up to the creativity of fellow writers. Really glad I came and will come again!"

    —Hannah

  • "Aside from the laughter, the sunshine, the beaches and the wine – the workshops helped my writing improve immeasurably. This week I’ve rediscovered the strength of my own written voice. "

    —Lesley

  • "I feel so lucky to have spent an entire week in this state of bliss. I’m so grateful for this beautiful community. The vision of myself in this place next year will keep me going! Thank you."

    —Lauri

  • "The retreat was simply awesome. The location is stunning, the workshops are inspiring and I found a great balance between activities and having time to write. I consumed my weight in wine and goat products and came back a better writer for it."

    —Dan