HOLIDAYS WITH PSYCHOTHERAPY

If a swim in the crystal clear blue waters of the Aegean or Ionian Sea is not enough to eliminate your stress and leave behind the grey of your everyday life, if during this year’s holidays you want to “find yourself” and unlock your potential, then try to visit one of the leisure centres that combine holidays with… psychotherapy, yoga, life coaching and unique experiences.

Such centres exist in our country, such as in Skyros, Pelion, Corinth, Abeliona and elsewhere. You have probably heard or read about the holistic lifestyle, which aims to improve our mental and physical health, a “journey” into the depths of ourselves. A global trend, “born” through the modern lifestyle, as a response to the fast pace and the constant stress of everyday life, especially in Western developed societies.

People of all ages, residents of urban centres in major European, American or Asian countries, travel all over the world, paying enough money to participate in a programme that will “transform” their lives. Among the destinations of holistic holidays, Greece could not be missing, where the first centre dates back to the late 1970s. Psychology teachers, yoga and other oriental techniques trainers, physiotherapists and even singers, actors,
dancers, writers, aestheticians and wellness experts undertake individual or group activities and treatments to improve the condition of their guests.
The idyllic and serene landscapes surrounding these centres complete the scenery.

It is no coincidence that their owners have chosen areas that are largely preserved
unchanged their natural and cultural richness and style and at the same time remain somewhat isolated from the busy and noisy tourist centres.

Skyros: In Skyros, where the lush green Sporades Islands “marry” with the architecture of the Cyclades, a holistic holiday centre has been established since 1979. Although
is addressed more to wealthy Europeans, from the first years of its operation it has also hosted well-known Greek artists such as Manos Loizos.

On the beach of Atsitsa and in Chora of Skyros, where the centre’s facilities are located, visitors share similar interests and through their participation in a variety of activities, such as yoga, psychotherapy, writing, dance and others, they “escape” from their stress, improve their mental health and “unlock” their creativity.

Pelion: In the incomparable beauty of green and dreamy Pelion, on the mountain of Centaurs, a whole village of psychotherapy has been created, where professionals and students
mental health professionals are trained in counselling or psychotherapy. However, the centre is also open to all those who want to get to know themselves better and
experiment with more expressive ways of communicating.

Corinth: In nearby Corinth, in a green mountainous place called Nees Vrysoules, there is a complex of wooden buildings with the atmosphere of a boutique hotel, which hosts seminars on self-awareness and psychology, alternative holidays, yoga groups, tai chi, educational and recreational events and group activities focusing on spiritual development and the expansion of consciousness.

DIVING IN LEROS

A war museum hidden on the seabed For diving enthusiasts, Leros offers a journey into the recent history of World War II and the unique natural wealth of its seabed. Beneath its crystal clear blue waters are the remains of the historic battle of 1943, when the Germans bombarded the island for 52 days. Its bottom is full of German aircraft, Greek and Italian ships, including the legendary Greek destroyer “Queen Olga”. The wrecks start from 16 metres deep and in some cases exceed 45 metres.

One of the most impressive and ecstatic shipwrecks of the region with significant historical importance is that of the Greek destroyer “Queen Olga”, at a depth of 28-32 meters, which sank in the port of Lakkios, hit during the first German attack. Due to the great depth of this particular wreck as well as those that are over 30 meters deep, a more advanced level of diving is required to be able to reach them.

This doesn’t mean that you can’t the beginners and less experienced can’t admire the underwater treasures of the island such as:
– The German landing craft type H. It is located northeast of the islet of Strongyli at a depth of 12 to 20 meters. The boat is cut in half by an explosion, and various portable equipment is still lying around on the seabed.
– Part of the German Henkel 111 bomber aircraft, which was drifted away in Bellefuti by the nets of a fishing boat. It is located at a depth of 16 meters.
– The reconnaissance aircraft Arado, which was swept away by fishing nets east of Cape Mavros
Cubes at a depth of 20 metres

You can also dive in the cave of the rocky islet of Piganousa and other places rich in corals and intense biodiversity. A trip to the historic seabed of Leros will cost around 50 euros and the price includes the equipment, the experienced guide and the boat that will take you to the wreck site of your choice. If you want to see more than one site the price is different and varies depending on the dive centre you choose.

First time… diver
If the idea of diving excites you but you have no previous experience, then it’s never too late. There are many, many schools in Greece that you can choose from, however
don’t forget to visit your doctor to have the necessary tests. A doctor’s certificate is required and is requested by all diving centres and schools. Information about the wrecks and their history can be found on the websites lerosactive.com and lerosisland.gr.

ORGANISED CAMPS

Comfort and freedom on holiday

Camping, or camping, as it is commonly called, has always appealed to free-spirited travellers who don’t want to be confined to the four walls of a hotel. They seek the freedom of a scene by the sea or in the heart of the forest among the dense shade of pine and fir trees. Camping is an ideal choice for those who want to feel closer to nature and is an economical way of staying as the organised campsites start from 30 euros per day for two adults with a tent with electricity and parking space. In the dilemma of “organized” or “free” we recommend the former as the latter is forbidden by law and the fines are quite “steep”, comparable to a luxury stay in a five-star hotel. In addition, organised campsites have services that make a camper’s life easier, such as toilets and showers, clean areas, canteens and restaurants with food, coffee and drinks, entertainment areas such as playgrounds and much more.

One can also wash one’s clothes or cook. And if one does not have a tent or caravan, then some of them offer a rental service or even have bungalows, guesthouses and studios for rent. Visit the website of the Panhellenic Camping Association to find the right campsite for you in the destination you are interested in: www.greececamping.gr