Serenity Retreat, Greece

Nikiana is our beach-side solos' holidays base on Lefkada island, in Greece. All rooms have a direct sea-view and are right on the beach. We chose it as it's ideally located to either hop on a bus into town, or to forget that the world at large exists. It's a happy by-product of our history (we've been here since 2010) that we now know a lot of the locals and before our welcome meal we have a little wander round and you'll get introduced to some of the characters. After all, if you want know something about Greece it's nice to be able to ask a Greek.We opened our doors in 2010 and we're in the happy position that around 60% of our guests are returners from previous years (71% in 2025). The friendliness of the locals is definitely one of the attractions. The gorgeous views, the fabulous food and the fact that the place is small enough not to get lost but big enough to wander off for a bit are also factors.

We know that booking your holiday is a big decision and probably one of the most expensive purchases you'll make this year, so we're doing our best to keep our Nikiana holidays as affordable as possible.  We'll provide the framework, you can add the trips, classes and massages that appeal to you.

Nikiana has crystal clear waters, great sunbathing, affordable food and a great feel about it. We'd really love you to come and see for yourselves.

Please note - it's impossible to get all the trips done, be massaged to within an inch of your life, do all your relaxing AND all the classes in a week. Best you come for two ....!

Don’t want to take part in the organised or do any classes programme? Just need to chill? That’s ok. The choice will always be yours whether you want solitude, the company of like-minded people, a class or two, the programmed activities, going on trips or all of the above.

The M/S Christina Boat Trip - a perfect blend of lying down and sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling, local history and visiting tiny islands.

• Secret Lefkas - a cultural coach trip taking you to a local vineyard, olive press, church and harbour, explaining Greek traditions and customs.
• Meganissi Hop - An afternoon over on the island of Meganissi. Your choice whether you wander up to the village of Spartohori or relax by the beach in a beautiful bay.
• Aris' Herbal Walk - a chance to pick the brains of Aris, local herbalist and very lovely person. Amble with Aris as he points out the plants we can use for healing or cookery.
• Up to Maria's - dinner up in the mountain at a tiny taverna that you'd never find on your own.  Maria is a real character and a great cook!
• Some weeks we'll be offering forest bathing - an opportunity to REALLY slow down and let nature in.

Vegetarian, vegan, wheat, dairy or sugar free eating - you can find dishes in restaurants that cater for all types of eating - some more easily than others although you may end up eating a lot of the same thing (especially if you have an intolerance to onions and garlic...)

Tavernas offer plenty of fresh fish and grilled meats as well as a range of vegetarian, vegan, dairy free and gluten free options. Main meals between 8 and 16 euros.

The food is predominantly Greek with an Italian influence (the Italians and the Greeks come in amazing numbers in the peak season). You won't get much in the way of ham, egg and chips. Just so you know.

We find that the biggest concern for most travelling solo is eating alone in the evening. We have three organised evening meet ups, one of which is on the first evening at 7pm (and none of which are compulsory!). Most of our guests end up eating together or in small groups most evenings, although it's certainly not obligatory. We lay the ground rules early on so that if you do choose to be by yourself then that's completely respected. We never split the bill when we eat together either. We only pay for what we have individually ordered - in this way we're being considerate of each other's budgets.

There is a 7pm meet up at Apico, our favourite cafe, for those at a loose end and looking to have some company for dinner.