Written by Dorothea Iatrou, certified Reformer and Mat Pilates instructor with a BSc in Physical Education and Sport Science, a background as a competitive track and field athlete, and wellness supervision experience at a five-star resort.
Some of my favourite sessions this year did not happen in a studio. They happened on mountain trails in Epirus and beside a gorge in southern Euboea, with a mat on the grass and the whole group breathing together. Our retreats with Arktos Adventures combine two things that belong together: long days outdoors on foot, and Pilates to prepare the body for them and help it recover. Here is what they are like, where we have been so far, and how to join the next one.
Why hiking and Pilates belong together
Hiking asks a lot of the body in quiet ways. Long descents load the knees and ankles, uneven ground tests your balance on every step, and a day pack pulls on your shoulders and back. Pilates trains exactly the qualities that make those hours feel easier: a stable core, strong hips, controlled single-leg strength, and mobile ankles and spine.
It works the other way too. After a day on the trail, a slow, breath-led Pilates session releases tight hips and calves and brings the body back to centre. On a retreat you can feel the difference from one day to the next.
Tzoumerka: three days in the mountains of Epirus
In July we spent three days, from the 3rd to the 5th, in Tzoumerka, based at a guesthouse in the village of Melissourgoi. We travelled up together by coach from Athens and spent the days between fir forests, traditional stone villages and rivers: dives into clear pools deep in the forest, the single-arch stone bridge of Plaka over the Arachthos river, and an easy evening at a mountain refuge.
Between the hikes we trained outdoors with a view of the Tzoumerka range: Pilates and functional sessions for full-body strength, and for recovery and release. You can see the gallery and the full itinerary on the Tzoumerka retreat page.
Karystos: the Dimosari gorge and the Aegean
In September we closed the summer in Karystos, in southern Euboea, a short ferry ride from Athens. On the first day we took the morning ferry across and walked down the Dimosari gorge on the slopes of Mount Ochi, past small waterfalls and cold, clear rock pools. The path is shaded for much of the way; the local environmental society describes it as around three hours down to the village of Lenoseoi, and about an hour more to Kallianos beach.
Two days of hiking, dives in the gorge pools and the Aegean, tsipouro at sunset and a lot of easy laughter made it a full reset. On the second morning we rolled out our mats on the grass for Pilates with the whole group. The highlights, including video from the trip, are on the Karystos retreat page.
What a retreat day looks like
Every retreat is different, but the rhythm is similar:
- Morning: Pilates outdoors, often with a view, to wake the body up and prepare it for the day.
- Midday: the main hike, with swims in rivers, pools or the sea along the way.
- Evening: recovery, good food and time together, with no screens or schedules to keep.
The retreats are organised together with Arktos Adventures, so the planning is done for you. All you need to do is show up and move.
Who the retreats are for
You do not need to be a hiker or a Pilates regular. You need to be comfortable on your feet for a few hours and curious about moving outdoors. The Pilates sessions are scaled to every level, and we will guide you gently, step by step.
What to pack for a hiking and Pilates weekend
- Trail shoes with good grip, already worn in.
- A small day pack and a refillable water bottle.
- Swimwear and a quick-dry towel for rivers, pools and the sea.
- Light layers, because mountain mornings can be cool even in summer.
- Sun protection and a hat.
- Comfortable clothes you can move freely in for the Pilates sessions.
How to join the next retreat
We announce new dates on Instagram first, and spots are limited. To hear about the next retreat before anyone else, send us a message on Instagram or email iatroudorothea@gmail.com and we will add you to the list. You can also browse past trips on the events page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be fit to join a retreat?
You need to be comfortable walking for a few hours on trails with some ups and downs. You do not need to be an athlete or to have done Pilates before. If you are unsure whether a route suits you, message us before you book and we will talk it through.
Are the retreats suitable for Pilates beginners?
Yes. The outdoor sessions are built for mixed groups, with easier and harder options for every exercise, so you can work at your own level.
Where do the retreats leave from?
So far both have started from Athens: by coach to Tzoumerka, and across by ferry for Karystos.
When is the next retreat?
New dates are announced on Instagram. Follow @do_dofit or email us to be the first to know.
Until the next trip, keep building the strength that makes the trails feel easy. See the weekly schedule, read why reformer Pilates counts as strength training, or get in touch.
