Come and join other sober members of the LGBTQ community as we embark on an unforgettable retreat on the beautiful island of Crete. This experience combines adventure, relaxation, fellowship, and recovery in one of the most breathtaking destinations in Greece.

From wandering the charming streets of Old Town Chania and soaking up the sun on stunning Mediterranean beaches to gathering together for meaningful sober sharing circles, every part of this retreat has been thoughtfully planned to create connection and lasting memories. Whether you are looking to strengthen your recovery, meet new friends who understand your journey, or simply experience the joy of traveling sober, this retreat offers the perfect balance of exploration and downtime.

Traveling sober does not mean missing out. It means discovering the world with clarity, authenticity, and a community that celebrates the same lifestyle. If you have been searching for something to satisfy that itch to travel while staying connected to your recovery, this retreat was created just for you.

Welcome to Sober Gay Adventures' LGBTQ Sober Crete Retreat! We are so excited to have you join us for an unforgettable week of adventure, relaxation, fellowship, and recovery on the beautiful island of Crete.

Upon your arrival you will be picked up at the airport and driven to our hotel in Heraklion. Once you have checked in, take some time to settle into your room, unpack, and relax after your journey. Whether you want to freshen up, grab a coffee, or simply take in your new surroundings, this is your chance to ease into vacation mode before our adventure officially begins.

Later in the evening we will meet in the hotel lobby for a brief welcome and introductions. This is a great opportunity to put faces to names, get to know your fellow travelers, and learn a little about what we have planned for the week ahead.

After our introductions we will head out for our first dinner together. We will enjoy a variety of traditional Greek dishes served family style, giving everyone the opportunity to sample some of the local flavors. There will also be a selection of nonalcoholic drinks available so we can raise a glass to an amazing week ahead.

After dinner the evening is yours to enjoy. You can head back to the hotel for a good night's rest after your travels or take a leisurely walk through the streets of Heraklion. Explore the neighborhood, stop for a dessert or coffee, and spend some time getting to know the group.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will head out together to explore ancient Knossos, which is believed to be Europe's oldest city and the center of the fascinating Minoan civilization. As we walk through this incredible archaeological site, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history, mythology, and culture that helped shape the island of Crete.

Following our tour, we will return to Heraklion where the rest of the afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy. Grab lunch at one of the cafés in the city square, spend a relaxing afternoon at the beach, or explore the historic Koules Fortress overlooking the harbor. If shopping is more your style, wander through the local streets filled with boutiques, markets, and bakeries.

Take the day at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax, explore, or spend time getting to know your fellow travelers, this is the perfect opportunity to experience Heraklion however you choose.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will make our way to our home for the rest of the trip. This beautiful house will be where we spend the next five days together, giving us the chance to slow down, relax, and enjoy everything Crete has to offer.

Once we arrive and get settled in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy however you like. Take a swim in the pool, find a quiet spot to read a book, catch up on some rest, or simply relax with a movie. This is your time to unwind and make yourself at home.

Throughout the afternoon we will make trips to the local market so everyone can pick up any food, snacks, drinks, or other items they would like to have around the house during our stay. Whether you are looking for fresh fruit, Greek treats, or your favorite morning coffee, this is a great opportunity to stock up and get comfortable in our home away from home.

As the sun begins to set, we will gather together in the yard for our first sober sharing circle. This is a chance for everyone to connect, get to know one another, and build the sense of fellowship that makes these trips so special. You are welcome to share where you are in your sobriety, talk about what you are grateful for, discuss what brought you on this adventure, or simply share what is going on in your life. There is never any pressure to speak, and everyone is encouraged to participate in whatever way feels comfortable.

After our sharing circle we will have a fun evening activity planned for anyone who would like to join. If you would rather enjoy a quiet evening, you are always welcome to relax by the pool, spend time with new friends, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings of our home.

*The house in the picture is an example of the type of house the group will be staying in. Depending on the group size and availability the pictured home is subject to change.

Today we will enjoy breakfast together at the house before heading out to the beautiful seaside village of Matala. Once we arrive, the morning is yours to enjoy however you like. Spend some time relaxing on the beach, explore the famous caves carved into the cliffs, or wander through the charming streets filled with local shops, cafes, and colorful artwork. Whether you want to soak up the sun or simply take in the laid back atmosphere, Matala is the perfect place to spend the day.

In the afternoon you will have a few options. You are welcome to stay in Matala and continue exploring, or make your way over to Kommos Beach, the clothing optional beach located just beyond the caves. If you are looking for a quieter beach with plenty of space to relax, Kommos is a wonderful choice.

If a day at the beach is not what you are looking for, you are always welcome to stay back at the villa. Spend the day lounging by the pool, reading a book, taking a nap, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings of our home.

In the evening we will return to the villa where everyone can prepare their own dinner as they please. After dinner we will gather once again for our evening sharing circle. This is another opportunity to connect with one another, reflect on the day, celebrate our sobriety, or simply share whatever is on your mind.

Once our meeting has come to a close, you are free to spend the rest of the evening however you wish. An optional group activity will also be available for anyone who would like to join.

Today we will enjoy breakfast together at the house before we head out for a full day adventure to the beautiful city of Chania. After breakfast we will jump into the van and make our way to one of the most picturesque cities in all of Crete. Chania feels like it has been pulled straight from a storybook, with its winding streets, colorful buildings, and iconic lighthouse sitting proudly along the harbor. The drive alone is worth it, and the city itself is even better in person.

Once we arrive, we will ease into the day and take in the sights at a relaxed pace. In the afternoon we will enjoy a guided walking tour where we will explore the history, culture, and flavors of the city. Along the way we will experience some of the best local food and hidden gems that make Chania so special. After the tour you will have some free time to wander on your own, do a little shopping, sit by the water, or simply enjoy the charm of the old town before we regroup for our second group dinner together.

After dinner we will take some time to enjoy the evening air of Chania, walking the harbor or relaxing together before heading back to the house. Once we arrive home we will gather for our evening sharing circle. Since it will be a later night than usual, there will also be an optional game night on the patio for anyone who wants to stay up and keep the fun going. If you are ready for rest after a full and beautiful day, you are absolutely welcome to head to bed and recharge.

Today is your day to slow down, relax, and enjoy Crete at your own pace. There are no scheduled group activities today, so you are free to choose whatever feels best for you. If you want to stay back at the house and spend the day by the pool, that space is yours to unwind, read, rest, or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings. If you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you are more than welcome to hop in the car and head to the beach or explore somewhere new nearby. However you choose to spend it, the day is yours to relax, recharge, and have fun in your own way.

In the evening we will come back together for our nightly sharing circle. Check in, share where you are at, reflect on the day, or simply listen and be present with the group. After our circle we will also have an optional evening activity for anyone who wants to keep the night going, spend more time together, or enjoy a little fun before winding down. If you prefer a quiet night, you are always welcome to head to bed and rest.

Today we will gather together for our regular breakfast at the house before setting off into our final full day as a group. After breakfast, you will have a choice to either stay back and enjoy a relaxed morning at the house or join the group as we head into the beautiful city of Rethymnon. Once there, you will have time to explore this charming coastal city, browse for any last minute souvenirs, enjoy a leisurely lunch, or simply spend time by the water taking in the views.

In the afternoon we will make our way back to the house to get ready for a fun evening ahead. Tonight we will come together for our pool party and group dinner, a chance to celebrate our time together, enjoy great food, and soak in one last evening in Crete as a group.

After dinner, and just before the music begins, we will gather for our final sharing circle. This will be a meaningful moment to reflect on the week, share gratitude, and acknowledge the experiences we have had together. Once our circle is complete, we will shift into celebration mode and enjoy our final night together with music, great food, delicious non alcoholic drinks, and plenty of fellowship as we close out the trip in true Sober Gay Adventures style.

On our last full day at the house we will take some time in the morning to pack up our things and enjoy one final breakfast together. After breakfast we will make our way back to Heraklion. Once we arrive, we will check everyone into the hotel and get settled in for our final night of the trip.

The rest of the day will be yours to enjoy in the city. You can explore Heraklion at your own pace, grab lunch in the square, do a bit of last minute shopping, or simply take some time to relax and reflect on the week we have shared together.

In the evening we will come together for our final group dinner. This will be a meaningful time to share one last meal, celebrate the journey we have had, and spend our final moments together as a group. After dinner we will begin saying our goodbyes. Your tour manager will also be available to help you arrange anything you may need and to assist you with getting set for your next destination.

On the final day you will begin your journey toward whatever comes next. Our hope is that you leave the Sober Gay Adventures Crete Retreat with a full heart and a smile, carrying with you the memories, connections, and experiences from the past nine days.

While this chapter comes to a close, the moments we have shared together will stay with you long after you leave. And if we did our job right, this will not feel like goodbye, but simply the beginning of planning your next adventure with us.