A Swim Escape in Greece

Back in 2008, Suzie Dods was in Greece with a group of non-swimmers who were learning how to become swimmers. They were staying at a great hotel with three beaches within a ten-minute walk. Each beach was gentle and accessible for beginners, but also offered a a little environmental variety for confident swimmers as well. It was somewhere between the first few dips and the laughter from the group from being in a swimmer's paradise that Suzie realized: This needs to be a swim trip.  Not just a vacation that includes a little swimming, but an entire swim experience.

For Suzie, slipping into the water at one of her swim spots for the first time always brings the same feeling. The weight of the world lifts from her shoulders, replaced by a deep sense of ease. What she loves just as much, though, is watching others experience that same release—seeing people fall in love with what she affectionately calls “her” swim spots.

One location still gives her goosebumps every time. It’s a small beach near the hotel where the group swims each morning. Suzie calls it Telephone Beach, though its real name is likely White Beach. It’s a place layered with meaning: where she once swam with her mother, and where she first learned that her mother had died. Returning there is both tender and grounding; it's a reminder of how the sea can hold grief, memory, and connection all at once.

Swimming in Greece, Suzie says, is unlike swimming anywhere else. The water is crystal clear, the entry points are gentle, and the sea feels welcoming rather than intimidating. But it’s not just the water, it’s the pace of life. Everything slows down. There’s time to swim, eat well, rest, and swim again. Meals before and after swims are just as important as the swims themselves.

And then there are the people.

Most of the folks attending the swim retreats are typically beginners or moderate swimmers, though non-swimmers are welcome as well! The swim experience is perfect for everyone, and each year, swimmers range from their 30s to mid-70s. Most have never been to Greece before. The trips are perfect for people who want movement and connection without an overly packed schedule.

Transformation is experienced during every trip.

Suzie remembers a woman who had spent ten years fully caring for her husband after his stroke. This trip was her first vacation in a decade. Over the course of the week, Suzie watched the stress visibly melt away, swim by swim.

Many guests arrive with fear - fear of open water, of cold water, or of pushing beyond their comfort zones. By the end of the trip, those fears often soften or disappear entirely. Suzie has seen people shed their wetsuits, swim farther than they ever imagined, and laugh at fears that once felt overwhelming. Watching that shift never gets old.

A perfect day on one of Suzie’s trips is beautifully simple:

Swim.

Breakfast.

A walk.

Lunch.

Another swim (and options for pool-based swim lessons).

A stop at a café.

A nap.

Dinner.

A night swim.

Food, culture, and local life are woven into every part of the experience. Meals are slow and social, prioritizing community and connection. The food cooked during classes is local, with ingredients often harvested from nearby gardens. The island itself is small and intentional about preserving its culture while remaining an active tourist destination. That balance is one reason Suzie schedules trips in May, before the crowds arrive. Many locals come from fishing families, and the food reflects that deep connection to the sea.

Creating both physical and emotional safety is central to Suzie’s approach. Her motto is simple: You can do it, even if you think you can’t.

Before anyone enters open water, Suzie makes sure they know two things: she has their back, and they have the skills needed for the swim ahead. If someone chooses not to swim, there is no shame ever. The goal is enjoyment, not stress.

At the same time, if someone needs a gentle push to utilize their skills, Suzie will offer it. The experience is meant to be empowering, playful, and fun.

Some of Suzie’s favorite moments have nothing to do with swimming at all, like a relaxing afternoon sipping a soda and reading a book by the beach, or lighting candles in the local church, despite being agnostic.

During one of the trips, Suzie attempted to lead the group to a community swim event, but ended up getting a little turned around. Three stops and a few reroutes later, the group was running late, and arrived at the swim event just minutes before the start. Although the Americans were stressed, the Greeks were completely relaxed and kind, and helped everyone get ready without any pressure. The pace and friendliness of Greece is unmatched.

For those considering one of these trips, Suzie has a simple message: you won’t regret going.

Yes, it’s a long journey. And yes, it’s absolutely worth every mile.

Learn more about dates and pricing: https://www.suziedodsswimcoaching.com/greece-retreat