Welcoming the Change: Autumn Arrives on Kos

This week, Kos has shown us her true colours – and they're not the endless blue skies and golden sunshine we've grown accustomed to over the summer months. The temperature has dropped, the rain has arrived, and our beautiful island is transforming before our eyes.

The Gift of Rain

While the few remaining tourists might not be thrilled about the grey skies, as locals we welcome this change with open arms. Our water resources are running critically low after a busy summer season, and our small island struggles to cope with the thousands of visitors who pass through each year. The rain is more than weather – it's relief, renewal, and hope.

It's also arrived at just the right moment for our olive harvest. These late autumn rains are crucial for the trees; they help plump up the olives in those final weeks before harvest, increasing both the yield and the quality of the oil. The moisture penetrates deep into the soil, giving the trees one last boost of hydration before winter sets in. For our local olive growers, this rain is liquid gold – quite literally, as it translates directly into richer, more abundant olive oil. There's an old Greek saying: "October rain fills the olive press," and this year, we're hoping it proves true.

A Slower Pace, A Fuller Heart

But if I'm honest, the main reason I welcome the change of seasons is far more personal: the slower pace. Summer on Kos is glorious but relentless. Between teaching countless classes, hosting retreats, and pouring my energy into my guests' transformations, my to-do list grows longer while my time grows shorter. Everything gets put off – not forgotten, just... waiting.

Now, as autumn settles in, I finally have the space to breathe and work through everything that's been building up.

What's on the Horizon...

Planning 2026 Retreats

I'm already deep in planning mode, working with some fantastic hosts to create their amazing 2026 retreats. There's something magical about this planning phase – the blank canvas, the possibilities, the chance to craft truly transformative experiences. And I still have space to help a few more hosts bring their visions to life. If you've been dreaming of hosting a retreat on Kos, let me know. I have the expertise and experience to ensure you have the perfect retreat – from venue sourcing to the smallest welcome gift details.

The Evexia Effect Returns

I'm also thrilled to be recording new episodes of The Evexia Effect podcast! We have some truly inspiring guests lined up, and I cannot wait to share the evexia love with you all. After all, evexia means wellness – and that's what we're all about here. Stay tuned for conversations that will nourish your soul and expand your understanding of what true wellness means.

Growing Retreats in Greece

Then there's my newer venture: Retreats in Greece. We launched earlier this year, not entirely sure where it would take us, and I still can't quite believe the community we've created. It's been overwhelming in the best possible way. This winter, I'm dedicating time to developing this amazing community and tour operator, ensuring we can deliver transformational retreats across all of Greece – not just here on Kos (although Kos will always be my first love 💙).

Back to the Mountains

One of my favourite autumn traditions is also returning: our community walking group sets off again this weekend! It's time to stretch those legs in a mindful way, reconnect with nature, and rediscover the trails we've missed all summer.

Our first walk is set for Saturday, and I cannot wait to dust off the cobwebs. I know Ira (my English Pointer) is absolutely raring to go – she's been giving me those pleading eyes for weeks now. And this year, we get to introduce her newly adopted sister, Hecate (Eki for short), to our walks. She's a little older (age unknown) and less energetic than Ira, so we'll see how she gets on. But I'm sure she'll love it – what's not to love about being in the open air of Kos's countryside and mountains?

It's my favourite place in the world.

The Beauty of Transition

There's something deeply grounding about this seasonal shift. Summer is all fire and energy – outward-focused, guest-centred, constant motion. Autumn invites us inward. It asks us to slow down, reflect, plan, and nurture the seeds we want to plant for the year ahead.

For me, that means more time with my dogs on mountain trails, more creative space for podcast conversations, more intentional planning for the retreats and experiences I want to create. It means reconnecting with the quieter rhythms of island life – the ones that get drowned out by summer's beautiful chaos.

And honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way. The seasons remind us that transformation isn't linear. It ebbs and flows. It requires both the outward energy of summer and the inward reflection of autumn.

So here's to the rain, the cooler mornings, the olive harvest, and the slower pace. Here's to dusty trails, wagging tails, and the space to dream up what comes next.

If you're on Kos and fancy joining our community walks, drop me a message. If you're dreaming of hosting a retreat in 2026, let's talk. And if you're simply here for the journey – welcome. I'm so glad you're part of this evexia community.

Warm regards,

Gilly 🍂🐾

Evexia Kos | The Evexia Effect | Retreats in Greece