ART RETREAT LIGURIA
An inspiring journey amidst Italy’s hidden treasures
ART RETREAT LIGURIA
An inspiring journey amidst Italy’s hidden treasures
Art retreat on the Ligurian riviera
A Creative Escape Between Mediterranean Living, Art & Sea
Duration: 6 days
ART RETREAT LIGURIA
A Creative Escape Between Mediterranean Living, Art & Sea
Duration: 6 days
The colours, light and ambience of the Italian Riviera set the scene for our Art Retreat Liguria. Away from the routines of everyday life, this journey creates space for creativity, inspiration and mindful slowing down – surrounded by olive groves, coastal panoramas, picturesque villages and Mediterranean landscapes.
Guided by artist Carmen Haugeneder (Atelier Athena), a series of inspiring workshops invites you to create your own unique artworks – pieces that become much more than paintings: personal memories of your time in Liguria. From acrylics and watercolours to oil painting and mixed media, each workshop draws inspiration from the character of the region, connecting art with landscape, traditional craftsmanship, local products and authentic encounters.
We will paint beneath olive trees, by the sea and in beautiful places, working with the colours, textures and motifs that capture the spirit of the Riviera. The creative programme is complemented by tastings of regional specialities such as wine and olive oil, a visit to a local ceramic artist, and authentic insights into Ligurian culture and everyday life.
Whenever possible, we travel by public transport – a more sustainable and authentic way to discover Liguria.
Between the shared creative sessions, there is plenty of free time to wander through Finalborgo, stroll along the seafront promenade in Finale Ligure, enjoy a sea-view hike, savour a cappuccino or an Aperol by the water, visit a museum – or simply embrace the art of dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing.
Throughout the journey, an experienced local guide accompanies the group, providing personal support and assistance while sharing fascinating insights into the region and its hidden treasures.
The artist:
Carmen Haugeneder is an artist and entrepreneur with studios in Wels (Upper Austria) and Vienna (1090). As a full-time artist, she is passionate about acrylic, oil and watercolor painting, combining different techniques and materials to create expressive compositions.
Natural textures and organic elements play a particularly important role in her artistic work. She incorporates materials from nature, as well as rice and texture paste, into her paintings, creating works with depth, tactile qualities and a distinctive visual language.
Alongside her independent artistic practice, Carmen Haugeneder regularly leads art workshops in Upper Austria, where she shares her passion for creativity and painting with people of all ages. In 2025, she published her first children’s book, featuring watercolor illustrations entirely created by her.
Carmen Haugeneder represents a contemporary approach to art that brings together a deep connection with nature, a spirit of experimentation and emotional expression. Her works invite viewers to look more closely, discover hidden textures and experience the beauty of imperfection.
The accommodation:
A cosy hotel in the medieval gem of Finalborgo, recognised as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, provides the perfect setting for a creative and inspiring escape. The beaches of Finale Ligure are just a few kilometres away.
Participants can choose between comfortable single and double rooms, offering a welcoming retreat to relax and unwind after a day of art and exploration.
The colours, light and ambience of the Italian Riviera set the scene for our Art Retreat Liguria. Away from the routines of everyday life, this journey creates space for creativity, inspiration and mindful slowing down – surrounded by olive groves, coastal panoramas, picturesque villages and Mediterranean landscapes.
Guided by artist Carmen Haugeneder (Atelier Athena), a series of inspiring workshops invites you to create your own unique artworks – pieces that become much more than paintings: personal memories of your time in Liguria. From acrylics and watercolours to oil painting and mixed media, each workshop draws inspiration from the character of the region, connecting art with landscape, traditional craftsmanship, local products and authentic encounters.
We will paint beneath olive trees, by the sea and in beautiful places, working with the colours, textures and motifs that capture the spirit of the Riviera. The creative programme is complemented by tastings of regional specialities such as wine and olive oil, a visit to a local ceramic artist, and authentic insights into Ligurian culture and everyday life.
Whenever possible, we travel by public transport – a more sustainable and authentic way to discover Liguria.
Between the shared creative sessions, there is plenty of free time to wander through Finalborgo, stroll along the seafront promenade in Finale Ligure, enjoy a sea-view hike, savour a cappuccino or an Aperol by the water, visit a museum – or simply embrace the art of dolce far niente, the sweetness of doing nothing.
Throughout the journey, an experienced local guide accompanies the group, providing personal support and assistance while sharing fascinating insights into the region and its hidden treasures.
The artist:
Carmen Haugeneder is an artist and entrepreneur with studios in Wels (Upper Austria) and Vienna (1090). As a full-time artist, she is passionate about acrylic, oil and watercolor painting, combining different techniques and materials to create expressive compositions.
Natural textures and organic elements play a particularly important role in her artistic work. She incorporates materials from nature, as well as rice and texture paste, into her paintings, creating works with depth, tactile qualities and a distinctive visual language.
Alongside her independent artistic practice, Carmen Haugeneder regularly leads art workshops in Upper Austria, where she shares her passion for creativity and painting with people of all ages. In 2025, she published her first children’s book, featuring watercolor illustrations entirely created by her.
Carmen Haugeneder represents a contemporary approach to art that brings together a deep connection with nature, a spirit of experimentation and emotional expression. Her works invite viewers to look more closely, discover hidden textures and experience the beauty of imperfection.
The accommodation:
A cosy hotel in the medieval gem of Finalborgo, recognised as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, provides the perfect setting for a creative and inspiring escape. The beaches of Finale Ligure are just a few kilometres away.
Participants can choose between comfortable single and double rooms, offering a welcoming retreat to relax and unwind after a day of art and exploration.
7 September to 12 September 2027
8
Creative programme (workshops, visits to local ateliers)
5
Overnight stays in a cozy hotel
14
Meals
(breakfast, lunch, tasting of local products, dinner, aperitivo)
2
Excursions to nearby towns (Noli, Varigotti, Borgio Verezzi and Finale Ligure)
1
Creative goodie bag to take home
Individual journey to Finalborgo (Province of Savona)
16.00 Welcome Get together
Workshop "Art&Wine” [Acrylic & Mixed Media] with tasting of Ligurian wines
Dinner
Breakfast
Workshop "Plein-Air-Painting” [Oil]
Lunch
Meet the Artists: Creative walk in Finalborgo & local artisans
Dinner
Breakfast
Excursion to Noli and Varigotti
Workshop "Aquarell o'clock” [Watercolour]
Free time
Visit of an ceramic atelier in Noli
Dinner
Individual arrival in Finalborgo (Province of Savona
16:00 Welcome Get together
Workshop "Art&Wine” [Acrylic & Mixed Media] with tasting of Ligurian wines
Dinner
Breakfast
Workshop "Plein-Air-Painting” [Oil]
Lunch
Meet the Artists: Creative walk in Finalborgo & local artisans
Dinner
Breakfast
Excursion to Noli and Varigotti
Workshop "Aquarell o'clock” [Watercolour]
Free time
Visit of a local ceramic atelier
Dinner
Breakfast
Workshop "Mediterranean Ceramics” [Acrylic meets ceramics]
Lunch
Free time
Workshop “Paint&Dine: Glow in the dark” [Acrylic]
Dinner
Breakfast
Excursion to Borgio Verezzi and Finale Ligure
Caves of Borgio Verezzi
Lunch
Free time
Workshop “Aquarell Aperitivo” [Watercolour]
Dinner
Breakfast
Farewell
Individual departure
Breakfast
Workshop "Mediterranean Ceramics” [Acrylic meets ceramics]
Lunch
Free time
Workshop “Paint&Dine: Glow in the dark” [Acrylic]
Dinner
Breakfast
Excursion to Borgio Verezzi and Finale Ligure
Caves of Borgio Verezzi
Lunch
Free time
Workshop “Aquarell Aperitivo” [Watercolour]
Dinner
Breakfast
Farewell
Individual departure
Single room EUR 2,090.00
Double room EUR 1,890.00 (per person)
Individual packages for accompanying travelers (without workshops) on request!


















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