Yoga Retreats Portugal: Why Portugal is the best place for a yoga retreat
Imagine this: waking up to the sound of waves, with a bright morning sun shining into your room, and a relaxing morning yoga and meditation session at the outdoor shala with sea view is waiting for you. What a magical morning this must be! When we’re looking for a moment to put ourselves back together or need that well-deserved break from work, many explore the option of attending a yoga retreat in Portugal.
As yoga retreats are a sought after solution for those who want to travel somewhere ‘nice’, get to know the country and culture and deepen your yoga practice. Whether you travel alone or with friends, Portugal gains more popularity among yogis and should definitely be on your radar.
With a long stretched summer from April to October, a coastline from north to south, a diverse natural landscape, and the tradition of creating fresh food from the land and sea, this affordable destination offers the yoga traveler the opportunity to explore all rustic and authentic sides.
A Yoga Retreat for Everyone
Portugal combines active yoga and surf camps close to pumping arts and social scenes in the area around Lisbon if you are looking for a mix of active adventure, vibrant cities, and relaxation. If you prefer a slower pace, there are plenty of meditation and silent retreats in remote wilderness areas in the Centro region or in the north of Portugal. You can even do a 200-hour teacher training on the beautiful island of Madeira – the island famous for eternal spring.
There are also retreats at any price point. Some retreats are held at luxury hotels where you will be pampered from sun up to sundown. Others are set in a Buddhist Monastery or directly on the beach in a National Park. Take a look below for some of our favorite yoga retreats in Portugal.
Why Portugal Is The Perfect Place For A Yoga Retreat
With the Portuguese flair for good living, access to fresh produce, and an abundance of sunshine, these regions offer an excellent opportunity to unplug from the world and engage in some deep healing rest.
The Portuguese exude a culture that appreciates wellbeing, relaxation and leisure. Portuguese famously love to enjoy life! They are also very down to earth, very real people. This is a perfect environment for a yoga holiday. When you’re there, your time is your own – unwind and leave those pressing tasks for tomorrow.
The people, the landscape, the climate, the food – everything is real in Portugal. This environment will make you feel very grounded and opens the doors to find your own truth while you are there.
Best Time To Go On A Yoga Retreat In Portugal:
So what’s the best time to go for your yoga retreat then? During the summer months of July and August, the busiest areas Lisbon and the Algarve tend to be full and expensive, and also very hot. It’s advisable to book your yoga retreat in the shoulder seasons. During spring and fall when the temperatures are still very good, the crowds are manageable and the heat is not as oppressive.
Top wellness, surf, and yoga retreats in Portugal:
Iyengar Yoga Retreat in Columbeira
Photo credit: Buddha Retreats on Tripaneer
This 5-day retreat hosted in a beautiful Portuguese Quinta on the edge of the green surrounded village of Columbeira, north of Lisbon, is a little Buddha retreats sanctuary. Relax and recharge in this old Buddist monk house. You can unwind surrounded by gardens, fig trees, and orange trees and learn new skills by taking some surf lessons. This yoga retreat has everything you need to get the best out of yourself!
This yoga retreat in Portugal offers 2 yoga classes daily and all your drinks and meals are included. While they can accommodate vegan, vegetarian and other dietary requirements, they are known for their delicious seafood BBQ with the freshest Seafood that is sourced directly from the local fishermen.
Check availability for this yoga retreat
Photo credit: Buddha Retreats onTripaneer
Sayanna Wellness Holiday in Albufeira
Photo Credit: Epic Sana Algarve Hotel on Tripaneer
Wellness and Yoga go hand in hand. If you are looking for a luxurious experience that combines wellness, mindfulness, and massages in a luxurious environment, then don’t look further.
This de-stress retreat focuses on your wellbeing, making you feel good inside and out. Pamper yourself with massages, spa treatments and helpful sessions in mindfulness, meditation, and reflexology.
Enjoy pure luxury at the stunning EPIC SANA Hotel in one of the most beautiful locations in the Algarve.
Check availability for this wellness retreat
Surf and Yoga Retreat in Cascais
Photo credit: The Salty Pelican on Tripaneer
Just a short drive away from capital Lisbon, you’ll find this bespoke 8-day surf & yoga retreat in Cascais. Find balance, meet new friends, and get active in nature in this surf hostel with good vibes. With two daily yoga lessons, surf lessons, hikes, and meditation sessions, this yoga holiday is one you won’t easily forget and a perfect add-on to your Lisbon city trip.
This Surf & Yoga Retreat in Portugal allows you to mix adventure and relaxation, so it is perfect if you love yoga, but also want to experience other things, meet new people and be more active.
Check availability for this yoga retreat
Photo credit: The Salty Pelican on Tripaneer
Beginners and Intermediate Yoga & Surf Retreat in Algarve
Photo credit: The Tiny Whale Kite and Surf Lodge onTripaneer
Practice yoga in the secluded garden and learn how to surf in small groups in the South West point of Portugal. This 8-day yoga retreat in the Algarve allows you to relax in a harmonious environment, while also getting some action in the sea! The yoga sessions are inspired by surfing, and all meals are included (and yes, with 5 beach picnics!).
If you are more into surfing, this retreat is a great choice. You will get high-quality surf coaching in a small group setting that gets you up on the board in no time. Add in daily fun yoga classes, a SUP class, skate lessons and more, and you are looking at 8 days of fun on the board and on the mat.
Check availability for this yoga retreat
Photo credit: The Tiny Whale Kite and Surf Lodge onTripaneer
Vinyasa Yoga Retreat Immersed by Nature in Ericeira
Photo credit: Almashala on Tripaneer
With daily meditation and pranayama sessions, yoga lessons twice a day, and relaxing evening activities like matra, gardening, or hiking, this vinyasa yoga retreat in Ericeira is for those who like to really deepen their yoga practice. Learn more about the practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga to understand the techniques and its secrets and philosophy.
If you are looking for a yoga retreat that focuses on Ashtanga yoga, this is the spot to be. This retreat follows Ayurvedic principles and a vegan diet. During this 7-day yoga retreat in Portugal’s Lisbon region, you will rejuvenate your mind and body.
Check availability for this yoga retreat
Photo credit: Almashala on Tripaneer
200-hr Yoga Teacher Training on the island of Madeira
Photo credit: Sundari Integral Yoga School onTripaneer
For those yogis who are willing to take their yoga practice to the next level, we recommend this retreat: 21-days yoga teacher training course on the Portuguese island of Madeira. Madeira is known as the island of eternal spring. You will find pleasant temperatures, stunning flora and sunshine pretty much all year.
This RYT® Yoga Alliance course includes over 8 hours of daily yoga classes, theory and practice modules, and meditation. While this course is targeted to students who’d like to become a yoga teacher, it is also for those who just like to learn more about yoga asanas, their body, and the yoga philosophy.
Check availability for this yoga teacher training
Photo credit: Sundari Integral Yoga School onTripaneer
If you love yoga and travel, you can combine your two passions on your next trip. Portugal is a great choice for your next (or first) yoga retreat abroad.
Portugal Yoga Retreats was written by Charlotte van Dijk for EuropeUpClose.com
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