Lively and charming cities, sun-soaked and laid-back beaches, world-class surf, enthralling history and architecture, and stunning landscapes have made Portugal one of the most popular European destinations in recent years.
Portugal is also fast becoming one of the most best yoga destinations in Europe, and also boasts some of the best surfing on the continent, and there are so many excellent yoga retreats in Portugal that make an amazing active wellness holiday.
There’s a diverse range of Portugal retreats to choose from, from luxurious detox and fitness retreats, to lively beachside surf and yoga camps, to spiritual eco communities hidden in the countryside – so whatever your budget and experience level you’re sure to find the perfect match.
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Portugal also happens to be one of the warmest European countries, adding to its charm and popularity as a yoga destination all year round.
Some of the best Portugal yoga retreats are located near the stunning Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and Sintra UNESCO world heritage site and near the beautiful beaches of The Algarve.
As Portugal is quite a compact country you can easily combine a yoga holiday with spending a couple of days exploring beautiful Lisbon or even learning how to surf in Portugal’s world class surf reserves.
Portugal’s surf towns like Peniche and Ericeira are also yoga hotspots and the sunsoaked and laidback Algarve is also a great place to take a yoga retreat – many also include surf lessons too.
There’s no shortage of surf camps and yoga retreats in Portugal but it’s more important than ever to do your research and check reviews before you book.
I find www.bookyogaretreats.com really useful, as not only can you see all the information about yoga retreats in Portugal in one place but you can also read real reviews from people who’ve already been there.
To help you pick your perfect retreat holiday in the sunshine are my recommendations for the best yoga retreats in Portugal
Here is my pick of the 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Portugal
- The Salty Pelican, Cascais, Lisbon
- Moka Surfhouse & Yoga Retreat, Ericeira
- Moinhos Velhos, Lagos, Algarve
- Shamballah Yoga Retreats, Sintra
- 108 Yoga Retreats, Casais de São Lourença
- Star Pine Lodge, Colares
- Golden Waves Surf & Yoga Lodge, Furadouro
- Sandhi House, Ericeira
- Buddha Retreats, Columbeira
- Surfcamp 360, Santa Cruz
Read on for a detailed breakdown of each yoga retreat.
The Salty Pelican, Cascais, Lisbon
The Salty Pelican Yoga and Surf Retreat is located in beautiful Cascais on the Lisbon coastline. Every part of this 4-day retreat is designed to connect guests with the stunning natural surroundings, while also experiencing self-awareness, self-connection, and deep relaxation.
Days start with a sunrise meditation overlooking the Atlantic, followed by an energising yang yoga class. After a varied day of surf or SUP lessons, ayurvedic massage and awareness hikes, the evening is rounded off with a soothing yin yoga class. Guests can fuel up for the day with a breakfast buffet, and healthy smoothies are available all day.
Read More: The Best Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Portugal
Moka Surfhouse & Yoga Retreat, Ericeira
Located just outside the popular Ericeira surf area, Moka Surfhouse & Yoga Retreat offers amazing yoga retreats in Portugal where you practice yoga in a Mongolian yurt! It truly is a tranquil, relaxing place to deepen or begin your yoga practice with like minded people, while listening to the birds chirping and smelling the surrounding gardens in the air.
During this eight day retreat you will enjoy two yoga sessions a day, seven healthy breakfasts and six delicious vegetarian dinners. Morning yoga classes are dynamic and energizing, based on a mix of Rocket, Ashtanga, and Vinyasa flow and evening yoga classes are a mix of slow flow and Yin yoga focused on deep stretch and relaxation. You will also get the chance to try yoga Nidra and meditation and go deeper with alignment and anatomy workshops.
Seven nights accommodation in the Portuguese villa that boasts a large terrace overlooking the sea are included. A highlight is the large courtyard in the garden and swinging in a hammock among the fruit trees. Daily transfers to and from Ericeira and the beach and bike use are also included.
This retreat is located in the Ericeira World Surfing Reserve so why not a try a surf lesson too or even opt for a surf and yoga retreat package.
Read More: Top Surf Camps in Portugal
Moinhos Velhos, Lagos, Algarve
For 25 years Moinhos Velhos Detox Yoga Retreat has held some of the best yoga retreats in Portugal complete with a detox juice fasting program that benefits the body, mind and spirit. Moinhos Velhos has even been listed as one of the ten best detox retreats in the world by The Times.
These eight day detox retreats are located in a secluded valley away from the touristy areas of the Algarve but there’s a included day trip to the beach or Lagos town each week so you won’t miss out but have the opportunity to detox in the perfect setting for unwinding, recharging and cleansing.
The original concept was inspired by the pioneering work on cleansing and detoxification by Bernard Jensen, Swami Sivananda and Dr. Gerson. The daily morning yoga class follows the interesting Sivananda style and you’ll wind down each evening with a meditation session. There’s also plenty of free time to explore the nearby beaches and countryside or simply relax on your private patio, in the library or by the saltwater swimming pool in the spacious and lush retreat center.
Meals aren’t served as this is a detox and juicing retreat but you won’t go hungry with the range of fresh fruit and vegetable juices provided, as well as vegetable broth mixed with herbs, vitamins and minerals. There is also a range of spa, massage and healing treatments available to help with the elimination of toxins and the balancing of your entire system.
Read More: Best Yoga & Surf Retreats in the Algarve
Shamballah Yoga Retreats, Sintra
Spend six days practicing Hatha yoga while soaking up the amazing views of the coast and of Sintra’s National Park. Enjoy twice daily yoga, pilates and meditation sessions to restore, heal and harmonise both body and mind at this spectacular Portugal yoga retreat.
You’ll stay in a magnificent villa complete with gardens, terrace, swimming pool, jacuzzi, mini gym and spacious yoga shala just steps away from Praia da Aguda and 10 minutes on foot to Azenhas do Mar.
With the spectacular wild coastal scenery and views, Sintra’s National Park is ideal for long walks of exploration and reconnecting with nature. Surfing, hiking and horse riding can also be arranged and visiting the colourful UNESCO world heritage site of Sintra can’t be missed.
Vegetarian and vegan meals are included and made using organic, locally sourced and seasonal fruits and vegetables. You also get an aroma touch massage and the opportunity to try forest therapy, sound journeys, guided walks and more at this spectacular yoga retreat in Portugal.
Read More: The Best Yoga Retreats in Europe
108 Yoga Retreats, Casais de São Lourenço, near Ericeira
This week-long yoga retreat is designed to help you slow down, unplug, and enjoy the soul-nourishing benefits of yoga and nature. You’ll practice Hatha Yoga every day, surrounded by coastal beauty and soothing ocean sounds.
In between your yoga classes, you’ll have plenty of free time to explore the charming village of Casais de São Lourenço, relax on the beach, or go surfing. The retreat center makes this easy with a complimentary drop-off service to the town and nearby beaches.
This rebalancing yoga retreat takes place at a charming guesthouse, where you’ll find cozy shared dorms and private suites. Each day, you’ll get a vegetarian brunch and dinner, made fresh by the in-house chef. The package also includes airport transfers, ensuring the most stress-free retreat experience.
Star Pine Lodge, Colares, near Sintra
Star Pine Lodge is a homely retreat center on the edge of the Sintra-Cascais natural park. The lodge was created by outdoor sports enthusiasts with relaxation, nature immersion, and adventure in mind.
The 5-day yoga holiday includes twice-daily Vinyasa yoga classes and plenty of free time during the day. What you do is completely up to you. Choose to explore the nature park, join in a group activity like rock climbing or kite surfing, or simply lounge by the pool.
Despite being one of the most budget-friendly yoga retreats in Portugal, all rooms at Star Pine Lodge are private (with shared or private bathrooms), honoring each participant’s privacy and autonomy.
Star Pine Lodge is 15 minutes from the historic town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and 40 minutes from Lisbon Airport. The retreat package includes a buffet-style breakfast and lunch pack or BBQ lunch each day.
Golden Waves Surf & Yoga Lodge, Furadouro, near Porto
If you’re looking for a short yoga retreat while visiting Porto, head to Golden Waves Surf & Yoga Lodge. Situated in the small seaside village of Furadouro (40 minutes south of Porto), you can enjoy 3 days of yoga, mindfulness, and beach adventures.
The retreat includes Vinyasa and Yin yoga classes along with meditation and journaling sessions, helping you unwind and reconnect within. You’ll also have plenty of time to sunbathe on the pristine sand, take strolls along the long stretches of coastline, or join a surfing lesson.
A breakfast buffet is served each morning, consisting of fresh bread, heart porridge, fresh fruit, and local cheeses. For lunch and dinner, participants can explore the many cafes, restaurants, and beach bars in Furadouro, or prepare meals in the communal kitchen or outdoor barbecue. The lodge also hosts regular evening activities.
Sandhi House, Ericeira
Sandhi House offers rejuvenating 5-day yin yoga retreats, year-round, at their beautiful beachfront house in Ericeira. Here, you’ll enjoy two incredibly nourishing Yin yoga classes a day, which will calm your mind and soothe your muscles.
Ericeira is a traditional Portuguese fishing village with a slow pace of life that feels contagious. The peaceful energy of the area, combined with Sandhi House’s carefully curated design, will encourage you to savor the little things, like golden sunsets and the sound of the waves.
Between classes, you can go on a gentle hike, get a massage, or try your hand at surfing or SUP. You’ll get breakfast each morning at Sandhi House and can taste local specialities at the beachfront restaurants for lunch and dinner.
Buddha Retreats, Columbeira
Buddha Retreats combines the best of Portugal’s west coast nature with countryside landscapes and rugged beaches. It takes place just one hour from Lisbon in a peaceful village surrounded by vineyards, rolling hills, and medieval towns.
The 7-day yoga and surf holiday includes a yoga class every evening, and the choice between a second yoga session or a surf lesson each morning. This setup is perfect for yogis who want to try surfing for the first time, as there is no pressure to hit the waves every day.
The retreat center is a recently renovated country house. It has modern bedrooms, spacious communal areas, an outdoor pool, and beautiful gardens oozing greenery and colorful flowers.
You’ll start each day with an energizing breakfast of homemade granola, banana bread, fresh bread, and more. The package also includes a home-cooked dinner each evening and unlimited fresh fruits, coffee, and herbal teas throughout the day.
Surfcamp 360, Santa Cruz
Surfcamp 360 is one of the most affordable yoga retreats in Portugal, with its signature 8-day retreats held every week (from Sunday to Sunday).
Located near Santa Cruz beach, the family-style surf house is huge and incredibly welcoming. Whether you choose to stay in the dorm, a shared twin room, or a private room, you’ll enjoy a warm and social atmosphere. There are many shared communal areas, a barbecue area, and a pool.
Each day, you’ll explore one of the best surfing spots on Portugal’s west coast in a 2–hour surf lesson with an experienced instructor. You can also join a 90-minute yoga class each morning, along with guided hikes and excursions to the local villages and beach towns.
The 8-day package also includes daily breakfast, dinners on the first and last night, and transport to and from Lisbon airport.
How To Choose the Best Retreat
As you can see, there are some truely amazing yoga retreats in Portugal that offer yoga holidays to suit all levels of experience. Plus the bonuses of doing your yoga practice in the sunshine while soaking up some of the most spectacular scenery and history in Europe.
You’ll find that most retreats offer daily yoga classes, meditation sessions and delicious, healthy food – but they can vary a lot on accommodation, facilities, activities, and price.
Here’s what I consider every time I book a yoga retreat.
Things to consider when choosing a yoga retreat
Type of Retreat
There’s many different types of yoga and wellness retreats, so consider your intention and find which ones offer the experiences you want. From fun, social and activity packed weekend retreats,, to private luxury spa and detox getaways – there’s so many choices that whatever you need you’re likely to find one that aligns.
Style of Yoga
There are many different yoga styles taught and practiced around the world today. From dynamic Ashtanga and Vinyasa flow, traditional Hatha yoga, relaxing yin yoga, and even acrobatic yoga. Some yoga schools focus on just one style while others offer several. Pick the style you enjoy most, or use the opportunity to try something new.
Experience Level
Wherever you are in your yoga practice, look for retreats that are suitable for your experience level.
If you are an experienced yogi, the yoga sessions at a beginners retreat might not be challenging enough for you, whereas, as a beginner, you’ll probably feel overwhelmed if you end up on a yoga teacher training retreat.
Most yoga teachers can cater for beginners by offering modifications but it’s worth checking what level the retreat is aimed at to ensure you get the most out of the experience, especially if it’s your first yoga retreat.
Retreat Location
There’s quite a big selection of different retreat locations in Portugal, from beach yoga retreats, to off beat or off grid nature retreats in the countryside.
And you’ll find plenty of urban yoga retreats too, where you’ll get to experience all the history and culture of Portugal in-between your yoga classes. Decide what your dream Portugal yoga holiday looks like to help you narrow down your search.
Accommodation, Meals and Facilities
Retreat centres vary enormously in terms of accommodation, meals and facilities so make sure you find somewhere that you feel comfortable with.
Luxury yoga retreats usually offer accommodation in beautiful private rooms with extra facilities like swimming pools, spas, restaurants and on-site yoga studios with unspoilt views.
On budget yoga retreats accommodation may be in shared rooms or dormitories, or even camping. Affordable retreats often offer the use of a shared kitchen and dining space so that you can cook your own meals. This not only helps keep upfront costs low but also creates a homely, sociable atmosphere.
Most wellness retreats will serve healthy, fresh and often organic food, but some only offer vegetarian or vegan dishes and may not serve alcohol at all. sCheck that the food meets your requirements.
Extra Activities
In addition to daily yoga and meditation classes many retreat centres also offer the chance to try other exciting activities like hiking and nature walks, yoga nidra, cooking classes, spa treatments, horse riding, water sports, boat trips and local excursions for a complete holiday package.
Extra activities usually mean extra cost, so decide if you want a pure yoga experience or a broader range of activities and excursions.
Price
You can find some amazingly affordable retreats in Portugal, but always check what’s included. Some budget retreats may not include meals or require an extra payment for spa treatments, excursions, activities and airport transfers. You might find an all inclusive retreat is better value for money.
A short 4 day to 1 week yoga retreat in Portugal will usually cost between €500 – €1000, and luxury retreats are mostly €1000+ for the same length retreat.
Reviews
While some retreats may look amazing it’s vital to check real reviews from previous guests so that you get an idea of what the retreat is really like. Reviews on a retreat’s website or social media pages might not tell the whole story, so check verified guest reviews on an unbiased website like bookyogaretreats or bookretreats before you book.
Read more tips on how to choose a yoga retreat.
I hope this guide has helped you find your ideal yoga retreat in Portugal. If you’re looking for retreats in other destinations check out my other yoga articles. Namaste 🙂
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