Search
Destinations
Activities
8-Day Surf, Yoga and hiking retreat in Portugal
+24 photos
+28 photos
Basubu says
If the sound of relaxing yoga, epic surf and breathtaking hikes excites you, then you might want to sit down for this retreat. Set on Portugal’s paradisiac coastline in the picturesque fishing town of Ericeira, this 8-day surfing and yoga retreat offers fellow shredders and yoga enthusiasts an idyllic reset in nature. Settle into the sun-kissed shores of Ericeira with soothing Yin yoga and plunge into adventure with awe-inspiring clifftop hikes. A renowned surfing destination, guests have unlimited access to all the gear and waves they could want. There’s also the Portuguese tapas and wine night to look forward to!
Hatha Yoga and Yin Yoga
Daily meditation
Afternoon relaxing Yin Yoga
Free time to explore Sintra National Park
45 minute relaxing Ayurveda Massage
Seafood BBQ & grilled vegetarian night with wine
Morning Yoga by the seaside
Unlimited premium surfboard rental
All surfing & yoga equipment provided
Daily meditation classes + 1 semi-private meditation session
Portuguese Tapas and wine night
Imagine waking up to the sound of the sea breeze moving through the trees. Meditating in the morning with a sea view, practicing yoga and hearing nothing but the sounds of sea, sunset awareness hikes with meditation on a beautiful secluded national park beach. It’s just such a great combination in so many ways. Relaxing and feeling balanced is a big part of The Salty Pelican retreat for those who are interested. Hatha Flow yoga is the perfect way to prepare your bodies for the day ahead. Whether it’s through strength, flexibility, or simply just breathing better. Learning how to breathe properly is really important and your bodies will feel more in tune and balanced. While afternoon Yin yoga will bring beautiful balance within your energy systems and a unique sense of calmness you will feel both physically and mentally. Enjoy the special treat and relish the beauty of the magnificent coastline cliffs, as we lead you on a nature hike with awareness and meditation exercises, followed by a sunset picnic on one of the most magical beaches in Portugal. Exploring Portugal's beautiful nature, relax & sleep in a laid back beach retreat, eat well to restore, revive, and feel amazing. The friendly, highly experienced team will help you develop your own yoga practice, take you to the most magical beaches, and create the perfect experience. It will be the perfect week of learning how to practicing yoga, surf, sun... good people... good times and good vibes!
Accommodation
Beach setting
Caters for vegetarian and vegan diets
Spa
Air-conditioned rooms
Barbeque facilities
Environmentally friendly
Garden
Lobby
Luggage room / storage
Multilingual staff
Terrace
Yoga shala
Free Wi-Fi
Library
Tour assistance
Swimming pool (outdoor)
Bar
Dining area
Fireplace
Kitchen
Lounge
Meditation garden
Poolside bar
Yoga deck
Yoga studio
Laundry
Parking lot
You’ve probably heard all about Cascais and Lisbon as digital yogi & surfing nomad destinations, but what about its sexy sister, Ericeira? Just 35 minutes northwest of Lisbon International Airport is Ericeira, a charming fishing town and surfing paradise in Portugal. It’s such a perfect surf spot that it’s actually the first World Surfing Reserve in Europe!
This picturesque and laid-back place of cobbled streets and narrow lanes will steal your heart and maybe that’s the magic of this place…. Just a 5-minute walk from our retreat in Ericeira, you have Praia dos Pescadores, the perfect beach for catching some sun and swimming in the calm protected bay.... Ericeira is the perfect spot to learn how to surf with the whole coastline offering a seemingly endless amount of surf-able waves and ever-changing scenery, culminating in the beachside paradise of Ribeira d'Ilhas beach. If you are dreaming about white sandy beaches and crystal-clear azure blue waters in peaceful surroundings – this might be it! Located just 5 minutes away from The Salty Pelican, here you will find a very nice beach bar creating a more upbeat ambience which is famed for its tasty food & drinks. Aside from the beautiful beach and delicious food, it’s the perfect beach to learn how to surf. Marvel at the unspoilt sand dunes and untamed waves and really enjoy this special paradise with a nice drink, perfect beanbag lounging and some of the most spectacular sunsets on offer in Portugal.
Exploring Ericeira is a voyage of discovery… On the one hand, there are endless amounts of beaches where tall cliffs alternate with small sandy coves and surf beaches that have a distinct chilled surfer vibe about them… Then there’s the joy of discovering the back streets of the town centre where you’ll find hidden whitewashed houses, vegan cafes, lively bars, grilled sardines, specialist coffee shops, cool bars, fusion restaurants, and surfers from all over the world and funky surf shops. You can sit on the terrace of the cosy beach bar with a cup of coffee and a light lunch, feel the ocean breeze on a warm afternoon and do absolutely nothing.
Our proximity to Lisbon, Portugal’s enchanting capital city, is just an easy 40-minute trip away..... Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city. Spend a day or half-day exploring the city, rooftop cafes with wonderful views and end the day in the abundant amount of cosy cool bars, clubs and restaurants that litter the city.
The Unesco heritage town Sintra, just a short 30-minute bus trip away, with its lush nature and beautiful palaces of the Sintra Natural park... Ericeira is a perfect destination for your yoga and surf holiday.
The venue
The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat in Portugal was designed and built very recently.. So you'll find everything new, comfortable, modern, secure and clean. Our retreat has a combination of deluxe spacious shared rooms and private double rooms for up to 40 persons. Most rooms have a private terrace overlooking the pool deck with endless sea views and most rooms with a private ensuite bathroom.
We offer many great design features at our retreat, including a cosy open plan living area, covered communal dining area, swimming pool with relaxing sea views, sea view yoga deck, poolside cafe with an all-day food & drinks menu, indoor yoga shala, cinema room, a wellness centre offering massages and body treatments, sea view sun deck with bean bags & sun loungers to hang about and unwind all day, tourist & tours information desk, laundry room, free WiFi, delicious free buffet breakfast daily, premium FLOWT surfboard range, clean fresh linen and much more.
Our fluent English speaking staff are always ready to answer all your questions. When you want to experience the local culture, we have all the information you will need to visit Ericeira and the best surrounding area sites, including a free local map at check-in. While you're here you can give surfing a go, as we have a diverse collection of surfboards for guest use (*package bookings only) and qualified surf instructors if you prefer a lesson to start.
Our daily yoga & meditation programs are running daily except on Mondays... and be sure to check our wellness centre list of treatments, body scrubs and massages on your arrival. We have established a diverse range of activities which includes our Seafood & Grilled Vegetarian BBQ nights, Portuguese Tapas & Wine nights, Sunset Hike along the cliffs with meditation and a wine lovers vineyard tour and tastings. We guarantee you’ll have a great day every day and really appreciate this experience in Ericeira...
Important note: Check-ins arriving after 10 pm are only accepted with prior notice by email or phone call. Reception closes at 10 pm without prior notice.
Food
The retreat includes a daily buffet-style breakfast. You can also enjoy our twice weekly seafood BBQ and our delicious Portuguese tapas & wine nights. You will also find an all-day menu serving delicious & healthy Portuguese infusion food along with white & red wines, ciders, sangrias, local craft beers, cocktails, including some quick poolside snacks.
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Gluten-Free
- Seafood
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate them to the organiser when making a reservation
Twin Room
Shared villa
Shared dorm
Shared villa
Prices are based on an 8-day, 7-night stay, vary by season and are indicative only. Different lengths of stay are also available. Please enquire for more details
People
Program
Whether you are seeking a wellness break or a more active vacation, you will find the perfect balance at The Salty Pelican Yoga Retreat. You can pick and choose your extra activities. Additional wellness treatments and activities like Ayurveda massages, stand up paddleboarding, awareness hikes with meditation, rock climbing trips, group dinner nights and winery tours & tastings can be booked after your arrival. Create memories of a lifetime and let The Salty Pelican be one of them!
The yoga classes
Yoga is for everyone, you don't need to have any prior experience. We start in the morning with our Hatha Flow yoga with sea views, followed in the late afternoon with our gentle practise of Yin Yoga which focuses on increasing your inner peace, harmony, love and joy. Practising Hatha Flow & Yin yoga will help to harmonize the nervous system, increase your sense of balance with the body & mind and strengthen your lymphatic system.
Traditionally the Yin evening classes are more soft, slow, and restorative to integrate with the day surfing activities and prepare the body for a great rest overnight. Let yourself emerge into a nice flow of your yoga practice. Enjoy breathing, and relax your body, muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints and also your mind.
Sample daily program
- 07:00 Wake up
- 07:30 Hatha flow yoga & meditation
- 09:00 Healthy breakfast buffet
- 10:30 Surf van departs
- 11:00 Surf lesson or Massage
- 12:30 Lunch at the beach
- 13:00 Free time or Massage
- 17:30 Yin Yoga & meditation
- 19:00 Seafood or vegetarian BBQ or other activity
Massages
On the first morning, a schedule is open to make your massage reservations.
Meditation awareness hike and relaxation
Every Monday & Thursday afternoon around 15:00 depending on the time of year, there will be an awareness hike along some beautiful remote cliff tops that surround Ericeira. After we will practice meditation right on the sand with a beautiful sunset, small snacks and wine to finish.... this activity is included in your package and is highly recommended.
Surf lessons are only on 5 days of your 8-day package, giving you plenty of time to relax during the day, swim, have a massage, explore Sintra National Park which is just 25 minutes away, walk around the Ericeira beaches or even discover the narrow streets and hidden restaurants of Ericeira old town. Lisbon city is also just 35 minutes away. It really is the perfect spot here at The Salty Pelican.
Nightly activities
Every evening we try and get all our guests together on our amazing sunset sea view terrace to socialise over a good meal and some nice Portuguese wine, while we enjoy the sun dipping below the horizon. From seafood/vegetarian BBQs with delicious stuffed sea bass to our famous sunset tapas & wine nights and our all-day menu of delicious drinks and food...you are going to love every moment here at The Salty pelican.
Optional activities
The Salty Pelican retreat sits snuggled between the sun-dappled shores of Ericeira and Sintra's dramatic mountain range. To relax, you can always grab a refreshing drink from the bar, or lay back and chill out in one of the poolside sun loungers or beanbags on our beautiful sea view deck, catch some sun while you read a book with some mighty good views.
Beaches
Ericeira is renowned for its glorious stretch of white sandy coves which are simply stunning and for its amazing surf. You can take a stroll on the seaside promenade and discover many beachfront cafes where you can absorb the clean swathes of golden sand with the wide stretch of the Atlantic sweeping past Ericeira.
Ericeira
Exploring Ericeira is a voyage of discovery. On the one hand, there is the original historic area that has a distinct nautical air about it - with its cobbled winding streets leading down to the cosy harbour where the day's fresh catch is still sold by local fishermen in the nearby square.
Ribeira d'Ilhas beach
Marvel at the unspoilt sand dunes and untamed waves at Ribeira d'Ilhas beach - with its perfect waves that attract surfers from all over the world for having some of the best waves in Europe.
Hidden beach of Praia da Ursa
This is an incredible "secret" beach which you can take a beautiful hike down to catch an amazing sunset in Sintra National Park.
Moorish Castle
Right at Sintras highest point, the Moorish Castle offers outstanding views across the mountains and down to the Atlantic.
Nightlife
Ericeira is also a magnet for night owls, providing an eclectic range of evening entertainment that offers everything from pubs, cafes, restaurants, glitzy cocktail lounges, to cosy craft beer bars and to late-night clubbing. We are located just a few minutes' walk from all of the above.
Pena Palace and Park
Many say was the inspiration for Cinderella’s castle in Disney’s magic kingdom.
Quinta da Regaleira Palace
Imagine a place with secret passages, stepping stones, hidden caves and grottos, a library that looks like you're floating in the air, a beautiful chapel and residence - all while being located in one of the most beautiful parks. That would be Quinta da Regaleira, an architectural marvel built at the direction of Portugal's first millionaire and to his exacting specifications. It's really one of the most magical and enchanting places you can visit whilst you're in Ericeira. The bus right near The Salty Pelican takes you there in just a 45-minute bus ride.
Visiting Lisbon and Belem
Lisbon city centre is just an easy 35 minute Uber ride away or a 75-minute bus from The Salty Pelican. It's a great day trip to add to your week here and you can visit Belem also and try one of Portugal's most famous pastel de Belem, a traditional Portuguese custard tart, a treat not to be missed.
Sintra
The whole coastline offers a seemingly endless amount of dramatic and ever-changing scenery, culminating in the extraordinary town of Sintra, the end-of-summer getaway for royals over 100 years ago, and now an official World Heritage Site.
Swimming
Nearby the retreat you have an abundant amount of beautiful beaches, saltwater swimming pools and hidden coves all within very short walking distances.
Other activities:
- Enjoy an Ayurveda at The Salty Pelican
- Enjoy peaceful walks or bike rides along the beautiful seaside
- Chill out, relax on our sea-view terrace deck with a book and some sunshine
- Try your hand at some of the amazing daily activities from awareness hiking, rock climbing and wine tasting tours.
- Take it easy and just lie on one of the many beaches all day, that are all within a very short walk away.
- Taste great Portuguese tapas on our sea view terrace with some wine.
Instructors
Ida
Ida, the in-house yogi goddess from Finland, will help develop muscular strength, stamina, flexibility, balance, and breathing. Ida will bring balance to your body and mind during your morning practice by the sea, so that you build your bodies to be light and strong for the day. She teaches both Ying and Yang yoga along with meditation sessions.
Gabby
Born in England and went to high school in Portugal, at heart, Gabby is a true South African and the beach has always been a great part of her life. She will make sure you are not only progressing with surfing, but that you have a smile on your face the whole time.
Monika
Monika is one of the co-founders of The Salty Pelican and she is also the hostel "mum". She is always happy no matter how bad the day may seem. Monika will always find a way to make you smile and cheer you up. Not only that, she is also a qualified masseuse with over 10 years experience and available everyday to help you relax with a beautiful Ayurveda massage.
Alex
Alex is a qualified surf coach with the Portuguese Surf Federation. He is also a qualified swimming coach. With Alex, you are in safe hands. He is very understanding and patient and will make sure you have a smile on your face, in and out of the water.
Wellington
Pro surfer and amazing surfer, Wellington is great for advanced classes and also great with beginners. A must to watch when he is free surfing. Great to have him and his skills and knowledge at The Salty Pelican.
Tina
Tina is from Germany and she organizes all the SUP activities. She will help you learn to paddle, take you on sunset paddle tours or relax with some SUP-Yoga sessions. The good vibe extends from The Salty Pelican to the beach, its one team with a shared vision on what we offer to our guests to make sure that their overall experience is unique.
Anna
Anna is from the UK, and she will take care of some the yoga classes and SUP yoga classes out on the water. She teaches both Hatha and Yin yoga styles.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation
Cancel up to 1 day in advance for a 86% refund
Changes
You may not change your dates after booking
Covid
No refund if you test positive for Covid
Full refund if you cannot travel due to Covid restrictions
Full refund if the retreat does not take place due to Covid restrictions
Prices are based on an 8-day, 7-night stay, vary by season and are indicative only. Different lengths of stay are also available. Please enquire for more details
People
TAGS: Retreats in EuropeRetreats in PortugalRetreats in LisbonYoga retreatsIntermediate retreatsVegetarian retreatsBeginner-friendly retreatsVegan retreatsRetreats for advanced practitionersYin yoga retreatsHatha yoga retreatsBeach retreatsSurfing retreatsSpring retreatsYoga retreats in EuropeYoga retreats in PortugalYoga retreats in LisbonIntermediate retreats in EuropeIntermediate retreats in PortugalVegetarian retreats in EuropeVegetarian retreats in PortugalBeginner-friendly retreats in EuropeBeginner-friendly retreats in PortugalVegan retreats in EuropeVegan retreats in PortugalRetreats for advanced practitioners in EuropeRetreats for advanced practitioners in PortugalYin yoga retreats in EuropeYin yoga retreats in PortugalHatha yoga retreats in EuropeHatha yoga retreats in PortugalBeach retreats in EuropeBeach retreats in PortugalSurfing retreats in EuropeSurfing retreats in PortugalSurfing retreats in LisbonSpring retreats in EuropeSpring retreats in PortugalIntermediate yoga retreatsVegetarian yoga retreatsBeginner yoga retreatsVegan yoga retreatsAdvanced yoga retreatsBeach yoga retreatsYoga and surfing retreatsSpring yoga retreatsSpring surfing retreatsIntermediate yoga retreats in EuropeVegetarian yoga retreats in EuropeBeginner yoga retreats in EuropeVegan yoga retreats in EuropeAdvanced yoga retreats in EuropeBeach yoga retreats in EuropeYoga and surfing retreats in EuropeSpring yoga retreats in EuropeIntermediate yoga retreats in PortugalVegetarian yoga retreats in PortugalBeginner yoga retreats in PortugalVegan yoga retreats in PortugalAdvanced yoga retreats in PortugalBeach yoga retreats in PortugalYoga and surfing retreats in PortugalSpring yoga retreats in PortugalSpring surfing retreats in EuropeSpring surfing retreats in Portugal
You won't be charged yet
