Find the Best Meditation Retreats in Portugal
Expect:
What are the most popular meditation retreats in Portugal?
Hidden in the hills and stretched out on the sun-kissed shores, you’ll find an array of
spiritual retreats designed to help travellers regain their bearings and balance in life.
Unlike a
yoga holiday, a meditation retreat places a greater emphasis on healing and reconnection. Many wellness seekers trek to Portugal to find
mindfulness while others go to cleanse the mind and body on a
wellness or
detox getaway.
For
solo practitioners, there are
silent meditation retreats. These are designed to purge the mind of negative thoughts and lead guests on a healthier path with a nutritionally balanced diet and various detox treatments.
The ultimate guide to meditation retreats in Portugal
With charming seaside towns, sun-dappled shores and colour cliff edges, Portugal is usually the first place peace seekers look for rest and relaxation.
And while
Spain and
Greece are equally as breathtaking, there’s something about Portugal that attracts yogis year after year.
Perhaps it’s Portugal’s untamed natural beauty, or maybe it’s the delicious local cuisine bursting with flavour and rich aromas.
Why not find out for yourself with our simple guide to spiritual retreats in Portugal.
Best places for a meditation getaway
Portugal is a haven for surfers and sun worshipers alike.
Only a stone's throw away from the airport, travellers can traverse the cobbled streets of
Faro and enjoy morning meditation on its many beautiful beaches.
Here, surfers can grab their boards and ride the crisp breaks of
Peniche, or if you're more of a landlubber, enjoy daily yoga and meditation on the renowned beaches that call this coast home.
Lisbon is the country’s capital, promising an authentic Portuguese experience.
Here, practitioners can tour historic monasteries, surface peace on a wellness holiday or sample the country's delicious cuisine at the local food markets.
When to visit Portugal
Portugal features warm, sunny days for most of the year.
In summer, yogis and nature lovers can practise meditation on the sun-baked beaches or cool down with a private surf lesson.
Be warned that summer is the peak season (June to September) in Portugal, so if you’re not a fan of crowded beaches and cafes, you might want to visit in spring or autumn.
During these seasons, you can spend your days meditating in the warm sun without having to worry about a nasty burn or hoards of tourists.
In wintertime, the surfers come out to play.
From December to February, the Atlantic serves up some serious breaks which can reach up to 4 metres high. Spring is better for beginner surfers as the waves are sizable but gentle.
Portugal travel tips
Travelling in Portugal couldn’t be easier.
Portugal's trains are fast and affordable for those on a
budget. Whether travelling from Lisbon to Faro or in and around Porto, there are several lines to choose from that interlink major cities and local hotspots.
Buses are usually a bit faster. So, if you’re only visiting for a
weekend or have a jam-packed schedule, this might be the best option.
For the more intrepid travellers, there are moped rentals. These are fairly easy to drive and give you the freedom to tour quiet areas at your own pace.
Top attractions in Portugal
Regardless if you're visiting for a month or just a weekend, a trip to Portugal isn't complete without seeing one of these top attractions.
- Explore the vibrant Pena Palace in Sintra
- Soak up Falesia beach in Albufeira and its tawny cliff edges
- Wander the boulder peppered streets of Monsanto Village
- Marvel at Benagil's otherworldly sea caves
- Walk the intricate stairs of Bom Jesus
Regain balance on a meditation holiday in Portugal
Portugal is a haven for peace seekers or yogis looking to take their practice to the next level.
If you're not sure where to begin your search, try
Basubu.
Choose from an array of yoga styles, outdoor activities and meditation centres in Portugal, and tailor your trip to your every desire.