The Best Surf and Yoga Retreats in Portugal for 2024

Portugal is one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and is quickly becoming one of the best yoga travel destinations in the world. Portugal boasts historic cities, a stunning coastline, the best surf in Europe and a rapidly growing yoga and wellness scene. So it’s no wonder surf and yoga retreats in Portugal are becoming so popular.

There’s so many great places for surfing and yoga in Portugal, from the sunny beaches of the Algarve to the picturesque seaside towns near Lisbon and you’ll find some of the world’s biggest waves all the way up the Atlantic Coast to charming Porto in the North.

Luckily there are waves suitable for all levels and so beginner surfers and yogis will find plenty of surf camps and yoga retreats in Portugal with experienced and passionate instructors where you can learn in a fun and safe environment. But you need to do a bit of research into the different areas and retreats to find a surf and yoga holiday that suits your level of experience. That’s where this post comes in!

A Guide to the Best Surf and Yoga Retreats in Portugal

In this guide we will explain why surf and yoga holidays in Portugal are such an incredible experience, find out the top destinations to head to and give our recommendations for the best retreats.

Most of them are beginner friendly perfect for learning to surf and improving your yoga practice while basking in the sun and stunning landscapes of Portugal!

(By the way – If you’re not interested in surfing check out this post on pure yoga retreats in Portugal.)

Reasons to take a Yoga and Surf Holiday in Portugal

Yoga and surfing are a great combination. Yoga improves your flexibility, soothes sore muscles, and enhances your balance, all of which are also essential for catching waves. Surfing can be a thrilling, meditative and humbling experience, which all compliment yoga practice and make for a fun, active and refreshing holiday.

So why not combine the two into a surf and yoga retreat!? You’ll find surf and yoga holidays in many parts of the world, including Bali and Costa Rica, but Spain and Portugal are the best place in Europe for this fusion given it’s extraordinary surf breaks.

Here’s just a few reasons why surf camps and yoga retreats in Portugal are so popular:

World-class surf spots – Portugal has hands down the best surf in Europe. On the Atlantic Coast not far from Lisbon you’ll find Peniche and Ericeira, two surf towns in Portugal that are famous worldwide with breaks and surf camps for all levels where you can catch waves and enjoy outdoor yoga with the sand between your toes.

Peniche is famous as the home of Supertubos, a beach break that hosts the World Surf League’s Championship Tour every year. While Ericeira boasts Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve and a charming historic fishing town. You can also take a trip to Nazarre to marvel at the massive waves which are some of the biggest in the whole world!

Stunning nature – From the blissful national parks in Sintra and the majestic rugged cliffs of the Algarve, there are many scenic and incredibly peaceful spots to enjoy a Portugal yoga retreat or yoga teacher training. The laid-back vibe is also perfect for relaxing and unwinding during surf camps.

Idyllic climate – Spring to Autumn in Portugal is blissful, with blue skies, abundant sunshine and warm temperatures. Many parts of the country also have mild winters, so outdoor activities like hiking are available all year round. As Portugal is on a the Atlantic Coast the water temperatures are quite cool so you will need a wet suit but most retreats provide these along with all the equipment.

Affordable and safe – Portugal is also one of the safest and most affordable countries in Western Europe so your money will go further here. Traveling around Portugal is safe, easy and affordable, even for solo female travellers and there’s plenty to see. Why not combine your surf and yoga retreat in Portugal with a few days exploring Lisbon or Porto, some of Europe’s most unique and charming historic cities.

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The Best Places for a Surf and Yoga Holiday in Portugal

So where can you find the best surf and yoga retreats in Portugal? While there might not be many yoga retreats in Lisbon itself the country is quite compact with many beautiful places to explore and most places are within easy reach of Lisbon.

Here are six wonderful places to surf and practice yoga in Portugal to inspire you:

Cascais – This coastal resort town is located just an hour on the train west of Lisbon, making it easy for international visitors to reach. Its charming old town and marina is full of history, while its sandy beaches are suitable for surfing, yoga, sunset walks, and of course, topping up your tan! It’s the best choice for a surf and yoga retreat near Lisbon.

Sintra – This old town, located 27km from Lisbon, is famed for its 19th-century Romanticism architecture and vast national park. From whimsical palaces and hilltop castles to dramatic mountain landscapes, it truly feels like you’re in a fairytale when you’re in Sintra and it’s home to some of the best yoga retreats in Portugal. Plus you can easily visit Lisbon for a day trip.

Ericeira – Among the most famous locations for surf camps in Portugal, this picturesque blue and white historic seaside town near Lisbon is home to Europe’s first World Surf Reserve and is the perfect place to combine surfing and yoga with exploring one of Portugal’s most beautiful old fishing towns. This is one of our favorite places in Portugal – check out our dedicated article on the best surf and yoga retreats in Ericeira here.

Peniche – Not only is Peniche one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal, but it’s also one of the most adored spots for surf or SUP lessons with long sandy Atlantic beaches and everything from beginner friendly beach breaks to championship worthy waves. You can also explore the fortress, take a day trip to the Berlengas islands nature reserve or to Obidos, the most beautiful medieval town in Portugal.

Porto – Portugal’s second city, the medieval city of Porto, located on the Douro River in northern Portugal, is a must-visit for anyone who loves history and wants to experience authentic Portuguese culture and cuisine. Explore the UNESCO world heritage listed historic centre, taste port wine and explore the Douro Valley while staying at a surf camp or yoga retreat nearby.

Algarve – The southernmost stretch of Portugal, known as the Algarve, is full of beautiful beaches with hidden coves, dramatic cliffs and stunning rock formations. The Algarve has the warmest climate, some of the best waves for surfing and is one of the most popular places for surf and yoga retreats in Portugal. You can also explore vibrant, historic cities like Lagos and Faro and hike across the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.

The Best Surf and Yoga Retreats near Lisbon – Cascais and Sintra:

There’s not many yoga retreats in Lisbon itself but the seaside resort of Cascais is located less than a hour by train from Lisbon city center and offers beautiful architecture and beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere perfect for a surf and yoga holiday.

Sintra is another good option where you can practice yoga amidst the unique nature of Sintra National Park, surf at nearby beaches and explore some of the most colorful and flamboyant palaces in Portugal. You can easily take a day trip to explore the highlights Lisbon before relaxing back to your serene retreat for the best of both worlds.

The Best Yoga and Surf Camps in Ericeira

The Best Yoga Retreats and Surf Camps in Peniche

The Best Yoga and Surf Camps near Porto – Northern Portugal

The Best Surf and Yoga Retreats in the Algarve – Southern Portugal

Tips for Planning Your Surf and Yoga Trip to Portugal

Portugal is an easy, safe and affordable country to visit, even for solo female travellers, in fact many surf and yoga retreats in Portugal are ideal for solo travelers.

Whether you come with friends, family or solo, here’s a few tips to help you plan your trip to Portugal.

Tips for Getting to Portugal and Getting Around

If you’re flying into Portugal from outside Europe you’ll most likely fly into Lisbon, but Porto in the North and Faro in the Algarve, also have international airports with budget airlines that connect to the rest of Europe. Check Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.

Lisbon’s airport is well connected to the capital city by metro line, buses and taxis including Uber are also available. Ask your retreat organiser if they provide airport transfers, as some do as part of the package. If not, don’t worry as Portugal has a great modern bus network and most places in Portugal are within quick and easy reach by bus or train from Lisbon. The Rede Expressos buses are the most comfortable.

Best Time for a Surf and Yoga Holiday in Portugal

The best time to visit Portugal for most surf and yoga retreats is between April – October, although if you’re an experienced surfer you might be tempted by the larger swells in Winter.

Beginner surfers though will find the waves in the summer easier to handle and the weather is sunny and warm perfect for sightseeing, beach days and practicing yoga outside.

Ensure you have good travel insurance covering all the activities you plan to do on a surf and yoga retreat in Portugal, including yoga, surfing, hiking and water sports.

Finally, always check the reviews on BookYogaRetreats before you commit to any yoga, surf or wellness retreat in Portugal.

I hope this article has helped you find your ideal surf and yoga retreat in Portugal. You might also like our other articles on the best surf and yoga retreats in Bali, or tips on how to choose a yoga retreat, a guide to the best yoga mats for travel, and also our quick and easy yoga retreat packing list to help you prepare for your holiday.