Yoga in the Algarve: the complete guide

Yoga is considered to have many positive effects on living a healthy and balanced life. Every year, people from all walks of life come to the Algarve to practice yoga. Catering to every type of yoga practioners’ need, we have listed:

• Yoga studios in the Algarve, where you can drop in for a one time class on your holiday;
• Yoga holiday retreats in the Algarve, for a week of full focus on mind and body;
• Hotels in the Algarve that offer yoga classes.

After reading this article, you will know all the practical things about yoga in the Algarve.

The Algarve: a yoga paradise

One of the best places for practising yoga in Europe is the Algarve. The Algarve offers the perfect conditions to practise yoga. The quality of life in the Algarve is very high. The lifestyle is relaxed, outdoors and active. Also, Portugal is one of the safest places in the world. There are many passionate yoga lovers that live and work in the Algarve. In this one of a kind part in the world, you can find beautiful beaches, amazing mountains and picturesque towns. The Algarve is blessed with a mild climate and fascinating flora and fauna. It is a true joy to become one with nature here. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, the Algarve is the ideal destination to practice yoga all year round.

Yoga studios in the Algarve

There are many yoga studios where you can join a class on your holiday in the Algarve. Our favourites are:

• At the Lulushanti Yoga Studio in Albufeira you can drop in on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
• At Yoga & Pilates Algarve in Loulé you can drop in on Wednesday morning. Prices are € 10 for drop ins.
• Algarve Yoga teaches yoga classes every Tuesday morning in Monte Rosa in Barão Sao João. Prices are € 10 for drop ins.

Yoga retreats in the Algarve

There are countless yoga retreats in Portugal, and especially in the Algarve. During a yoga retreat you will focus on practising yoga. You will have the opportunity to reconnect with yourself without all of the distractions of life. Most yoga retreats last for a week, but you can find longer or shorter ones as well. Below you can find our favourite yoga retreats in the Algarve.

Intimate yoga detox retreat with Lauren

Enjoying the abundance of nature and life. That is the mantra of the yoga retreats of Lauren Manning. Yogi Lauren organizes yoga detox retreats & holidays in the Algarve for more than 15 years. If you are looking for the real deal, this is your answer. The ultimate yoga holiday combines healthy eating and detox with yoga, meditation and holistic therapies in one of the finest places Mother Nature can offer.

A day involves two yoga classes, meditation sessions, talks on yoga philosophy and time to relax. There are four different types of retreats that you can select. You can choose to combine your yoga holiday with surfing or have a holiday that focuses more on dieting or detox. The standard yoga holiday is held in a typical Portuguese farm called a quinta in the hills of Figueira in the West of the Algarve. Prices start at € 760 for a week in July and August. You can book your yoga retreat here.

Blissful yoga at One Life Lodge

One Life Lodge is the perfect location for your ultimate yoga holiday. You will stay in a gorgeous boutique villa that overlooks the magnificent ocean. Every morning starts with an one hour yoga session of Ashtanga Vinyasa, Yin or Hatha, followed by a delicous breakfast buffet. In the afternoon you can go for a hike or make use of the mountain bikes to explore the marvelous surroundings. Would you like to combine land with the ocean? One Life Lodge also offers Yoga & Surf travels. If you select this active package, your yoga class is followed by 3 hours of surf lessons every day.

The yoga retreat is owned by a Dutch couple and welcomes guests from all over the world. One Life Lodge is located in Burgau, in between the popular cities of Lagos and Sagres. It takes an hour drive from Faro Airport. In the mid and high season, there is a minimum stay of 6 nights and prices start at € 665 for a week. You can book your yoga retreat here.

Wolfs Yoga retreats

At the Wolfs Yoga Retreat in Costa Vicentina National Park, you can choose between two yoga programs that suit your interests. There is the Yin, Yang & Mindfulness retreat and there is the Ashtanga Yoga Retreat. Both retreats last 6 nights, where you will focus on a deeper yoga experience. Every day, the program consists of yoga, meditation and workshops. The meals are vegetarian. In this rugged and untouched part of the Algarve, you will balance between dynamic yoga flows and deep relaxation. You will sleep in a villa with a refreshing swimming pool and a lovely garden. The retreat welcomes everyone, from beginners to advanced yoga practioners. Prices start at € 895 for a week. You can book your yoga retreat here.

Meka Yoga

In the magnificent Costa Vicentina National Park you can experience the Life Awareness Yoga retreats from Meka Yoga. A yoga retreat of Meka Yoga is the perfect holiday to train your mind and body. You will have two yoga classes a day which are guided by yogi’s who were all schooled in India. In the South West of Portugal, the nature consists of white empty beaches that are backed by impressive steep cliffs along the rough coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. At Meka Yoga, the aim is to help you reconnect, rediscover, and recreate your life.

The dynamic morning yoga and relaxing evening yoga sessions are combined with theory and meditation training. In between sessions you can soak in the environment by going for a stroll or take surf lessons. If you prefer to keep it as low key as possible, you can also choose to read a book next to the pool in the shade of an orange tree. Moreover, healthy nutrition is central and prepared with love. The meals are vegetarian, mostly vegan and made with organic and local ingredients. Prices start at € 790 for a 6 night stay and discounts apply if you book in advance. You can book your yoga retreat here.

All levels yoga retreat at Casa di Yoga

Laura and Lara from Casa di Yoga, organize all levels yoga retreats for people who want to learn to slow down and live the good life. In May and September every year, the Yoga holiday of Casa di Yoga takes place in Olhão. You will stay in a luxurious private townhouse with like minded people, where you will be served excellent food three times a day. Every day you will practice Vinyasa and Yin yoga, including pranayama and meditation. Prices start at € 1180 for a 5 night stay. Another option they offer is a yoga retreat in Aljezur, where you will stay in a country house right in the heart of the Costa Vicentina Nature Park. Prices start at € 795 for a 5 nights stay. You can book your yoga retreat at Casa di Yoga here.

Pure Flow Motions

The Yoga retreats from Pure Flow Motions are organized by an international group of 4 friends who have a joined love for the beautiful national park of Costa Vicentina and love to live a healthy live. During this week you will train your mind and body intensively by practising yoga, meditation, and QiGong every day. QiGong is an ancient Chinese method of meditation. The yoga styles that you will practice are Iyengar, Yin, Shivananda and mindfulness.

You will stay in a luxury 4 star design hotel in Sagres with views over the Atlantic Ocean. During your stay you can make use of the wellness centre with Turkish bath, sauna and an heated indoor pool. Prices start at € 999 for a week. The retreats take place from April until November. You can book your yoga retreat here.

If you are like us and you don’t like using public yoga mats, then don’t forget to bring your own yoga mat to your yoga trip in the Algarve. Don’t want to carry your heavy rolled up yoga mat? There are many lightweight foldable yoga mats that are perfect for travel. We recommend this beautiful eco-friendly yoga mat that you can fold easily into its bag. Start packing for your yoga holiday in the Algarve!

 

Yoga at your hotel

In the Algarve there are several luxury hotel resorts that focus around wellness, relaxation and yoga. Our favourite hotels that offer yoga classes are:

Conrad Algarve Hotel

The 5 star Conrad Algarve Hotel in the luxurious town resort of Quinta do Lago has a fitness centre where you can attend yoga classes on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The landscape of Quinta do Lago is made up of dunes, pines and beaches. It is also home to one of the best golf courses in the world. Book your yoga holiday here.

Epic Sana hotel

The 5 star Epic Sana hotel near Praia da Falésia has a spa of 1500 m2, including a yoga studio. Praia da Falésia is one of the most beautiful beaches of Portugal. It is also possible to book a Yoga retreat here that includes yoga every day, massages and meditation workshops. Book your yoga resort here.

Monchique Resort & Spa

The 5 star Monchique Resort & Spa is based in one of the most stunning areas of the Algarve. The Monchique mountains are the home of thermal springs that have been discovered by the Romans and beloved ever since. Crystal clean water flows down at 31 degrees Celsius here and is believed to have healing powers. It truly is a magical place that almost feels sacred. At this world-class resort you can attend Yoga Flow or Vinyasa Yoga every day. You can combine these classes with pilates and mindfulness.

After an active day you can have the ultimate relaxation at the wellness centre, which offers an extensive range of luxurious spa treatments. The Monchique Resort is a 1 hour drive from Faro and a 30 minute drive to the beaches of Portimão. Despite being a 5 star accommodation, room rates start at € 100 a night, including breakfast. Book your yoga holiday here.