Yogis visiting Greece will be pleased to hear that this beautiful country in southeastern Europe is home to many fabulous yoga retreats suitable for all levels of yoga practitioners.
Whether you are searching for beachfront wellness centers positioned inside Mykonos luxury villas or wish to stay at retreats with 5-star facilities in mainland Greece, there are so many incredible yoga retreats in Greece to choose from. This guide covers everything from when to go on a wellness vacation to a list of the best luxury yoga retreats in Greece.
Why Greece Is a Top Wellness Destination
Warm year-round sunshine and gorgeous beaches with perfect sunset views make Greece one of the best wellness destinations in Europe. If you want to escape from the daily grind and reconnect with your body and soul through different physical postures and breathing techniques, a visit to a yoga retreat in Greece might just be what you need.
Best Times of Year for Yoga Retreats
As for the best time to book a trip to a yoga retreat in Greece, it depends on what you are after. For instance, if you don’t mind the crowds and high temperatures, catch a flight to Greece in the summer. Visiting Greece in spring and early fall is also a good option. During this time of year, the weather is still nice, there are fewer people around, and you can get more affordable rates.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Retreat
It is also important to choose the right location for your yoga retreat in Greece. If you wish to go swimming, I suggest staying on one of the Greek islands. The good news is that some of the best yoga retreats in the country are located on islands such as Crete, Paros, and Santorini.
Travelers who prefer mountainous or rural regions can book their stay at countryside yoga retreats. There is also the option of booking a yoga retreat in cultural hotspots such as Athens and Thessaloniki.
Top Greek Islands for Yoga Retreats
Santorini
With its whitewashed houses, majestic cliffs, and fine dining establishments, the island of Santorini is an ideal destination for couples who wish to book a yoga retreat.
Corfu
On the island of Corfu, you will find many awesome yoga retreats. The island is quite large, and there are so many fun things to do, from exploring the ruins and discovering museums to spending some quality time on the beach after your yoga sessions. If you are looking for accommodation, you will find everything from 5-star hotels and posh resorts to boutique villa rentals in Corfu.
Paros
This Greek island is home to a large yogi community. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that many travelers who are into yoga choose Paros for their vacation. The island has pretty much everything you need, from traditional fishing villages packed with gorgeous Paros villas for rent to some of the best beaches in the region. For a day trip, I recommend hopping on a boat to the nearby island of Antiparos, where you will find a beautiful Venetian Castle, a Cycladic Art Museum, a stunning cave with stalactites and stalagmites, and many fantastic Antiparos villa rentals.
Mainland Retreat Destinations
Thessaloniki
If you prefer mainland Greece for your yoga retreat vacation, go to Thessaloniki. Here, you will find many wellness centers that focus more on emotional healing and detox. Pajna Shala and Ashtanga Yoga Thessaloniki first come to mind.
Athens
While Athens is the capital of Greece and a major urban hub, it still has a reputation for being a popular destination for a wellness vacation. From boutique studios offering walk-in yoga classes to wellness retreats with healing workshops, there is so much to choose from. Some of my favorite yoga spots in Athens include Zen Center Athens, Yoga Mama, and Swaha Yoga Center.
Types of Yoga Practiced at Retreats
In Greece, yoga retreats cater to yogis of different levels. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced yogi, there is a place for everyone. There are many types of yoga practiced at retreats in Greece, from the popular Hatha yoga that reduces stress and Vinyasa that caters to more active practitioners to Power Yoga and different meditation-based practices.
Luxury Yoga Retreats in Greece
Just Relax Yoga (Corfu)
Nestled on the beach of Acharavi in Corfu, Just Relax Yoga is a wonderful retreat that offers a great combo of relaxation, connection to nature, and self-discovery. Here, you will find everything from 5-star facilities and delicious meals to yoga sessions with Hara and Dina and massages. The location is phenomenal; walk out the gate to be right on the beach with the most beautiful sunset over the water. You can also ride the provided bikes to explore the island.
INEA YOGA School and Retreat Center (Corfu)
A place of warmth and an open environment among like-minded people, INEA YOGA School and Retreat Center is one of the most popular wellness centers on the island of Corfu. Book a 1-week yogi stay and enjoy Well-structured activities, tasty food, and nice accommodation. The yoga schedule here is perfect, from 8 am meditation, 9 am yoga practice, and 10 am brunch to an afternoon yoga practice and workshop that usually starts at 4 pm. The schedule here is a bit intense, but all activities are optional, and no one judges you if you decide not to join the group or the class.
Anandamaya Retreats (Evia)
Nestled on a hilltop in Evia, this fabulous holistic wellness resort is known for its majestic sea views, activities like hiking and stand-up paddling, and many yoga sessions. Konstantinos and Penelope are awesome hosts, always more than happy to accommodate guests and show them around the island. In addition to yoga, guests can enjoy everything from feasting on healthy foods to enjoying therapeutic massages and going horseback riding on the beach.
Sky Hut Retreats (Rovies)
Go to Rovies, where you will find the majestic Sky Hut Retreats. This is an all-around place that offers pretty much everything from yoga sessions and dance classes to creative workshops, massages, and existing excursions. You can look forward to a mix of meditation, calisthenics, and yoga led by skilled instructors. The house overlooks the sea, offering stunning views that set the perfect tone for relaxation. Detox meals are inspiring and thoughtful, made from fresh, plant-based ingredients.
Zen Rocks Mani (Mani Peninsula)
Zen Rocks Mani is a 5-star resort that hosts yoga retreats throughout the year. With majestic views of the sea from luxurious suites, access to a wonderful spa center complete with a hammam and Jacuzzi, and a wide range of detox programs, Zen Rocks is definitely one of the best places to go on a yoga vacation in the country.