5-Day Silent Walking and Meditation Retreat in the Valencian Countryside

The structure is simple: silent walking and seated meditation, alternating through the day, with meals in between. Walks go through tree-lined valleys, open fields and rougher hills that give panoramic views of the Valencian region. You walk as a group but without talking, and the pace is set so that anyone who can walk for a couple of hours can keep up.

Seated sessions are held outside when weather permits, in quiet groves or meadows. Guidance is offered for all levels, so complete beginners sit alongside people with an established practice. The instruction leans towards ease and self-compassion rather than effort or achievement.

The waterfall visit is the standout excursion of the week. You can swim, stand under the falling water, or just sit and listen. It breaks up the walking days and gives the silence a different texture.

What separates this from a standard silent meditation retreat is how much of it happens on your feet and outdoors. If sitting cross-legged for hours is not your thing, the walking carries much of the practice here. The landscape does a lot of the work — valleys, fields, hills and water rather than a meditation hall.

The retreat is led by Ellen van Iersel, who is based in Spain. The wider facilitator team is confirmed before your stay, so ask who will be guiding your particular dates if that matters to you.

What's included

- 5-day guided meditation and silent walking programme - Accommodation at Agradezco (shared twin or private room, per package) - Seated meditation sessions, outdoors when weather permits - Daily guided silent walks through valleys, fields and hills - Waterfall visit with time to swim or stand beneath the water - Meals tailored to the group, including dietary needs (confirm at booking)

What's not included

- Travel to and from the retreat - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Optional upgrades (ask the leader what can be added)