8-Day Mountain Yoga & Hiking Escape in Portugal's Peneda-Gerês National Park

The retreat is based in the hamlet of João Alvo, part of the historic village of Castro Laboreiro, in the northwest corner of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. This is a traditional granite mountain settlement, not a purpose-built retreat center. The Ecotura Nature Resort occupies a cluster of restored stone houses with thick walls, wooden beams, and original features kept intact. The atmosphere is rustic and authentic rather than polished—guests often comment on the beauty and character of the buildings, the large yard, and the yoga studio set among the houses.

The program is structured around a simple daily rhythm. Each morning begins with a 90-minute yoga session in the studio—usually a Hatha or Vinyasa Flow class that builds body awareness and warms up the muscles for the day's activity. Breakfast is served at a communal table, with homemade bread, local cheeses, fresh eggs, and seasonal fruit. After breakfast, the group sets off on a walk, guided by Anabela herself, who knows the mountain trails intimately. She points out wolf orchids, bird nests, and the best spots for a swim, and shares stories about the region's history—the shepherd's paths, the border castles, and the people who lived here for generations.

The walks range from half-day rambles through valleys and along rivers to full-day hikes up to the high plateaus and the peaks around Castro Laboreiro. The climbing is nearly always moderate, though some days involve several hours on foot. There's no pressure to keep up; the group moves at a pace that suits everyone, with breaks for water, photos, and silence. In the afternoons, after lunch and rest, there's often an optional walk or free time to explore the village, read by the (rare) fire, or take a dip in the river. Twice a day through the week, there's also a short meditation or pranayama session.

The retreat includes a cooking class on one afternoon, where you'll learn to make a few vegetarian Portuguese dishes from the region. On the fifth day, the group climbs to the medieval castle of Castro Laboreiro, walks across the old Roman bridge, and visits the local museum. Other days might include a visit to the national park's visitor center to learn about the local flora and fauna. The week ends with a farewell dinner on the last night.

Anabela, who has been teaching yoga for over two decades, is the heart of the retreat. She's qualified in Vinyasa, Meditation & Mindfulness, Yoga for Athletes, and Nutrition, as well as being a certified Stretching Coach. She also runs the guest house and does a lot of the gardening and cooking herself. Her approach is practical and down-to-earth—she's more interested in guests feeling comfortable in their bodies and moving in nature than in perfecting their downward dog.

What's included

- 7 nights accommodation in a private room with bathroom - 3 daily organic vegetarian meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) - Daily yoga classes (2 per day on most days) - Daily meditation and pranayama sessions - Daily guided hikes (half-day and full-day) - Cooking class (vegetarian) - Visit to the Castro Laboreiro castle and museum - Visit to the national park visitor center - Water, tea, and coffee throughout the day - Pre- and post-retreat support from your host - Luggage storage - Wi-Fi in main house - Free parking

What's not included

- Flights to/from Porto (OPO) - Airport transfers (€125 per person, paid locally) - Travel insurance - Visa fees (if applicable) - Optional private yoga class (€40) - Additional activities not listed in the itinerary - Extra treatments or services not mentioned