Ecotura, Portugal

Anabela is your host. She a journalist and a yoga teacher with a passion for yoga, well-being, nutrition, environment, nature conservation, botany and horses. About 20 years ago she fell in love with Peneda Gerês and decided to create Ecotura which provides nature holidays and retreats with yoga, hiking, running and horseback riding in the Peneda Gerês National Park. Anabela is also a certified yoga teacher with advanced certifications in Vinyasa, Yoga for athletes, meditation and mindfulness and nutrition.

Nina Poth

from Germany, December 2024

"Amazing time in a amazing place"

Even as a complete beginner in both yoga and riding Anabela managed to give me such a valuable week and looked out for all my individual needs and weaknesses. I improved quite a bit and yoga and riding because of her calm and safe way of helping me along.

The food was very tasty and nourishing!

Dede, my horse for the week, was steady and trustful and well feed. And he was very confident walking up and down the plateau.

Thank you so much Anabela for this week. I will cherish it for a long time!

Anonymous

from Germany, November 2024

"Erholung pur"

Anabela ist sehr auf meine Bedürfnisse eingegangen, egal ob beim Yoga (viele hilfreiche Tipps zusätzlich) oder beim Wandern (war zudem sehr informativ) und das Essen hat wirklich sehr gut geschmeckt. Der Transfer hat ebenfalls gut geklappt.

Alles in allem eine sehr schöne Umgebung, nette Menschen und Tiere und absolut erfrischend, aufbauend und erholsam.

Danke :))

Nicola Hornsby

from United Kingdom, November 2024

"Wonderful stay"

What a wonderful stay! Stunning location. The accomodation was of a very high standard. The Portuguese National Park really is a special place. Anabela was a knowledgeable and experienced guide. Her yoga classes were pitched just right and combined so well with the walks. The food was healthy and excellent, along with some very tasty desserts, all crafted by Anabela. Autumn was a beautiful time to visit. An easy place to relax and unwind and feel in safe hands.

Anonymous

from Portugal, October 2024

"A secret gem among all retreats"

This retreat was exactly what I was looking for: a time to breath, calm down, get in touch with nature and myself. Anabela is the most kind person and made my stay unforgetable. She is also a magician in the kitchen and knows the best hikes to discover the stunning beauty of the nature park Geres. I did not know any Yoga but she was a patient teacher that made me enjoy this new experience and integrate it into my daily routine. The accomodation are beautiful stone houses in the countryside that are filled with carefully chosen wooden furniture to give a cozy but yet also elegant feeling. I will for sure come back. Thank you Anabela, I wish you all the best.

Patrícia Nascimento

from Portugal, September 2024

"Amazing Yoga Retreat in Peneda-Gerês"

The positive energy of the place, the calm setting among nature, the knowledge of the instructor Anabela that guided us through mountain trails with breathtaking views and that explained us the history of the different towns.

The food was homemade by Anabela and it was both delicious and healthy, always tending to the needs of each client. Each meal was a pleasant surprise with dishes prepared in an innovative way!

The accommodation was in a renovated farmhouse that matched the architecture and design of the area, blending in perfectly with its blocks of granite.

The yoga classes were adapted to the yoga proficiency of each client, making them quite personalized sessions!

Anabela is a superb host in every way, making us feel at home, organizing each day according to our preferences, being our friend and sharing stories about life.

One can be sure that in this retreat you will be able to bond with your inner self, calm your mind and lose your sense of self in the grandeur of the landscape of the National Park Peneda-Gerês.

If you love hiking through mountains, climbing down valleys, relaxing with a yoga practice, learning about the history of a place, visiting museums and eating lovely homemade food, then in this retreat you will find what you need.

Brenda Carey

from United Kingdom, September 2024

"Yoga and walking trails. "

The atmosphere was excellent. Peaceful and calm. Anabela made you feel welcome. Any problems, she sorted them quickly. Her cooking was delicious. Yoga classes were excellent and she suggested and helped with positions that were difficult for you. If you chose not to go on a walk you could peacefully read a book or just relax.

Anonymous

from United States, September 2024

"Spectacular Riding - Exceptional Guides and Wonderful Horses"

Pedro and his daughter Mariana are exceptional trail guides and highly skilled, knowledgeable, and compassionate care-givers for horses. They have similar high quality skills in relating to people and matching them to the best horse. With Pedro and Mariana, both you and the horses are cared for and included in a kind, loving, respectful family. They also have a great sense of humor. Home-cooked delicious meals, even on picnics, are shared with them with great conversations. We also had an evening meal at a restaurant. The horses are superb, beautiful, well-schooled, and happy with their outings, after which they have a brief vacation. They are elegant, kind, gentle, bold, and powerful, for advanced riders not beginners. The rides themselves are spectacular with several herds of wild horses - on high plateaus or in beautiful pine forests . And Ecotura really does include long rides. The first day, a guided visit at a museum gave us a topographical and ecological context of where we would be riding. The stone building lodgings are clean and spacious, and situated in a tranquil valley frequented by the sights and sounds of a herd of wild horses. The schedule is relaxed yet full, with opportunities to enjoy not only the rides, but also the peaceful location, and have some quiet self-time. On hot days, we could walk from the lodging past an old Roman bridge and swim in a river. I wouldn't change a thing except to stay longer.

Simone Di Gallo

from Switzerland, September 2024

"A very interesting and pleasent week out in beautiful nature"

I learned in a small group to treat, care and ride horses in a respectful way, Pedros teaching was very helpful to overcome the fear of a beginners-rider, we spent a wonderful week out in the beauty of the national park. The hospitality was family-like.

Karin Jenny

from Switzerland, September 2024

"Pure bliss🐎💛"

Pedro, our instructor loves what he is doing. Also always going an extra mile for his "students". Everyday we were enjoying how he was treating his horses with great respect as well as us as his beginner riding "students". His profound knowledge, experience, didactic skills and great personality were helping us in an outstanding

way to get confident with horses and to learn in a iprecise way how to treat and handle a horse. Very high quality. So, if you are keen learning to ride in a really proper way, just book with master Pedro!! Also thanks to Mariana, a very lovely, experienced, enthusiastic horse instructor with on top excellent cooking skills. Thanks to Lisa for her yoga class and always being willing to explain our questions. Loved that peaceful place in truly beautiful wild nature.

Farida Bouaza

from France, August 2024

"YOGA AT NATIONAL PARK PENEDA GERES"

All was perfect :)

The yoga classes and the rythm in the morning and in the afternoon.

The yoga classes with focus on breath ; I could not imagine that I would gain such flexibility by breathing properly. Thank you.

The trail and discovering of this magical landscape !

The food fresh was so good ; with taking into account of my gluten free constraint.

Without mentioning the quality of the place ; services and welcome.

MERCI Anabela !!!

I do recommend this retreat.

Joan Veldhuizen

from Netherlands, August 2024

"Perfect combination of yoga, walking and nature"

Beautiful (and sometimes challenging) walks in astonishing nature, yoga to suit my needs, very tasty (in my case vegan) food.. relaxing house and surroundings and a dedicated, talented and lovely instructor / host (Anabela).

Anonymous

from Germany, July 2024

"Recommend to all this yoga and nature retreat! 😊 "

I loved this retreat, because it was so relaxing. Living in a restored typically stone building on a quiet spot in the National Park with a lovely view to the mountains, next to oak forest and close to a river, where you can bath in the

refreshing cold water. Anabela served delicious self-made food (for me even vegan food). The yoga lessons twice a day and the hikes in the spectacular landscape of the National Park were great. We have not met any other hiker during the whole week. ;) When you love nature, than this retreat is definitively the right choice for you. It really made me feel calm and grateful.

Friederike Bischoff

from Norway, June 2024

"An amazing holistic and unique experience"

I had an amazing time at Ecotura.

To be able to explore this scenery, with its majestic mountains, lush forests, valleys and the high plateau on horseback is absolutely breathtaking. The horses - mostly Lusitania - are well trained and I could always completely trust on my horse not putting a hoof wrong on the challenging rocky and steep surface.

To come across herds of wild Garrano-horses is a once in a lifetime experience.

The Yoga lessons were fantastic and made the experience complete.

Anabela really knows what she is doing. The morning yoga will prepare you for the riding, focusing especially on hips, back and the agility of the whole body. The evening classes are soothing and relaxing and stretch out just where you need it the most.

The food is beyond all expectations. Anabela is an exquisite cook, the best ingredients are used for healthy local meals. She will adapt to every kind of special diet (i had vegetarian).

The accommodation is comfortable and beautifully furnitured, with attention to details.

Dealing with some cold an rainy days Anabela always found alternative solutions. She did everything for me feeling comfortable and taken care of.

After this week I felt relaxed, trained, healthy fed and nourished at the same time.

I deeply recommend this retreat, combining the advantages of yoga with riding abilities.

Anabela is such a warmhearted, welcoming host - it felt like getting friends immediately. She will do every effort to make you feel comfortable, safe an

Jamie Wisnia

from Portugal, April 2024

"Wonderful Experience "

I loved everything about it! Such a beautiful and genuine family business, with wonderful horse knowledge. Will definitely come back again! Thank you Marianna and Pedro!

Aisling Hogan

from Ireland, April 2024

"Ecotura family"

I felt right at home on this holiday with friendly, welcoming hosts. The horses are treated like family which is lovely to see. Jorji is a kind horse and took good care of me on the mountains. I also enjoyed hearing stories of the horses and local history while trying traditional Portuguese food. Overall, I would highly recommend.

Penny Coombes

from United Kingdom, March 2024

"Wonderful rides in beautiful surroundings"

Such wonderful hosts and beautiful horses. We were well taken care of and the food was excellent.

Jo Murphy

from United Kingdom, March 2024

"Great time riding in wolf territory "

Great guides, fantastic well loved horses, amazing scenery and nice food, had a lovely time..

Claudia Biedermann

from Switzerland, October 2023

Lovely people, great to talk to, wonderful how they treat and keep their horses, great riding instructions

Jean Francois P,iet

from France, September 2023

"Loulou rider feedback"

The excellent job to achieve such a level of quality in horse training

The availability and the kindness of Mariana in any circonstances

An unforgetable experience among wild horses

The way To deal with bad weather conditions and to find appropriate solutions

Nina Morena Motta

from Portugal, August 2023

"Peace, love and yoga. GO!"

I had an amazing time doing yoga with attentive and calm Anabela and also the great hikes. The landscapes are unbelievable!!! Mariana and Pedro are also amazing people. What a kinda a hard working family!!! Even though I was doing yoga they let me go for a little “baby” horseback riding too. Food and lodging amazing too. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!! Really transforming experience.

Alice Bull

from Australia, June 2023

"A fantastic way to see Portugal! "

Ecotura was like stepping into a fairy tale! The guest house was beautiful and comfortable. We had everything we needed. Annabela and Mariana prepared delicious home cooked meals for lunch and dinner every day that exceeded my expectations. Pedro’s knowledge of the National park’s wildlife was outstanding. The highlight was obviously the horse riding. The horses are clearly well loved and looked after, they were all in amazing condition which was evident as they galloped through the mountains with ease. I felt like I could really trust my mare Zula to not put a foot wrong. Riding alongside wild horses in the National Park was really special and an unforgettable experience!

Caitlin Smith

from Spain, May 2023

"Had the best time"

I loved the entire retreat. The place is gorgeous, the food was simply yumminess and the family were wonderful! Pedro is an amazing teacher and I learned so much from him in 8 days! Had such a great time that I didn't want to leave

Antonia Bill

from Germany, May 2023

"A small place, like a paradise "

My experience with "Ecotura" has been unbelievably great. Anyone looking for a very unique experience with horses, nature and an incredibly fine hospitality is right here. I booked the Yoga for Riders programme and afterwards I had the feeling of being completely at one with myself again. Anabela, Pedro and Marianna are the best combination of hosts you can imagine. Not only are they a family business with shared values and philosophy, they are also each individually connected to this place that seems like paradise. I had wonderful conversations and was immediately made to feel at home. The food is indescribably delicious and prepared with so much love, I never expected that. The rides are breathtaking - the first time I saw the wild horses on top of the plateaus, I got goose bumps and it is now one of the most beautiful moments in my life. The animals are treated with so much love and affection and above all there is always a great calmness. The yoga classes were absolutely amazing - Anabela is very sensitive and adapts completely to you. What can I say, it was a wonderful holiday and I have found a place that is so worth coming back to - the nature, the accommodation, which is so lovingly and tastefully designed and built, but above all a place that is humanly exactly how I can feel comfortable. My absolute recommendation and MANY THANKS !!!!

Jane Lipington

from United Kingdom, September 2022

"Jane's review"

The week with the Alarcao family was an exciting, interesting and fullfilling experience. The National park is incredibly beautiful and absolutely facinating and every effort was made for us to see and learn as much as possible about it, it's history and current farming practices. The trail riding is superb with interesting vegetation & wonderful views over the high plateau, mountains & Valleys. The picnic lunches were super special. The hard working horses did not put a hoof wrong under Mariana & Pedro's care and love. We manged to squeeze in some yoga with Anabel (which was just the job after several days in the saddle), some gorgeous river swimming, walks, the odd run (not me)& lots & lots of laughter. Anabel's cooking is high quality, local and interesting. All in all we had a week to remember and I want to go back one day.... Thank you indeed.

Sasha Pidpalaya

from United States, September 2022

"Fantastic experience, highly recommended"

Highly recommended! Pedro, Anabela, and Mariana genially care about their customers and horses. The horses are practically a part of the family. Easy access to diverse trails with great scenery, horses are in top condition and matched well to riders, you will be challenged as much as you wish, based on your skills. A great way to learn about local breeds. A gourmet food/wine experience - Anabella uses local seasonal produce, never a repeat dish, everything is super tasty. The best everyday food I had in my several-month stay in Portugal. The accommodation is very comfortable and authentic with some artistic woodwork by Anabela, hot water, fast internet, attention to details, and just a very beautifully restored hamlet. A quite unique experience. The family has an expert knowledge of local flora and fauna with a background in journalism, photography, and conservation. While horseback riding was a highlight, I equally enjoyed my guided walks to the nearby areas to observe the local plants and animals (Geres is great for this!). Thank you Anabela, Perdo, and Mariana for everything I’ve learned and experienced during my stay!

Maria Mikhrina

from Netherlands, November 2020

"Trail ride in magnificent mountains"

Pedro is an excellent guide, very knowledgeable, it was a pleasure to ride through the magnificent scenery of the Penda-Geres National park, learning a lot about the nature and history. Landscapes are simply stunning. Horses are in very good condition, well schooled and it was a pleasure to ride (I had a chance to ride two different horses during the week). Owing to the difficult terrain it is not always possible to go fast paces, but it is ever so beautiful. Farm is quite high in the mountains, so one needs to be prepared to different weather - in my week we had all of it - rain, wind, sunshine.

Accommodation is very comfortable and super cozy. Rooms have everything one needs, living room with a fireplace is a great place for quiet evenings. There is not much to do around, but it's perfect for a retreat in nature. A yoga and meditation session with Anabela is also a must do, very good for sore muscles and relaxing for your mind and soul.

Anonymous

from Hong Kong, September 2019

"A unique experience"

Though I had been riding before (a long time ago), it had not been with people who take such fantastic care of their horses. Where I had been before, they weren't abusing them or anything, but this experience was on another level. Pedro is passionate about taking the best possible care of his horses and I learned much about keeping horses happy and in good shape. Moreover, the horses are incredibly (for me) well-trained and responsive. They love their home and they do love running!

During my time there, pretty much everything exceeded my expectations. The house is gorgeous, the scenery unlike anything I had seen (and yes, wild horses are there), the food was in great quantities and excellent (but I asked to skip meals in the end because of the quantity).

I felt bad about not eating all the food at the house but Pedro told me the leftover go to the animals.

There's a lot more to say. The owners are artists, work hard, and strive for perfection. Pedro is an expert about Iberian wolves and he likes to talk about them. There's a wild/domesticated cat attached to the house.

You will also have opportunities to learn about the history of the area.

Mary Hassell

from United States, June 2019

Scenery and horses

Jeppe Bertelsen

from Denmark, April 2019

"Hospitality and friendship"

Pedro and Anabela were the most excelent hosts working very hard to facilitate that we had a very good horseback riding holiday. Thank you

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8 Day Nature and Yoga Retreat in Peneda Geres National Park, Portugal

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Yoga Retreats (7)

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Anabela Moedas

Reviews (29)

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