The Ultimate Guide to Greece’s Best Yoga Destinations
February 14, 2024
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Greece is one of the most popular European destinations for all travelers, but it’s particularly an exceptional landmark for yogis looking for unique experiences.
The numbers for tourism in Greece skyrocketed in the past few years¹ and they don’t seem to slow down anytime soon. From the gorgeous coastlines and charming islands by the sea to mountain regions and cities full of culture, the country seems to have it all. Add the world-renowned food to the mix and it becomes obvious why everyone flocks to this beautiful destination.
A yoga retreat in Greece is an excellent opportunity to immerse in its vast history, admire the ancient architecture all over the country, taste its delicious cuisine and practice yoga on a warm sunny beach.
Greece at a Glance
Also dubbed the cradle of European civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Greece is first and foremost about culture and mythology. Much of the beliefs and stories that shaped the entire European civilization come from Greece, not to mention the philosophy that shaped current political thought and logic or debate traditions. But none of these matter in comparison to the lush Greek vegetation and charming views under the open sky!
Much like Italy, this Mediterranean gem of a country is remarkable especially through the wealth and diversity of its geography. If you are a mountain person you can find plenty of hiking trails and incredible views to explore the heights of Greece. If you’re more of a seaside person, the fine sands and clear azure waters of Greece’s beaches will make you never want to leave.
Greece and Yoga
Greece was always an important center of spirituality ever since ancient times, with a huge tradition of offering people the tools to find themselves, from oracles to temples and beyond. Considering also the natural beauty and gentle climate of Greek islands, it’s no wonder that Greece became such a popular yoga destination in modern days.
Here is the surprise, though: Greece didn’t start being a yoga destination only recently, with the worldwide popularity and revival of yoga. There is evidence that ancient Greece practiced various forms of meditation extremely similar to the guided mindfulness practices of today. The official name for this spiritual practice was henosis, meaning ‘one-pointed awareness’, from heno, which means ‘one’. Considering also this rich tradition, it’s even more obvious that the grounds of Greece are the perfect place for practicing yoga.
So, whether you want to discover this mystical country, truly deepen your practice or just have a relaxing time, here are the best places for yoga holidays in Greece!
Best Time to Visit
In general, the best time to visit Greece is in spring and early summer, when it isn’t too hot yet. May is by far the most popular month for a yoga retreat, followed by June. While July and August could work, the temperatures could get a bit too high for a pleasant yoga session. The autumn is a good alternative if you want to avoid the crowds.
Top Destinations for a Yoga Retreat in Greece
Santorini
Santorini is such a beautiful place that many couples choose it as their honeymoon destination. As a yoga destination, Santorini can be even more magical. It consists of an entire group of islands with rugged coastlines, overlooking an underwater volcanic crater that shaped their unique beauty. The whitewashed houses of the fishing villages that are ending abruptly over the high coastlines make Santorini unforgettable as well.
Being the most popular place for a yoga retreat in Greece, it’s recommended to book well in advance and start searching for flights at least 3-4 months before your trip.
Crete
The mythical birthplace of the minotaur and home to the ancient labyrinth, Crete is an important archeological site of the world, but there is so much more to see beyond that, too. The coastline of the island is littered with some of the finest beaches in the region (sands as smooth as silk), while the inland offers the White Mountains, perfect for light hikes or mountain bikes.
Sailing is also a popular past-time of those who vacation in Crete, so besides the yoga activities you sign up for, you’ll definitely have enough exciting things to do.
Kos
One of the most popular Greek islands, and a more affordable alternative to Santorini, Kos is a remarkable destination perfect for some yoga by the sea. Beaches rich in fine sands and bursting with interesting ancient ruins to visit, Kos feels like a paradise. If you enjoy a walk in the Mediterranean shore while also being able to admire well-preserved ancient Roman and Greek sites, Kos is the ideal destination for you.
If you’re not that interested in history, though, no need to worry. The natural beauty of Kos makes it a charming vacation destination besides all the man-made sites you can visit.
Paros
The beautiful little island of Paros is not only the perfect place to relax and enjoy fresh seafood deliciously cooked; it’s also home to several yoga schools offering dream-like yoga retreats to help you reconnect with yourself. The island is full of beaches and traditional fishing villages waiting to be explored in between yoga sessions. Even better, it’s a hub for exploring the Cyclades region as well, a group of islands that are a huge tourist attraction.
Zakynthos
One of the most famous summer resorts in Greece, the island of Zakynthos is also home to a large yoga community. There are several yoga schools that offer the ideal place to practice yoga away from home and rediscover your joy of life in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The most famous beaches of this charming island (Tsilivi, Agios Nikolaos or Alykanas) also offer a rich diversity of water sports to try.
Yoga Holidays in Greece We Recommend
7-Day Sunset Meditation & SUP Yoga Beach Holiday on Corfu Island
Experience the peace and calmness of Corfu on this sunset meditation and SUP yoga retreat vacation. Rejuvenate and unwind on a magnificent island where aquamarine waves meet golden sandy shores, and stunning hues of orange and red adorn every sunset.
You’ll be housed in a charming beachside retreat in Agios Cordios with breathtaking sea views and mountain backdrops. Accommodation options vary from single, double, and twin rooms to shared rooms. All of these have ensuite bathrooms, mini-fridges, and balconies overlooking the blue Ionian Sea.
This yoga holiday includes 14 yoga classes that cater to all skill levels. Start your mornings with energetic Hatha and mixed yoga dynamics classes that will get you ready for the day. At sunset, calm down and feel refreshed with Yin or Restorative Yoga and meditation focusing on making you feel relaxed and peaceful inside.
Guests enjoy daily breakfast, dinner, and drinks. The meals provided offer a wide selection of food items that are either grown locally or prepared using ingredients from the area; moreover, they can be altered to fit specific dietary requirements.
Airport transfer is included from and to Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias Int’l Airport - CFU) at no additional charge.
8-Day SUP, Yoga Holiday & Sailing Trip around the Greek Islands
Swim at unspoiled beaches, taste traditional local cuisine, and practice yoga every day on a different island.
During this yoga holiday, you’ll visit up to 4 Greek islands from the Cyclades or the Saronic Islands, depending on the weather conditions. There will be 6 days of sailing in total, free use of SUP board, sea scooter, and kayak.
Before departure, everyone will hit the supermarket to buy the food for breakfast and lunch. When in ports, dinner will be at the local tavernas.
There’ll be free time to enjoy visiting the main town (Chora) on the islands, swim at the beaches, or have a bath in thermal waters.
7-Day Pure Yoga Retreat in Athens, Attica
This yoga retreat is ideal for yoga enthusiasts, yoga teachers, and practitioners passionate about in-depth yoga learning. You’ll practice yoga four hours daily, focusing on the principles and styles of Hatha yoga.
You’ll be staying at Yoga Skyros Academy, just 5 minutes from central Athens. All rooms have en-suite bathrooms and there’s a washing machine you can use on-site.
Only breakfast is included in the package, and you can enjoy lunch either in Athens or by the beach in Artemida (25 minutes away).
Looking for even more ways to explore yoga on the sunny Greek shores? Go on a yoga teacher training in Greece!