Top Yoga Teacher Training Destinations & Courses in Europe
August 30, 2023
The go-to resource for planning your yoga retreats & holidays. Find all you need to know about destinations and take your practice to the next level.
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With a well-preserved cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, diverse landscape, and delicious cuisines, it’s no wonder that Europe accounts for more than half of the global tourism market.
Each year, more and more European countries organize world-class yoga retreats and yoga teacher training courses. Greece, Spain, and France constantly rank among the top yoga destinations in the world.
If you are looking to enhance your yoga practice or plan to start teaching yoga, there are plenty of quality yoga teacher training courses in Europe to choose from.
Throughout the continent, you have access to a variety of yoga vacations in stunning places. Whether you fancy the mountains or the sea, want to spend time in the countryside or near buzzing cities, you are spoiled for choice in Europe.
History of Yoga & Meditation in Europe
Meditation can be traced back to two thousand years ago in Europe. A deep state of meditation (samadhi in Sanskrit) was practiced by both Greeks and Romans.
The proof is found in the Enneads, a book written by Plotinus, one of the most famous spiritual masters of the Roman world. He mentions meditation being practiced in the city of Rome in the 3rd century AD.
In Ancient Greece, meditation was called henosis and was taught in many places, including the Platonic Academy in Athens.
But the yoga and meditation practices we know today were introduced in Europe in the 1890s, probably by a Hindu traveling monk.
Yoga grew in popularity throughout the 1930s and 1940s, and especially the 1980s. However, it became less a of spiritual practice and more of a physical exercise.
Top Destinations for Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Europe
Photo credit: Parampara Yoga
One of the most popular yoga destinations in the world and by far the most popular in Europe, Spain is blessed with beautiful beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant culture.
Head to Ibiza, Mallorca, Barcelona, or Andalusia and choose one of the great yoga teacher training courses in this Southern European country.
» Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Spain’s Best Yoga Destinations
Photo credit: Yoga Academy International
With gorgeous beaches, stunning islands, a wealth of historical sites, and vibrant cities, Greece is another destination that offers unforgettable yoga retreats. Feel the sand between your toes, watch some gorgeous sunsets, and indulge in the mouthwatering cuisine.
Whether you choose the gorgeous islands of Crete, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, or head to the mainland, there are plenty of yoga teacher training courses to choose from.
» Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Greece’s Best Yoga Destinations
Photo credit: Floripa Yoga & Kitesurf House
Famous for its exquisite cuisine, incredible archeological sites, and excellent beaches, Italy constantly ranks among the top 3 yoga destinations in Europe.
After all, who doesn’t want to enjoy yoga with a side of pizza, pasta, wine, and stunning backdrops of the rolling Tuscan hills or golden beaches?
Join one of the yoga teacher training courses in Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, or Puglia and enhance your practice in gorgeous settings.
»Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Yoga Retreats in Italy
Photo credit: Indiv Yoga Switzerland
A small, yet charming country in Western Europe, Portugal is known for its wines, beaches, and amazing surfing.
Head to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, or the Azores to enjoy some of the best yoga teacher training courses on the Old Continent.
»Read more: The Ultimate Guide to Portugal Yoga Destinations
Photo credit: Destination Namaste
The most visited country in the world, France is also a favorite among yoga practitioners.
The impressive cities, delicious food, and natural beauty will make you fall in love instantly. You may be tempted to stay close to Paris, but you should know that the French charm can be found throughout the country.
The French Alps, Cote d’Azur, and Occitanie are just three of the regions where you will enjoy exquisite yoga teacher training courses.
Top Yoga Teacher Training Courses to Join in Europe
21 Days TTC 200-Hour Integral Yoga Teacher Training in Madeira, Portugal
- Price: from €1,980
- Availability: January to November 2023
- Location: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
- Instruction language: English; the organizer also speaks Portuguese
- Instruction level: all levels
This yoga teacher training course takes place in the center of Funchal, within walking distance from the main tourist attractions.
Funchal is the largest city on the island of Madeira in Portugal. Blessed with a subtropical Mediterranean climate, which ensures even temperatures all year round, it is a major tourist town. There are gorgeous gardens to visit, a cable car that offers fantastic views of the area, stunning beaches, and charming cathedrals.
Deepen your knowledge of yoga and enhance your personal development during an Integral Yoga Teacher Training on this beautiful island. Immediately upon graduation, you are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance (RYT200).
You’ll be staying at Apartamentos Casa Branca, which features an outdoor swimming pool. Each apartment has a balcony, fully equipped kitchenette, TV, washing machine, and a private bathroom.
There’s Wi-Fi available throughout the property. This retreat is self-catering, which means you need to buy and prepare the food. There’s a supermarket close by (400m) as well as numerous restaurants.
Your day begins at 10 a.m. with a yoga class, followed by the basics of the practice module (2 classes with a break between them). You’ll take a break for lunch (at 2 p.m.) and then you have time for individual study.
In the afternoon there’s another basics of practice module, followed by a yoga class at 7:30 p.m. and meditation.
You will be flying into Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC). From here, you can take either the Aerobus to Funchal or grab a taxi.
8 Day Yoga Alliance USA Continuing Education Yoga Teacher Training in Attica
- Price: from €750
- Availability: All Year Round
- Location: Athens, Greece
- Instruction language: English; the organizer also speaks French & German
- Instruction level: intermediate & advanced
During this yoga teacher training course, you’ll be staying in Paiania (Glyfada residential area), just 10km from Athens, Greece’s capital.
The cradle of Western Civilization, Athens is a city that blends the old and the new, making you fall in love with its charms. The archeological park includes the well-known Acropolis of Athens, Roman & Greece Agora, Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Kerameikos. Close by, you can relax in the National Gardens, a green oasis in the middle of an otherwise always buzzing city.
This yoga teaching program is designed to shed light on many aspects of yoga. It is ideal for established yoga teachers who want to earn credits (42hours credit) to upgrade their status as a yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance USA. Upon completion of this yoga teacher training, students will receive a certificate affiliated with Yoga Alliance (YA).
You’ll be staying at the Yoga Skyros Academy. The property features an outdoor swimming pool, washing machines, and a communal kitchen. Each room has an en-suite bathroom and AC. Daily breakfast is provided and caters to vegetarians and vegans. There are plenty of shops nearby to buy the food necessary to prepare lunch and dinner.
This course will enable you to learn the in-depth mechanical movement of the entire body, understand the proper functioning of the skeleton and muscles, learn how to design a class and plenty more.
Your day starts at 8:30 a.m. with an introduction to the day’s agenda. Asana practice is at 9 a.m., followed by a coffee break at 11 a.m. The yoga philosophy class is at 11:30 a.m. The lunch break is at 1:30 p.m. You can then study the asanas you learned and take another coffee break (at 4 p.m.). Meditation & Yoga Nidra class is at 4:30 p.m.
You have the evening to yourself to explore the beautiful city of Athens and the Glyfada residential area. Of course, you can also spend time on the nearby beach.
You’ll be flying into Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH). Airport transfer is available for an additional fee (€25).
7 Day 60-Hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training with 5 Elements and Fascia Therapy in Santa Eulalia, Ibiza
- Price: From €1,200
- Availability: November 2022, January , April, and May 2022
- Location: Ibiza, Spain
- Instruction language: English; the organizer also speaks Dutch, French, &German
- Instruction level: All levels
This course takes place in Santa Eulalia, on the Spanish island of Ibiza.
Part of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is widely known as a great party island. But partying all night aside, the island is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Dalt Vila, the oldest part of Ibiza Town), plenty of stunning beaches, an uninhabited island (which is also a National Park), and incredible scuba diving spots.
This teacher training course helps you get into a meditative state, allowing you to find stillness, peacefulness, and balance.
You’ll be staying in a villa, close to the beach. There is a swimming pool and a superb garden. The rooms are available in single, double, or triple occupancy. The package also includes all daily vegan meals.
Your day starts at 7:45 a.m. with morning practice and meditation. Breakfast is served at 9:45 a.m. For the next three hours, you’ll stud theory, do exercises, and have lectures. Lunch is at 1:30 p.m., followed by an afternoon break. Classes resume at 4:30 p.m. with the afternoon practice, lectures, and a teaching lab. Dinner is served at 7 p.m.
This course includes a lot of content and practices, that will help you unlock the power and unique qualities of Yin Yoga.
This training gives 60hrs credits with Yoga Alliance.
This yoga teacher training course also includes several excursions. You’ll be visiting magical power spots on the island, where sacred empowering ceremonies will be practiced. And you’ll also enjoy unique healing crystal bowl sessions, soul breathing, as well as sunset and sunrise sessions.
Please make sure to book your flight to Ibiza Airport (IBZ). Airport transfer is available for an additional fee (€50).
23 Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Charming Kosta Maria, Palairos
- Price: From €1,900
- Availability: August 2023 till October 2024
- Location: Kosta Maria, Greece
- Instruction Language: English
- Instruction level: Beginner & Intermediate
Immerse yourself in yoga knowledge and practices for 23 days at the enchanting Kosta Maria in Palairos, Greece. This wholesome excursion will take you on a path of self-discovery, growth, and personal development through the practice of yoga.
Located in the picturesque seaside village of Palairos, this retreat offers a rustic and traditional setting that allows you to experience the beauty of a simple and authentic Greek lifestyle.
During your stay, you’ll stay at the beautiful Kosta Maria hotel, nestled in the heart of Palairos. The hotel features comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a small kitchen, fridge, garden, and a terrace.
Nourish your body and soul with the delectable meals provided throughout the course. Indulge in 20 vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets from Mondays to Saturdays. Kosta Maria's talented team of Health Food Chefs will curate a balanced menu using the best local, organic products, fruits, and superfoods.
Your day will usually begins with pranayama, meditation, and mantra chanting followed by a Vinyasa flow class. The afternoons are dedicated to deepening your understanding of asanas, alignment, adjustments, and teaching methodology. Additionally, you will explore restorative styles of yoga like Yin, Hatha, and Nidra through specialized workshops.
25-Day 200-Hour Intensive Yoga Teacher Training in Saint Michel de Chabrillanoux, France
- Price: from €2,400
- Availability: All Year Round
- Location: Saint Michel de Chabrillanoux, France
- Instruction language: French; the organizer also speaks English, German, and Spanish
- Instruction level: Beginner & Intermediate
Take your training to beautiful southern France. Delve deep into your practice, experience life in an Ashram, and become a great yoga teacher!
During this training, you’ll be hosted by Yogaji, in comfortable accommodation. You have a choice between staying in a tent, a hut, or a dorm. The sleeping area and the bathrooms are shared.
The teaching is traditional and includes a lot of Pranayama and Mantras. It is also spiritual and follows the texts of Yoga Sutras, Yoga Upanishads, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
You’ll study yoga history, the ethics of a yogic lifestyle, Ayurveda, anatomy, asanas, pranayama, pedagogy, and more.
Each day, you’ll have an early morning yoga practice, followed by lunch, and time to rest. Throughout the day, you’ll join various theory and practice classes.
Students who complete the training are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers.
The package includes three daily vegetarian meals, as well as the study manual, and yoga books.
The closest airport is Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) but the transfer is not provided. Once you land, take the train to Valence.
Cover photo credit: Fityoga Teacher Training
*All prices are valid at the time of publication and are not guaranteed. They are subject to change without notice.
Looking to enhance your yoga practice but can’t travel right now? Join an online yoga teacher training from the comfort & safety of your own home.