Best Yoga Retreats in Greece
Introduction
Greece is one of the most famous European destinations for all travelers, but it’s an exceptional landmark for yogis looking for unique experiences. The numbers for tourism in Greece skyrocketed in the past few years, and they don’t seem to slow down anytime soon. The country seems to have everything from gorgeous coastlines and charming islands by the sea to mountain regions and cities full of culture. 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.
Rishikesh is considered the birthplace of yoga so that you would expect many yoga retreats in India. But there’s a place you might not think of first when finding your “om” that’s just as impressive — Greece. Yoga and yoga retreats are exploding in popularity all over the world. There are over 300 million practitioners all around the globe and over 20,000 retreats they can visit. Greece is famous for its rich history and picturesque vistas, but by the end of this list, you’ll know it as one of the top yoga destinations in the world. Discover how vacationing in Greece can help you find your inner zen. This selection of yoga retreats in Greece has something for everyone; they all promise to leave you rejuvenated and are located in some of the most amazing places the Greek mainland and archipelagos offer. Check out this guide for more inspiration.
Why Greece is the best destination for spirituality
Greece has been an important center of spirituality ever since ancient times, with a vast tradition of offering people the tools to find themselves, from oracles to temples and beyond. Considering the natural beauty and gentle climate of the Greek islands, it’s no wonder Greece has become such a popular yoga destination in modern days. Here is the surprise: 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 that are remarkably 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 this rich tradition, it’s even more apparent that Greece’s grounds are perfect for practicing yoga. So, whether you want to discover this mystical country, truly deepen your practice, or relax, here are the best places for yoga holidays in Greece!
Zakynthos
This island is the heart of the Greek yoga community. You can play by the beach day and night, soak up the sun, enjoy the local culture, and pick from dozens of yoga schools to attend.
Not only will you find new friends in the yoga community, but you’ll never run out of classes to try.
Corfu
The hosts who put on the inclusive and in-depth yoga getaway on Corfu have worked hard, so you don’t have to. The focus here is to relax, enjoy, and unwind. While we might push ourselves to try new, more challenging asanas, sometimes we need to reconnect and be kind to ourselves. This resort offers massages, delicious Greek food, and multiple yoga classes.
Kos
If you find Santorini a little crowded and pricey because it’s one of Greece’s most prominent tourist locations, Kos is a better pick. This hidden island gem boasts a rich history and soft, sandy beaches with clear waters. The natural beauty and the storied past make this a perfect place to work out your mind, soul, and body. Feel a connection to the past through the present on Kos.
Samothraki
Head to Samothraki for an out-of-the-way and comprehensive retreat. Here, you’ll find yoga destinations that include daily meditations, private lodging away from the hustle and bustle of crowds, and plenty of yoga classes for those with some experience. Connect with nature on a long hike and then meet up with other like-minded practitioners. This is one of the best places to go for any yogi or yogini visiting Greece for the first time.
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 island’s coastline 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 pastime for those who vacation in Crete, so besides the yoga activities you sign up for, you’ll have enough exciting things to do.
Paros
The beautiful little island of Paros is not only the perfect place to relax and enjoy freshly cooked fresh seafood; it’s also home to several yoga schools offering dream-like yoga retreats to help you reconnect with yourself. The island has beaches and traditional fishing villages waiting to be explored between yoga sessions. Even better, it’s a hub for exploring the Cyclades region, a group of islands that are a huge tourist attraction.
Visit Greece
When you think of the perfect yoga getaway, you’ll probably think of Greece. Every island offers a new experience to explore, and we know you’ll want to book your trip right away.
Want to learn more about practicing yoga in Greece? Contact us about practicing yoga in Greece.
