Ready to take your sun salutations to the next level by becoming a qualified yoga instructor? These impressive locales are guaranteed to inspire and invigorate for a truly transformative journey.
(Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
Europe, with its rich diversity of cultures and landscapes, is home to an impressive range of inspiring yoga retreats offering teacher training programs, from 100-hour courses to intensive 300-hour training retreats. With so much on offer, the question isn’t so much whether you’ll be able to find the perfect retreat, but which to choose. To help you whittle down your options, we’ve rounded up five of the best destinations for yoga teacher training in Europe. Each region offers unique experiences for aspiring yogis—from seaside meditations to mountaintop practices—all designed to nurture both body and soul. To compile this list, we’ve taken into consideration landscapes, types of lodging, variety of courses on offer and value for money.
Andalusia, Spain
A 30 Day 200-hour Integral Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Course in Orgiva, Andalusia (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
Between its sun-coaked beaches, Moorish architecture and ancient olive grove culture, the southern coast of Spain makes an idyllic and inspiring spot for a yoga retreat. The Ananda Forest, located just outside Orgiva, provides a peaceful setting for a 200-hour Yoga Alliance-certified training, focusing on Hatha, Karma and Integral yoga. Another excellent choice is the Shangri-La in Cadiz, nestled between The Alcornocales Natural Park and the bustling city of Seville, which offers an immersive yoga teacher training experience with a focus on spirituality and creativity. Both retreats offer rigorous training and relaxation amidst stunning natural beauty.
Explore retreats at BookYogaRetreats.com.
Tuscany, Italy
15 Days Private 200-Hour Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Bibbona, Tuscany (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
Tuscany may be synonymous with good food and excellent wine, but, with its undulating hills, cypress-lined roads and vineyard-lined terraces, the region oozes pastoral charm. Beyond its scenic beauty, Tuscany is a region steeped in art, history, and spirituality—home to Renaissance masterpieces in Florence, medieval hill towns like San Gimignano, and the tranquil landscapes immortalized by artists. For yoga practitioners, the serene countryside offers a peaceful escape from the modern world. Many YTT programs here are set within historic villas or farmhouses surrounded by olive groves and lavender fields, such as Holistic Yoga Garden, which offers immersive teacher training in tranquil countryside settings, complemented by farm-to-table dining experiences. Alternatively, Lorenza Minola presents a beachside retreat with a 14-day program that includes daily vinyasa, asana, pranayama practices, and meditation sessions.
Explore retreats at BookYogaRetreats.com.
The Algarve, Portugal
18-Day 200-Hour Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training Course in La Casa Shambala, Monchique (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
Portugal’s southernmost region is famous for its dramatic cliffs, sheltered bays, and endless stretches of golden sand beaches kissed by the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its year-round mild climate and vibrant coastal towns like Lagos and Albufeira, the Algarve is a paradise for those who love both relaxation and adventure. Beyond its natural beauty, this region boasts a slower pace of life, making it ideal for yoga teaching training experiences. Training often takes place in eco-resorts and rustic hideaways where participants can practice on clifftop terraces or secluded beaches. Top options include a 15-day 300-hour advanced vinyasa and ashtanga YTT on the Praia da Rocha and a 23-day 200-hour Transformational YTT in an eco-residence overlooking the lush gardens of the Quinta do Mar da Luz.
Explore retreats at BookYogaRetreats.com.
Provence, France
300-hour Hatha and Vinyasa YTT near Avignon (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
Provence, with its lavender fields, ancient olive groves and warm Mediterranean light, has inspired artists for centuries. This region is an enchanting tapestry of natural beauty and rustic elegance, from the rolling vineyards and hilltop villages of Luberon to the brilliant blue waters of the Côte d’Azur. YTT programs in Provence are often held in lovingly restored farmhouses or secluded chateaus, surrounded by aromatic herbs and wildflowers. For something a little different, Villa Ataeva offers 15 days of training in Hatha, Sama, Aqua and Paddle yoga in a spectacular setting overlooking the Rayol-Canadel. Satya Yoga Ahsram, in Avignon, provides a nurturing environment for deep self-exploration and teacher training to guarantee a transformative yoga journey.
Explore retreats at BookYogaRetreats.com.
Austrian Alps, Austria
11-Day Healing Retreat and 100-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in the Austrian Alps (Photo: BookYogaRetreats.com)
The Austrian Alps, with their towering peaks, glacial lakes and pristine meadows offer an awe-inspiring setting for yogis. Synonymous with both adventure and tranquillity, the region provides a powerful backdrop for introspection and yoga practice. All that clean air helps breathwork too. Yoga retreats here are often hosted in luxurious mountain lodges or charming alpine chalets, where participants can practice yoga against the backdrop of awe-inspiring scenery. The peaceful environment, combined with opportunities for hiking and exploring alpine trails, makes the Austrian Alps an exceptional destination for personal reflection and spiritual growth. Try the Soami Retreat Center in Obermillstatt for long morning practices threaded with pranayama and deep asana practice, or FitYoga for an intensive retreat a stone’s throw from the cross-country skiing trails of Charlet.