Silent Retreat Portugal 2026
A week of deep meditation and silence
May 4 – 9
Time to Reconnect With Your True Self & Nature
.Step out of the noise. Step into silence.
In the pace of modern life, it’s easy to lose yourself in constant doing, endless input, and the pull of screens. The mind stays busy, the body stays alert, and deep rest becomes something rare.
This retreat is an invitation to pause, to recharge and reconnect.
For 6 days and 5 nights, you’ll enter a space of intentional silence, surrounded by natural beauty. Up in the hills of Monchique mountain, with expansive views stretching to the ocean, you’ll be held in an environment designed for stillness, clarity, and deep inner work.
This is not about escaping life —
it’s about reconnecting with it in a more honest, grounded way.
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Through daily meditation, gentle movement practices like yoga and qi gong, and guided pranayama, you’ll be supported in turning inward. The structure of the retreat creates a balance between practice and rest, allowing your system to gradually unwind.
This retreat is for you if you:
• Want to slow down. To reset your nervous system.
To reconnect with that powerful source within you
• Are curious to go deeper into meditation, beyond apps and short daily practices
• Feel mentally overloaded from constant noise, notifications, and stimulation
• Want time for deep rest to recharge, and unwind
• Are looking for a structured yet spacious environment that helps you slow down without pressure
• Value a holistic approach, combining stillness with gentle movement, breathwork, and nature
The Karuna Retreat Centre
A Sanctuary for Inner Transformation
Surrounded by nature, and free from digital distraction, the mind can begin to settle.
The stillness starts to purify.
The heart has space to soften.
Scientific research continues to show the powerful effects of meditation; reducing stress, improving focus, supporting emotional balance, and enhancing overall wellbeing. In silence, these effects are amplified, giving you the opportunity to experience them more deeply.
This retreat offers a safe and supportive space to explore that.
Whether you’re new to meditation or already experienced, this is a space to go deeper — beyond techniques, beyond concepts, into direct experience.
The Karuna Retreat Centre is the perfect place for a silent retreat. is Tucked away in the mountains of Monchique, South Portugal, it is a meditation center with a truly special energy. With wide views over the Algarve coast and a spacious wooden hall for practice, it offers the peace and simplicity needed for deep inner work.
The land was chosen by an Indian yogi who completed a 3-year, 3-month, and 3-day retreat here, after which he built the centre. Since then, it has remained a place dedicated to silence, presence, and transformation.
A Profound Experience.
This is what people say:
A program to Support Inner Wisdom & Transformation
Unlike other silent retreats that are more rigorous or traditional, this retreat has a gentler approach. We include gentle movement and breathing sessions in the morning to open and harmonize the system. We allow journaling. We believe in softness and gentleness in the meditation practice, not in harshness or strictness. One can truly start to open up and awaken when all strictness and duality within oneself is gone. We allow enough time to rest, walk around the terrain, and experience silence in different ways, but all in mindfulness and meditation.Â
While the retreat may be an inner journey, we emphasize community and integration before and after the retreat. Coming together to process and reflect on our experiences.
Silent Meditation Retreat Schedule
07:00 - 7:30 Meditation
07:30 - 9:30 Gentle Yoga Asana & Qigong for all levels, Pranayama, Guided Meditation
09:30 - 11:00 Mindful Breakfast
11:00 - 12:00 Talk & Meditation Teachings
12:00 - 13:00 Guided Meditation
13:00 - 15:30 Mindful Lunch & Silent Break (time for rest, walking meditation, journaling)
15:30 - 16:30 Meditation
16:30 - 17:00 Tea break
17:00 - 18:00 Sunset Meditation
18:30 - 20:00 Mindful Dinner
20:30 - 21:00 Meditation/Yoga Nidra
On the first day, we gather as a group to share our intentions and prepare for the journey ahead. In a short ceremony, we hand in our phones, books, and laptops, creating the space to retreat from daily life and enter fully into our silent journey.
Throughout the retreat, there is no communication or eye contact with others. The only spoken words come from the facilitators during the morning sessions, which include guided practices and a daily talk on meditation to deepen your understanding.
You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions by writing them down and placing them in a basket before the morning talk. There will also be time and space for personal journaling and reflection, if you wish.
On the final days, we begin gently opening the silence, creating room for integration, mindful conversation, and connection as a group.
“The self cannot be found in books. You have to find it in yourself for yourself.”
– Ramana Maharshi –
Requisites for the silent meditation retreat Portugal
A silent retreat is a powerful experience of inner transformation. To support the depth and safety of the process, we kindly ask that participants meet the following prerequisites:
Feel ready to step away from the noise and busyness of daily life
Long for a real break from screens, schedules, and constant stimulation
Want to reconnect with yourself in a deeper, more meaningful way
Wish to calm the mind, restore the nervous system, and find inner balance
Feel called to spend time in nature, simplicity, and stillness
Want to deepen your meditation or mindfulness practice
Feel mentally or emotionally tired and need space to reset
Know it is time to slow down and give yourself this gift
If you have been diagnosed with significant psychological issues in the past, or are currently navigating a vulnerable phase, we encourage you to consult with a mental health professional or reach out to us before applying. In some cases, a different kind of support may be more suitable at this time.
Accommodation
You’ll be staying at the Karuna Meditation Retreat Centre, in one of the many beautiful rooms available. The property is spacious, with plenty of indoor and outdoor areas to relax, reflect, or enjoy time alone.
Accommodation includes same-gender shared rooms (double or triple occupancy). Private rooms are very limited and available upon request.
Food
Throughout the retreat, you’ll be supported with nurturing, and delicious meals that are mostly organic. Each dish is prepared with care to help you feel grounded, light, and steady in your meditation practice.
The food is intentionally simple and wholesome, giving your body exactly what it needs while keeping the focus on stillness, clarity, and inner work.
This retreat will be guided by:
Michaël Bijker
yogalap founder Michaël Bijker has been improving the mental and physical well-being of tens of thousands of people around the world from all genders, backgrounds, and walks of life. Michaël started meditation and mind training practices from the age of 14.
On the retreat Michaël will be guiding a beautiful variety of movement & meditation sessions, and talks to awaken your full potential.
Michaël is the founder and director of the Life Awareness Project (yogalap). With more than 150,000 students across 190+ countries, he has helped thousands of people improve their mental and physical well-being — supporting individuals of all genders, backgrounds, and walks of life to feel stronger, calmer, and more connected.
Thomas Mathias
Thomas is an international yoga teacher, coach and meditation guide. Since 2019, he has been sharing his work globally with renowned organizations and platforms, offering yoga and meditation courses, co-living experiences, silent retreats, and private mentorships. Known for his grounding presence and insightful talks, Thomas draws from a variety of ancient and modern traditions to inspire daily spiritual practice, insight and transformation.
Zoran Jambrešić
Zoran Jambrešić, a shiatsu therapist, self-healing guide, and artist from Croatia, supports people in reconnecting with their body, awareness, and inner sense of peace. During the retreat, he will assist Michael and Thomas and offer individual shiatsu treatments. Shiatsu is an internationally recognized Japanese bodywork method based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, using conscious touch and gentle pressure tailored to each person’s unique needs to support natural self-regulation, release tension, calm the nervous system, and restore balance.
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Many of you shared with us that you like to attend our retreats, and some of you told us that the pricing was an obstacle. We decided therefore to make the retreats available to you all with a €200,- discount.
Use the code “RETREAT200″ in the booking form.
Silent Retreat Dates & Prices
4 - 9 May 2026
Spaces for this immersion are limited to 30 people, to ensure a supportive experience.
The participation fee includes the full program, daily guidance, and shared meals throughout the immersion.
Shared Room
– €890 €690
Private Room
– €1390 €1190
How to Register
Register
To register, fill in the booking form and let us know which retreat dates you’d like to join. We will reply to you usually within 24 hours.
Reserve your spot
Reserve your spot with a €400 down payment using the link below. Once we receive your payment, your spot is confirmed, and you’ll receive all the info you need to prepare.
Remaining balance
The remaining balance is due one month before the immersion begins.
Getting to Karuna Meditation Center Monchique - Portugal
The silent retreat takes place at Karuna Retreat Centre, a secluded meditation sanctuary nestled in the forested hills of Monchique. Surrounded by nature, panoramic views, and a deep sense of stillness, it’s an ideal place to step away from daily life and turn inward.
Closest Airport:
– Faro Airport (FAO): Approx. 1 hour by car
– Lisbon Airport (LIS): Approx. 3.5 to 4 hours by car
How to Get Here:
– By car: The most flexible option, especially if you want to explore the area before or after the retreat
– By shared taxi/shuttle: We’ll help connect participants interested in ride-sharing
– By public transport: Buses run from Faro and Lisbon to Monchique or Portimão. We can support you with travel planning if needed
– Please arrive not earlier than 16:00 and not later than 18:00 on the first day
– The retreat ends before noon on the final day
Once your spot is confirmed, you’ll receive the full address, travel tips, and a detailed packing list.
If you’re coming from abroad, we recommend arriving in Portugal 1–2 days early to rest, settle in, and begin your transition into the retreat space with ease.
Cancellation
We understand that life can be unpredictable. If something comes up and you’re no longer able to join, here’s how cancellations are handled:
The down payment is non-refundable, but can be transferred to another course or retreat within 12 months
If you cancel more than 30 days before the start of the immersion, any additional payments made (beyond the down payment) will be refunded
If you cancel less than 30 days before the immersion, we’re unable to offer a refund, as preparations and bookings will already be in place
Any changes to bookings (such as transferring your spot to another date or person) will include a €40 administration fee
Any changes to bookings (such as transferring your spot to another date or person) will include a €40 administration fee
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help.
Get in Touch
We would love to have you join us on this retreat. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can email us at info@yogalap.com or fill in the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
