Centro Retiros Yoga Pirineo
Practice within ancient Pyrenean stone
Casa Marterena brings yoga and meditation into a strikingly old setting: a 13th-century stone palace in the Navarrese Pyrenees. Close to the Irati Forest, the house makes space for quiet practice as well as time outdoors, with mountain landscapes shaping the retreat’s slower pace. The approach combines yoga and meditation with psychological insight, drawing on three decades of dedicated practice. Meals are served at a communal table from a plant-based menu, keeping food simple and shared. This is a historic home rather than a purpose-built resort, with a yoga studio and everyday comforts including towels, tea and coffee, and free parking. The center runs by donation, making its retreats a different proposition from a fixed-price wellness stay. Schedules and room arrangements can vary, so confirm the details of a particular retreat before travelling.
Highlights
- Yoga and meditation hosted inside a 13th-century palace
- A communal table with a single plant-based menu
- A retreat approach shaped by psychological insight and three decades of practice
- A yoga studio in a historic home near the Irati Forest
Good for
Setting
Casa Marterena is a 13th-century palace in the Navarrese Pyrenees, near the Irati Forest and its broad beech woodland. Ancient stone walls and a quiet mountain setting give the retreat a sense of history and remove it from the bustle of a resort.
The practice
Yoga is the center’s stated practice, with meditation and psychological insight also part of its approach. Sessions are intended to make room for attention and self-reflection, rather than to showcase a named lineage or specialised style. Newcomers can ask the center what a particular retreat includes and whether it suits their experience level.
A typical day
Daily structure varies by retreat, so confirm it with the center. The house’s yoga studio and communal dining room create a natural rhythm around practice and shared meals, while the surrounding mountain landscape invites time outdoors between sessions.
Accommodation
Retreats take place in Casa Marterena, a historic palace. Room types and sleeping arrangements are not described, so ask the center about accommodation for your chosen retreat.
What to bring
Pack comfortable clothes for yoga and meditation, along with layers for cooler conditions. The annual average temperature is 14.2°C, and rain is more common in November, January, and March, so a light waterproof layer is useful.
How to get there
Pamplona is the suggested rail gateway, with trains from Madrid and Barcelona; from Pamplona, continue to Arrieta by car or taxi. Car rental is also an option for exploring the surrounding valleys and Irati Forest.
Nearest airport: Bilbao Airport (BIO) (12 km)
Bilbao Airport (BIO) is approximately 12 km from the center. A taxi or rental car is a practical option; the center does not operate a private shuttle.
Nearest city: Bilbao
Public transport: Train connections reach Pamplona, but onward public transport to Arrieta is not detailed.
The center runs by donation, with no fixed fee stated. Confirm the suggested contribution and what it covers when arranging a retreat.
Climate
Climate Zone: Temperate
Best Months: Jun, Aug, Oct
Avoid: Nov, Jan, Mar
The area has an annual average temperature of 14.2°C, with warmer weather generally in June, July, and August and cooler conditions in December, January, and February. Rain is more frequent in November, January, and March; June, August, and October are among the drier months.
Location
Frequently asked questions
What does a typical day at the retreat include?
The schedule varies by retreat. Ask the center for the daily plan for your dates.
Can beginners join the yoga and meditation retreats?
The center’s approach includes yoga and meditation, but suitability depends on the retreat. Ask the center about experience requirements before booking.
How do I reach Casa Marterena?
The center is at Calle San Lorenzo, 40, in Arrieta. Travel by car or arrange a taxi or private transfer; there is no center shuttle.
What food is served during a retreat?
Meals follow a plant-based menu and are served at a communal table. Ask the center about any dietary needs beyond the listed vegetarian option.
What language are sessions taught in?
Ask the center which languages are used for the retreat you plan to attend.
Reviews
No reviews yet — be the first to share your experience!