Ecotura, Ecotourism and nature retreats

Move slowly, breathe mountain air

Portugal Castro Laboreiro paid

Life slows to the pace of mountain paths and oak-forest walks at Ecotura, where small-group retreats bring yoga, hiking, horse riding and other wellness experiences together. The base is a restored hamlet in the Castro Laboreiro valley, surrounded by traditional stone villages and the mountains of Peneda-Gerês National Park. Yoga takes place in a studio at the edge of the hamlet, beside the forest and facing the surrounding peaks. Host Anabela welcomes guests into a quieter kind of travel, with time to move outdoors as well as space to unwind. Meals draw on Mediterranean cooking and seasonal, locally sourced ingredients where possible; the menu is mainly vegetarian, with options for a range of dietary needs. Retreats are paid, with prices from EUR 1,495. Come for an active stay in the hills, or simply for a few days shaped by fresh air, good food and a gentler daily rhythm.

Highlights

Yoga studio at the forest’s edge with mountain views
Small-group retreats combine yoga with hikes and horse riding
Personal hosting by Anabela in a restored mountain hamlet
Seasonal Mediterranean-inspired meals with vegetarian and special-diet options

Good for

yoga practitionersnature lovershikershorse-riding enthusiastssmall-group retreat guests

Setting

A restored stone hamlet in the Castro Laboreiro valley makes a peaceful base among oak woods, mountain scenery and traditional villages. The yoga studio sits at the hamlet’s edge beside the forest, with open views across Peneda-Gerês.

The practice

Yoga is the named practice at Ecotura, set within a wider retreat experience of movement and time outdoors. Sessions take place in a studio beside the oak forest, with the mountains in view. The specific yoga style and level are not stated, so newcomers should ask Anabela whether a particular retreat suits their experience.

A typical day

Daily structure varies by retreat. A stay may bring together yoga, hiking, horse riding and wellness experiences, with meals inspired by seasonal Mediterranean cooking. Ask Anabela for the schedule for your chosen dates rather than assuming a fixed timetable.

Accommodation

Guests stay in the restored hamlet, but details about room types and arrangements are not specified here. Ask Anabela about accommodation options for your retreat dates.

What to bring

Bring comfortable clothes for yoga and sturdy walking shoes for outdoor activities. Average temperatures are cool, around 11.4°C across the year, and winter months are wetter, so pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket, especially from November to January.

Address Castro Laboreiro, 4960, Portugal

How to get there

The address is Castro Laboreiro, 4960, Portugal. Porto International Airport is about two hours away by road; a paid Saturday airport transfer can be arranged, with pickup at 15:30 and arrival back at Porto Airport around 11:30 to 12:00 on departure day. Private transfers can also be requested for an additional charge.

Nearest airport: Vigo Airport (VGO) (45 km)

Vigo Airport (VGO) is approximately 45 km from Ecotura. A paid Saturday transfer is offered from Porto Airport, about two hours away; contact the center to arrange it or ask about transport from Vigo.

Nearest city: Vigo

Languages

English

How to book

Contact Ecotura directly to confirm dates, availability and how to reserve.

Pricing

Retreat prices start at EUR 1,495. Confirm the price and what is included for your chosen dates with Ecotura.

Climate

Climate Zone: Temperate

Best Months: Aug, Jul, Jun

Avoid: Jan, Nov, Dec

The area has a cool mountain climate, with an annual average temperature of 11.4°C. June through August are the warmest and driest months, while November through January tend to be wetter; pack accordingly for the season.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Does Ecotura have a set daily schedule?

The rhythm varies by retreat and may include yoga, hiking, horse riding and wellness experiences. Ask Anabela for the itinerary for your dates.

Can beginners join the yoga sessions?

Yoga is part of the retreat program, but the style and level are not stated. Contact Anabela to check whether a specific retreat is suitable for you.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Meals are primarily vegetarian, and vegan options are listed, along with gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and organic choices. Share your dietary needs when arranging your stay.

What is the easiest way to reach the retreat?

Vigo Airport is about 45 km away. A paid Saturday transfer is also offered from Porto Airport, with pickup at 15:30; contact Ecotura to arrange onward transport from Vigo.

How do I reserve a place?

Contact Ecotura directly to confirm retreat dates, availability and booking arrangements.