Semih
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-09-25
Morning flow on the terrace, waves at noon, Atlantic sunset in the evening: yoga & surf is the most popular retreat combination of all – 42 percent of retreat-interested travellers want to pair yoga with a second activity. And nowhere in Europe does it work better than on Portugal's west coast. Here is the guide for your combo week from Switzerland.
Ericeira: the world surfing reserve
Forty minutes north of Lisbon lies Europe's only World Surfing Reserve. Ericeira offers more than a dozen spots for every level – from gentle Praia do Sul for beginners to Ribeira d'Ilhas for advanced surfers. The yoga scene has grown with it: surf camps with daily flow classes, rooftop studios in the village and retreat houses with sea views. Flights to Lisbon from around CHF 69 one-way, then a 45-minute transfer.
Peniche & Sagres: wave guarantee and quiet
Peniche is Portugal's wave machine – the peninsula catches swell from almost every direction, plus the legendary Supertubos beach break. Sagres in the far south is the quieter alternative: Algarve climate, dramatic cliffs and small yoga surf houses instead of big camps. Both work brilliantly in the shoulder season, when prices drop by 30 to 40 percent.
What the combo week really costs
The honest maths per person: wellness or surf hotel from approx. CHF 450–800 for 7 nights, flight Zurich–Lisbon or Faro from approx. CHF 140–200 return, surf course with 5 sessions approx. CHF 150–250, yoga classes often from CHF 15 per session or included at camps. Total: from around CHF 800 you are in – well below what pre-packaged retreat bundles cost.
Best time & levels
September and October are the sweet spot: warm water, consistent swell, empty line-ups and shoulder-season prices. Spring (April–June) is ideal for beginners, winter belongs to the pros. Important for yoga: many camps deliberately schedule classes before surfing – morning mobility makes the difference in the water.
How to book cleverly
Our approach: book hotel, flight and surf course individually and independently instead of as a package. Switch camps, extend by two nights or take the cheaper flight from Basel – without anything falling apart. In our retreat world you'll find the cheapest hotels per spot under Yoga & Surf plus an indicative flight price from Zurich, honestly calculated per person.
Compare yoga & surf destinations with prices