Top Yoga Teacher Training Destinations & Courses in Europe [2024]
March 9, 2024
The go-to resource to prepare for your yoga teacher training. Find all you need to know about the top destinations and take your practice to the next level.
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With a well-preserved cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, diverse landscape, and delicious cuisines, it’s no wonder that Europe accounts for more than half of the global tourism market.
Each year, more and more European countries organize world-class yoga retreats and yoga teacher training courses. Greece, Spain, and France constantly rank among the top yoga destinations in the world.
Throughout the continent, you have access to a variety of yoga vacations in stunning places. Whether you fancy the mountains or the sea, want to spend time in the countryside or near buzzing cities, you are spoiled for choice in Europe.
With that being said, if you are looking to enhance your yoga practice or plan to start teaching yoga, there are plenty of quality yoga teacher training course in Europe to choose from.
History of Yoga & Meditation in Europe
Meditation can be traced back to two thousand years ago in Europe. A deep state of meditation (samadhi in Sanskrit) was practiced by both Greeks and Romans.
The proof is found in the Enneads, a book written by Plotinus, one of the most famous spiritual masters of the Roman world. He mentions meditation being practiced in the city of Rome in the 3rd century AD.
In Ancient Greece, meditation was called henosis and was taught in many places, including the Platonic Academy in Athens.
But the yoga and meditation practices we know today were introduced in Europe in the 1890s, probably by a Hindu traveling monk.
Yoga grew in popularity throughout the 1930s and 1940s, and especially the 1980s. However, it became less of a spiritual practice and more of a physical exercise.
Top Destinations for Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Europe
Photo credit: Rise & Shine Yoga
One of the most popular yoga destinations in the world and by far the most popular in Europe, Spain is blessed with beautiful beaches, mouthwatering cuisine, and vibrant culture.
Head to Ibiza, Mallorca, Barcelona, or Andalusia and choose one of the great yoga teacher training courses in this Southern European country.
» Read more about Top Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Spain
Photo credit: Soma Yoga Institute
With gorgeous beaches, stunning islands, a wealth of historical sites, and vibrant cities, Greece is another destination that offers unforgettable yoga retreats. Feel the sand between your toes, watch some gorgeous sunsets, and indulge in the mouthwatering cuisine.
Whether you choose the gorgeous islands of Crete, Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, or head to the mainland, there are plenty of yoga teacher training courses to choose from.
» Read more about Top Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Greece
Photo credit: La Croce Yoga School
Famous for its exquisite cuisine, incredible archeological sites, and excellent beaches, Italy constantly ranks among the top 3 yoga destinations in Europe.
After all, who doesn’t want to enjoy yoga with a side of pizza, pasta, wine, and stunning backdrops of the rolling Tuscan hills or golden beaches?
Join one of the yoga teacher training courses in Sardinia, Sicily, Tuscany, or Puglia and enhance your practice in gorgeous settings.
Photo credit: Bend it like Buddha Yoga
A small, yet charming country in Western Europe, Portugal is known for its wines, beaches, and amazing surfing.
Head to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve or the Azores to enjoy some of the best yoga teacher training courses on the Old Continent.
Photo credit: RainbowLight Centre for Yoga Art & Science
The most visited country in the world, France is also a favorite among yoga practitioners.
The impressive cities, delicious food, and natural beauty will make you fall in love instantly. You may be tempted to stay close to Paris, but you should know that the French charm can be found throughout the country.
The French Alps, Cote d’Azur, and Occitanie are just three of the regions where you will enjoy exquisite yoga teacher training courses.
Top Yoga Teacher Training Courses to Join in Europe
21 Days TTC 200-Hour Integral Yoga Teacher Training in Madeira, Portugal
- Cost: from €1,980
- Availability: All year round (except September)
- Location: Funchal, Madeira, Portugal
- Instruction language: English; the organizer also speaks Portuguese
- Instruction level: all levels
This yoga teacher training course takes place in the center of Funchal, within walking distance from the main tourist attractions.
Funchal is the largest city on the island of Madeira in Portugal. Blessed with a subtropical Mediterranean climate, which ensures even temperatures all year round, it is a major tourist town. There are gorgeous gardens to visit, a cable car that offers fantastic views of the area, stunning beaches, and charming cathedrals.
Deepen your knowledge of yoga and enhance your personal development during an Integral Yoga Teacher Training on this beautiful island. Immediately upon graduation, you are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance (RYT200).
You’ll be staying at Apartamentos Casa Branca, which features an outdoor swimming pool. Each apartment has a balcony, fully equipped kitchenette, TV, washing machine, and a private bathroom.
There’s Wi-Fi available throughout the property. This retreat is self-catering, which means you need to buy and prepare the food. There’s a supermarket close by (400m) as well as numerous restaurants.
Your day begins at 10 a.m. with a yoga class, followed by the basics of practice module (2 classes with a break between them). You’ll take a break for lunch (at 2 p.m.) and then you have time for individual study.
In the afternoon there’s another basics of practice module, followed by a yoga class at 7:30 p.m. and meditation.
You will be flying into Cristiano Ronaldo Madeira International Airport (FNC). From here, you can take either the Aerobus to Funchal or grab a taxi.
21 Day 200 RYT Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Course in Athens
- Cost: from €2,600
- Availability: All year round
- Location: Paiania, Athens
- Instruction language: English. The organizer also speaks French & German
- Instruction level: all levels
This 200-hour teacher training is held in Paiania, Athens, just 10 km from the airport and 5 min from the city center (by train).
You’ll be staying in private single or double rooms with an en-suite bathroom. Washing machines are available (for an added cost), so you won’t need to bring too many clothes.
This program is designed to shed light on many aspects of yoga and teach you how to use Hatha Yoga to lead effective yoga classes.
During the training, each class will have a maximum of 6 participants, giving you the privilege to be closer to the instructor and better understand the essence and transformation of powerful yoga.
Your day starts at 8:30 a.m. with an introduction to the day’s agenda and is followed by asana practice. After a short coffee break, you’ll join a yoga philosophy class (at 11:30 a.m.) Lunch break is at 1:30 pm.
Two more classes are held in the afternoon, separated by a coffee break.
During this yoga teacher training in Athens, you’ll delve into yoga ethics and the student-teacher relationship, explore the history of yoga, learn about alignment and assisting, learn how to market yourself, and more.
Only breakfast is included in the package. Do make sure to let the organizer know if you have any dietary requirements.
In your free time, you can explore the beautiful city of Athens, as well as Glyfada residential area, where the yoga academy is located.
The closest airport is Athens International Airport (ATH) and transfer is available for an additional cost.
7 Day 60-Hour Yin Yoga Teacher Training with 5 Elements and Fascia Therapy in Santa Eulalia, Ibiza
- Cost: from €1,400
- Availability: March, May, July & September 2022
- Location: Ibiza, Spain
- Instruction language: English; the organizer also speaks Dutch, French, &German
- Instruction level: All levels
This course takes place in Santa Eulalia, on the Spanish island of Ibiza.
Part of the Balearic Islands, Ibiza is widely known as a great party island. But partying all night aside, the island is also home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Dalt Vila, the oldest part of Ibiza Town), plenty of stunning beaches, an uninhabited island (which is also a National Park), and incredible scuba diving spots.
This teacher training course helps you get into a meditative state, allowing you to find stillness, peacefulness, and balance.
You’ll be staying in a villa, close to the beach. There is a swimming pool and a superb garden. The rooms are available in single, double, or triple occupancy. The package also includes all daily vegan meals.
Your day starts at 7:45 a.m. with morning practice and meditation. Breakfast is served at 9:45 a.m. For the next three hours, you’ll stud theory, do exercises, and have lectures. Lunch is at 1:30 p.m., followed by an afternoon break. Classes resume at 4:30 p.m. with the afternoon practice, lectures, and a teaching lab. Dinner is served at 7 p.m.
This course includes a lot of content and practices, that will help you unlock the power and unique qualities of Yin Yoga.
This training gives 60hrs credits with Yoga Alliance.
This yoga teacher training course also includes several excursions. You’ll be visiting magical power spots on the island, where sacred empowering ceremonies will be practiced. And you’ll also enjoy unique healing crystal bowl sessions, soul breathing, as well as sunset and sunrise sessions.
Please make sure to book your flight to Ibiza Airport (IBZ). Airport transfer is available for an additional fee (€50).
100-Hour Hybrid: Self-Paced Online and 8-Day In-Person Vinyasa Yoga Teacher Training in Avellino
- Cost per day: from €244
- Availability: December 2023 – January 2024 & May – September 2024
- Location: Avellino, Italy
- Instruction language: English; the organizer also speaks Italian & French
- Instruction level: all levels
Want to become a certified yoga teacher but have limited time to travel? This hybrid course in Italy may be what you need to get started!
Out of the 100-hours, 40-hours are self-paced over 15 to 30 days online. Then you’ll join an 8-day 60-hours intensive in-person retreat.
You’ll stay in a lovely area in Southern Italy, close to the famous Amalfitan Coast and the city of Naples.
The online part is mandatory before joining the in-person retreat. You’ll be given access to the Cartly learning platform, where the pre-recorded videos, courses, and exercises are hosted.
At the retreat, you’ll join daily training sessions. You’ll enjoy three daily meals, snacks, and drinks.
The 100-hour standard course covers asana, pranayama, meditation, anatomy, theory, and yoga philosophy. In addition, you’ll also study basic Ayurveda.
Make sure to book your flight to either Naples International Airport (NAP) or Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport (QSR), as the transfer is included in the price. Should you arrive by train at Naples or Salerno train stations, the transfer to the retreat is also included.
25-Day 200-Hour Intensive Yoga Teacher Training in Saint Michel de Chabrillanoux, France
- Cost: from €2,400
- Availability: All Year Round
- Location: Saint Michel de Chabrillanoux, France
- Instruction language: French; the organizer also speaks English, German, and Spanish
- Instruction level: Beginner & Intermediate
Take your training to beautiful southern France. Delve deep into your practice, experience life in an Ashram, and become a great yoga teacher!
During this training, you’ll be hosted by Yogaji, in comfortable accommodation. You have a choice between staying in a tent, a hut, or a dorm. The sleeping area and the bathrooms are shared.
The teaching is traditional and includes a lot of Pranayama and Mantras. It is also spiritual and follows the texts of Yoga Sutras, Yoga Upanishads, and Hatha Yoga Pradipika.
You’ll study yoga history, the ethics of a yogic lifestyle, Ayurveda, anatomy, asanas, pranayama, pedagogy, and more.
Each day, you’ll have an early morning yoga practice, followed by lunch, and time to rest. Throughout the day, you’ll join various theory and practice classes.
Students who complete the training are eligible to register with Yoga Alliance as Registered Yoga Teachers.
The package includes three daily vegetarian meals, as well as the study manual, and yoga books.
The closest airport is Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS) but the transfer is not provided. Once you land, take the train to Valence.
*All prices are valid at the time of publication and are not guaranteed. They are subject to change without notice.
Looking to enhance your yoga practice but can’t travel right now? Join an online yoga teacher training from the comfort & safety of your own home.