Top Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Greece
April 2, 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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Greece constantly ranks as one of the most popular vacation destinations in Europe.
Between its stunning coastline, rich culture and history, beautiful islands, and friendly people, this Mediterranean country has become a preferred destination for travelers looking for a unique experience.
So it comes to no surprise that there are plenty of yoga retreats and yoga teacher training courses in Greece, no matter which island or part of the mainland you want to head to.
History of Yoga & Meditation in Greece
But such a traditional Greek Orthodox country surely does not have much to do with yoga. Or does it?
Astonishingly, it does! Two thousand years ago in Southern Europe, a deep state of meditation (samadhi in Sanskrit) was practiced by both Greeks and Romans. In Greek, it was called henosis and it literally meant “one-pointed awareness” or “unitary consciousness”.
There were many centers where you could learn how to stabilize your mind in henosis, including the Platonic Academy in Athens.
More so, the famous Oracle of Delphi, the spiritual center of Ancient Greece, is known for its advice: “Know thyself”. And spiritual teachers, such as Plotinus, urged his disciples to unite the divinity in themselves with the divinity in all things.
Even earlier, at the beginning of the 5th century BC, Empedocles was talking about the journey within: “You must plunge beneath your crowded thoughts and calmly contemplate the higher realities with pure, focused attention.”
Today, many still consider meditation, the concept of reincarnation, and the essential unity of all things to be Eastern beliefs. But these teaching were once an integral part of the Western spiritual heritage. Unfortunately, most of these were lost in the West and we had to travel East to rediscover them.
Top Destinations for Yoga Teacher Training Courses in Greece
The capital and largest city in Greece, Athens is also one of the world’s oldest cities.
Steeped in history, the cradle of Western civilization offers a plethora of things to do and discover. It is a gem worth discovering on foot, especially since a mostly car-free archeological walk has been established and allows easy access to the major sites such as the Acropolis and the Greek Agora.
With its own riviera, a lot of charming nearby islands to explore, and superb countryside on the mainland, Athens is an ideal vacation spot, as well as a good choice for a yoga teacher training course.
The largest of the Greek Islands, Crete is home to the legendary Minotaur and the ancient labyrinth. The ruins of the Palace of Knossos, where the Minotaur lived, are one of the biggest attractions on the island.
Littered with gorgeous beaches, the island is also a great choice for those who enjoy hiking. Samaria Gorge is the most well-known hiking route, but there are plenty more routes to explore.
Part of the Blue Zone – a region where people live the longest – Crete is also known for its healthy and tasty cuisine.
During your free time on a yoga teacher training course you can indulge in yummy cuisine, unravel the mysteries of the labyrinth, explore nature, or spend some time on the beaches.
Photo credit: Soma Yoga Institute
The famous Cyclades comprise 2,200 islands out of which only 33 are inhabited. And only a handful are very popular among travelers. Santorini, Mykonos, Naxos, Paros, and Amorgos constantly rank high on everyone’s bucket list.
The well-known Cycladic architecture – whitewashed houses, blue domes, and window shutters – together with beautiful beaches, great weather, and amazing food will make you fall in love no matter which of the islands you choose to visit.
Paros is not as crowded as Santorini and can be a great place to relax and join a yoga teacher training course. There are a lot of beaches and traditional villages to explore during your free time.
Photo credit: Alpha Yoga School
Also known as the Western Greek Islands, the Ionians include the well-known Corfu, Kefalonia, and Zakynthos (Zante) and a lot of off-the-beaten-path smaller islands. All are known for the beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, stunning architecture, and charming fishing villages.
Corfu is the northernmost of the Ionians and is located east of Italy and southwest of Albania. It is home to some lovely finishing villages and a gorgeous Old Town. It is also an excellent choice for a yoga teacher training course.
Top Yoga Teacher Training Courses to Join in Greece
25 Day 200-Hour Hatha, Vinyasa, and Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Training in Amorgos
- Price: from €2,140 for 24 nights
- Availability: select dates in February, March, May, October and November 2022
- Location: Amorgos, Cyclades
- Instruction language: English
- Instruction level: beginner & intermediate
Explore your yoga journey and kickstart your teaching career with a Yoga Alliance certified teacher training at one of the most beautiful locations in the world.
This course is suitable for yoga enthusiasts who are ready to become teachers or want to dive deeper into the yogic lifestyle and spirituality.
You’ll be staying at Aegialis Hotel and Spa, which offers a luxury and peaceful experience. The venue has 5 yoga shalas and an outdoor rooftop, with gorgeous views of the Aegean Sea and beyond.
During the course, you’ll study and practice the asanas with a specific focus on benefits and alignment, get an in-depth look at Ashtanga, join daily meditation sessions, learn about Ayurveda, and more.
Your day starts at 6 a.m. with meditation / pranayama, followed by a break when you’ll enjoy some tea and fruit. After asana practice (7 a.m.), you’ll enjoy breakfast overlooking the sea. More classes and sessions take place before lunch (1:30 p.m.). The afternoon comprises both personal time and classes. Dinner is at 7 p.m.
Three meals each day, as well as drinks, are included in the package. They cater to a variety of dietary preferences.
The price also includes the use of yoga props, a study manual, a goody bag, transfer to/from Amorgos port, a full body massage, and use of the spa facilities.
During your stay, you’ll get a chance to explore the island of Amorgos with planned activities such as hiking in the mountains and guided meditation in nature, and a guided island tour.
Book your flight into Athens International Airport (ATH) and connect to a ferry. Alternatively, fly into one of the other Cyclades that has an airport, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Paros, or Naxos, and connect to a ferry.
7 Day SUP Yoga Foundation Teaching in Paiania, Attica
- Price: from €980 for 6 nights
- Availability: All year round
- Location: Paiania, Attica
- Instruction language: English, the organizer also speaks French & German
- Instruction level: All levels
This workshop is suitable for both non-yoga teachers and yoga teachers who want to understand more about SUP Yoga and its benefits.
You’ll be staying at the accommodation of Yoga Skyros Academy, located at the foot of the Hymettus Mountain Range in Lavrio. It is close to both Athens’ airport and a subway station. All rooms have a bathroom ensuite. There’s a washing machine available (for an additional fee) so you don’t need to bring too many clothes.
Each class has a maximum of 6 students and the emphasis is on high-quality teaching, better learning, and understanding.
Each day starts at 9 a.m. with a yoga class, followed by SUP yoga at 10 a.m. You’ll then have a lunch break before you return to another SUP yoga class at 2:30 p.m. and a different yoga class at 4 p.m.
The program only includes breakfast. However, you may opt for lunch and dinner for an additional fee.
During your free time, you can hike in the nearby mountain range. And, of course, you can take the metro and visit Athens’ numerous sites.
22 Day 200-Hour Yoga Alliance Conscious Yoga Teacher Training on Karpathos, Dodecanese Islands
- Price: from €2,295 for 21 nights
- Availability: selected dates in May, July & October 2022
- Location: Karpathos, Dodecanese Islands
- Instruction language: English
- Instruction level: beginner & intermediate
Get a first-hand experience of what is possible through yoga by removing energy blockages. Cleanse the body and mind by going deep into the practices of original yoga.
During the course, you’ll be exposed to a minimum of four yoga types (Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, Raja) and the eight limbs of yoga. You will also study various sub-yoga types such as Hatha, Yin, Kirtan, Vinyasa, Restorative, and Ashtanga.
The first week focuses on asanas. The second weekend includes asanas practice in the morning and afternoon, but the focus is on yoga philosophy, pranayama, human anatomy, and different types of meditations. During the third week, you will become more comfortable with teaching and you will practice on your fellow course participants.
Three meals, water, and tea are included in the price. The meals cater to a variety of dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and raw. There are three excursions included in this program: a visit to the ancient city of Olympus and two beaches.
You will need to bring your own mat.
The venue is in Adia, on the island of Karpathos, part of the Dodecanese Islands.
Karpathos Island National Airport (AOK) serves the island. While it gets some direct flights from Europe, you may need to connect either through Athens or Rhodes. The transfer to/from the airport is included in the price.
23 Day 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Charming Kosta Maria, Palairos
- Location: Kosta Maria, Greece
- Price: from US$2,203/ 22 nights
- Availability: August 2023 till October 2024
- Skill level: Beginner & Intermediate
Immerse yourself in yoga knowledge and practices for 23 days at the enchanting Kosta Maria in Palairos, Greece. This wholesome excursion will take you on a path of self-discovery, growth, and personal development through the practice of yoga.
Located in the picturesque seaside village of Palairos, this retreat offers a rustic and traditional setting that allows you to experience the beauty of a simple and authentic Greek lifestyle.
During your stay, you’ll stay at the beautiful Kosta Maria hotel, nestled in the heart of Palairos. The hotel features comfortable rooms with modern amenities such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, a small kitchen, fridge, garden, and a terrace.
Nourish your body and soul with the delectable meals provided throughout the course. Indulge in 20 vegetarian breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets from Mondays to Saturdays. Kosta Maria's talented team of Health Food Chefs will curate a balanced menu using the best local, organic products, fruits, and superfoods.
Your day will usually begins with pranayama, meditation, and mantra chanting followed by a Vinyasa flow class. The afternoons are dedicated to deepening your understanding of asanas, alignment, adjustments, and teaching methodology. Additionally, you will explore restorative styles of yoga like Yin, Hatha, and Nidra through specialized workshops.
21 Day 200 RYT Hatha Yoga Teacher Training Course in Athens
- Price: from €2,600 for 20 nights
- 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.
Featured photo credit: Aegialis Hotel and Spa
*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 to Greece? Join a yoga teacher training course in Europe.