Meditation Retreats in Portugal
Explore the transformational power of silence
Cave of the Heart offers Hridaya silent meditation retreats in Portugal at Karuna Retreat Center, in the mountains of Monchique, Algarve. We run 3-day, 5-day and 10-day retreats throughout the year, open to beginners and experienced practitioners alike.
Learn to rest in silent awareness, move beyond the layers of mind,
and allow the radiance of the Heart to shine through.
Did you ever notice the peace after a long exhale?
Or savored the serenity at the dawn of the day?
The joy when we recognize beauty....
All of these are glimpses of a truth about ourselves, that is revealed in the Heart.
If you long to learn how to live from a place of true freedom, you are very welcome to join our Meditation Retreats.
About our Retreats
Our Silent Meditation Retreats make a profound opportunity to step away from the noise of daily life and rest in the intimacy of the Heart.
Meditation Retreats are powerful, transformational periods in which we can reconnect and reveal the essence of life.
A Retreat is not a negation of life or of our human experience. It is a sacred time, in which we learn to access a space in our being that can encounter life with utmost love, wisdom and compassion.
In our Retreats, we gently guide you towards your own inner depth, supported by teachings from various non-dual traditions, mainly centered around Ramana Maharshi and the teachings of the Heart, Hridaya.
For whom are our Retreats
Our Retreats are for beginners and long term practitioners alike. These Retreats help you to connect to yourself in a deep and intimate way. For spiritual practitioners and those who simply want to explore meditation, the Retreats are designed to give you a profound understanding of the view on meditation and contemplative traditions and also the practice of meditation supported by traditional Hatha Yoga.
You are perfect here if you:
Simply long to rest, recharge and reconnect to yourself
Explore meditation as you experience the call for silence
Deepen the understanding of your spiritual path and practice
Are you feeling the call to join us in silence?
The Retreat center
Karuna Retreat Center, nestled in the mountains of Monchique, Algarve, is where we host our silent meditation retreats in Portugal. A sanctuary away from the noise of daily life, it offers the perfect conditions for recognizing deep inner stillness.
What awaits you there is:
-
A beautiful garden surrounded by nature — space to rest, walk, and simply be
-
Vast views over southern Portugal all the way to the Atlantic ocean
-
A spacious, light-filled temple for our meditation and yoga sessions
-
Fresh spring water from a natural source on the property
-
Nourishing vegetarian and vegan meals, prepared with care
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |
The center itself is 100% aligned to our spiritual values as the entire center runs solely on the wish to be of benefit to beings and our planet. It therefore chooses to run with volunteers and those who seek to serve from the Heart.
The love, the spiritual depth and the generosity of Karuna Center are always very tangible and very supportive to our Retreats. We are very grateful to have found such an authentic place for our Retreats and look forward to welcome you in Karuna Center.
More Information
Details for the Retreats:
-
check-in day and check -out days with introduction and opening and closing sessions.
-
from second day on, we practice Mauna (noble silence)
-
3 nourishing vegetarian/vegan meals per day, prepared with a lot of love (if you are allergic, we can support you)
-
rooms to be shared by 2 or 3 participants.
-
no need for phones, alarms, etc. (we take care of this).
-
beautiful gardens and nature to rest - walk to a waterfall or swim in our natural pond.
-
stay connected by becoming part of our online community
What you will learn:
-
Techniques for calming your mind, relaxing your body, and opening your heart.
-
The fundamental principles of non-duality (the teaching that consciousness and form are one)
-
Ramana Maharshi’s Self-Inquiry method
-
Practices for recognizing and abiding in the Spiritual Heart and cultivating spiritual understanding
-
Traditional, contemplative Hatha Yoga
-
ways to lead your life from a place of wisdom, compassion and freedom
Each Retreatday consists of:
-
4 meditation sessions
-
1 - 1,5 hours of Hatha Yoga
-
practical advise for the practice of meditation
-
generous breaks for rest and contemplation
-
inspiring lectures to ignite the fire of the Heart
-
a Q&A session (written questions) to support your practice and understanding.
"When I am silent, I fall into that place, where everything is music."
-Rumi
FAQs about our Silent Meditation Retreats in Portugal
Is the retreat suitable for beginners?
Yes. Our retreats welcome both first-time meditators and long-term practitioners. The teachings are introduced progressively, and the retreat structure supports anyone who feels drawn to explore silence, regardless of experience.
What is the difference between the 3-day, 5-day and 10-day retreat?
The 3-day retreat is a short but genuine immersion into silence — a good starting point. The 5-day goes deeper, allowing more time for the practice to settle. The 10-day is for those who want a thorough, transformative experience. In all formats, the daily structure is the same: meditation sessions, Hatha Yoga, and teachings. The difference is simply the depth that becomes available with more time.
What is included in a meditation retreat in Portugal?
All retreats include daily guided meditation sessions, Hatha Yoga, inspiring talks and a Q&A session each evening. Accommodation is shared (2–3 people per room), and three vegetarian or vegan meals per day are provided. Fresh spring water from the Monchique mountains is available throughout. Participants are asked to leave phones and electronics aside for the duration.
Where is Karuna Retreat Center?
Karuna Center is located in the mountains around Monchique, in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. It is surrounded by nature, with views stretching to the Atlantic ocean. Monchique is approximately 60 minutes from Faro airport and 2.5 hours from Lisbon.
Do I need to have a meditation practice to join?
No prior meditation experience is required. What matters most is a genuine intention to explore silence and a willingness to follow the retreat guidelines, which include noble silence from the second day onwards.
Are low-income discounts available?
Yes. We keep our prices as accessible as possible and are happy to offer reduced rates for those who need them. Get in touch before booking and we will do our best to support you.
