Karuna Retreat Center

Karuna Retreat Center is nestled in the peaceful Serra de Monchique mountains in the Algarve, Portugal.
Despite its serene, remote setting, it is easy to reach by air from major cities in Portugal and Europe.

✈ By Air

Faro International Airport (FAO) – The closest airport, just about 1 hour by car from Karuna. Many low-cost airlines fly directly from major European cities (London, Paris, Amsterdam, Berlin, etc.).

Lisbon Airport (LIS) – Located about 3 hours away. Lisbon is well-connected internationally, with frequent trains and buses to the Algarve.

🚉 By Train from Lisbon

From Lisbon (Oriente or Entrecampos station), take the direct train toward the Algarve.
Get off at Santa Clara-Sabóia station, which is the closest train stop to Monchique. The journey takes about 3 hours.
From Santa Clara-Sabóia, the retreat center is around 45 minutes by taxi. We can assist you in arranging a pre-booked taxi to meet you at the station. Please be aware that a pre-booked taxi is needed since it is very unlikely to find taxis in this train station.

🚉 By Bus from Lisbon
From Lisbon, you can take a bus to Portimão (about 3 hours). Then a taxi will take you to us.

🚗 By Car

From Faro: Drive west on the A22 motorway, exit at Portimão/Monchique, then follow signs toward Monchique. Then take the road to the right after passing Caldas de Monchique (if you turn before, the GPS might take you through some dirt roads). Karuna retreat center is about 10 minutes into the mountains.

From Monchique: 15 minute drive along a paved road.

🚕 By Taxi

We can share with you the contact of a local taxi driver who speaks English and can pick you up at Faro, Portimão or Santa Clara Saboia. We will share more information shortly before the retreat starts.

🌍 Travel Tips

We encourage carpooling between participants where possible — it’s more sustainable and a nice way to connect before entering silence.

If you’re arriving from abroad, consider flying into Faro for convenience, or into Lisbon if you’d like to explore Portugal’s capital before or after your retreat.

For guests traveling from other parts of Europe, Faro has a wide range of direct flights.