Silent Retreats in Europe, Including Greece: Types, Costs and How to Choose
Europe has many places to practice silence, from mountain meditation centers to monasteries and island yoga retreats. Interest in a silent retreat in Greece is growing too, but the choices there are smaller and less marketed than in places like Bali or India. This guide explains the main types of silent retreats in Europe, what to expect in Greece, how to choose one and what to check before you book.
Quick answer: Silent retreats in Europe range from strict 10-day Vipassana courses (donation-based) to Buddhist monastery retreats and gentler yoga-based programs with partial silence. Greece has a smaller scene, mostly short yoga and meditation retreats. Always confirm whether the silence is full or partial, check current dates and prices, and talk to a professional first if you have a mental health condition.
Table of Contents
Types of Silent Retreats in Europe
1. Vipassana 10-day courses
Vipassana centers across Europe run the same style of 10-day course as elsewhere. Students observe noble silence for the first nine full days, meditate for about ten hours a day and give up phones, reading and writing. Courses are donation-based. For example, a Swiss guide describes Dhamma Sumeru, a center in Switzerland. See our guide on what is a silent retreat for the full rules.
2. Buddhist monastery retreats
Monasteries such as Plum Village in France run retreats where guests practice mindfulness and silence with monks and nuns. Programs have set dates and themes, so check each schedule and any registration rules.
3. Yoga and meditation retreats with partial silence
Many private retreats in Greece, Spain, Portugal, Italy and other countries keep silence only during certain hours, with yoga, breathwork and group sharing at other times. These are gentler for beginners.
Silent Retreats in Greece
A Greek travel planner notes that Greece’s silent retreat scene is smaller than Bali’s and less marketed than India’s, but serious. Programs range from structured 7-day Vipassana-style courses to short yoga stays on islands. Retreat booking sites list programs in places like Icaria and the Peloponnese, and a Greek travel writer once described a silence retreat at the Noosfera Centre near Xylokastro in the Peloponnese mountains.
Be careful with the word “silent.” The same guide points out that some Greek retreats do not use noble silence at all and allow speech between guests. Always read the schedule.
How to Choose a Silent Retreat in Europe
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is silence full or partial? | Full silence is much harder for beginners |
| How long is it? | Start with 2 to 5 days if you are new |
| Who leads it? | Check training and teaching tradition |
| What are the rules? | Phones, books and writing may be banned |
| What does it cost? | Vipassana is donation-based, private retreats charge a price |
| How do I get there? | Remote centers may need extra travel time |
Costs
Costs vary a lot. Vipassana centers are donation-based. Private retreats list prices that range from modest to several hundred euros for a few days, and listings change often, so confirm current prices and dates with the organizer. For a broader view, see how much a wellness retreat costs.
Safety and Health Tips
- Talk to your doctor or therapist first if you have a history of trauma, severe anxiety, depression or other conditions
- Tell the organizer about health needs and medicines
- Do not stop medication to attend
- Start small before booking 10 days
Practical Travel Tips
- Book early for popular dates
- Check visa and travel rules for your country before you fly
- Read the cancellation policy
- Pack for the season and the center’s rules, using our packing checklist
Frequently Asked Questions About Silent Retreats in Europe
Is there a silent retreat in Greece?
Yes, there are silent and quiet retreats in Greece, mostly short yoga and meditation programs. The scene is smaller than in some other countries, so check each program’s rules.
Are silent retreats in Europe cheaper than in the USA?
It varies. Vipassana centers are donation-based everywhere. Private retreats can cost less or more depending on country and season.
Do I need experience to join?
Not always, but starting with a short retreat is wise.
Can I talk at a silent retreat?
It depends. Strict courses ask for full silence. Others allow talking at set times.
Is a silent retreat safe for everyone?
Not necessarily. Please talk to a professional first if you have a mental health condition.
Helpful resource: For monastery retreats, see Plum Village, and for Vipassana courses see dhamma.org.
Related Reading
- What Is a Silent Retreat?
- What Is a Wellness Retreat?
- What to Pack for a Silent or Wellness Retreat
- How to Stop Overthinking at Night
- Simple Mindfulness Exercises for Busy People
Retreat dates and prices change often. We have no paid relationship with any retreat mentioned.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not medical or mental health advice. Prices, programs and availability change, so please check current details with each provider. If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the US) or your local emergency number right away.