Solo Winter Travel at Quinta Camarena – Yoga, Surf & Nature Retreats in Alentejo
Winter is an especially rewarding time for solo travel in Portugal, and the Alentejo region feels even more serene during the cooler months. The beaches are quiet, the towns relaxed and the natural landscape settles into a peaceful rhythm. For independent travellers who want a balance of solitude and community, Quinta Camarena offers the perfect base. Safe, welcoming and surrounded by nature, this part of Alentejo invites you to explore at your own pace.
At Quinta Camarena, many guests arrive alone but rarely feel that way for long. Shared meals, yoga sessions, surf outings and cosy evenings around the table create easy opportunities to meet fellow travellers. The atmosphere is friendly without being overwhelming—ideal for those who appreciate connection but value their independence.
The retreat was created by founders Vera and Cam Camarena, who left high-profile creative careers in New York to build a sustainable sanctuary in Cercal do Alentejo. The restored farmhouse and hillside rooms reflect their combined eye for design: handcrafted furnishings, warm textiles, lush gardens and thoughtful details that encourage slow, intentional living. With no digital distractions in the rooms, guests are invited to disconnect and rediscover presence.
Just 15 minutes from unspoilt coastline and the dramatic trails of the Vicentina Coast, Quinta Camarena attracts surfers, yogis, hikers and food lovers alike. Its popular “Not-So-Serious Retreat” returns each winter, offering a lively blend of yoga classes, surf lessons, guided hikes and farm-to-table meals. Mornings begin with energising yoga or a relaxed surf session—never too early, because this is your holiday. After a nourishing brunch, afternoons may include forest-sauna sessions, massages, beach walks or simply unwinding in a hammock with a book.
Evenings bring wholesome dinners and natural wines, often cooked by guest chefs who highlight local produce. Conversations flow easily, creating a sense of community that solo travellers particularly cherish.
Accommodation ranges from charming farmhouse rooms to elevated hillside suites with sweeping views. Guests can follow the full itinerary or dip in and out as they choose, making the retreat feel personal and flexible.
The five-night New Year retreat beginning 28 December starts at €1200 for the yoga-only programme, with the surf-and-yoga option available from €1800 for seven nights.
