Climate matters
Yoga in heated indoor studios works anywhere; outdoor sunrise practice doesn't survive a Berlin January. Mediterranean and Iberian cities dominate the retreat scene because shoulder-season weather permits beach and rooftop classes nine months yearly.
Lisbon
Lisbon has become Europe's drop-in yoga capital. Príncipe Real and Santos studios run vinyasa, ashtanga, yin classes daily — pay-per-class works for travelers. The expat-and-nomad scene means English instruction is universal. Mild winters (15°C) keep practice rhythm year-round.
Heraklion / Crete
Heraklion is the gateway to Cretan retreat centers. Most retreats happen at coastal or mountain villages outside the city, but Heraklion airport is the entry point. May–October season; September the sweet spot.
Sevilla and Granada
Sevilla Andalusian heat retreats — but only October–April for outdoor practice. Avoid July–August; even shaded studios feel oppressive. Granada better year-round because of Sierra Nevada altitude moderation.
Berlin and London
Berlin studios skew "sweaty hot yoga in a bunker"; London studios world-class but expensive (£25 drop-ins). Both work for serious practitioners traveling for specific teachers.
Strategy
True multi-day retreats happen outside major cities — book separately. Use cities as flight-arrival hubs, then transit to retreat villages. Thermal wellness is the hot-springs counterpart.