Balanced Writing Retreats in Portugal and Spain,
Focused on Craft and Community
Writing is about more than solitude.
It's about connection, community, and learning together. We offer craft-focused retreats designed to rekindle your creativity in a strongly supportive community across rural Portugal and Spain. Each retreat balances learning and movement to help you establish a healthy and productive writing practice.
Our ethos is simple.
We believe that a blend of rigorous study and somatic practices helps writers do their best work.
Bilingual where it counts.
We're proud that our first edition consisted of 50% Lusophone writers.
Inclusivity is a core tenet of who we are. Although retreat sessions are hosted in English, workshop materials and retreat programming will be available in Portuguese.
Directed by Lu Chixaro, an MFA-trained poet and nonfiction writer, and experienced workshop facilitator. Read more about her workshop philosophy here.
What Our Writers Say
Diverse & welcoming
I loved the diversity of the writing and energy. I feel like I've learned a lot in a brief time. Kudos for creating a welcoming and safe space. The workshop also added so much to our experience. Thanks for sharing your process and work with us.
Geralyn A., Fiction
from Porto, PT | Spring '26
Just what I needed
As a writer who has been battling the dreaded block for months now, the three days at the retreat were just what I needed to push myself out of my comfort zone. And discover a story in me that I didn't even know existed (win/win). The food and venue were amazing too!
A. A., Nonfiction
from Porto, PT | Spring '26
a wonderful experience
This was such a wonderful experience and I loved getting to know each of the writers. Thank you for welcoming me and for building such a community-centered retreat.
Gabrielle N., Fiction
from Essex, U.K. | Spring '26
Write in idyllic rural Portugal and Spain and learn about their rich literary histories.
Seasonal Writing Retreats
We offer up to four retreats per year, one for each season. Ranging from 3 to 5 nights, each retreat offers writers a unique experience that honors the rhythm of the season.
Spring: Craft & Connection (Minde, Portugal)
Our traditional retreat format. In April, we gather in Portugal for a balanced retreat.
Between craft and somatic sessions, participants will have four nights of workshops, writing, community, and
get to experience our tradition of cooking a meal together as a cohort.
Summer: Writers' Summer Camp (Spain)
For five nights in August, we take over a traditional house
in rural Spain. Letting nature be their muse and guide, participants
can explore the region through guided hikes and other nature activities, and attend craft workshops from US and local writers. Details coming soon.
Fall: More information coming soon.
Winter: Lisbon Lit Lab (Weekend Intensive)
More information coming soon.
Create your ideal retreat experience.
Each edition is as craft-intensive or restorative as you make it. During our summer Writers' Summer Camp session, you can choose to attend one or two workshops. At Craft & Community, our Spring retreat, you may add as many retreat exclusive services as you'd like.
Retreat Exclusives
Literary Agent Access
Get a 30-minute coaching session with a literary agent. Available in English and Portuguese.
Guided Excursions
Explore the the landscape through hikes curated by a professional local nature guide.
"Office Hours" Consult
Drop into our "office hours" to receive exclusive editorial feedback on your work. Available in English and Portuguese.
Feedback Circle
Receive feedback on your work in a supportive session guided by an experienced facilitator.
Bear Witness: Bringing Embodiment Back to Our Writing Practice
Facilitator: Maureen Medina
Author of My Fears Out Loud
With guided writing prompts and readings, somatic grounding practices, and movement activities, participants will have space to feel and name emotions, observe them with curiosity, and be informed by what arises.
Selected Future Workshops
-
Learning from the Land: Takeaways from This Region's Writers
Edition: Summer '27 | Facilitator: TBDJoin us as we explore the unique perspectives and experiences of writers from this region, and how their work reflects the landscape and culture around them. Taught by a local author.
-
Our Personal Archives: Using Photos, Documents, and Memories as Sources of Inspiration
Edition: Spring '27 | Facilitator: Lucianna Chixaro RamosPoet and nonfiction writer Lucianna Chixaro Ramos will lead this workshop, exploring how personal artifacts can be used to inspire and inform our writing. All genres welcome. Genre breakouts will be offered.
-
Editing Deep Dive: The Sentence in Poetry and Prose
Edition: TBD | Facilitator: Lucianna Chixaro RamosA look back at famous sentences and their roles in shaping their respective works. Participants will work with hands on exercises, using their own existing pieces to learn about craft on the line level. All genres welcome. Genre breakouts will be offered.
Small cohorts mean limited spaces.
(And our last retreat sold out.)
Join the mailing list to be the first to get news and updates about our retreats.