Psychedelics are as visible as they’ve ever been, from clinical research to governmental policy to bougie retreats. And no continent is as ahead of the curve in all three of those areas as Europe.
For people looking to harness the psychologically transformative properties of psychedelics, retreats are going to be the safest and most practical option. These compounds can help people look deeper within themselves to confront uncomfortable thoughts and break through mental barriers that are holding them back—in their careers, jobs, or really any aspect of life. But the landscape can be confusing, and legal status varies dramatically by country, quality differs widely between providers, and knowing what to expect requires careful research.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview of psychedelic retreats across Europe, helping you understand the legal framework, what different experiences entail, and how to choose safely and thoughtfully.
A psychedelic retreat is a multi-day program consisting of group discussions, structured downtime, meditation, and psychedelic ceremonies, where MDMA or psilocybin—never at the same time—are typically consumed.
These retreats are a part of a longer, more comprehensive program that typically lasts at least a month. They include pre-retreat preparation (sometimes including online sessions), arrival and community building, intention-setting, the facilitated psychedelic experience itself, group sharing and processing, and structured integration work to help participants incorporate insights into daily life.
Retreats are not the same as clinical trials or psychedelic-assisted therapy, which are considered controlled medical interventions for specific conditions like depression or PTSD. Retreats are better defined as personal development experiences with potentially therapeutic results.
The key differences include:
The Netherlands has the clearest legal framework. While psilocybin mushrooms were banned in 2008, psilocybin truffles—the underground structures of the same fungi, called sclerotia—are legal. It’s a legal loophole that has led to a strong legal retreat industry centered around psilocybin.
Portugal decriminalized personal possession of all drugs in 2001. But decriminalization doesn’t mean legalization, and the commercial sale and organized retreat activities exist in legal gray areas. Some retreat centers operate openly, though the legality remains ambiguous.
Spain allows certain psychoactive substances within private spaces for personal or spiritual use, creating room for ayahuasca circles and ceremonies.
Czech Republic has relatively liberal drug laws with decriminalized possession of small amounts, though organized retreat activities are still a gray area.
We’ve written it a few times, so allow us to explain what we mean by “legal gray area.” Basically, we mean there isn’t a set law for or against the use of psychedelics, or sometimes there are conflicting laws (like how the Netherlands bans psilocybin mushrooms but no psilocybin truffles even though they contain the same psychedelic compound).
Go to a psychedelic retreat in Portugal, for example, and you may be legally fine or you may potentially find yourself in a tough situation. Here’s what you need to know about attending a retreat in an area that doesn’t have a strict “yes” or “no” law regarding psychedelics:
Your best bet is to choose retreats in places with clearer legal frameworks—primarily the Netherlands for psilocybin experiences—while recognizing that legal evolution continues.
Psilocybin truffle retreats represent the most legally established option in Europe. Available in the Netherlands, a quality program includes thorough medical and psychological screening, preparatory sessions on what to expect and how to navigate challenging moments, experienced facilitators who remain present throughout the experiences, and structured integration support.
The experience typically involves lying down with eyeshades and curated music while the psilocybin takes effect, then processing insights through journaling, sharing circles, and guided reflection. Many participants describe experiencing profound emotional releases, gaining new perspectives on long-standing patterns, and feeling a deeper connection and sense of meaning.
Ayahuasca retreats in Europe attempt to honor South American Indigenous traditions while making them accessible to Westerners. The best retreats offering ayahuasca maintain strong connections to the plant’s traditional lineages, follow ceremonial protocols respectfully, and provide appropriate preparation and integration.
The ayahuasca experience differs considerably from psilocybin, including purging (vomiting or diarrhea, viewed as cleansing), more visions, and a longer duration (4-6 hours). Participants typically attend multiple ceremonies over the course of a week, with rest and integration time in between.
Several European retreat centers offer powerful consciousness work without classical psychedelics:
You should be discerning about the retreat company you sign up with. Here’s a quick rundown of what to look for in a Psychedelic retreat:
Reputable retreats require comprehensive screening, including:
Centers should clearly communicate contraindications and be willing to decline participants for whom the experience might pose risks. Unfortunately, psychedelic retreats aren’t for everyone, and if a person is turned away, it’s for their safety.
Be cautious of retreats that:
At the end of the day, trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is.
Mostly no. The Netherlands offers the clearest legal framework, where psilocybin truffles are legal. Other countries like Portugal, Spain, and the Czech Republic have some legal gray areas that make taking psychedelics possible but not technically legal. So proceed with caution and always do research before signing up for a retreat.
What happens during a psilocybin truffle retreat?After a week or so of prep work, you’ll embark on a 3- to 7-day journey, consisting of facilitate psilocybin sessions and group/solo activities. Many retreats also include complementary practices, such as meditation, yoga, or nature walks. The experience itself varies but often involves emotional processing, visual phenomena, shifts in perception, confronting difficult material, and feelings of connection or meaning.
How can I tell if a psychedelic retreat is safe and reputable?Look for comprehensive medical and psychological screening processes, trained facilitators with verifiable credentials, clear communication about what to expect and potential risks, appropriate facilitator-to-participant ratios, transparent pricing and policies, professional website and materials, positive reviews from past participants, clear contraindications and willingness to decline inappropriate participants, and emergency protocols.