The Clay Retreat
Receive expert teaching and get the chance to experience the meditating effect of working with clay.
The clay retreat is a 6-day Pottery Retreat, combined with food and relaxation. Whether you are a complete beginner or want to refine your existing skills, this retreat is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in your practice and meet other ceramics aficionados
Casa Paço D’Ilhas is a little gem, located just outside of Ericeira Village, near the world renowned surf spot Ribeira D’Ilhas. You will be pampered with nourishing, healthy, locally sourced food for breakfast, lunch and dinner.




The Venue
CASA PACO D’ILHAS, ERICEIRA
A magical hideaway and the perfect location. Combining an eclectic mix with our natural setting, heritage buildings, bohemian design, stunning locally sourced organic food, the fresh ocean air, a passionate team and lashings of bon vivant charm - both the farmhouse and lush garden create an atmospheric delight. As soon as you walk through the gate, you will understand the unique and intimate setting, so different from any other retreat venue.


We are food fanatics! We work with locally sourced and organic products wherever we can to create imaginative, hearty and delicious menus for the retreat. A varied lunch spread of quiches, salads, grilled veggies and local breads; or delicious dinners with flavours from all around the world. Our cuisine is notorious and we take great pride in exceeding the expectations of our guests over and over again!
The clay studio is situated in the beautiful pool house. While working on the wheel you will be able to enjoy the amazing view over the pool and lush garden of Casa Paço D'ilhas.

The Team

HOST & CO-TEACHER
My name is Gaëlle Van Branteghem, I moved to Ericeira 6 years ago and was ‘forced’ to rediscover myself and what I want to do in life besides being a devoted mom. I went to a ceramics workshop and knew immediately that I wanted to discover more within the world of ceramics. By coincidence I started talking to a local ceramist in Mafra, Sr. Paulo, and asked him if he wanted to teach me the techniques of wheel thrown pottery. I fell in love with the wheel the moment I started. I knew I wanted to continue with this craftmanship and grow in my passion. I continued my learning process with Sr. Paulo and invested in my own wheel. Step by step I improved and founded Gaëlle Ceramica.
HEAD CERAMIST
Silvi De Jaeger was born in Ghent, studied ceramics at St Lucas and left Belgium in 1996 to start working as a professional thrower in production potteries in Wales and Ireland, after that she had her own studio and shop in Wales. Together with her husband she opened a B&B with a ceramics studio in Bulgaria and now lives since 2019 in Portugal where she is continuing her inspiring path in ceramics. Silvi is a hands-on teacher who inspires and helps students at the retreat learn about ceramics and improve their skills whether they are beginners or experienced.
Daily Program
All packages include 6 nights stay at Casa Paço D’Ilhas Guesthouse with daily breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner. In addition, the entire property is reserved for the retreat guests with two swimming pools, huge garden, restaurant/bar and chill out areas.
Program
DAY 1 Check-in at 16h
DAY 2 09.30h - 13h THE BASICS OF THROWING
DAY 3 09.30h - 13h THE POTTER's WHEEL , 16h A VISIT LOCAL 'OLARIA'
DAY 4 09.30h - 13h THE POTTER'S WHEEL
DAY 5 09.30h - 13h THE POTTER'S WHEEL
DAY 6 09.30h - 13h THE POTTER'S WHEEL
Sunset RAKU FIRING
DAY 7 BREAKFAST AND CHECK OUT at 11 h.
*Drinks, flight and transport to the retreat is not included, please contact if you need help with arriving.
Afternoon
In the afternoons there is free time to practice in the studio, unwind at the pool or enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Ericeira with its world renowned beaches.
There is also the possibility to book extra activities outside the retreat program such as: surfing, on site massages, on site yoga, mountain biking, hiking and winetasting.
Non-Clay guests cannot participate in the workshops, but we can help organize activities for an additional cost.
CLAY RETREATS 2023
30.04.23 to 6.05.2023 : No spots available
23.10.23 to 29.10.2023: 4 spots available
CLAY RETREATS 2024
12.05.24 to 18.05.2024
14.10.24 to 20.10.2024
20.10.2024 to 26.10.2024
How to get to Ericeira from Lisbon
Rental car
This is for sure the most convenient way to move around and stay flexible throughout your trip. Portugal is know for it`s budget deals on rental cars. http://www.rentalcars.com
Private Transfer
We can arrange a private transfer for you from Lisbon airport, which is often possible to share with other retreat guests. (Lisbon Airport-Ericeira: 60€/single). Uber is also a good option.
By bus
All the Portuguese roads are well connected by bus and this is a good option for budget-minded backpackers.
http://www.mafrense.pt