International Writing Retreat Summer 2026

Lisbon Writing - 4rd edition

Évora, Portugal

6-11 September 2026

Évora, the magnificent museum-city nestled in the heart of the Alentejo, is set to host the fourth edition of the International Writing Retreat Lisbon Writing.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986, the city proudly showcases the enduring vestiges of its long and layered history—from the Neolithic era and the passage of the Romans and Moors, right through to the Christian period.

The iconic Roman Temple of Diana, the poignant Chapel of Bones, and the majestic Sé Cathedral are just a few of its compelling landmarks. This historical depth is beautifully complemented by a rich gastronomic and wine tradition that promises to tantalize every visitor's palate.

The slow, unhurried pace and the signature golden light of the surrounding Alentejo plain complete this perfect atmosphere, guaranteeing a truly serene and stimulating haven for your literary work.

Évora boasts exceptional accessibility, being situated just 90 minutes from Lisbon, whether travelling by car, train, or coach.

👉 REGISTRATION OPENS SOON

Follow us on social media, check back here for future announcements or contact us at: lisbonwriting@escreverescrever.com

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We make spaces and spaces make us.

A 6-Day International Writing Retreat in Évora to develop your own work-in-progress or start a new project.

Programme

In this 6-day retreat, we will look for a sense of place in our narratives, getting to know the cobbles below and the Portuguese sky above.

We will have time to dive deep into our own writing and into that of others, as well as thinking about the role of space in our writing. In addition to this, writing in a different place will inevitably do interesting things to our words and ways of thinking.

During our time together we will look at the layers of life we are part of, not only as a source of inspiration but also as an exploration of identity and a catalyst for conflict and emotions. How the places we inhabit or breeze through might help fuel our imagination through movement and stillness, through focused writing work together.

Participants have the option to continue working on an existing work-in-progress or to embark on a new project from scratch, guided by structured writing sessions. Each session introduces a new topic or theme, accompanied by excerpts of relevant literature from Portugal and around the globe.

Additionally, there will be dedicated time for shorter projects, chance encounters and serendipitous insights in the picturesque setting of Évora.

6-Day Writing Retreat in detail

All information about the 6-day international writing retreat in Évora.

Your Guides

The dream team at the helm of the expedition.

Conceição Garcia (São)

Escrever Escrever CEO

CEO and founder of Escrever Escrever. President of FNAC's literary contest.

Passionate about writing, the city of Lisbon and teaching storytelling.

I am fond of gathering with people around a table: to write, to talk, to share a special meal or a good bottle of wine.
Martin Cathcart Frödén

Writer, Creative Writing Teacher

Martin holds a PhD in Creative Writing from the University of Glasgow and is currently a senior lecturer and director of studies at Malmö University, Sweden. Before turning to academia, he worked as a sound engineer, an avocado picker, a prison teacher and a greengrocer – always alongside writing. He is often found enjoying bikes, kayaks and carbs. He currently lives in Malmö, Sweden, with his wife and three kiddos.
Escrever Escrever

Hosting Organization

Located in the very heart of Lisbon's historic centre, Escrever Escrever has been welcoming writers since 2008. In a room with a view on the Tejo river, here we write.

We are a long-standing member of the European Association of Creative Writing Programmes.

With more than 1.200 students per year, several of them have been published.