← Back to Blog

Best Pole Camps in Europe

From Austrian mountain spas to Mediterranean islands, Europe offers some of the most stunning destinations for pole camps anywhere in the world.

There's something about training pole in Europe that feels different. Maybe it's the history, the landscapes, or the way so many camps here combine serious training with genuine relaxation. Whatever it is, European pole camps have become a bucket list destination for dancers from every corner of the globe.

Whether you're looking for an intensive week of tricks with world-class instructors, a beachside exotic retreat, or a mountain escape where you can train hard and recover in a spa afterwards, Europe has something for you. Here are some of the best options to consider.

Mountain Retreats in Austria

If you like the idea of training surrounded by dramatic Alpine scenery and then unwinding in a luxury spa, Mountain Pole Camp in Austria should be at the top of your list. Held at a 4-star superior spa hotel in the Austrian mountains, this camp runs multiple sessions throughout the year, each with a different lineup of instructors.

What makes it special isn't just the training — it's the whole experience. You'll wake up to mountain views, spend your days in workshops with instructors like Dan Rosen, Natasha Wang, Athena Wolf, and Anete Blaua, and then recover in saunas and wellness facilities that most pole studios can only dream of. The quality of the food, the accommodation, and the overall atmosphere makes this feel more like a luxury getaway that happens to include pole, rather than a camp with nice perks tacked on.

They run sessions in spring and autumn, with different themes and instructor combinations for each camp. Some focus on specific styles, others are more general. Either way, it's one of the most well-produced pole events in Europe.

Mediterranean Islands

For many dancers, the dream is training pole somewhere warm with the sea nearby. The Mediterranean delivers on that fantasy in a big way.

Croatia has become a hotspot for pole camps, and Banya Polecamp on Korčula Island is a standout. It's a week-long retreat that includes something you won't find at most camps: floating pole sessions on the water. They also run boat trips around the island, and the whole vibe is relaxed and social. They offer both an Exotic Edition and a Pole & Art Edition, so you can choose based on your preferred style.

Ibiza might be famous for clubs and parties, but it's also home to a thriving pole scene. Ibiza Pole Camp runs several sessions throughout the year, from longer camps to weekend intensives. The combination of international instructors, beautiful weather, and the island's unique energy makes it a memorable experience — even if you never set foot in a nightclub.

Santorini offers the iconic white-and-blue Greek island backdrop. Goldy Birdy Retreats runs a 6-day pole dance retreat here, and honestly, the location alone is worth the trip. There's something surreal about training pole with those famous caldera views in the background.

If you're looking for exotic-focused training, Sicily hosts Erotic Hell Retreat — a 5-day intensive in Catania with instructors like Mateva and Elvira Langdon. It includes professional photoshoots and guided tours of the city, blending training with cultural exploration.

Spain's Sunshine Coast

Spain offers variety — from island escapes to mainland beach retreats.

Valencia hosts Pole Exotic Camp, a week-long retreat focused on exotic pole. It's limited to 20 participants, which keeps it intimate. Beyond the 12 hours of workshops, there's a professional beach photoshoot, trips to waterfalls, and dinners at seaside restaurants. The Mediterranean lifestyle seeps into everything.

Fuerteventura in the Canary Islands offers Pole Studio Fuerteventura's annual camp. It's a solid week of training (7 pole workshops, 3 stretching sessions, 2 off-the-pole workshops) with a beach pole jam that's become a highlight. The combination of year-round warm weather and reliable sunshine makes it a reliable winter escape for European dancers.

City Experiences

Not every great pole camp happens at a resort. Some of the best combine training with urban exploration.

Budapest hosts an International Pole Camp that's become a favorite for its mix of serious training and social activities. You'll get 20+ hours of workshops covering pole, aerial hoop, silks, and more, with instructors like Elena Shishkova and Sisi Zheng. But what sets it apart is everything else — visits to Budapest's famous ruin bars, a Danube river cruise, and photoshoots around the city. It's pole camp meets city break.

Paris gets its own heels-focused retreat courtesy of Indi Pole. If you're serious about heels work and want to train with instructors like Doris Arnold and Subby, this intensive offers studio takeovers in one of the world's most beautiful cities. The combination of focused heels coaching and Paris as your backdrop is hard to beat.

Brighton in the UK offers The Pole Lab's Pole Escape — a hybrid camp covering both heels and barefoot styles. It's a shorter format (3 days) but packs in 12 hours of workshops with small class sizes. Perfect if you want intensive training without the travel commitment of a week abroad.

Portugal's Wine Country

Pole With a View Retreats in the Algarve offers something genuinely unique: training at a vineyard estate. The camp takes place at Quinta dos Vales, where you'll stay in vineyard suites and train in an onsite studio with instructors like Aerial Allie, Rachael Gisella, and Charlotte Holstead.

Class sizes are tiny (around 6 students), so you get real individual attention. Beyond the pole, there's a beach pole shoot, a sunset pole jam with prosecco, wine tasting, and even a private outdoor cinema night. It's the kind of camp that feels like a proper holiday, with pole as the centerpiece rather than the only focus.

Something Different: Iceland and Turkey

For those who want pole camp to feel like an adventure, two destinations stand out.

Iceland might not be the first place you think of for pole, but Bretreats runs an Iceland Adventure that combines training with hiking, a fire dance workshop, a Northern Lights tour, and the famous Blue Lagoon spa. It's pole camp for people who want their training wrapped in a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.

Turkey offers Politov Pole Camp — a chance to train with Dimitry Politov, the 9-time World Pole Champion. Held in Adrasan on the Turkish coast, the camp includes water pole, beach pole, a flying pole, and a 5-meter foam pit for learning drops and tricks safely. There are 14 classes over the week, plus hiking to ancient ruins and a boat trip. It's one of the most unique training environments anywhere in Europe.

Winter Options in Poland

If you prefer mountains and snow to beaches and sun, Winter Pole Camp in Poland's Szczyrc Mountain Resort offers a different kind of escape. It's 5 days of diverse workshops covering pole, exotic, aerial silk, and aerial hoop, with the added bonus of saunas, hot tubs, and optional skiing or snowboarding.

There's something cozy about training pole in a mountain resort while snow falls outside. It's a great option for early January when you want to start the year with focused training.

Italy's All-Inclusive Option

International Pole Camp in Bibione, Italy takes a different approach: everything is included. Workshops, 3 nights at a top-rated hotel, full board meals, and drinks are all bundled into the price. The instructor lineups feature names like Evgeny Greshilov, Momo Power, and Janine Hollung, and the professional event organization means everything runs smoothly.

It's a good choice if you want a straightforward, high-quality camp without having to think too much about logistics.

Finding the Right Camp for You

Europe's pole camp scene is diverse enough that there's genuinely something for everyone. The key is figuring out what you actually want from the experience. Do you want intensive training, or training mixed with relaxation? Exotic focus or sport pole? Beach vibes or mountain air? Weekend escape or full week immersion?

Once you know what you're looking for, finding the right camp becomes much easier.

Browse all upcoming European pole camps at polecamps.com →