Friday happiness community in Portugal (volunteer project)
Updated Jan 2026 – Friday Happiness association is looking for volunteers in south Portugal (Algarve / Monchique mountains). Latest update shared in our Facebook group: help with horses, garden and animals, plus small repairs, building and odd jobs. Food, good vibes and community life included.
About the community
The Friday Happiness Associação is a cultural and arts community working towards being more self-sustained. The community is situated in the mountains of Monchique, surrounded by nature. The community life includes permaculture gardens, farm animals, sustainability projects, and arts and cultural workshops. We hold community meetings throughout the week alongside activities and workshops (for example quiz nights, dance nights and yoga classes). If you have something you are passionate about and want to share with others, you are welcome to run a workshop.
Short and longer stays
We host a combination of short and longer-term people and on average have between 30 and 40 volunteers and residents at a time. There are many age groups in our community including families, children and teenagers, and we would love if other families with children would join us. The minimum stay is 2 weeks. If you are interested in staying longer, the hosts may discuss a resident-style arrangement with you.
The Friday pizza nights
We have been running a pizza night every Friday night since 2012, which has become a huge party that brings together locals and travellers from all over the world. People attend the party for the pizza, live music and the vibe. Preparing for and holding this party can be part of your role as a volunteer and gives you an opportunity to develop skills in bartending, pizza making, cocktail making and greeting guests at the door, among other roles.
Working hours
Work is approximately 24–25 hours a week. For most jobs, we start in the morning and you can have the rest of the day to yourself. In summer, we have earlier starts so that we are not working out in the heat in the afternoon. We start each day with a morning meeting, where we decide on weekly and daily jobs and responsibilities as well as share relevant information about what is going on in the community. You can usually choose between different teams (for example gardening, construction, animals, cleaning, kitchen). Every Friday is focused on preparing for the pizza party.
Accommodation
We have a variety of options, including caravans, vans, tents and tepees. Bring your own tent or you are also welcome to camp in your own van. If you intend to stay long term, you may have the option to move into a caravan or van if this comes available. We are currently working on building some sustainable huts.
Meals
We provide 3 meals a day, which are vegetarian. There will sometimes be vegan options available, but we cannot guarantee this. Drinking water is free, and there is also a bar and a small shop where you can purchase drinks and snacks.
Fees transparency
Volunteers are required to pay a €20 membership for Friday Happiness Associação. Volunteers also need valid health/travel insurance and a copy of their passport.
Arrival days
Please plan to arrive on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Please note: This volunteer project listing may be outdated. Information regarding availability, dates, tasks, and requirements might no longer be accurate. Please contact the hosts directly to confirm the project’s current status.
CONTACT DETAILS 🔍📧
Friday Happiness Volunteer Project
Volunteer info page: https://www.fridayhappiness.org/volunteering/
Apply here: https://www.fridayhappiness.org/volunteering/ (see “Apply as a Volunteer” button)
Handbook (PDF): https://pizzanightalgarve.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/tojeiro-handbook_online-version.pdf
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/fridayhappinessalgarve/
WhatsApp (as shared in the latest update): +351 968 311 747
Update shared via our Facebook volunteer group (Jan 2026).
Ethical volunteering reminder
Voluntouring.org promotes opportunities rooted in cultural exchange and mutual learning. Before applying, ask yourself: Is this a fair exchange, or could it replace paid labour? Choose consciously, ask questions, and make sure the experience is respectful, safe, and aligned with your values. Always check visa requirements. Hosts cannot provide legal work permits.
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Hello… my name is suf and I’ve been traveling the world for a year and a bit. I read a little about you and it sounds like a very special place. I am currently volunteering at a retreat center in Italy and I am looking for a place for the next few months. My skills are gardening, carpentry, agriculture, cooking and more.. I’m always happy to learn new things and the happiest to dance with people (I also do ecstatic dance circles) … I’d love to hear from you if you’re interested.
hi! can I come for volunteering from 7 – 26 of March?
Dear Irena 😊
This is the comment section of the host announcement. The hosts may not be able to read this section, so to get in touch with them, please use the contact information they provided in the “Contact Details” section at the end of the announcement, just above our conversation.👆
Thank you and happy travels.👋🤞
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