Caravan work exchange in central Portugal

Help 12 to 15 hours per week in exchange for hospitality

Caravan work exchange in Portugal – Picturesque rural area close to river beaches, mountains, and a national park. Fundão town is 6 miles (10 km) away, with traditional villages closer. I can pick you up by car from Fundão initially. Buses run from nearby villages but not very frequently.

Caravan accommodation is available on 2 hectares of organic land, with access to electricity, borehole water, internet, a shower, and a washing machine. There’s a camping toilet, but I would like to make a compost toilet. I also have a flush toilet in the house.

About the exchange

Work exchange of 15 hours per week for accommodation and use of utilities, meals are not included. The rest of the time you’re free to do what you like. If you have your own live-in vehicle, then 12 hours per week would be enough.

Help is needed with all aspects of land maintenance, vegetable growing, tree pruning and planting, olives, fruit and nut harvesting and preserving, fence and gate mending or constructing, weeding, strimming, cutting wood, and similar tasks.

Basic construction is also needed, such as building a shaded area and composting toilets. DIY skills would be useful, as I am converting a barn too. There are inside jobs for when it’s too hot to work outside.

I have 2 rescued dogs and a cat. No farm animals yet.

Host type and help needed

What type of host are you?

• Private individual, family

What are you looking for help with?

• Building
• Cleaning
• Farming and gardening
• General help

Mission

This is organic farmland in unspoilt countryside, which I’d like to maintain in harmony with nature. There’s a natural water supply and native trees. I also have bees and only use eco-safe products.

Ideally, I’d like to become more self-sufficient. For example, I’d prefer solar electricity, but I am currently on mains. I may in future have chickens and grass-eating animals, but I have not yet.

It’s not a community at the moment, but I could be open to that on a small scale with the right people.

Availability and schedule

How many volunteers could you host?

• A couple of volunteers

When would you need volunteers?

Any time of year.

Hours and expectations

As long as you work the required number of hours (12 to 15 per week), it can be done at any time and however you like. There will usually be a choice of tasks needed. Some times of year, something like olive picking will take priority.

Are accommodation and food included?

Accommodation is included, meals are not included.

Accommodation

Caravan accommodation is available, with access to electricity, borehole water, internet, a shower, and a washing machine. There’s a camping toilet, and there is also a flush toilet in the house.

Food and diet

You need to provide your own food. I am vegetarian, but you don’t have to be. There are cooking facilities in the caravan. I also have a solar oven which you could sometimes use.

Fees and visa

Fees transparency

This is a work exchange. No money is involved as long as you fulfil your obligation of 15 hours per week (12 hours in some circumstances).

However, there is an optional use of a car, which would have a daily fee to cover maintenance costs. Please ask the host for the current amount and conditions.

Visa support

Maybe. The host can help with an invitation letter if the candidate has good qualifications.

Benefits and free time

Volunteers’ benefits

A base to explore Portuguese countryside and historic places and quaint villages, and practise language skills with locals. There are sometimes festivals or workshops nearby and eco-communities in the general area, including one using permaculture principles and another living in accordance with Krishna’s teachings.

I have a friend who does walking tours of street art and building murals in a nearby town.

What to do in your free time

• Walking or cycling
• River beaches and mountains
• Cafes and bars
• Parks, swimming pools, markets, restaurants, and traditional village festivals at certain times
• Yoga and pilates classes

Location and practical details

Language

English. I am learning Portuguese very slowly.

Geography

Hot and dry in summer. It can get cold and wet in winter, but there are often sunny days and chilly evenings.

How to get to the site

• 3-hour train journey from Lisbon (airport)
• 1-hour drive from the Spanish border
• Buses and trains to Fundão
• I can pick you up from Fundão (or you can take a local bus to a nearby village, but it is not frequent)
• Easy access if you have your own live-in vehicle

Is there internet access?

Yes.

Contact details 🔍📧

See more volunteering opportunities in Portugal 🇵🇹