Volunteer at Friday Happiness Associação in Southern Portugal

Community farm & permaculture project, Algarve, Portugal

Fridayhappiness is a small non-profit community and permaculture project in the hills of the western Algarve, Portugal, near Marmelete / Autódromo. We host international volunteers who help with animal care, gardening, permaculture and light building work, and become part of a lively international family for a few weeks. In exchange for about 3-4 hours of help a day, 5 days a week, volunteers get free accommodation, three vegetarian meals a day and Wi-Fi. Minimum stay 2 weeks, all year round. Children and families are welcome.

What category best describes your hosting arrangement?

• Community / eco-village
• Organization / NGO

Location (city/town, region, country)

• Marmelete, Algarve, Portugal  📍

What are you looking for help with?

• Farming/Gardening
• Animal keeping
• Building
• General Help

We are a non-profit cultural & permaculture Associação (registered NGO), running since 2010, growing food, keeping animals and horses, and building by hand – a place to live simply, close to nature, in an international community of 30-40 people. No experience needed; willingness to help and reliability matter most.

Volunteers with disabilities

Possibly, depending on needs.Case by case – the site is hilly with unpaved paths and simple accommodation; please contact us to discuss accessibility. Bring passport/ID, valid health insurance and a sleeping bag. No pets, please.

How many volunteers could you host?

• Up to 10 volunteers

When do you usually need volunteers?

• All year round – arrival days Sunday, Monday or Tuesday

How many hours of help per day?

• 3-4 hours/day

How many days of help per week?

• 5 days/week

Notes about the work, schedule, and house rules

• Two days off per week to explore the coast and hills. Simple community life: shared cooking, shared responsibilities, respect for nature and each other.

Are accommodation and food included?

Yes, food and accommodation are included

What type of accommodation can you provide?

• Dormitory/shared rooms
• Tipi
• Tent
• Other

Accommodation: caravans, trailers, tipis or clay house – or bring your own tent/van.

Diet – nutrition information

• Vegetarian, three meals a day, cooked together as a community.

Fee transparency

• One-time community membership contribution of 20 EUR, valid for the whole stay (up to 3 months) – covers food and internet. No other costs.

VISA SUPPORT – Are you able to assist with visa support, information, or provide invitation letters?

• No, volunteers must arrange visas independently

What volunteers receive (in addition to food/accommodation)

• Hands-on experience in permaculture, gardening, animal care and natural building; international community life; free Wi-Fi; pickup from Pereira bus station on arrival days.

What are the available activities during free time?

• Beaches of the west coast (Aljezur, Arrifana), hiking in the Monchique hills, Fóia peak, river swimming, Lagos and Portimão nearby.

Languages spoken on site

• English, German, Portuguese, Italian

Geography

• Hills of Monchique, western Algarve, between Monchique and Aljezur, about 30-45 minutes from the coast.

How to get to your site

• Nearest airport Faro (FAO), about 1.5 h; Lisbon about 2 h 45. Bus to Pereira / Aljezur / Monchique – we pick you up at Pereira bus station on arrival days (Sun/Mon/Tue; no buses on Sundays, check the Moovit app).

Is there internet access?

• Yes, reliable Wi-Fi