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Interact with the locals and experience daily life on the Silver Coast near São Martinho do Porto, Portugal

Profile information

  • rating

    Host rating

    100 %

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    14 Aug 2026

  • Reply rate

    Reply rate

    100.0 %

    Usually responds within 1 day

  • feedbacks

    Feedback

    22

  • ID verified

    ID verified

  • Email verified

    Email verified

  • paid opportunity

    Host offers payment

Country info

If you are from outside of the EU and planning to visit Portugal to work, volunteer or study, YOU WILL NEED THE CORRECT VISA. To find out more information please contact the embassy in your home country BEFORE travelling.

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Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least 2 weeks

Jan
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Details

  • Description

    Description

    The Setting

    We are located on Portugal's Silver Coast near São Martinho do Porto, a 5-minute drive from the famous bay and daily local produce market. The climate here is pleasant year-round, with mostly mild, sunny winters. The property spans half wild brushland—a quiet sanctuary for local birds and wildlife—and includes a spacious main house with a saltwater pool.

    The Project

    We are in the process of launching a low-density rural tourism business. The property consists of a main house, five independent tiny houses, and an old traditional windmill that we are restoring into a livable space. Alongside rentals, we will host health, sports, and retreat seminars focused on fitness, nutrition, surfing, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

    Lifestyle & Environment

    When not working, we enjoy active living—playing Padel tennis, hiking, swimming, and cooking or baking with fresh local ingredients. We are looking for someone proactive and motivated who appreciates a high-quality living environment, wants to get things done efficiently, and enjoys a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Help with Eco Projects
    Elderly Companionship
    Teaching
    Light gardening
    Creative DIY projects
    Babysitting and creative play
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    Light maintenance
    Help with Computers/ Internet
  • Interests

    Interests

    Technology
    Culture
    Van life
    Movies & TV
    Farming
    Plant care
    Music
    History
    DIY & crafts
    Art & design
    Books
    Languages
    Gardening
    Cooking & food
    Architecture
    Astronomy
    Camping
    Team sports
    Nature
    Outdoor activities
    Cycling
    Hiking
    Adventure sports
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural Exchange & Learning Opportunities

    Cultural Exchange & Community

    Local Portuguese Life: You will experience daily life on the Silver Coast, interacting with locals at the daily market in São Martinho do Porto, trying regional foods, and exploring the surrounding historic towns, coastal paths, and landmarks.

    Multicultural Environment: Living and working on-site brings together locals and international volunteers, creating a natural environment for sharing languages, cooking styles, and life experiences.

    Language Practice: You will have regular opportunities to practice Portuguese with local tradespeople, market vendors, and neighbors.

    What You Can Learn & Experience

    Property Management & Leadership: You will gain practical experience in coordinating team efforts, organizing daily workflows, and guiding short-term volunteers.

    Building & Sustainable Restoration: Hands-on experience with light construction, maintenance, and the restoration of a traditional Portuguese windmill and rural tourism property.

    Gardening & Land Care: Practical learning in Mediterranean/coastal gardening, pine tree management, and land stewardship.

    Sports & Wellness: Opportunities to engage in an active lifestyle, including Padel tennis, surfing, hiking, and participation in our health, retreat, and BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) seminars.

  • Projects involving children

    Projects involving children

    This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.

  • Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

    Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage

    This host offers accommodation and payment.

  • Help

    Help

    The Role

    This is a paid position (minimum wages of 5,- € per hour and free accommodation) for at least one full season (starting in November) to help us maintain the property, coordinate on-site help, and prepare our business and seminar events for launch. But we are also interested in shorter stays for a specific project and offer the same minimum wages for every hour as well.

    Main Responsibilities:

    Gardening & Groundskeeping: Brush cutting, pruning pine trees, weeding flower beds, and overall land maintenance.

    Property Care: Cleaning and maintaining the main house and tiny houses to a high standard, as well as assisting with event setup when seminars are hosted.

    Building & Restoration: Assisting with ongoing maintenance and light construction/restoration projects around the property and windmill.

    Volunteer Leadership: Onboarding, guiding, and instructing short-term volunteers—explaining the property setup, daily routines, and task expectations.

    What We Expect:

    High Standards: The property is high quality, so we require someone who is naturally clean, organized, and detail-oriented.

    Leadership & Communication: Ability to guide others clearly and patiently, taking initiative to keep team tasks moving smoothly.

    Mindset: Proactive, mentally involved, hardworking, and reliable. You should take true ownership of the tasks assigned.

    Environment: A respectful atmosphere is essential; we prefer a calm environment free of coarse language.

    Commitment: Completion of agreed-upon hours and tasks. Speaking Portuguese is a major advantage.

    Experience: Preferably, you have previously worked as a gardener or in wood construction, and are physically fit and handy with general maintenance.

    Application Status: Please note that due to high application volume, we are currently gathering applications for the winter season and reviewing them in batches. We will not be making immediate final decisions, but we will keep candidates updated on their status.

    Initial Contact & Position Selection: When you message us on the platform, please explicitly state whether you are applying for the Long-Term Lead Position or a Short-Term Volunteer Stay.

    Email Communication: After our initial contact through the platform, we will provide our email address so you can submit any additional details or background information.

    Selection Steps (Long-Term Lead Position):

    Profile review and initial message exchange.

    Scheduled video call for shortlisted candidates.

    A 1-week trial stay on-site to ensure mutual compatibility before committing to the full season.

    No pets. No smoking.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    Primary Housing: Most likely, you will stay in a medium-sized caravan on the property, equipped with an indoor bathroom and shower, along with access to an outdoor toilet.

    Alternatives: Depending on the number of volunteers on site, accommodation may be in a camper van or, on occasion, a spacious tent.

    Shared Living: You will be living alongside other volunteers most of the time.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    What to Do in Your Free Time: Local Highlights & On-Site Amenities

    On the Property

    Sports & Wellness: Access to an outdoor unheated swimming pool, an infrared sauna, workout weights, bicycles, a volleyball set, and beach tennis gear.

    Relaxation: Plenty of quiet spots throughout the garden and grounds to unwind, read, and enjoy nature.

    Local Highlights & Surroundings

    São Martinho do Porto: Famous for its sheltered, shell-shaped bay—ideal for swimming and water activities.

    Praia do Salgado: Right nearby, offering dramatic coastal views and great walking trails.

    Nazaré: World-famous big-wave surfing spot with a vibrant seaside culture.

    Caldas da Rainha: The main local town for shopping, culture, dining, and broader sports facilities.

    Culture & History: Close to historic landmarks, including the medieval walled town of Óbidos and the historic monastery in Alcobaça.

    Public Transportation

    Train & Bus Connections: São Martinho do Porto has a train station and regular bus service, making it easy to travel to nearby towns (Nazaré, Caldas da Rainha, Óbidos, Alcobaça) and explore the region without a car.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    More than two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 292925583378

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