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90 %

Last replied
28 Jan 2026

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100.0 %
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Description
ONGI ETORRI 🥕
Hello and thank you for considering our farm for your Workaway adventure!
We are a family from Elduain, Basque Country, consisting of a couple and two children (they still live at home, but they already have their own rhythm), living in a restored stone and wood farmhouse that is over 500 years old (the oldest document dates from 1552) and was partially restored by us.
Amaia works in a hospital, and I (Eneko) work full-time on the farm after leaving my previous 8-to-5 job. Here, I cultivate a vegetable garden, take care of several animals, and handle the rest of the farm work. Sometimes Amaia helps me with those tasks.
In this way, we try to be as self-sufficient as possible when it comes to food.
We consider ourselves an open-minded family, but one that is rooted in our culture and tries to live a relatively simple and peaceful life.
We have two dogs, hens, chickens (not year-round), three cows (most of the time they're in the meadows), and two cats.
The farm is a 20-minute walk from Elduain, on a hillside with meadows and woods (in addition to the vegetable garden) with many options for walk or cycle.
Elduain is a small village in a countryside but well communicated by public transport with Tolosa, the main town in our area.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance

Interests
Politics / Social justiceSustainabilityFarmingGardeningCampingNatureMountainHiking
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
If you come here, we'll have the option of an exchange of experiences in bio-agriculture if you have any, but if you don't, you'll learn about all the processes of gardening, from preparing the soil to grow vegetables to eating them in a meal.
We sell some produce in a community group of people and at the traditional market in Tolosa, so, if you're interested, you will be able to see how we do it (clean, prepare and tie the bundles of the produce).
And of course, we'll cover other agroecological topics, traditional and current soil uses, the relationship between agriculture and the environment, local characteristics of farming and so on.
We can also exchange knowledge about biology, nature, and ecology, since I studied biology, specialised in ecology.
I really enjoy talking about all these topics, but it's true that the interest has to be mutual; if I don't feel that way, I tend to be quite reserved.
We also enjoy chatting after work, or before, during or after meals, so we can talk as well about many other topics: life, politics, social issues...
You'll hear and even learn, why not, the oldest language currently spoken in Europe, Basque, which is our native and everyday language. In any case, we all are able to speak fluent Spanish, and I also speak some English.
We can also share our knowledge of Basque culture if you're interested, including traditional homemade food.
And if you enjoy crocheting, you'll have something in common with Amaia; it's one of her passions.
Help
We would like to share our experience and knowledge with people willing to help with the daily tasks on an organic farm. This help won't be related with any business-related tasks on the farm or with the products sold.
Depending on your arrival date, you will have the opportunity to help with tasks such as:
.- weeding
.- preparing the soil for sowing or planting
.- harvesting vegetables
.- maintaining the meadows
.- cutting and storing firewood
.- pruning trees
.- feeding the animals
.- occasional DIY projects.
.- ...
However, from March-April to November-December, most of the work is related to the garden.
We usually ask for help for about 5 hours in the morning (8:00-13:00); afternoons and weekends are free. As we are on a farming, sometimes some tasks may be affected by the weather, so you might have to help after lunch or on the weekend instead of in the morning or during the week. In any case, it happens very few times and we would decide all together, taking into account everyone's plans and needs.
Don't worry if you've never helped on a farm before; you'll be very welcome. However, we do ask that you have a genuine interest in agriculture, a strong work ethic, and a proactive attitude, as our experience has shown us that this leads to better communication, a much more pleasant stay for everyone, and a greater exchange of knowledge.
Finally, something we truly value in people is clear and honest communication since the first message.
We respond to all messages and hope you will too, even if it's just to say, "No, thank you, I'm not interested."
Languages spoken
Spanish: Fluent
Basque: Fluent
English: Intermediate
Accommodation
We offer food and accommodation.
FOOD:
Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
A significant portion of the food is grown or raised by us (vegetables, some fruit, eggs, and beef); the rest is mostly organic and/or local, although we're not entirely strict and we do have our little indulgences 🤭. In any case, the food is fresh and cooked at home, traditionally many times.
It's not easy to coordinate everyone's schedules, but we try to make mealtimes family-friendly, including the volunteers.
ACCOMMODATION:
We have a room for volunteers with two single beds and a desk; the bathroom is shared with the family. Access to the living room and kitchen (our most frequently used common area) is free.
Depending on the circumstances, solo travellers may sometimes have to share a room with another Workawayer; it can be mixed, female/male (please let us know in your message if you have any issues).
What else ...
HOW TO REACH:
It's pretty easy to reach here by public transport.
First, you can reach the Basque Country by train, bus, or plane from Madrid, Barcelona, Paris, etc.
Then there are bus or train services to reach Tolosa, the main city in our area. And finally, there is a bus line Tolosa-Elduain. The bus stop in Elduain is a 20-minute walk from the house.
However, it would be best if you told us which part of the Basque Country you'll be arriving at, and we'll give you directions on how to get to Tolosa, and then to Elduain.
MANY PLANS FOR YOUR TIME OFF:
One of the things our volunteers often tell us is that they sleep and rest very well. Perhaps it's because we're in a peaceful location, therefore, lying on the grass, sunbathing, or taking a walk near home is a good option for your free time.
As we said, Elduain is located in a countryside, but, we're not isolated from civilisation by any means.
So you can visit Tolosa (15 min. by bus), where you will find all kinds of services, a market every Saturdays, shops, restaurants and socio-cultural activity throughout the year.
The Atlantic coast is just 1-1.5 hours from house by your legs + public transport (35-40 min. by car), so you can sunbathe in the beach, swim in the sea, surf,... or just visit Donostia (San Sebastian), a beautiful touristic city.
It is possible to come to our place in your own car or small van, which will allow you to take numerous excursions outside the main areas and bus lines; there are many beautiful villages, places, and routes.
You can also enjoy biking (road or mountain), hiking, and more.
A little more information

Internet access

Limited internet access

We have pets

We are smokers

Can host families

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

Space for parking camper vans
There is space for small vans.

How many Workawayers can stay?
Two

My animals / pets
Hens & chickens
Livestock
Kiliku
Txuriko
Lorratz
Argi
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (44)
Thanks to our pleasant conversations, he gave us a very urban perspective, and I hope he picked up on some of our slightly different outlook on life.
Thank you so much for your help, and we hope your future plans go well.
First of all, the house and the surroundings are amazing. This area of Spain is so green and hilly, so if you like hiking you will love it. Also, despite the house is located in a small town you have a bus that goes to Tolosa (bigger city) and it's just 15 minutes away. There… read more
After the five hours of work, I often spent my… read more
Thanks a lot Sarah for everything; we hope… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.8)
Communication:
(4.8)
Thanks to our pleasant conversations, he gave us a very urban perspective, and I hope he picked up on some of our slightly different outlook on life.
Thank you so much for your help, and we hope your future plans go well.
First of all, the house and the surroundings are amazing. This area of Spain is so green and hilly, so if you like hiking you will love it. Also, despite the house is located in a small town you have a bus that goes to Tolosa (bigger city) and it's just 15 minutes away. There… read more
After the five hours of work, I often spent my… read more
Thanks a lot Sarah for everything; we hope… read more
It… read more
Si buscas estar en un sitio tranquilo, rodead@ de montañas y trabajar con la tierra no dudes en ir a ayudarle.
No solo estarás ahí "trabajando" sino que si de verdad estás interesad@ en aprender sobre como llevar una huerta y sobre… read more
Thank you very much, Natalie.
She is kind, tidy, interested on and asking about everything (?) about us (language, culture, live stile, farming...), well educated, smiling, sweet,... an interesting soul, after all.
She stayed we us for 3 weeks and helped a lot in many different farming tasks and always ready to help… read more
If you are curious about organic and ecological farming and Basque Country, this is the place for sure.
I helped Eneko with various tasks, planting vegetables and trees, seeding, weeding, harvesting, feeding hens, peeling kiwi🥝 (for jam), taking corn kernel from cob for hens’ food… etc.
Eneko explains a lot about the farm,… read more
She come for two weeks and stayed one extra week, what we appreciated a lot, as the were full of work to do.
She pays close attention to instructions and the work she is doing at all times and… read more
She expressed interest from the first moment, both about agricultural activities and about any other social, economical, cultural issue... In… read more
Thank you very much for your stay!!!
Thank you Eneko,… read more
She stayed at the same moment with Rosanne and they become a happy, sweet, helpful...… read more
She stayed at the same moment with Natalie and they become a happy, sweet, helpful... team. They made many and well done weed removing work.
Thanks a lot for all your help and good luck in your search for future!!!
We can say that they are the kind of person any host would like have at home: good conversation, even dip ones, sharing stories,... honest, sincere, empathic,... willing to learn anything and thanking for everything explained or… read more
He is physically fit and has no problems in performing any task,… read more
Great because of her need to obtain data for the study caused her to have an huge curiosity and to ask practically anything related to agricultural activity (crops,… read more
It has been very easy for all the family to communicate with her and to have good conversations in any time off, as she was always in a good mood. She has been a good help in the garden, as well; even she was "busy" finding a job and a flat here around (some… read more
Before she arrived She wrote me some messages that I found strange, but we made it easy and I think it was by the different style of writing messages; she is 20 years old and I am already 53, ha-ha-ha.
She is open mind, mature and not noisy but easy to talk and have interesting… read more
El amor que Eneko siente por lo que hace y por su tierra es difícil de encontrar, y también hermoso ver y vivir.
Lo senti mucho cuando tenía que irme, pero soy muy feliz… read more
The work is in the morning, so you have all the afternoon for yourself. It's a physical… read more
He is an interesting guy: quite but talkative enouthg to have a good conversation about any topic, specialy sensitive about basque language and culture, already having some knowledge about environmet but still interested to learn more, calm but not passive, paing attention to how to do tasks and… read more
Eneko was a great host and gave me a thorough introduction to his organic vegetable garden.
Tasks were always explained and communication was clear. As the profile states, the work is physical (weeding, planting) but… read more
I wasn´t sure wether to replay or not but here I am, because we (and, it seems, nearly all other volunteers) aren´t agree with your opinion, specialy because I would like clarify/object some statements as we sensed a different reallity:
We agreed 5 work hours a day 5 days a week;… read more
She has done all her tasks very well, with a good working ethic and in a perfectionist way, so we can recommend her if you have chores not to make in a hurry but very well done.
Good luck in your trip, Anne.
Emilia, thanks a lot for coming to us!
La casa está situada en un sitio espectacular, un lugar idílico rodeado de naturaleza y bosque. En tu tiempo libre… read more
Eneko was all in for living in a farm and having volunteers, but I can't say the same for his children who gave me the impression that they did not like having a bunch of… read more
He has fulfiled all the tasks that has been asked to do.
It’s a pity our miscommunication.
Kristofer and Louise satied here for amaizing five weeks. They are a joung but mature and well educated couple; easy to stay, talk, work… with. They made new friends anywhere they has gone with or without us. I think also the animals miss you 😘
They has been very interested in learning about… read more
We had never tried Workaway before and therefore it was difficult in the beginning - but Eneko and his lovely family… read more
Eneko took the time to share with us some many things about organic farming and ecology, this made our experience even more interesting. He explained to us really clearly all the task we had to do.
The schedule was very good, we… read more
Flo, we hope now you have a better knowlodge about not so urban live style!
She came fo 2 and a 1/2 weeks but she finaly stayed for 6; yes, it’s true, helped by covid movility restrictions, but we would like think she didn’t mind too much.
She is like she says in her profile: always ready to help, tidy, not used to work in the garden but really interested and… read more
She hasn’t a lot of previous experience gardening but she supplied it with a great working etic and paing attention to learn how to do.
Also at home, she has been really polite and observed home rules.
Thanks a lot for the good and sincere conversations. It has been helpful and really easy to host you.
So, thank you very much for your help.
Eneko, in a week, taught us a way of handling a sustainable way of farming and food production surrounded by nature… read more
Daniel estuvo con nosotros durante dos semanas y fue una grata experiencia. Es un buen y atento trabajador, a pesar de su limitada experiencia en horticultura. Una persona muy interesada en todo lo relacionado con la agricultura y su relación con la naturaleza.… read more
Muchas gracias, Jade, por tu ayuda y… read more
Thank you very much, Alex.
Besides, they observed all house rules and we had… read more
Hace menos de una semana que nos fuimos y ya estoy echándolo de menos.
Durante un mes hemos disfrutado de la hospitalidad de Eneko, Amaia, Gaizka y Nagore: un lujazo de familia.
Eneko es muy buen comunicador y sus explicaciones sobre agricultura ecológica me van a venir muy… read more
So, thank you very much for your help.
Margaux is a great person, excellent workaway, hardworking, good communicator, easy to talk with, ready to get start on working and very easy to host at home. Some of the days her friend Vicente staied with us, who is also a great person, always ready to talk and work.
She worked very well in all… read more
Eneko tiene mucho conocimiento sobre agricultura ecologica y lo comparte, lo cual me parecio genial. Gracias a él, di mucho sentido al trabajo que hizé.
Tambien aprendi… read more
About the garden tasks, she worked really… read more
Thank you very much for your help… read more
Thank you very much for your help.
He is well-mannered and tooke in count home uses, timing...
We hope he has improve his spanish level as much as he expected, because he made an effort to talk only… read more
La… read more
She… read more
It's nice to see you enjoyed your stay here, including the meals where you learned 'ogia mesedez' ;). By the way, we already harvested the first tomatoes.
Thank you very… read more
La familia nos recibió por tres semanas, abriéndonos las puertas de su hermosa casa y de su vida, haciéndonos sentir como… read more
He is a calm person, well-mannered and always ready to help at home.
We hope you had improved your gardening and spanish skills. Thank you very much!
They cooked a German meal (I could pronounce… read more
You have been a great help in the garden and considered at home; also a good company with good conversation moments. You both showed interest to learn about organic gardening and I hope you have learned useful skills for your future garden.
They cooked a German meal (I could pronounce it's… read more
She has been a wondreful volunteer, paing much attention in her tasks and really respectful at home with all the familly. Thank you very much also for your interest about our… read more
Regardless of being in a unconfortable situation, we now know that they were considering not coming back after their time off trip last weekend but they didn't let us know about it or about any other problem they could have.
My be it was a… read more
I have been for 2 weeks with Eneko and his family, and It was a very rewarding experience for me! I knew nothing when I arrived, and Eneko explains me a lot of things and had always been kind and patient, so It was easier to learn.
All the family is really nice and will make you feel at… read more
Despite not having much experience in agriculture, he has been a great help, with his willingness to work and his concentration and patience; and also interested in mathematics homeworks of our soon.
Thank you very much. It's a pity that eather has not helped much; that is not in our hands.
See you… read more
About the garden tasks, they worked really well in all different tasks (Theresa, the gaerlics ar… read more
A really greenfinger person in the garden; It is enough for her to observe a moment to learn how to do any task in the garden. He is very detail oriented and likes things well done. I… read more
Despite she previously had minimal contact with agriculture she worked hard in all her tasks and showed great interest in learning both about horticulture and about all the nature and landscape that… read more
From an agricultural point of view, what I learned on Eneko's farm was priceless and readied me for my future in farming. Eneko was very hands on and… read more
Pablo has agricultural studies so we have also learned… read more
Eneko knows a lot of countryside and will make you feel like at home. My tasks have been varied, but most of them in the… read more


















