A person sits on a rock, gazing at a lush, sunlit hillside. The sky is cloudy, casting dramatic light and tranquil shadows over the landscape.
This image shows a sunlit hillside with dry grass, rocks, and scattered wildflowers. Dense green shrubs and trees fill the background under a clear blue sky.
A sunny, clear blue sky stretches above rolling hills. Lush green bushes and trees fill the foreground, while dry grass and shrubs cover the slopes. Peaceful scenery.
The image features a sunny landscape with large rocks in the foreground, scattered bushes, grassy slopes, distant hills, a clear blue sky, and bright sunlight.
A man kneels on the ground, affectionately petting a large dog lying on its back. They are outdoors, surrounded by trees and dry grass.
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new host  

Enjoy a slower way of living and join our eco-queer regeneration project in São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hi there,

    Amorosa is a 4-hectare eco-queer project in the Algarve region. The land is home to olive, carob, oak, and medronheiro trees, as well as abundant lavender, wild fennel and esteva. Wild rabbits live on the land—though they mostly appear when the dog is out for walks—and traces suggest that wild boar and other animals also pass through.

    These are our first months on the land. We are in a phase of setting things up while listening to, learning from, and attuning to the land. Figuring out how to support the regeneration of the present ecosystem towards a more healthy, diverse and resilient habitat for human and other life.

    We are André (Portugal) and Heiko (Germany), and we will be your hosts. Amorosa is intentionally eco-queer. By this we mean that we are creating a space shaped by queer values and lived experience: questioning norms, making room for different bodies, identities, rhythms, and ways of relating—to ourselves, to each other, and to the land. We are especially interested in slower ways of living, mutual care, consent, and curiosity, and in exploring how queerness can inform how we inhabit land and community.

    We are open to welcoming everyone, and we are particularly interested in connecting with other queer people.

    We are close to a train and bus station (around 8 minutes by car), making it relatively easy to arrive from Lisbon or other places. We are also close to Barragem do Funcho and surrounding natural areas.

    We enjoy naturism and often go swimming naked. There are two naturist beaches in the area - the closest about 30 minutes away by car. Around 6 km there’s the Barragem do Funcho with unofficial swimming spots. A nearby town offers restaurants, supermarkets, and basic services, and Silves - the historical capital of the Algarve is about 20 minutes away. Having your own means of transport (car, camper van, or bike) is recommended for independence. Camper vans can access the property and park on the land.

    If this resonates with you, we would love to have a short video call before confirming a stay, to connect and see if it feels like a good match. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

    Warmly,
    André & Heiko

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Art Projects
    Language practice
    Help with Eco Projects
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    LGBTQ
    Culture
    Self development
    Farming
    Plant care
    Music
    DIY & crafts
    Books
    Art & design
    Photography
    Languages
    Cooking & food
    Gardening
    Performing arts
    Carpentry
    Animals
    Yoga / Wellness
    Nature
    Camping
    Mountain
    Dancing
    Beach
    Outdoor activities
    Hiking
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    At Amorosa, we welcome cultural exchange as a living, shared process. We believe in learning by doing and in sharing knowledge in a circular way—through daily practices, conversations, creativity, and time spent together.

    We are queer people and are intentionally creating a welcoming, safer space for queer people, grounded in care, mutual respect, and curiosity. Our backgrounds are in the performing arts, languages, and bodywork, and we love exchanging artistic, somatic, and cultural practices.

  • Help

    Help

    We are at the beginning of our journey with regeneration and land-based practices. While we don’t have much experience yet, we are curious, motivated, and learn fast. Amorosa is a space to grow together, exchange skills, and explore new ways of living, creating, and caring—collectively.

    We aim at regenerating the land; turning it into a diverse, resilient ecosystem that supports human and more-than-human life. The tasks are gradual and seasonal — shaped by weather, soil, bodies, moods, and moments of collective care.

    Volunteers help support both the visible and invisible tasks that keeps the place alive. Tasks vary throughout the year and may include:

    *Supporting daily life: cooking, caring for shared spaces; Restoring old terraces and maintaining paths; Planting vegetables, herbs, trees, and native species; Clearing invasive plants, mulching, and nurturing soil health and new growth; Contributing to creative, reflective, or care-based practices that arise organically.

    The work is physical, varied, and often quiet — with room for conversation, reflection, and creative expression alongside it.

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    German: Fluent
    English: Fluent
    Spanish: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    Portuguese: Fluent
    Polish: Intermediate

    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

    Volunteers can stay in their own camper van or, if needed, we can provide tents, mattresses and bedding. The accommodation is simple and close to nature. As an off-grid project, we have no big infrastructure and use a dry toilet and outdoor shower and kitchen. This setup invites a slower rhythm, presence, and shared outdoor living.

    We provide food, and cooking is a shared activity—meals are prepared together, usually by at least two people. This is part of our daily exchange and a moment for connection and collaboration.

  • 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

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    This host can provide space for campervans.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

    dogito (4 years)

Host ref number: 562775459197

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Photos

This image shows a sunlit hillside with dry grass, rocks, and scattered wildflowers. Dense green shrubs and trees fill the background under a clear blue sky.
A sunny, clear blue sky stretches above rolling hills. Lush green bushes and trees fill the foreground, while dry grass and shrubs cover the slopes. Peaceful scenery.
The image features a sunny landscape with large rocks in the foreground, scattered bushes, grassy slopes, distant hills, a clear blue sky, and bright sunlight.
A man kneels on the ground, affectionately petting a large dog lying on its back. They are outdoors, surrounded by trees and dry grass.
A person sits on a rock, gazing at a lush, sunlit hillside. The sky is cloudy, casting dramatic light and tranquil shadows over the landscape.

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