new host  

Eco-queer regeneration project in São Bartolomeu de Messines, Portugal

Profile information

  • rating

    Host rating

    Not yet rated

  • Last replied

    Last replied

    24 Jan 2026

  • Reply rate

    Reply rate

    100.0 %

    Usually responds within 1 day

  • feedbacks

    Feedback

    -

  • Email verified

    Email verified

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.

Badges (1)

Email verified
Give the gift of Workaway
read more

Availability

  2026 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Olá!

    We are André and Heiko - from Portugal and Germany - and we are starting a small off-grid eco-queer project in the Algarve region. The land has 4 hectares and is home to olive, carob, oak, and strawberry trees (medronheiros), as well as abundant lavender, wild fennel, and gum rockrose (esteva).

    These are our first months on the land, which means we are in a phase of setting up a basic structure while listening to, learning from, and attuning to the land — figuring out how to support the regeneration of the ecosystem for human and other-than-human life.

    Our intention is to co-create a space for regeneration — of land and body. A space for people resonating with slower modes of living. Ways of being that question dominant norms and rhythms - while fostering more intentional relationships with ourselves, with others, and with the land.

    If this resonates with you, we would be happy to hear from you and schedule a short (video) call to connect and see if interests, needs, wishes, and schedules 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

    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.
    A nearby town offers restaurants, supermarkets, and basic services, and Silves is about 20 minutes away.

    Around 6 km away, there is Barragem do Funcho with unofficial swimming spots. There are several walking paths in the area.
    For those -like us- who enjoy swimming naked, there are two naturist beaches in the area, the closest being about 30 minutes away by car.

    Having your own means of transport (car, camper van, or bike) is recommended for independence but not necessary. Camper vans can access the property and park on the land.

    We are happy to occasionally take people on trips to the beach or for other activities if they feel like joining.

    We have two furry friends (dogs) who belong to our neighbours but are often with us.

  • Help

    Help

    The tasks will be seasonal and shaped by weather, soil, our bodies, moods and energy.
    Tasks may include:

    cooking meals together

    caring for shared spaces

    planting and taking care of vegetables, herbs, trees, and native species

    clearing invasive plants (weeding)

    mulching and nurturing soil health

    supporting water management and erosion control

    landscaping

    digging swales

    harvesting what is in season

    pruning trees

    to water and the take care of young trees

    The work is mostly physical and often quiet — with room for conversation and creative input. You will work 4 to 5 hours a day (Monday to Friday), plus help in the kitchen if it’s your turn. Working times can vary depending on weather conditions, personal needs, and projects. To maintain a cared and pleasant space for everyone, you’re expected to clean up after yourself and take turns emptying the compost toilet, etc.

    We would like to host volunteers for one to two weeks. And if it feels right for everyone, after this time of getting to know each other, also possibly for a longer period. We’re not only looking for help with the project, but also for shared time and a good experience together on the land.

    We are interested in welcoming people with different skills, such as cob building, gardening, water retention, carpentry, permaculture, syntropic gardening, and agroforestry. Skills are a plus; however, if you are a responsible and practical person who is not afraid of having dirt under your nails, it’s already a match.

    You will need working boots and functional outdoor clothes (including rain gear), as well as clothes you don’t mind getting dirty or damaged. Please bring biodegradable soap for personal use.

    At this time the best option would be to host 1 person or a couple that can support our work with the land.

  • 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

    The accommodation is simple and close to nature. Volunteers can stay in their own camper van or, if needed, we can provide a tent, a mattress, and bedding. As an off-grid project, we have no big infrastructure and use a dry toilet, an outdoor shower, and an outdoor kitchen.

    Please be aware that this also means dealing with the rougher weather conditions.Winters can mean strong rains here and summers are hot and dry.

    We provide food to make meals. Meals are prepared together, usually by two people. This is part of our daily exchange and a moment for connection and collaboration. Meals will be vegetarian, with occasional non-vegetarian options. We are flexible and can adapt to a vegan kitchen, yet please be aware that animal products are sometimes prepared and used in our kitchen.

    We will do our best to make your stay as pleasant as possible. We have a small yet efficient solar panel that allows us to charge phones, lights, computers, and working tools. We have a squatting compost toilet, an outdoor shower (warm if the weather allows), and a small kitchen mounted in a caravan tent with a gas stove. At the moment, we don’t have a fridge and use a clay pot-in-pot “refrigerator.”

    Mobile network service is generally reliable in our valley. We have mobile internet that can be used via hotspot connection if needed; however, please don’t rely on it for daily needs or entertainment purposes. We use it for zoom meetings and it works well, yet not always consistent - we are in the countryside.

    It is important for us to underline that we are a drug-free space, that we value all people’s safety and space and that our main focus is the care we give to all living beings. We are also both non-smokers.

  • 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

Website Safety

Photos

Two men are standing on a sandy beach with rocky cliffs in the background. They are smiling slightly, enjoying a sunny day outdoors together.
A vibrant green praying mantis stands on a metal surface, with a beige tent and leafy branches in the background, creating a natural outdoor camping scene.
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 in a green jacket and cap smiles while petting a large, light-colored dog lying on its back outdoors on straw, enjoying the affection.
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.
A dirt path winds through green shrubs under a bright blue sky. Rolling hills and scattered clouds create a peaceful, natural landscape in late afternoon sunlight.
A large dog lies on reddish dirt, looking tired or relaxed, in a rural setting. Behind, a person works near green bushes under a cloudy sky.
A natural rock arch frames a beautiful view of the sea, with two large rock formations in the distance and golden sand in the foreground.
A serene blue lake is surrounded by green hills under a clear blue sky. Dense trees cover the foreground, with a small house near the shore.

Feedback

Join our family and creative projects in Lousã, Portugal
Enjoy remote nature and learn to live sustainably in Alentejo, Portugal