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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
16 Jun 2026
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100.0 %
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Description
My name is Alexandre, I'm 32 years old, and I'm from Maia, a small town on the north coast of São Miguel Island. I work as a researcher in collective intelligence and decentralized systems, and have lived in several countries, including mainland Portugal, the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, and Belgium, where I completed my PhD. Alongside my studies, I regularly returned to São Miguel, especially during the summer, to care for and develop a special piece of land near my hometown, in a place called Viola.
At Viola I dream of creating a thriving community, where everyone feels at home, whether they grew up here or arrived yesterday. In the past couple years, together with close friends, we organized 1-month workaway events, hosting groups of 6-8 volunteers. The land is located above Viola Beach, a wild and secluded beach accessible only by a hiking trail. Our community lives on a remote property surrounded by freshwater springs, ancient watermills, beautiful waterfalls, and the ever-present Atlantic Ocean.
Together with my family and friends, I have been restoring this land since 2018. When we started, it had been abandoned for many years and was overrun by invasive species such as canas (giant reed) and conteiras (yellow ginger lily). Our goal is to gradually reintroduce endemic species and develop a large permaculture project that combines traditional Azorean knowledge, sustainability, and experimentation.
Joining us this summer will be much more than simply helping with a project—it will be a learning experience where you'll meet people from around the world, create unforgettable memories, and discover Azorean culture and beautiful nature.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Light gardening
Creative DIY projects
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Light maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
Interests
Adventure sports
Beach
Camping
Hiking
Mountain
Outdoor activities
Nature
Team sports
Water sports
Architecture
Carpentry
Cooking & food
DIY & crafts
Gardening
History
Music
Plant care
Farming
Self development
Sustainability
Technology
Videography
Van life
UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
As a local, I can offer you a genuine experience of Azorean life.
Beyond learning about land restoration, permaculture, traditional construction, and homesteading, you'll also have the opportunity to participate in local festivities, summer festivals, family gatherings, and community events. We regularly organize meals, celebrations, and social gatherings with friends, family, and neighbours.
Our property is located near a popular hiking trail, so you'll naturally meet travellers from around the world. Friends, locals, and fellow travellers often stop by, and volunteers are welcome to invite anyone they want to.
Help
There are tasks, activities, and experiences for everyone, depending on your interests, skills, and physical abilities. Whether you're passionate about nature and ecology, hands-on construction, creative arts, or simply contributing to community life, there is always something meaningful to do.
Land & Ecology
-Clearing invasive species
-Weeding, trimming, and hedge maintenance
-Turning canas into compost and mulch
-Planting and protecting endemic tree species
-Permaculture projecting and design
-Composting and controlled burning of organic matter
-Maintaining the vineyards (and enjoying the grapes!)
Construction & Restoration
-Splitting rocks using shims and electric hammers
-Building dry-stone steps and walls
-Converting an ambulance into a tiny house
-Learning natural construction techniques
-Restoring traditional Azorean watermills
-Beach clean-up days
Media & Arts
-Drone and GoPro filming
-Video editing for YouTube
-Creating a large glazed ceramic mosaic panel
-Experimenting with local creek clay and sand
-Collecting driftwood and stones for decorations and handmade tools
Homesteading
-Cooking for the community
-Collecting drinking water from the spring
-Cleaning and maintaining the site
-Fishing from the rocks
-Chopping firewood
Adventures & Culture
-Hiking hidden trails
-Swimming at secluded beaches and springs
-Exploring villages and landscapes across São Miguel
-Discovering Azorean cuisine and local traditions
-Dancing at local religious celebrations and village festivals
-Attending summer festivals and cultural events
Community & Fun
-Meeting people from around the world
-Playing board games
-Bonfires and parties
-Hosting visitors, travellers, and locals
-Sharing stories, experiences, and skills
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Fluent
Portuguese: Fluent
French: BeginnerThis 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
The workaway area is centered around a outdoors/roofed communal area with sofas, woodstove, a traditional stone oven, gas stove, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Sleeping Arrangements
-Stone house with one double bed and one sofa bed
-Two spacious tents (standing height) with two single beds each
-Plenty of dry, grassy areas for volunteers who prefer to bring their own tents
Facilities
-The property has electricity, internet (10 Mb/s), running water, and access to fresh drinking water from a spring just two minutes away.
- 1 shared bathroom
- Warm and cold spring showers are outdoors, with a privacy curtain.
Food
-A fully stocked fridge is provided for volunteers.
-On work days, cooking responsibilities rotate between hosts and volunteers alike.
-We maintain a communal grocery list for shared meals, while individuals are also welcome to buy and prepare their own food .
Getting Around
The nearest town is approximately a 30-minute hike away. However, there are many opportunities to travel with hosts, family members, friends, and visitors coming to Viola Beach.
I also have several vehicles available for rent. It is much easier to explore the island by vehicle.
-Toyota Yaris
-Renault Twingo
-4x4 truck
-Three electric bicycles
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
In addition to working on the land, I am a researcher in collective intelligence and decentralized systems who works remotely. Hence, at Viola we have electricity, internet (15Mb/s), and I have computer screens. So it is a suitable place for laptop digital nomads, despite there not being much space available or dedicated for the purpose.
Space for parking camper vans
There is a spot for a car or a campervan in front of the house and a parking down the road.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (2)
The place is super beautiful, we leaned a lot of things working and we also had a lot of fun.
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:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
The place is super beautiful, we leaned a lot of things working and we also had a lot of fun.
