Come spend the summer with our family in Crete, Greece

Details

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  Description

  We are a “Portugreek” family of four. João, the dad, is Portuguese, and Clio, the mum, is Greek. We have a 7-year-old son, Aris, and a 4-year-old daughter, Isabel. We also have a dog, Trufa, a Lagotto Romagnolo, who is a big part of the family and the kids’ best friend .
  
  We are passionate travellers and have spent many years exploring different parts of the world. Before having kids, we volunteered and used Workaway in various projects across Asia and Africa. Even after becoming parents, we continued travelling, although at a slower pace for now.
  
  We both work remotely and share our time between Greece and Portugal. At the moment, we are based in Sitia, a small coastal town in Crete, just a short walk from the beach.
  
  We are looking for volunteers to help us in different ways:
  First of all, we would like someone to support us with the kids and introduce them to English in a natural way through play, music, and everyday interaction. We would love someone who enjoys being creative and can come up with simple, fun activities, especially around arts and music.
  
  Secondly, there might also be some help with a gardening project, as we recently built a treehouse for the kids and are slowly creating a garden space around it.
  
  We would like you to feel comfortable with us and become part of our daily life. If you enjoy spending time together, you are always welcome to join us on weekend outings and small trips around the island.
  
  If you love children, enjoy a calm but active family environment, and would like to spend some time in Crete, we would be happy to hear from you.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Teaching

  Light gardening

  Animal Care

  Babysitting and creative play

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Events & social

  

  Culture

  

  Writing

  

  Plant care

  

  Photography

  

  Performing arts

  

  Music

  

  Languages

  

  Drawing & painting

  

  DIY & crafts

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Books

  

  Art & design

  

  Architecture

  

  Animals

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Nature

  

  Mountain

  

  Hiking

  

  Dancing

  

  Camping

  

  Beach
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  We truly enjoy sharing our cultures with the people who stay with us. We have been hosting travellers and Workawayers for many years, and when we used to travel ourselves, we almost always chose to stay in local homes, so this kind of exchange means a lot to us.
  
  We would love to share with you our favorite spots in Crete, cook traditional meals together, and help you practice your Greek or Portuguese if you are interested.

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  Projects involving children

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

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  Help

  Over the past months we have started slowly transforming a wild piece of land around a large tamarisk tree into an outdoor space for our children and for gatherings with friends.
  
  At the center of the space there is a handmade wooden treehouse built by Clio’s father. Around it, we are creating a more playful and natural environment using simple materials: wood from recently pruned tamarisk trees, stones, sand, plants, paths, small seating areas and handmade structures.
  
  We are looking for someone creative and hands-on who enjoys outdoor projects, natural materials and imperfect beautiful spaces. This is not a professional construction project. It is more about imagination, practical help, aesthetics and slowly bringing life into the space together with us.
  
  Some of the things we may work on together:
  
  * Building small fences or borders from natural wood
  * Creating shaded sitting corners
  * Organising the outdoor children’s area
  * Simple painting or decorative projects
  * Gardening and clearing parts of the land
  * Brainstorming ideas for the space
  * Helping us make the area feel warm and alive
  
  
  We live a calm family life with two young children, a friendly dog and lots of music, cooking and outdoor time. We love meaningful conversations, art, travel and slow living.
  
  The ideal person for this Workaway would probably enjoy:
  
  * nature and simple living
  * creativity and DIY projects
  * spending time with children
  * slower rhythms instead of party tourism
  * being part of family life for a while
  
  No special professional skills are required, but initiative, kindness and practical thinking are very appreciated.
  
  In exchange, we offer accommodation, some shared meals, local knowledge of East Crete and the opportunity to experience a quieter and more authentic side of the island.

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  Greek: Fluent
  English: Fluent
  Spanish: Fluent
  Portuguese: Fluent
  French: Beginner

  This host offers a language exchange
  We speak native greek and portuguese, and we are both fluent in english and spanish. Our kids speaks portuguese and greek, but we would appreciate it if you could teach him some english.
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  Accommodation

  You will stay in a separate studio with a sea view, which we usually keep for João’s mum when she visits from Portugal. It is a cozy and private space, with a beautiful balcony overlooking the sea where you can relax and enjoy the view. There is also a small kitchenette, perfect for preparing simple meals whenever you like.
  However please note there is no internet at the flat, you will need to use your mobile phone’s data.

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  What else ...

  Sitia is a small coastal town in the eastern part of Crete. It is much quieter than the more touristy areas of the island, which is something we really value.
  
  There are beautiful beaches within walking distance from the house, and many more to explore nearby if you have a car. Life here is quite relaxed, with a nice balance between nature and everyday local life.
  
  The town itself has everything you need, with small cafés, tavernas, and a simple, authentic atmosphere. There is also some history to explore, like the Kazarma Fortress, and lovely walks around the old streets and the seafront.
  
  If you are looking for a place that feels real and not overly touristic, where you can slow down, enjoy the sea, and experience daily life in Crete, Sitia is a great fit.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  We can offer you a studio apartment with the most beautiful sea view. The studio has everything you need for a comfortable stay.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Trufa (6 years)

  Trufa is a Lagotto Romagnolo, a breed known for its hypoallergenic coat. She has a truly lovely personality: calm, gentle, and quiet indoors, yet full of energy and playfulness when she’s outside.

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