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Host rating
100 %
Last replied
15 Feb 2026
Reply rate
97.3 %
Usually responds within 5 days
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Description
*Due to the recent storms in Southern Spain, access to the land will be impossible via campervan until the track and river crossing is repaired. Mains water is currently disconnected, but we do have a well with drinkable water and for washing/cooking nearby, so I can accept anyone who is adaptable to offgrid life. Anyone interested in helping to set up offgrid water systems would be a massive help right now. I have glamping tents available*
My name is Faye. and I own a small Cortijo just 15 min walk from alternative town, Orgiva. I offer a lovely spot of land situated by the Rio chico, for park-up or camping; 'built by volunteers, for volunteers'! What I mean by this ,is that most help that volunteers provide, is directly to help improve and maintain an area, of which the sole use is to provide a free/no money exchange, safe place for people to use as a base and explore the area.
The land lacked care and attention for decades, and over the last years, with the help of volunteers, the terraces have been brought back to life! It's now a welcoming place for nature lovers to relax, and learn about land rejuvenation and maintenance.
One of main focuses here is maintaining new acequia waterways (the life-source of the land), and looking after young trees and plants, This in turn will encourage wildlife to flourish in the area, retain water and protect the soil, and create a microclimate in preparation of hotter and dryer summers to come.
Other things we will be working on in 2026 includes maintaining terraces, building a communial fire pit and glamping area, and building a bottle wall for the outdoor shower. If you have experience in doing walling / bottle walls or dry stone walling this would be a plus.
A stay here is ideal for anyone who is independent, enjoys being amongst nature, and is interested in eco/sustainable living. Work exchange is only 8-10 hours per week in total, which gives you more free time to do your own thing (normally split up over 4 or 5 weekday mornings). I ask people come for 2 weeks minimum.
I'm more than happy to give advice about the area, i.e best restaurants, hiking trails, yoga classes or even where the parties at. I consider Orgiva to be a very friendly place, with a good community vibe! Depending on the season, I sometimes host pizza nights, or jam sessions, in which all volunteers are welcome to join and meet with the locals.
Please note; sometimes there are multiple people parked-up/camping on the land, who are up for hanging out together, or you may be the only person on the land. I cannot guarantee it to be either way (however I do request that people respect each others personal space if they want it). If you are looking for a guaranteed communal living experience (where everyone works and eats together every day) it may be better to consider a more traditional work exchange, consisting of 4-5 hours of volunteering Monday - Friday.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
General Maintenance
House & pet sitting
Interests
Self development
Farming
Dancing
Events & social
Politics / Social justice
Culture
Pets
Sustainability
Van life
Movies & TV
Charity work
Plant care
Music
Photography
Drawing & painting
Gardening
DIY & crafts
Cooking & food
Astronomy
Art & design
Architecture
Animals
Nature
Camping
Mountain
Water sports
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cycling
Beach
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
I have acquired a good level of knowledge over the years on reforming and maintaining land, and living sustainably. I will share that with anyone who comes to stay here, including; planting trees and plants, soil production and building natural watering systems. It could be a helpful experience if you are considering to purchase or live off the land, in a similar horticultural zone (9).
I am also quite knowledgable about regulations regarding buying land, reformation of ruins, what is and isn't permitted in the area, and the processes to go through (which can be a mind field) to gain permission and reform a Cortijo, so this workaway could benefit you if you are looking to do something similar.
The land is easily accessible, and amongst nature of the Rio Chico valley, whilst still being very close to the vibrant alternative / counter culture town of Orgiva, with its shops, restaurants, tapas bars, wellness classes etc. Its also situated in a great location to explore the rest of the Alpujaras, with great hikes, white washed villages, and cycle routes (if you can handle the hills!) and there are two yoga centres very nearby.
Help
- Bottle wall for outdoor shower
- Communial firepit and glaming area, with stone wall terraces
- Paving / flooring for outdoor shower and kitchen area
- Help to maintain volunteer terraces; cleaning and maintaining acequias, watering, feeding & trimming trees & plants, weeding, levelling and clearing areas to be safe from wild fires in the summer.
- Dog sitting and walking
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
Arabic: Beginner
Accommodation
PARK UP & CAMPING: Easily accessible space for motorhomes, campervans or vans to park-up or camping on land for people who have there own equipment, in exchange for 8-10 hours help per week (food is not included). Each plot has its own little terrace and garden area. The land is totally fenced.
FACILITIES: Compost toilette (bucket system), Outdoor kitchen (with free organic olive oil, nuts and seasonal fruits from land), fridge, solar electricity (for charging of phones/mobiles only), cold (or luke warm when sunny) outdoor shower, large gas hob, cooking utensils etc. Drinkable water. 50 meter hose to fill up water tanks in motorhomes. In cold months guests can use hot shower in house and washing machine once a week.
ACCOMMODATION: I can provide a tent with camping bed and sleeping bag for 1 person in Spring and Autumn.
What else ...
TO GET HERE: Nearest airport Granada or Malaga, direct busses leave at 3pm from Malaga bus station to Orgiva.
WHAT TO DO IN ORGIVA: The town market is every Thursday morning, which inclused a food and artisan market. Tapas is free with beer or wine in many of the bars and restaurants in town. There is a dance night with techno and electro DJ's most Fridays, and the occasional free party rave in nearby alternative communities. The town hosts many local spanish fiestas (to celebrate saint days, with parades, music, fireworks, foodstalls & exhibitions etc), occasional live music, sufi events, Reggea and dub nights and more. For the more lighthearted, there are many yoga classes in the area, tai chi, kickboxing, Estatic dance, sound bath sessions and other wellness events!
LOCAL SITES & DAY TRIPS: During a stay here, I would advise visiting the beautiful white washed villages of the Alpujarras, (Pampinera, Capillera, Bubion) that accessible by hiking or bus. There are many hiking trails, with waterfalls, rivers and nature all around. The coast is only a 35 minute drive away, with decent beaches, nice walks and spanish chiringuitos (local beach bars offering a casual, "feet-in-the-sand" dining experience, generally specializing in fresh seafood, drinks, and tapas). Salobrena is a local spanish coastal town which has a castle perched on the top of the old town, and Torrenueva has a new suspension bridge over the cliffs. Granada is only an hour by bus, and I highly recommend getting lost in the cobble streets of the Albacin and experiencing flamenco music, and visiting the timless Ahlambra Palace.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Space for parking camper vans
- The space is specifically for people in campervans, motorhomes or who would like to camp - Camping in the winter months is not advised unless you are prepared for the cold - Low rise (hymer) type vans over 7m long may have an issue crossing the riverbed - There is a Wifi signal in the land, but it may not be strong enough if you work online - I have a dog with chrones disease that is on a prescription only diet, so its important to keep food out of reach - the space is 429 friendly
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
My animals / pets
Maya (1 year)
Very sweet water dog poodle cross. Needs extra care as she has two malnutrition disieses
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (15)
Beyond the work, he was friendly, respectful, and easy to have around,… read more
I helped her getting olives and then we took the sacks to the press and packed the oil in bottles. She pays attention to your well being. Amazing place, amazing woman
She has done amazing work transforming her land into a little oasis and it was fascinating to learn about the ancient and complex Acequia irrigation system, which is… read more
Faye herself is a beautiful soul: kind, generous, and full of knowledge, especially when it comes to gardening and living more… 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:
(4.9)
Beyond the work, he was friendly, respectful, and easy to have around,… read more
I helped her getting olives and then we took the sacks to the press and packed the oil in bottles. She pays attention to your well being. Amazing place, amazing woman
She has done amazing work transforming her land into a little oasis and it was fascinating to learn about the ancient and complex Acequia irrigation system, which is… read more
Faye herself is a beautiful soul: kind, generous, and full of knowledge, especially when it comes to gardening and living more… read more
Faye was a great host, lovely garden to spend time in and of course "work" in.
liked it very much that there is a possibility to meet other workawayrs here.
Just a Short walk to the village center so you don't need to take the car/camper every day.👌
I really hope she can make her plans for the garden come… read more
Actually I spent my first month at Faye's oasis as a paying holiday guest.
From the first moment it felt like living together with a good friend you've been knowing for ages.
Faye is an exceptionally good host who really knows about and caters to people's needs. You'll never miss a thing or have a… read more
The area is very beautiful with mountains and magnificent landscapes.
Thank you very much Faye for your generosity, your good humor, it was a really great experience!
muy atenta, simpatica y activa.
Su casa es muy bonita y se puede disfrutar la tranquilidad de orgiva.
Gracias faye por la oportunidad de conocerte a ti y a tus amigos.
Her house is beautiful, very spacious and cozy.
The work is not difficult at all and she is always there to help you and guide you in everything.
She is generous with everything: her house, food, work and even to take you to see fantastic places in the Alpujarra.
The relationship with her neighbors and… read more
