Profile information
Host rating
100 %
Last replied
3 May 2025
Reply rate
100.0 %
Usually responds within 2 days
Feedback
23
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Badges (4)
Details
Description
Hi, and welcome to my workaway profile!
I am Luca, 44 yo mixed race, half Italian half Philippino.
In the past 4 years, since moving to Portugal, I have been learning, and I still am, how to craft a new lifestyle, after getting myself a 5ha magical piece of land, hidden in a small valley, between the mountains of the Serra de Estrela in central Portugal. I live surrounded by plenty of native forests, now recovering from some devastating fires back in 2022.
I grew up and studied in Rome, and after living in Dublin, London, Bali, and extensively traveling in Europe and Asia, I tuned into a strong call to leave the increasing toxicity of the cities, so I searched, found, and bought this farm, and I am slowly creating my dream place.
I am drawn to nature, her knowledge and teachings, focused on discovering what I truly want and enjoy from life. So far has bee a wonderful journey to learn how to be self-reliant and engage in practices that will set up free from a society who wants us depending on their services and goods.
I enjoy solving problems while minimizing the creation of them : )
I craft my days between several projects, wether they are within the perimeter of the farm or outside.
I am passionate about electronic music and not only, and this brings me to collaborate with local creatives, giving birth to alternative culture events. So feeding the fire of art expression and creative output is something I thrive for.
Most recent addition to my hobbies is a wood turning lathe, and a set of tools for wood carving, and plenty, plenty of ideas that slowly materialize.
I live with 5 other wonderful creatures, two dogs Soul and Serra, and the sweetest three cats called Tommy Luna and Sienna, plus 3 fluffy unamed chickens.
If you are curious you can check us out on Instagram, ask me for the link .
- Who are we looking for -
You must be independent and mature, well organized and proactive. I work full days and weeks, hence not always can allow time to hang out, but this said, I value the importance to connect with volunteers, and find the time to spend together, whether is a walk, a meal or excursions to friends or neighbours for a meal and a drink.
I expect you to be clean and tidy, honest, hardworking, and genuinely interested in helping and learning. This is also the mindset you will be welcome with once you are here.
I will geniuinly go the extra mile for the right person, but I won't tolerate those who take the mickey and who are only looking for a free holiday. If you have some experience with work away/volunteering you will surely understand! :)
I live in a remote area, 900 meters up a beautiful mountain: Gonçalo is only a few km away, and the next city, Guarda, is 35 min drive.
Belmonte, another little town is also near. Having your own transport is best, but not essential as we often meet friends who also host other volunteers, so there will be occasions to socialize. We regularly go to Guarda, often stop for a coffee or a beer, and you are welcome to join the ride : )
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Teaching
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Animal Care
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
General Maintenance
Help with Computers/ Internet
House sitting
Interests
Videography
Events & social
Vegetarian or vegan
Sustainability
Culture
Self development
Farming
Plant care
Music
DIY & crafts
Books
Art & design
Photography
Gardening
Cooking & food
Architecture
Carpentry
Animals
Yoga / Wellness
Nature
Camping
Mountain
Dancing
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
There will be plenty of occasion where I can share what we learned, both theorically and practically.
I like to give space to your skills and creativity to as long as you would like to give it a go, there will be enough room to take initiative and express yours!
Expect anything related to sustainable living, gardening and plants, foraging, building, DIY, fermentation, food processing and preservation, arts and crafts, music and djing and who knows what else! The list is long and ever growing.
Help
5 hours - 5 days a week (food + accommodation in exchange)
Food garden
- plant seedlings, plants and trees, this is ongoing until end of April.
- weeding watering, and general land management all throughout summer.
Building (there is a long list of building projects)
- vermicompost toilets, outdoor showers and WC, bar/kitchenette, gates.
- improve accessibility around the land, maintaining paths and building new staircases/steps
- outdoor kitchen within a pergola structure.
Land (according to experience and time of the year)
After the wildfires, our most recent mission is to help the land recover well and quickly, this involves:
- clearing the land from dry and burned wood
- gathering fire wood for the winter months
- cutting/pruning trees
- landscaping
- general land management
Note:
1. Tasks depend on seasons.
2. Regarding hours and days, what works best is morning shifts, 7-12 or 8-13.
3. Market day is Sautrday, unless special occasions happen, so we can top up during the week.
Extra note : )
Please make sure you are in a good physical and mental space before offering your help.
I do my best in scheduling jobs in the shade when we can and when we have.
And also, if you are going through a breakup, couple challenges or are not in your bestest shape, please do apply, but make me aware of your challenging moment.
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Italian: Fluent
Portuguese: IntermediateThis host offers a language exchange
I am happy to share my knowledge of Italian and fluent English a my modest Portuguese.
Accommodation
- Our set up -
I have been volunteering all around the world, so I truly understand the importance of providing a space that is clean and comfortable for you to enjoy your stay. And that is what you will receive.
The project is still at it's early stage, but I can guarantee you:
- Beautiful and remote spots with breathtaking views where to pitch your tent (I will provide tents, beddings, mattresses)
- Spots where to park your van
- A caravan with a fridge and a double bed. (when available)
- Compost toilet and a solar passive shower. You will take care of your compost toilet regularly.
- Meals -
You will be able to organise all your meals, from breakfast to dinner. There will be occasions where we can share a meal over a weekend, or head out for a Pizza and a beer in the closest village, or visiting friends.
What else ...
Surroundings
Lots of trails and river beaches
Nearest river beach: 13 min drive
Manteigas and lots of sightseeing possibilities: 30 min by car
Guarda: 20 min by car
Belmonte: 20 min by car
Village with a few cafes and small supermarkets 10 min drive
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
Can host digital nomads
Yes!
Space for parking camper vans
Yes, we can have campervans and motorhomes on our land.
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Feedback (11)
Luca is a kind, gentle, resourceful person who has so many exciting projects underway.… read more
Photos
Feedback
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(4.9)
Cultural exchange:
(4.9)
Communication:
(4.7)
Luca is a kind, gentle, resourceful person who has so many exciting projects underway.… read more
They helped with a variety of tasks such as tree planting and pruning, land clearing and processing firewood.
They are very meticulous and aware of what they do, when in doubt they always asked, and when let free to decide, they… read more
Their property is amazing, , nestled at the end of a a winding mountain road with fantastic views out over the valley. There's plenty to get involved with and Luca has many grand plans for the future.
The work allotted to us was never too taxing, and the… read more
Gilles brought in valuable skills and his hard working arms, helping with building some platforms, reparing stone walls and keeping the good chats going!
Best of luck for your next steps, and muito obrigado for your help!
Helping Luca and Alexia with their wonderful project has been inspiring, they have so many bright ideas that giving my small contribution has been… read more
Alexia and Luca were very kind and very hospitable. We had both the time to carry out various maintenance and improvement projects and the time to relax in company and privately. We felt at home and their stories and passions were very inspirational for our journey.
We also had the pleasure of… read more
I learned a lot of new things, it was a wonderful week, the surroundings are beautifully situated in the middle of nature. Thank you for the stay, I will miss the delicious fresh food (but now I have also planted palm kale with them, I will try to cook the delicious food with it).
We couldn't ask for better!
They are respectful, kind, nice, open, friendly .. well, they are two wonderful people!
We spent 4 weeks with them and they have always been weeks full of good feelings!
They helped us with English, got us involved in their outings… read more
They have a beautiful plot of land and some brilliant ideas of what they want to achieve and being a part of helping their dream come together, albeit my small contribution, was a great experience.
The work was varied with tasks… read more
