This rural tourism project is located on Portugal’s Silver Coast, just five minutes from the sheltered bay and daily market in São Martinho do Porto. The property is being developed as a low-density Casas de Campo project, offering a relaxed setting close to the sea.
The grounds include areas of natural scrubland that provide a habitat for birds and local wildlife. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, infrared sauna, five tiny houses and a traditional windmill that is being restored as a living space.
Alongside the accommodation, the property hosts health, sports and retreat programmes, including activities focused on fitness, surfing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Helpers can enjoy a friendly atmosphere while contributing to the development and everyday upkeep of the site.
Tasks & Roles
The work combines gardening, property maintenance and practical building tasks. Gardening and grounds work can include cutting back vegetation, weeding flower beds, pruning pine trees and keeping the wider property in good condition.
Helpers may also assist with cleaning and preparing the tiny houses between guests and helping to keep the accommodation and outdoor areas well maintained. During retreats and seminars, there may be some additional work preparing spaces and helping with event set-up.
Practical skills are useful for the light construction, repair and maintenance work taking place around the property. Helpers may also have the opportunity to assist with the ongoing restoration of the traditional windmill.
For someone taking on a longer-term role, there may be additional responsibility for welcoming and guiding short-term helpers. This can involve explaining daily routines, helping people settle in and making sure agreed tasks are understood and completed.
The exact schedule and duties are agreed in advance according to the season, the needs of the property and the role being undertaken. A long-term position starts with a video call and an initial one-week trial stay before a commitment to the full season is made.
Living & Getting There
Accommodation is usually provided in a medium-sized caravan on the property. It has an indoor bathroom and shower, with an outdoor toilet also available. Depending on how many volunteers are staying at the time, accommodation may instead be provided in a campervan or a spacious tent.
Volunteers may share the outdoor areas with other helpers, but each accommodation option is self-contained and located on the property. There is no access to the main house.
The caravans and campervans have kitchen facilities, while an outdoor kitchen is available for shared meals and for preparing food for groups.
The closest airport is Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon. Buses connect Lisbon and Porto with São Martinho do Porto, Nazaré and Caldas da Rainha, and the hosts can collect helpers from one of these locations.
What else
The hosts value people who are proactive, dependable and able to take responsibility for their work. Helpers are expected to complete their agreed hours efficiently, communicate openly and ask when they are unsure about something.
Cleanliness and respect are important parts of life on the property. Volunteers are expected to keep their accommodation and shared outdoor spaces clean and tidy, and to take good care of tools, equipment and facilities such as the pool, sauna and sports equipment. Items should be cleaned after use and returned to their proper place.
The project aims to maintain a peaceful and relaxed environment, so respectful communication is expected from everyone staying on site. In return, helpers can enjoy a pleasant climate, proximity to the sea and the chance to meet other people while gaining practical experience in gardening, property maintenance, restoration and rural tourism.
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