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Starting November 1st, 2026, we are looking for motivated, hands-on volunteers to help us develop Ribeira do Ruivo, a traditional *Monte Alentejano* (Alentejo countryside property) located in the beautiful rural landscape of Odemira, Portugal.
Our vision is to transform Ribeira do Ruivo into a welcoming and creative space where nature, art, music and community come together
30 hours of help per week
Painting & Decorating: Help with painting or decorating the property facilities.
Building & Repairing: Help with a wide range of repairs or building.
Gardening: Help grow plants and cultivate gardens
2 days off per week
Shared Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Team Dorm: You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.
Tent: You will sleep in a tent at a camping site.
Breakfast: You are entitled to a free breakfast, every day of your stay.
Lunch: You are entitled to a free lunch, every day of your stay.
Dinner: You are entitled to a free dinner, every day of your stay.
Free Hiking Tours: We’ll take you on excursions and hikes around town. For free!
Pick Up: We will pick you up when you arrive, and take you to our property.
Use our equipped kitchen: Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Fast Internet Access: High-speed internet for you to work remotely
Dedicated Workspace: Specific space for you to work remotely
Beginner English
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Ribeira do Ruivo is a growing community project located in the peaceful countryside of Odemira, in the Alentejo region of Portugal.
Our goal is to develop a traditional "Monte Alentejano" into a creative and sustainable space where art, nature, music and community come together. We aim to create a welcoming environment for cultural events, artistic workshops, traditional crafts and sustainable building.
As a volunteer, you will help us improve the land, build new structures and develop the infrastructure needed to bring this vision to life.
Our main activities include carpentry, DIY projects, natural building, gardening, landscaping, repairs and general maintenance. We especially welcome hands-on people who enjoy working with tools and have a practical, creative mindset.
Volunteering here is also an opportunity to share knowledge, learn new skills, connect with nature and experience rural life in the Alentejo.
We provide food and a place to camp. Volunteers prepare their own meals, individually or as a group.
Daily activities are mainly organised in the morning, leaving afternoons free to relax, explore or enjoy personal projects.
Join us in creating a place where people, creativity and nature grow together! 🌱
Our volunteer program includes 5 hours and 30 minutes of work per day, with a lunch break and plenty of free time to enjoy the surroundings.
☀️ Daily Schedule
- 08:30 – 09:00 | Breakfast – Prepare breakfast and get ready for the day.
- 09:00 – 09:30 | Morning Briefing – Discuss daily tasks, organise tools and prepare materials.
- 09:30 – 12:00 | Morning Work Session – Construction, carpentry, gardening, maintenance and other hands-on activities.
- 12:00 – 13:30 | Lunch Break – Prepare your meal, eat and relax.
- 13:30 – 16:00 | Afternoon Work Session – Continue ongoing projects, clean up and organise equipment.
- After 16:00 | Free Time – Relax, explore nature or enjoy personal activities.
⏰ Total Working Hours: 5h30 per day
Includes the morning briefing and practical work. Breakfast and lunch breaks are excluded.
🌱 Flexibility & Teamwork
Schedules may change depending on weather conditions, ongoing projects and seasonal activities.
Tasks will be organised according to each volunteer's skills, experience and interests.
We value teamwork, independence and a positive attitude, while ensuring everyone has enough time to enjoy the peaceful countryside of Ribeira do Ruivo. 🌿
We want everyone to feel welcome and enjoy their time at Ribeira do Ruivo. To create a friendly, respectful and organised environment, we ask all volunteers to follow a few simple rules.
🍲 Food & Cooking
- We provide basic food and ingredients, but volunteers are responsible for cooking their own meals, individually or as a group.
- Please avoid wasting food and be mindful of shared supplies.
🧼 Cleaning & Shared Spaces
- Always wash your dishes, utensils and cooking equipment after use.
- Keep the kitchen, bathrooms and common areas clean and organised.
- Everyone is responsible for cleaning up after themselves.
🏡 Respect the Property & Privacy
- Ribeira do Ruivo is also a family home. Please respect private areas and personal belongings.
- Respect household routines, designated access areas and quiet hours.
- Always ask before inviting visitors to the property.
🔨 Work & Safety
- Respect the agreed working schedule of 5 hours and 30 minutes per day.
- Be punctual and communicate if you cannot attend your shift.
- Use tools and equipment responsibly. Ask for guidance if you are unfamiliar with something.
- Return tools to their proper place after use.
🌱 Nature & Sustainability
- Respect the natural environment, plants and animals.
- Save water and electricity whenever possible.
- Separate waste and recycle appropriately.
- Fires are strictly prohibited without permission.
🤝 Community & Respect
- Treat everyone with kindness, respect and an open mind.
- Respect different cultures, backgrounds and personal boundaries.
- Help maintain a positive and cooperative atmosphere.
- Communicate openly if you have concerns or suggestions.
🌙 Free Time & Quiet Hours
- Enjoy your free time
