Your Needs

We have basic facilities.  There are solar showers, dry composting toilets, and communal kitchen.  Plentiful water is solar pumped from a bore hole but the best drinking water comes from the original spring fed font.

Accommodation in one of the earth houses or in a tents is available.  Or you may prefer to bring your own. 

You will need to bring a warm sleeping bag.  Some camp beds and ground mattresses are available.  Waterproofs and warm clothes in winter advised.  Working clothes, boots, basic personal survival kit, first aid, torch all useful., 

We provide two good meals a day (vegan, veggy or not) and plenty of hot and cold drinks.  You may prefer to arrange your own breakfast.  We don’t serve or encourage alcohol, don’t tolerate drugs or dogs.  Meals can be shared and cooked together as needed.  We do our own washing by hand and recycle most everything.

A café, mini-marcedo and Lidl Supermarket are a 10 min walk.  It is a long walk or short bus or car ride into the town of Odemira, by the river.

Social Guidelines

Most young Portuguese speak English but the elder people will not.  Be prepared to speak some phrases to gain their respect.

We encourage people to walk their talk and live by shared values.

We tend not to stay up late and prefer quiet times to be respected.

We don’t serve or encourage alcohol, don’t tolerate drugs or uncontrolled dogs. 

There is a lock up room available.  A land-line may be used in emergencies.

All our water and energy comes from natural sources – please use just what you need and no more – there will be enough for everyone.

We encourage visiting with the motto:

Safety Guidelines

Some activities involve cooking with fire (in earth ovens), working with simple construction techniques, contact with large animals – such as burros – or territorial animals such as geese. Responsible behaviour and appropriate car