An Organic Spiritual Farm
Coimbra
We are calling all free spirits!
We are a laid-back couple living in the stunning central Portugal mountains outside of Colmeal. We share our lives with two furry companions (our dogs!) and are passionate about sustainable living.
Our project is all about abundance and creating a space for personal growth. We're establishing a thriving food production system fueled by the clean mountain water surrounding us. You'll find a welcoming, non-judgmental environment to learn and experience new things.
**We are!**
Lisa, 50 and Miguel, 52: Lisa grew up on an organic, self-sustaining farm in South Africa, where she gained valuable knowledge and skills that she is happy to share. Lisa is a spiritual teacher with no dogmatic practices or principles. Miguel is originally from Madeira and has lived in the UK for 40 years; he is passionate about organic farming, building and community living. We have no children but adore our two dogs.
**Interested in joining our journey?**
We offer volunteer opportunities for those who share our values and want to experience a unique way of life in Portugal.
Organic Farming and Self-sufficiency at the Mountain Retreat
We're an organic farm nestled in the Portuguese mountains, working alongside a community project to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. Here, you'll experience a unique blend of farming, sustainability practices, and personal growth.
**What a Typical Day Looks Like:**
Your mornings might start with a refreshing breath of mountain air and a shared breakfast with fellow volunteers. Geared up in comfortable clothing and work gloves, we believe in a flexible approach to support people in what they feel they are good at or want to learn.
**Farming Activities:**
* **Hügelkultur:** We embrace Hügelkultur methods, focusing on creating healthy soil ecosystems. You'll learn about sheet mulching, composting techniques, and building vibrant soil life.
* **Planting and Tending:** Depending on the season, we'll prepare beds, plant new seeds or seedlings, and care for existing crops. You'll gain hands-on experience with organic gardening practices using natural methods, including weeding, trellising, and pest control.
* **Food Forest Dreams:** We're passionate about creating a thriving food forest – a diverse ecosystem mimicking a natural woodland. You'll be involved in planning and planting trees, shrubs, and other perennial food sources, learning about companion planting and guild design.
**Beyond the Fields:**
Our days extend beyond the farm. We're a community that values creativity and skill-sharing. You might find yourself:
* **Building projects:** Constructing raised beds, trellises, or even helping with eco-friendly structures for the community.
* **Art and Expression:** We encourage creative expression through art projects that enhance our space. You could contribute your artistic skills or learn new ones alongside others.
**What You'll Learn as a WWOOFer:**
* **Organic Farming:** Gain practical skills in organic gardening, no-till methods, and creating a sustainable food system.
* **Community Living:** Experience the joy of working and learning as part of a collaborative community project.
*** Alternative Medicine*** Herbal medicine, Homeopathy and local plants.
**The key takeaway?**
You'll leave with valuable farming skills and a deeper understanding of sustainable practices and the power of community in creating a self-sufficient future.
We offer three meals a day, and most of the food is organic, either grown on our farm or bought from the local market. We have a camper van and comfortable bell tents with heating.
We enjoy nature, chanting, spiritual practice and community.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Fruit or nut farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Traditional crafts
Green Building
Renewable energy production
Methods or systems
No-till farming
Permaculture
Regenerative agriculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
5.6
Hectares
|
13.8
Acres
Lisa
Member since 2024
Languages spoken:
English
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 67%
Response time: typically within 7 days
Coimbra
Gois, Coimbra
Reviews
Wim
Germany
•
December 2025
My time at Quinta Perola was awesome! During my two months long stay I got deep into the dynamics of life there.
Lisa and Miguel are very open and generous people, laid back and yet organized. They were very flexible regarding my work schedule and gave me the space to find my own pace. They have a great vision for their land and are putting a lot of love into it, which makes working along side them feel meaningful.
I got a wide variety of interesting tasks throughout my stay and Miguel and Lisa also let me take responsibility in different areas which I really appreciated.
We usually ate together and often spent time in the evenings, drinking cacao and having conversations. Often accompanied by their very chill and loveable dogs.
Lisa and Miguel both cook delicious food and always made sure that I had enough to eat and feel comfortable.
The land is simply beautiful and full of life. It has several natural-pools, a permaculture garden and a stunning view over multiple mountain-tops.
I can fully recommend a stay here to anyone who wants to live in a peaceful environment and close to nature.
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Xander
Netherlands
•
September 2024
I met Lisa and Miguel at a nearby retreat center I was volunteering. After that ended they invited to rest on their land for a bit. That felt so welcome and within shortly I felt energized again and the need to do some work. I strimmed a lot of high grass and I sanded cut down eucalyptus trees for setting up their tipis.
Although remote from villages, the quinta and land definitely have a wow factor and calm visitors down, I loved sleeping in the campervan that they offered to stay in. In a funny building I was able to use bathroom and enjoy a hot shower.
Sharing time with these lovely hosts is absolutely inspiring! They make you feel at home right from the start, and gladly share their wisdom, medicine and good food. To me, they are living proof on how it is to serve people and give them a life changing experience.
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