Sustainable Eco Retreat Center
Coimbra
We are three people living on a Quinta in nature, creating a small retreat space where people come to reconnect — with themselves, with others, and with the land. At the moment we are in the preparation phase for the season that starts in May, so the main focus is practical, hands-on work outdoors.
Most of the help we need is with gardening and getting the land into shape. This includes sowing and planting, harvesting, watering, composting, clearing and cleaning areas, cutting branches, mowing paths, and generally bringing structure and care to spaces that are still quite wild. There are also ongoing maintenance and small building projects — simple things like sanding, painting, repairing, setting up structures, or helping to make places more beautiful and functional. Sometimes the work is steady and repetitive, sometimes creative and project-based.
Because the property is large and still developing, we are looking for people who can see what needs to be done and work independently, not only wait for instructions. Experience with gardening, permaculture, handcraft, natural building, or tools is very welcome, but more important is a grounded attitude and a willingness to be part of the process.
The exchange is 5 hours per day, 5 days per week, leaving you plenty of time for yourself.
You will stay in one of our glamping domes, which are comfortable, quiet, and surrounded by nature. Food is shared — we cook and eat together, and we are flexible with diets and preferences.
Daily life here is simple and follows the rhythm of the land. Outside of retreat days it is calm and spacious, with a lot of room for your own practice, rest, or creative projects. We value meaningful conversations, shared meals, and moments of working together in a focused way.
Even though only the three of us live on the land, there is a strong and supportive community in the area. Many international people and families live nearby, often off-grid or in alternative ways, and there are regular informal gatherings, skill-sharing, small events, and visits between neighbors. The surrounding villages also host local markets and celebrations from time to time. So there is both the possibility to go inward and be in silence, and to connect and feel part of something wider.
This experience is best for people who:
- enjoy physical work and being outdoors
- are self-motivated and practical
- appreciate simple living and shared responsibility
- feel comfortable in a quiet, nature-based environment
If the energy matches, we are open to longer stays, as continuity is very valuable for us while the place is growing.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Forestry
Wild foraging
Flower farming
Meat processing
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Bakery
Green Building
Renewable energy production
Methods or systems
Permaculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
3
Hectares
|
7.4
Acres
Accommodation
Tae-Ho
Member since 2025
Languages spoken:
English, German, Polish
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 2 days
Coimbra
Porto, Lisbon, Coimbra, Moita da Serra, Cepos
Reviews
Enni
Germany
•
March 2026
Had an amazing stay at Quinta da Libélula! The food was delicious, the Quinta itself is beautiful, and staying in the Dome was such a unique experience.
Loved being part of the community – from yoga and cooking together to the shared market stalls, everything felt so welcoming. Truly grateful for this time!
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