Small organic farm in northern Portugal developing an olive grove
Porto
Hello! My name is Mercedes, and I live in Marco de Canaveses, in the north of Portugal, in the beautiful Douro valley region.
I am creating a small ecological farm project from the ground up. It includes an olive grove (1.5 hectares), a medicinal and aromatic herb garden (0.5 hectares), and the careful restoration of two traditional granite structures. The project is still in its early stages, which makes it a very hands-on and evolving place.
The vision is to build a simple, regenerative and self-sufficient farm, producing olive oil, herbal teas, dried herbs, and small-batch natural products such as infused oils and soaps — always working in rhythm with nature.
I am looking for WWOOFers who genuinely enjoy practical work outdoors, learning by doing, and being part of a calm rural lifestyle.
Life on the farm
Our day begins at 7:30 a.m. and runs until 12:30 p.m. The work is varied and seasonal — clearing land, weeding, planting, soil preparation, irrigation, fencing, and light construction. It is physical, but also grounding and rewarding work, with a strong learning component.
Afternoons are free to rest, swim, read, or explore the surrounding area. The Douro river canyon offers stunning walks, small villages nearby offer authentic Portuguese rural life, and Porto is just one hour away by train for those who want a city day trip.
Accommodation & food
WWOOFers stay in my home, located about 1 km from the farm. The house has two comfortable bedrooms for WWOOFers, a shared bathroom, fresh linens and towels, and a swimming pool for warm days and post-work relaxation. Additionally, Camping on the land is also possible for those who prefer a closer nature experience.
Food is available for three meals a day, with ingredients provided so you can prepare your own meals flexibly. I also enjoy cooking and will occasionally share meals that I prepare myself. Simple dietary needs can be accommodated if discussed in advance.
What this place is like
This is a peaceful, evolving project rooted in simplicity, ecology, and care for the land. It is ideal for people who enjoy meaningful hands-on work, quiet natural surroundings, and being part of something that is still taking shape.
I personally enjoy working with my hands, growing food and medicinal plants, and creating natural products like soaps and herbal preparations. I value simple living, creativity, and learning through experience.
Read more
Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Natural cosmetics fabrication
Green Building
Renewable energy production
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Holistic management
Permaculture
Host type
Self-sufficiency property
Certified organic
3
Hectares
|
7.4
Acres
Mercedes
Member since 2026
Languages spoken:
English, Portuguese, Spanish
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
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Fri
Sat
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 1 day
Porto
Marco de Canaveses
My past WWOOFers
Mercedes has not had any confirmed visits.
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