Volunteer in Portugal: find amazing programs in hostels, home stays, NGOs, farms, ecovillages and more

How to volunteer in Portugal

The oldest nation in Europe stretches for 500 miles along the Atlantic Ocean's scenic coast. Portugal's rugged Mediterranean landscape is part of what makes it the perfect destination for beach-goers who love a good aquatic adventure. 

You'll get the chance to wander through its charming villages, explore the secluded Azores, immerse yourself in the thriving cultural scene in Lisbon, and marvel at the exotic gardens on Madeira Island. The serene seascapes and picturesque views of Portugal are enough to make you want to book an extended stay.

Worldpackers makes this possible with hundreds of exciting volunteer opportunities across the country to choose from. You don't need a visa to enter Portugal and can stay for up to 90 days doing a work exchange! 

If you're looking to avoid the crowded tourist season, Portugal has a longer shoulder season than most places. Spring starts in February and fall ends in November. It has more sunny days throughout the year than the rest of the continent, making it an ideal destination to travel to enjoy great weather for most of the year.

Pick any volunteer exchange program in Portugal and you're sure to be near a breathtaking and interesting location you can explore when you aren't working. Your host will require a specific amount of hours each week from you, and on your off time you can travel like a local through the streets of this Iberian nation. 

Visit Roman archaeological gems in Evora, sip on velvety ports on a wine tour in the Douro Valley, or gaze out over the cliffs near an enchanting medieval castle. Portugal is truly something magical.

Where to stay in Portugal

When you decide to work in Portugal as a Worldpacker, you'll find there are several different types of volunteer experiences to take part in. 

Some opportunities may take place near the Tagus River that flows into the capital, UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Belem, sunny beaches, or misty woodlands. The pristine scenery and friendly locals will make you feel like you've found your new home in paradise.

What are your skills and passions? If you love being around nature, you might consider working on a farm in Portugal helping facilitate a permaculture project in Arcos del Valdevez. If you're a hospitality fan, become a volunteer at a hostel in Lisbon as you help with cooking, cleaning, and reception to keep everything running smoothly. Share a dorm in Porto with other volunteers as you work in a social impact program. Live in an eco lodge in Marco de Canaveses as you care for animals and help the gardens grow. 

Whatever your skill set is, whether you're a handyman, artist, teacher, or freelance writer, there's volunteer work available in Portugal for you.

You can even search for Portugal work exchange experiences that are near your preferred environment.

Simply choose a category in the search filter "style" as you look for work and you just might find an experience near spectacular mountains, within a quaint city, or even near dramatic waterfalls. On evenings and weekends you can go dolphin-watching in the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve or eat your way through lively festivals like Porto's Festa de Sao Joao.

Some hostels and homestays may give you a discount on local bars and pub crawls, which are perfect if you want to bar-hop through Lagos or Coimbra. 

Choose a program surrounded by nature and you could go hiking through the gorgeous Parque de Nacional da Peneda-Geres. 

Packed with hidden gems and stellar sights to behold, Portugal doesn't disappoint. 

Backpacking in Portugal

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you'll want to bask in the sunshine and as much of Portugal as you can. 

This European destination has a surprising variety of sights to take in, so you'll never have a boring trip wherever you decide to work in Portugal.

The south coast is home to jaw-dropping beaches in Algarve with great waves if you're looking to get in some choice surfing. Stroll through the cobbled streets of Tavira to admire the azulejos on the colorfully decorated buildings. Hop on an iconic yellow tram to see the capital of Lisbon, or better yet, go up the Santa Justa Lift to see the historic city from a cool vantage point.

Want to experience all the variety and splendor Portugal has to offer? Backpacking through the country is a great option for Worldpackers volunteers because it gives you a bit of everything to soak up. Choose a work exchange opportunity in Portugal that you love, and you're bound to want to see more.

After you finish volunteering on a farm, at reception, bartending, or wherever you find yourself in Portugal, simply move on to the next area you'd love to see!

Worldpackers hosts across the country would be happy to receive your help and give you the best insider scoops about where to backpack to next.

Top volunteer opportunities for foreigners in Portugal

Travelers get the chance to review Worldpackers experiences, which helps give you a better idea about what each experience is actually like. Popular hosts may need help immediately, some only require a few hours of work each day, and you'll always find chances to learn and grow with each travel and exchange experience you undertake. 

Volunteering in Portugal is an eye-opening adventure that will only boost your love of world travel.

Little farms like this one in Golega are the perfect getaway from bustling cities and tourists that will help connect with nature as you travel. Some of the best things about Portugal are its stunning landscapes, hidden islands, and off-the-beaten-path adventures that will awaken the wanderlust that lies within even the most seasoned travelers.

Maintain the peace and tranquility you find in nature by becoming a yoga teacher in Lisbon or volunteering at a holistic center in Nisa. Additionally, there are tons of guest houses and hostels throughout Portugal that could use your help around the house. You never know what lifelong friends you'll meet when you share accommodation in a foreign country!

Whether you're traveling alone, part of a group, or traveling as a couple, different hosts will specify what type of assistance they need and for how long. You could put in work at a surf hostel and hit the waves on your off time or work as a tour guide and party promoter, so even you can learn more about what goes on from place to place. 

Volunteer in Portugal to discover how slow travel can get you far in this beautiful country and let it leave a mark in more than just your passport.