visiting, working & staying
Please note: We are a living and working community farm.
We do NOT provide Bed & Breakfast or any paying options to stay on or visit the farm.
If you want to find out more about the farm and the community, you are invited to come to one of our events.
If you want to visit, please contact us and arrange this with someone on site to show you around.
You can’t visit the farm without a confirmed appointment/invitation!
The Quinta Project is a queer* ecovillage and online community. The physical location of the emerging ecovillage is within the São Mamede Natural Park in the Portalegre District of Portugal. We are located close to the Spanish border in a mountainous area of the Alto Alentejo.
The Land Project is a 5.5 hectares (13.5 acres) site. We have three structures (two of which are habitable). We have three streams crossing the land. A large part of the land is planted with cork oaks and olive trees. Some parts of the land are terraced. There are 100+ fruit trees, including apples, apricots, pears, plums, almonds, strawberry trees, figs… and many vines!
There are various wild animals living on the farm – and in the surrounding natural park. These include rare birds, such as Bonelli’s Eagles, Griffin Vultures, Black Storks, Tawny and Eagle Owls. On and around the farm we have wild boars, badgers, Egyptian Mongooses, salamanders, Fresh Water Turtles, wild cats, frogs, foxes and rabbits. There are also some reports of Iberian Lynx in the area.
We have a community house with a kitchen, dining/living room and several bedrooms. We are currently furnishing and carrying out restoration work on the community house, so things are a bit fluid in terms of facilities. Generally, the house is comfortable and offers many spaces to socialise – or to spend some time by yourself. Get in touch to find out more!
Volunteering / Working
Villagers and volunteers are welcome to join us for some time to help on the Quinta. While staying on the land, “villagers” help for four hours a day on the current projects (you can see a list of these projects here).
Of course, you don’t have to come to help on a specific project. There is lots of ‘regular” work going on at the Quinta, too. Regular work includes
- * gardening / looking after the trees
- * decorating and maintaining indoor spaces
- * carpentry and small scale construction
- * vegetarian/vegan cooking for the community members on the land
Our aim is to make your stay with us enriching for both sides, where we can work on projects that are mutually beneficial in a safe and comfortable space where you are free to be you. Therefore, it is important to get in touch, get to know each other and discuss your stay at the farm – before you arrive.
For more information please read the information about visiting in the Wiki – and complete the Residency Application well in advance of intending to stay with us.
To contact us, please email hello@quinta.lgbt .
What to expect (and other questions about visiting!)
What to bring (and what’s the weather like) ?
We are located in the mountains, which means our weather is generally a little cooler and more humid than the Alentejo. From May to October, the weather is usually warm and sunny and a lot of the day to day life is spent outside. From November to April, the weather is cooler. Although there are typically many sunny days where you can spend time outside, you should be prepared for rain.
When working on the land, it is important to have sturdy shoes. Depending on the season, please also remember to bring warm clothing. Get in touch if you have any questions!
Do you have electricity, internet….?
We have a regular electricity supply (and are switching to solar power soon). There is no landline telephone or ADSL/Fibre Internet, however mobile phone coverage is good and most of the property has 4G/LTE reception.
What is the food like?
We love food – and love to share it! The Quinta Project is fully vegetarian – and mostly vegan. Everyone takes a turn with meal preparation and clean up. Most meals are eaten together.
We try to rely mostly on self-produced food – or locally grown food. The food is cooked by community members and there is usually a small breakfast, lunch and dinner. Occasionally, we decide to have meals outside – and we are sometimes joined by friends and neighbours.
We ask you to please not consume or bring animal flesh products onto our land for human consumption!
Can I book and pay for my stay?
No, you can’t pay for a stay at The Quinta Project at this moment. We are not a hotel or B&B.
Can I bring pets?
We love animals at the farm. Therefore please get in touch first with us before bringing your dog, cat or other pet. We want to ensure they get along with the animals living on the farm. N.B. because of the other animals living on the farm, please keep your dog on a leash at all times while outside.
What if I travel with children?
Children are usually welcome, however, please get in touch with us first!
I have mobility issues. How accessible is the land?
Unfortunately, much of the land is not easily accessible, although the main house is reasonably accessible and can be reached via a semi-paved road. Please contact us to see how we can welcome you to the land!
Are you a trans/non-binary inclusive space?
Yes, we aim to be fully trans and non-binary inclusive.
We fully recognise the right of each person to be accepted, treated and recognised as the gender or identity they self-identify with.
Are day visits possible?
Day visits are possible upon personal invitation only. Please do not travel to the project without prior arrangements!
For news and updates follow on:
Facebook Page – Instagram – Twitter – LinkedIn
To connect with the community:
Facebook Group – talk.Quinta
