Have a unique experience at a clothing-optional volunteer exchange in Spain! Learn how to be self-sufficient on a farm in a magical part of Spain, near the famous walking pilgrimage trail – Camino de Santiago. Find full details here:
Overview
- Location – As Pontes de García Rodríguez
- Host – Micheal
- Duration: 21 days
- Minimum Age – 26+
- Available Spots – 1 helpers
- Weekly Hours – 36 hours
- Room Type – Single Private
- Meals – Full-board
- Nearest Airport – A Coruña Airport (LCG) and Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ)
Nestled in nature, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this farm offers a serene and inspiring environment for those seeking to work and grow.
Located one hour north of Santiago de Compostela, the homestead is surrounded by nature and infused with the healing energy for which the Camino is known. For the past six years, they’ve been living a self-sufficient lifestyle, deeply connected to the land.
They are looking for skilled individuals to assist with organic garden, forestry work, house remodeling, and hospitality (including spa and wellness).
Their approach is self-reliant, hardworking, and grounded, with a focus on living in harmony with nature. They embrace a lifestyle that is both loving and spiritual, yet also ruthlessly honest, much like nature itself.
The environment is clothing-optional, providing a secluded space for you to connect with yourself and the natural world.
They greatly value skills, experience, and knowledge, especially from those who travel by van. In exchange, they offer a stay free of charge.
For those interested in inner work, they also offer a paid program through Retreat Guru. If you think you’re a good fit, tell them about your relevant skills and experience.
They are new to HelpStay, so the response rate may be low, but they are eager to connect with the right people. Reach out to explore if you’re a good match.
Tasks
They need dedicated individuals to help with the organic garden, forestry work, house remodeling, and hospitality tasks related to the spa and wellness offerings.
The work is physically demanding, about six hours a day, and includes general housekeeping. After a day’s work, they unwind with a drink, herbal smoke, deep conversations about life and the universe, and a soak in the wood-heated hot tub.
They’ve hosted many volunteers and know what makes a good fit. They’re seeking the perfect match—this could be you. Be open to exploring if this is the right opportunity for you.
Their expansive and secluded grounds are ideal for relaxation and self-discovery after a day of hard work. Whether lying in the tall grass or lounging in a hammock, you’ll find balance within the natural rhythms of the universe.
Stay with them to fully immerse yourself in the transformative energy of a homestead. They recommend doing sightseeing before or after your stay.
Accommodation
They provide full board, and when they cook, they cook for everyone, eating together. Their diet is locally sourced, vegetarian food, chosen for spiritual reasons.
For accommodation, they strongly prefer volunteers who come with their own van, as the homestead is small and facilities are quite primitive.
If you’re staying for a short period, it can be demanding, but having your own van allows you to retreat into your own space.
Location
The farm area is easily accessible by train, with a quaint station within walking distance. If you’re traveling by van, GPS coordinates will guide you right to their doorstep.
As Pontes de García Rodríguez, a small town in the province of A Coruña in northwest Spain, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. The town is most famous for its large artificial lake, created from a former open-pit coal mine, now a popular spot for recreation and outdoor activities.
To get to As Pontes, the nearest major city is A Coruña, about 60 kilometers away. From A Coruña, you can reach As Pontes by car in about an hour via the AP-9 and AC-861 roads. If you prefer public transport, buses run regularly from A Coruña to As Pontes, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
Once in As Pontes, the town is easily navigable on foot, but having a car can be convenient for exploring the surrounding areas. The town itself offers a few hotels and guesthouses, as well as rural accommodations in the nearby countryside.
The artificial lake is the town’s main attraction, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water. Surrounding the lake, you’ll find walking trails and picnic areas, making it a great spot for a day out in nature. Fishing is also popular here, with the lake being stocked with various fish species.
In the town center, you can visit the Church of Santa María, a historic building that reflects the town’s cultural heritage. As Pontes has a small but lively local community, and you can find a handful of traditional Galician restaurants and bars offering local dishes such as pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus) and empanada gallega (Galician pie).
For a deeper connection with nature, consider exploring the nearby Fragas do Eume Natural Park, a short drive from As Pontes. This ancient Atlantic forest is one of the best-preserved in Europe, with lush greenery, hiking trails, and the Monastery of Caaveiro hidden within the forest.
As Pontes enjoys a mild, oceanic climate, with cool summers and mild winters. Rain is common throughout the year, so it’s wise to bring waterproof clothing, especially if you plan on hiking or spending time outdoors.
If you’re looking to experience a blend of nature and industrial history, with a touch of Galician culture, As Pontes de García Rodríguez is a quiet yet rewarding destination in the heart of Galicia.
More Information
Take the time to carefully consider if they are the right fit for you—they will do the same. The world is changing rapidly, so they don’t make commitments more than three weeks in advance.
A good question to ask yourself is: “Would I be friends with these people?” If you have any doubts, value your time and explore other opportunities.
