Volunteer in Portugal

A Portugal volunteer experience is a truly unforgettable way to explore the rich and diverse local culture as well as travelling with a difference. Whether volunteering abroad for the first time or as a returning VolSol alumnus, we can help kickstart your volunteering journey in Portugal today! If you’re looking to make a lasting impact on our volunteer programs in Portugal and truly become a global citizen, our teams are ready for you to get in touch and help find the perfect volunteering opportunity for you. 

The ‘how’ in how to volunteer abroad in Portugal is a pretty simple process that our team can guide you through. The hard part is choosing a program that you want to get involved in! Our Portugal volunteer programs offer a breadth of opportunities to work with those in need of the support and contributions you can offer. 

Our volunteering organisations have some fantastic opportunities for you to get involved in! One such program is the Hedgehog Conservation Program. It is a wonderful way to work with local wildlife and preserve the ecology in the region! You’ll be focussing on treating wounded and sick hedgehogs, nursing them back to health!

If you’re looking for community development work in Portugal, you can join our Food Waste Management Program! Many restaurants, cafés, and shops end their day with plenty of food left over that they cannot sell, so our program helps with distributing this waste to those who struggle to make ends meet. You’ll be helping combat food wastage in a structured and positive way! 

If you’re hoping to work with children and young people, one option for you is our Youth Support Program! You’ll be supporting the work of a youth centre there, providing extracurricular activities and enrichment to children who would otherwise not have access to. You’ll be giving children from underprivileged backgrounds a chance to improve their future! 

Have we piqued your interest? Good! Are you ready to get started? Even better! Volunteering in Portugal is only a few clicks away; choose your program, click ‘Apply Now’, complete the registration process, and let us take care of the rest. Get in touch with us today for more information on how we can make your volunteering experience in Portugal unforgettable. 

Volunteering Solutions offers a wide range of programs in over 25 destinations worldwide. In the last 17 years, we have placed over 21,000 international volunteers across various projects and internships, helping them grow personally and professionally while making a difference to the world at large. We’ve hosted teen volunteering groups as well as gap year travellers, youth volunteers as well as family volunteering groups across various destinations.

Not only do we have our experience, but we have many accreditations that attest to our excellence in the field as well as our legitimacy as a volunteering experience coordinator. We are approved by WYSE Work Abroad, Go Overseas, and many other accreditors for volunteering abroad organisations. 

We have a dedicated team that ensures that volunteers have a smooth and memorable experience, learning from their peers along the way. From the moment you inquire, through the process of clearing doubts, filling out the application, making payments, accessing the Pre-Departure Guidebook, and reaching the volunteering location followed by Program Orientation – our team supports you every step of the way. We have in-country coordinators and representatives to assist you at the project sites.

Additionally, Volunteering Solutions offers various support services, including:

• Medical and travel insurance at a nominal extra cost
• Fundraising assistance for volunteers facing financial challenges
• Weekend excursions and hikes in Portugal
• Local transportation and airport drop-offs for a minimal extra cost

Upon completing your project, you’ll receive a Certificate of Completion, which will significantly enhance your career prospects. This experience will boost your CV/resume and expand your social network. It’s a journey you’ll cherish forever.

Volunteering Solutions also provides tailor-made projects for group volunteering (students, colleagues, or families) where people can work together and explore Portugal most uniquely.

Our projects are based in Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, is a captivating blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy. Nestled along the Douro River, Porto is renowned for its picturesque waterfront, characterised by colourful buildings and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. The city's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, baroque churches, and charming squares.

One of Porto's most famous exports is Port wine, and the wine cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia invite visitors for tastings and tours. The local cuisine is equally enticing, with dishes like francesinha, a hearty sandwich layered with meats and smothered in a rich sauce.

Art and culture thrive in Porto, with a lively arts scene and institutions like the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. The city's vibrant nightlife, particularly in the Ribeira district, offers an array of bars and live music venues.

With its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and warm atmosphere, Porto is a destination that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.

We have many programs for you to choose from! Take a look here:

• Hedgehog Conservation Project, Porto
• Food Waste Management Project, Porto
• Youth Support Program, Porto

No matter which program you choose to be a part of, you’ll definitely have an enriching experience. Programs are available for a minimum duration of 1 week to a maximum of 12 weeks. 

Think you could be a great addition to our team? Let us know if you fulfil the following requirements! 

- Be at least 18 years or older at the time of joining the project.

- Have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment.

- Should also be proactive and can take initiative.

- Should bring energy and enthusiasm to make a difference.

- Should be open to learning, and be friendly with everyone.

Apart from that, a Criminal Background Check Report is essential for volunteers who are joining Childcare, or Teaching programs. And you should be empathic towards the animals if you want to volunteer for wildlife conservation programs.

Our projects start from as little as £761 in _Portugal! Here’s what is included: 

• Airport Pickup and Transfer to accommodation
• Introduction session and Placement Orientation
• Guided Porto City Center Walking Tour
• Accommodation at a dormitory at a centrally located hostel in Porto
• Three meals a day
• Shared use of common spaces and free wifi
• Volunteer placement coordination 
• Suggestion of weekly activities with the other volunteers
• In-country staff support 24/7 (and the best local tips to discover the city)
• Pre Departure Info Booklet
• Travel & Medical Insurance (Available at an extra cost)
• Certificate Of Completion 

Like everywhere else around the world, volunteering in Portugal comes for a minimal fee, which also covers your airport pickup, accommodation, and pre-departure booklet that contains all the information to get you started on your volunteering journey! Other than that, you'll also be provided with meals, pick up and drop from the project site to your accommodation, and most importantly, there will be 24/7 in-country support.

However, you can always fundraise to pay for your meaningful volunteer trip and experience the goodness of travelling abroad to make a difference.

Since our inception in 2007, we have sent over 21,000 volunteers to over 25 destinations across the world! We have much experience in providing unforgettable volunteering experiences across the world, and our excellence in the field is a testament to that!

We know what volunteers look for regarding safety and security during their stay. All of our accommodation is located in safe areas, with 24/7 support from VolSol staff. You will be provided with a full orientation about the country, the city, and the local area to ensure you are as best informed as you can be! 

Our pre-departure booklet provides comprehensive information about the do’s and don’ts of the area, and how best to respect the cultures and traditions of your destination of choice! 

Much of what you may need will be readily available in Porto, so there’s no need to worry if you forget something! However, here’s some basics we suggest taking along with you:

• A small bum bag to keep your valuables close by and handy when you’re walking around town and on the project! Nothing worse than having to hold your phone all the time. 
• A small first aid kit with the essentials you need. Pharmacies and medication can be a little more expensive for the basics in Portugal, so bringing along what you usually need can help cut costs! 
• A refillable water bottle. There are water points across the city, so you have no need to buy plastic water bottles!

The best time to visit Porto is during the spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is typically mild and pleasant, with fewer crowds compared to the summer peak season. 

In spring, the city comes alive with blooming flowers and various festivals, while fall offers beautiful autumn colours and the grape harvest season, making it a great time for wine lovers. 

Summer (July and August) can be hot and crowded, especially with tourists, but it’s also when many outdoor events and activities take place. Winter (December to February) is cooler and quieter, but the city’s holiday decorations and Christmas markets provide a unique charm. 

Overall, spring and early fall strike a perfect balance of good weather and fewer tourists, making them ideal times to explore Porto.

We welcome volunteers from all over the world and different walks of life! We firmly believe that diversity and inclusion can only make the world a better place. We want to champion global citizens with an international vision and a deep commitment to the betterment of our society. Our volunteers should be compassionate, enthusiastic about change, diligent, and open-minded. 

Our projects cater to group volunteering in Portugal, as well as family volunteering groups, student volunteering, gap year travellers, as well as teenage travellers looking to expand their horizons. 

You can easily apply to volunteer in Portugal and be a part of our mission trips by following a few simple steps. Once you have decided which program you wish to join, and in which destination, you can go ahead and fill out the application form here.

You will receive a welcome email from the team, acknowledging your application. We will then send your Booking Confirmation in 7-10 working days. Once you receive your Booking Confirmation you can log into your account to view your trip details and make your final payments.

If you can’t decide which program to join, or where to travel, you can always write to us at [email protected] - and our Program Advisors will assist you.

Before travelling to Portugal, please ensure that you meet the following general requirements: 

• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your expected return date.
• Ensure your passport has at least two blank pages for your visa and other necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.

Schengen area passport holders and US Citizens do not need a visa for a stay of up to 90 days. You can check other countries’ requirements here. 

Short-term volunteering in Portugal is perfect for those who don’t have a month or more to dedicate to our projects. Even the shortest contributions make a huge difference to our teams! 

Our projects have a minimum stay of 1 week, so you can join for just 1 or 2 weeks and make a meaningful impact! You’ll also meet like-minded travellers from across the world and make life-long connections

Wanting to volunteer for a longer period of time? We can cater stays of up to 12 weeks! You’ll watch your work in action and the lasting impact it has on the wider community. Many volunteers then use our projects to kick-start their backpacking journey across the region. 

Worried that you’ll find yourself bored after a while? We can assure you that there is no way this will happen, especially not in such a beautiful and diverse country as Portugal! We’ve so many different options for weekend exploring, and Porto is a beautiful city, so you will always find yourself occupied! You can enjoy all the trappings of urban living in Porto, and enjoy the beautiful coast there as well. You can also escape into the picturesque countryside nearby.

Want to know more about what trips are available to you? Just email [email protected] for more information on this! 

Of course, when you are travelling to a new country, it’s obvious that you’d want to explore and experience the area, making the most of your journey. You’ll have the weekends free to explore the country!

Portugal is full to the brim of beautiful landscapes, breathtaking coastlines, and a rich culture and history. You’ll find yourself struggling to fit all the attractions in! 

Porto is a foodie and wine lover’s heaven. Culinary enthusiasts will appreciate Porto's delicious cuisine, including the hearty francesinha (a sandwich) and various seafood specialties. The city also has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and cultural institutions like the Serralves Museum, as well as a vibrant music culture, particularly fado.

Porto’s hilly landscape offers breathtaking views of the Douro River, especially from locations like the Jardim do Morro and Miradouro da Serra do Pilar. Close to Porto, the Douro Valley is renowned for its stunning landscapes and terraced vineyards, making it a popular destination for wine tours and river cruises. These elements come together to make Porto a unique and captivating destination in Portugal!

You can also visit Braga, often dubbed the “Rome of Portugal” as it is one of Portugal’s oldest cities! Only a short distance away from Porto! A stunning city architecturally, you’ll find it most interesting during ‘Semana Santa’ - Easter. The celebrations are colourful and one of a kind! 

In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Porto is surrounded by natural beauty, with nearby parks and mountains providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring. The city combines a rich heritage with a lively atmosphere, making it a delightful destination for visitors looking to experience the heart of northern Portugal.