Na zona do João D´Arens pode mergulhar e visitar o parque subaquático 

In João D´Arens, near Alvor, you can dive and visit the underwater park

Venha andar de Kayak na Ria de Alvor

Kayak in the Ria de Alvor, come and try

A porta está aberta, por favor entre!

The door is open, please get in!

Today is the World Tourism Day!

Hoje é o dia Mundial do Turismo!

Meet Olivia O'Grady

English:

   Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I'm Olivia! I'm 22 years old and a happy Canadian. Currently my main focus in life is experiencing new places and seeing as much of this world as I can. I love pushing myself outside of my comfort zone and opening my mind to different cultures. I thrive off of planning my next adventure but also letting life unfold as it’s meant to.

Have you ever volunteered before?

Yes, I've done numerous volunteering at hostels over the past year.

How was your experience?

I can honestly say that working at the Ria Alvor Hostel was my favourite volunteer experience of my travels. It was amazing how comfortable and at home I felt after only a few days of being there. My friendship with the crew working at the hostel blossomed quickly and by the end of my stay I didn't want to leave. There is something special about the hostel.

I know you’ve worked at a hostel before. How do you compare it?

I actually found my experience in Portugal very similar to my job in Jasper, Alberta at a hostel. Both of the hostels have a very wholesome feeling to them. They both provided me with an environment to make new friendships that I know will follow me to my future travels and also a space to explore the outdoors in a different way. Alvor was definitely a lot warmer than Alberta, which I was thrilled about.

Would you do it again?

I would absolutely do it again, I've been planning my trip back since before I left.

How did you find out about our place?

I found out about volunteering here through helpx.net, it's such an amazing website.

Did you enjoy Portugal?

I fell in love with Portugal. The people, views and food are to die for. I have never seen skies so blue and consistently blue. Throughout my experience I felt incredibly welcome and safe in Portugal.

What places did you visit?

I was able to visit Faro, Lagos and Alvor during my stay! Along with a quick road trip up to Lisbon with new found friends.

What did you like the most?

I loved Lagos and Faro but my favourite place will remain to be Alvor. It was the perfect mixture of fun and relaxed. The beaches were wide and long which allowed you to find a spot to yourself with peace and quiet. At the far end of the beach in-between the rocks you can find multiple little beachy nooks, which I found fascinating. I'd recommend walking to the rocks and back along the whole strip at sunset, it was one of the most breathtaking sceneries I've seen in my travels.

Would you come back?

Yes. Yes. Yes. Already trying to work it into my future travel endeavors!

Português:
Fala-nos um pouco sobre ti.
Sou a Oliva! Tenho 22 anos e sou uma Canadiana feliz. O meu maior objectivo na vida actualmente é experienciar novos sítios e ver o máximo do mundo que conseguir. Adoro sair da minha zona de conforto e de abrir a minha mente a diferentes culturas. Fico ansiosa para planear a minha próxima aventura mas também deixo que a vida flua como é suposto.

Já tinhas feito voluntariado antes?
Sim, fiz inúmeros voluntariados em hostels durante o ano passado.

Como foi a experiência?
Posso dizer sinceramente que trabalhar no Ria Hostel Alvor foi a minha experiência de voluntariado preferida das minhas viagens. Foi incrível o quão confortável e “em casa” me senti apenas depois de alguns dias de aqui estar. A minha amizade com os funcionários desenvolveu-se rapidamente e no final da minha estadia não queria ir embora. Existe algo especial no hostel.

Sei que já trabalhaste num hostel. Como é que se compara?
Achei a minha experiência em Portugal muito similar ao meu trabalho num hostel em Jasper, Alberta. Ambos os hostels têm um ar muito saudável, providenciaram um ambiente em que foi possível criar novas amizades que sei que irão acompanhar-me em viagens futuras e também permitiram-me explorar ao ar livre, apesar de ter sido de forma diferente. Alvor é definitivamente mais quente do que Alberta pelo que estava muito entusiasmada.

Voltarias a fazê-lo?
Definitivamente voltava a repetir. Comecei a planear a minha viagem de volta mesmo antes de me ir embora.

Como é que descobriste o nosso hostel?
Descobri sobre o voluntariado no helpx.net, é um site espectacular!

Gostaste de Portugal?
Eu apaixonei-me por Portugal. As pessoas, as vistas e a comida são de chorar por mais. Nunca tinha visto um céu tão azul em toda a minha vida.
Durante toda a minha experiência senti-me extremamente bem-vinda e segura em Portugal.

Quais foram os sítios que visitaste?
Consegui visitar Faro, Lagos e Alvor durante a minha estadia! Além disto também fiz uma viagem rápida até Lisboa com uns amigos novos.

E do que gostaste mais?
Adorei Lagos e Faro mas o meu sitio preferido é Alvor. É a mistura perfeita entre o divertido e relaxado. As praias são enormes o que permite encontrar o sitio ideal para estar em paz e tranquilidade. No fim da praia entre as rochas encontra-se vários recantos e achei isto fascinante. Recomendo que andem nas rochas durante o pôr-do-sol, foi um dos cenários que mais me cortou a respiração durante as minhas viagens.

Voltarias cá?
Sim. Sim. Sim. Já estou a tentar planear a minha passagem por aqui nas minhas viagens futuras!

That's how we like to see you; having fun!

É assim que gostamos de ver-vos; a divertirem-se!

Meet Elly Wood

What can you tell us about yourself?

I am 26 and a primary school teacher from Australia. I have been living in London as a teacher since September 2015 on a working holiday visa and am on my way back to Australia but first traveling for 8 weeks - only 5 days left!

What are your main goals?

My main goals would be to experience life to the fullest. Be successful in the career that I have chosen but also take a broader approach and see where my profession can take me as far as teaching in different countries. I love to travel so I want to see as much of the world as possible and experience all the different cultures and ways of living around the world.

What made you volunteer?

I was traveling with some friends up until I started my time volunteering and they were heading off to visit places I have already visited so I thought why not take this opportunity to have some down time but also meet people and help out somewhere I haven't yet been. It's also a great way for backpackers on a budget to be able to go everywhere they want to go.

Is this your first time? How do you feel about it? Would you do it again?

This is my first time volunteering. I was a little unsure before starting, fear of the unknown I guess, but I did my research and looked at the reviews etc. for the Ria Alvor Hostel and they were all very positive so that helped and made me feel quite confident it was going to be a pleasant experience and it was. I've enjoyed my time here in Alvor and at the hostel and have felt very welcome, relaxed and at home here. I think I would definitely do it again if I were in the position to do so.

What’s the best/worst part of it?

There isn't a worst part; there was nothing bad about the experience. The best part would be that the hostel and guest house are kept so nice and clean which makes for a comfortable environment that I was happy to be around. The staff also, very friendly and helpful. And the experience overall is a nice way to meet new people and discover a new area and explore around the area also

What do you think about the hostel?

I think the hostel is fantastic. It has every facility that a backpacker could ask for and it is kept very clean which makes for a comfortable to stay.

What about Portugal… Do you like it?

From the area I have visited in Portugal (Lisbon, Lagos, Alvor and surroundings), I really like Portugal and would definitely come back. It is a small country but with so much to offer.

What are the differences between Portugal and Australia?

Australia is a very modern country so there the buildings and cities here in Portugal more quaint and have more history to them which makes them interesting and unique.

A descansar à sombrinha....

Resting in the shade ....

Onde o mar encontra-se com a Ria 

Where the sea meets the River

Alvor Sunset

Termine sempre o dia com um pensamento positivo!
Always end the day with a positive thought

Não se perca, nós estamos aqui!

Rua infante D. Henrique, 7 Alvor 

Do not get lost, we're here!

Rua infante D. Henrique, 7 Alvor

Dormitório para 6 e 8 pessoas

Dormitório colorido, fresco e ventilado com 3 ou 4 beliches
No piso a que o dormitório pertence há 2 casas de banho, uma cozinha partilhadas e um terraço.

Wi-Fi, roupas de cama e toalhas gratuitas.

*

Dorms for 6 or 8 people

Colorful dorms, cool and ventilated with 3 or 4 bunk beds
On the same floor we have also 2 bathrooms, a shared kitchen and a terrace.

Wi-Fi, bed linen and towels free.

Uma barraca à beira mar 

A tent by the sea

A água salgada cura tudo

*

Saltwater heals everything

Meet Amalia Milan

 

           What can you tell us about yourself?

My name is Amalia and I am a 21 years old medicine student.

     Where are you from?

I am from Córdoba, Spain.

    What’s your main goal in life?

To be happy and make people around me happy as well.

    Is this your first time in Portugal? Do you like it?

No, it´s my second time but it’s my first time at Algarve and I love all I know about the country for the moment.

  

   What are your hobbies?

I love travelling, playing guitar and reading. I also love water sports and doing activities related to nature and animals.

     Have you ever volunteered before?

Yes I have. I was volunteered at a Spanish association called Apoyo Positivo.

     How do you fell about the experience?

I think is a really good way to travel and getting job experience which is going to be really helpful for me in the future.

    What’s the best part of it?

Meeting new people from different countries.

   And the worse?

I didn’t find a negative aspect.

Do you think this is hard work?

No. It doesn't take you much time.

       Are you thinking about doing it again?

   I am sure I will repeat it.

       Do you want to give any advice to whoever might come here?

   I advise to listen to the person who is running out the business and follow their instructions and enjoying the experience.

A nossa cultura sai à rua!

A nossa cultura sai à rua!

Integrada nas Jornadas Europeias do Património, a IV edição terá lugar daqui a duas semanas, no dia 24, no adro da Igreja Matriz da Mexilhoeira Grande. Fica já a convocatória para se juntar a nós nesse dia, ficando já aqui o cartaz e o programa para melhor antever a sua vinda!

Vista - View

Entre árvores uma porta aberta para um novo mundo
Among trees an open door to a new world

Lovely Alvor

Aurora Aguilera

English

   Who is Aurora?

I’m a 19 years old girl from Madrid and my still trying to discover who I am. I don’t know what I should do with my life so I’m looking for an answer. I volunteered before in an Eco-farm and in another hostel.

   Why did you decide to volunteer?

I saw this hostel in the internet and wanted to try.

   What do you think about the experience?

In the beginning it was a little bit difficult to adapt myself but now I’m used to it and really enjoy it.

   How did you get to know the hostel?

On the HelpX website.

   What did you have to do in your work?

I had to help with cleaning but it’s easy.

   What’s the best memory you’ll take with you?

All the moments when I was in the terrace talking with other guests.

    What do you think about Portugal? And Alvor?

I love Portugal. Alvor is a small village but it’s really nice for holidays.

   When did you start singing/playing the guitar?

Very early, when I was 8 years old. My family and my parents are musicians so I was influenced by them.

    What are the differences between Portugal and Spain?

In Portugal people are more polite. In Spain people just speak their mind without thinking about the other person’s feelings.

    Do you think about repeating the experience?

Yes! As soon as I have the opportunity I want to do it again.

What do you do in your free time?

I mainly sing and play the guitar but I also enjoy Mountaineering in Madrid with my friends.

   What does a person need to do this kind of work?

You need to be open-minded and likable. It’s a work of give and receive.

   What do you think about the hostel?

I really enjoy it, mainly when there isn’t a lot of people and it is calmer. It’s an ideal place for young people and I was able to make many friends.

The beach is really close which is great!

Português

   Quem é a Aurora?

Tenho 19 anos, sou de Madrid e ainda estou a descobrir quem sou. Não sei o que quero da minha vida e estou à procura. Já fiz voluntariado em quintas biológicas e noutro hostel.

   Porque decidiste fazer voluntariado?

Vi este hostel na internet e quis experimentar.

   O que achaste da experiência?

Ao principio foi um pouco difícil adaptar-me mas agora já estou habituada e gosto bastante.

   Como ficaste a conhecer o hostel?

No site HelpX.

   Em que consistia o teu trabalho?

Ajudar na limpeza mas não é difícil.

   Qual é a melhor recordação que levas contigo?

Os momentos em que ficava no terraço a falar e conviver com os outros clientes.

   O que achas de Portugal? E de Alvor?

Adoro Portugal! Alvor é uma vila pequena mas é óptimo para férias.

   Quando é que começaste a cantar/tocar guitarra?

Muito cedo, quando tinha 8 anos. A minha família e os meus pais são músicos então foi por influencia deles.

   Quais são as diferenças entre Portugal e Espanha?

Em Portugal as pessoas são mais bem educadas. Em Espanha não se preocupam com o que as outras pessoas pensam e dizem tudo o que lhes vem à cabeça.

   Pensas repetir a experiência?

Sim, mal tenha oportunidade quero repetir!

   O que costumas fazer no teu tempo livre?

Principalmente tocar guitarra e cantar mas às vezes vou com os meus amigos à serra em Madrid fazer escalada nas montanhas, adoro.

   Quais são as características necessárias para esta posição?

Acho que é preciso ser-se open-minded. E ser bastante simpático. É um trabalho de dar e receber.

   O que achaste do hostel?

Gosto muito, principalmente quando não tem muita gente e está mais calmo. É um sitio ideal para jovens e consegui fazer muitos amigos.

A praia fica bem perto o que é óptimo!