Volunteering Portugal

Connecting volunteers and causes that matter

Free & community‑runLocation‑first searchClear time & language info

A full directory of nonprofits seeking volunteers is coming soon. For now, explore featured opportunities across Algarve cities.

How you can get involved today

For Charities

Join our Facebook page to share roles and connect with volunteers.
Register your organization in the online directory so volunteers can find you by location and cause.

For Volunteers

Join our Facebook page to request roles and connect with charities.

Featured charities in the Algarve

Lagoa / Algarve

MGAP (Mediterranean Gardening Association Portugal)

Lagoa, Tavira, Moncarapacho, Olhão, Algarve

One-offShort-termOngoing18–19 Oct 2025Garden Fair

Support our garden fairs and events, from preparation to planning to running stalls.

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Opportunities:
  • Help out at the Garden Fair 18–19 Oct 2025
  • Preparation work for the Garden Fair
  • Run our book store
  • Event planning
See full list on our website.
Languages: Portuguese desired; English desired
NIPC: 25130147808
Contact & Social: Volunteer page • Website • Facebook • Instagram • Email • WhatsApp +351 938 828 183

Carvoeiro Cat Charity Association

Between Lagoa and Porches, Algarve

One-offShort-termOngoing2–3 hrs AM1–1.5 hrs PM

Volunteer with cats, dogs, and other animals, or support remotely with admin and fundraising.

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Opportunities:
  • At the shelter: daily care (feed, clean, refresh bedding); evening care for trained volunteers; help with dogs, chickens & horses
  • Cat socialisation: build trust with shy/anxious cats (kid-friendly roles available)
  • Driving & transport: ad-hoc driver for vet appointments or adoptions
  • Fostering: short- and longer-term placements for kittens & cats
  • Outreach & recruitment: recruit volunteers; help at adoption days, markets, school/community visits
  • Remote & admin support: social media, newsletters, supporter comms; fundraising & grants; design; photography & video
  • Hands-on help: DIY/maintenance; donation coordination (source, collect, organise supplies)
  • Open to other ideas and special skills
Flexible roles for locals, short-stay volunteers, and remote helpers.
Languages: English desired; No specific language skills needed
NIPC: 510584713
Contact & Social: Contact form • Website • Facebook • Instagram • Email • WhatsApp +351 927 766 340
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Lagos

Algarve Emporium Charity

Lagos

OngoingEnglish required~1–2 hrs/month

Collect pre-sold items in Portimão, meet buyers in Lagos, remit funds monthly.

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Opportunities: Ongoing role taking ~1–2 hours per month. Collect purchased items from Portimão, meet buyers at Lagos café (currently Pingo Doce café), distribute items, collect funds, remit to charity by transfer/PayPal/cash. Helps raise €500 per week for families in need. Coordinated with a team of 8 volunteers between Lagos and Faro.
Languages: English required
Requirements: Driver's license; Vehicle required; To use Facebook Messenger
NIPC: 515531928
Note: Operating under Associação Guarda‑Chuva.
Contact & Social: Volunteer page • Website • Facebook Group • Email • 961 428 636 (Caroline)

The Nandi Charity Shop

Lagos

Ongoing

Volunteer in one of our shops or assist with van deliveries.

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Opportunities: Volunteering in one of our furniture or clothing shops or collecting/delivering furniture with our van.
Languages: No specific language skills needed
Requirements: None
NIPC: 189340
Contact & Social: Website • Email • WhatsApp +351 912 445 652
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Loulé

Santa Barbara Animal Help

Loulé

OngoingShort-termOne-off

Walking, socialising, training and fostering dogs.

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Opportunities: Dog walking, socialising, training, fostering dogs (one-off, short-term and ongoing).
Languages: Portuguese desired; English desired
Contact & Social: Website • Email • +351 918 435 448
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Portimão

A Rocha Portugal

Mexilhoeira Grande, Portimão

OngoingShort-term

Environmental conservation opportunities.

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Opportunities: Short-term and ongoing fieldwork and support roles in conservation projects.
Languages: Portuguese desired; English required
Contact & Social: Instagram • Email

Portugal Charity Network

Portimão

One-offEvent2-hr shifts11–12 Oct 2025

Help on the Portugal Charity Network Stand at BLiP in Portimão.

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Opportunities: Help at the Portugal Charity Network Stand at BLiP in Portimão on Oct 11–12, 2025. Two-hour shifts supporting event activities.
Languages: No specific language skills needed
Contact & Social: Facebook Group • Email • 968 742 101
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São Bartolomeu de Messines

Wigglestail Animal Sanctuary

São Bartolomeu de Messines

OngoingEnglish desiredPortuguese desiredNo language needed~30 hrs/weekAccommodation provided

Sanctuary caring for dogs, pigs, cats, sheep, goats, horses, and Olaf the donkey.

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Opportunities:
  • Daily care: feeding, cleaning, socialising, cuddles, dog walks
  • Projects: repairs/building; improve sanctuary & camper area
  • Time: a few hours morning & afternoon (~30 hrs/week); 2 days off
  • What’s included: private room or tent/camper site; laundry; kitchen; fast internet
  • Program details: camper area with electric hookup, water, outdoor cold shower, stove/sink; diverse volunteer community; learn about rescue; explore Algarve on days off
Not included: flights, travel insurance, local transport, visa.
Languages: English desired; Portuguese desired; No specific language skills needed (Intermediate preferred)
Accommodation: Private room or tent/camper site; laundry, kitchen, fast internet; electric hookup, water, outdoor cold shower, stove/sink.
Requirements: Driver's license; Vehicle required; 18+
NIPC: 517183129
How to apply: Preferably via Worldpackers or the volunteer page
Contact & Social: Email • +351 967 938 082
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Tavira

Akiparasi Associação Movimento Solidário

Cabanas de Tavira, Tavira & other cities

OngoingShort-termOne-offMulti-city

Solidarity movement with varied opportunities.

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Opportunities: One-off, short-term and ongoing volunteer roles across Tavira region.
Languages: Portuguese required; Portuguese desired
Contact & Social: Email

Paws Shops / Cacela Dog Haven

Tavira, Vila Nova de Cacela

Ongoing3-hr shifts

Dog rescue and two shops raising funds.

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Opportunities: Morning volunteers at the dog rescue (feed, clean, socialise, walk dogs). Shop shifts: 10:00–13:00 and 13:00–16:00 (sorting donations, operating till).
Languages: No specific language skills needed
NIPC: 515905569
How to apply: Email Caceladoghaven01@googlemail.com
Contact & Social: Email • WhatsApp +351 926 767 544
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