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Brilliant 4.77rating (27)

Sanctuary Support & Community

location
1 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 14 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • ​🐇 Support the daily needs of an animal sanctuary through general maintenance and land care.
  • 💃​Immerse yourself in a traditional Spanish mountain village and local community life
  • ​🌱 Contribute to organic gardening and sustainable living projects throughout the seasons.

Highlights

  • ​🐇 Support the daily needs of an animal sanctuary through general maintenance and land care.
  • 💃​Immerse yourself in a traditional Spanish mountain village and local community life
  • ​🌱 Contribute to organic gardening and sustainable living projects throughout the seasons.
  • ​🐎 Care for a variety of animals, from horses and dogs to free-range rabbits and guinea pigs.
  • 🦋 ​Enjoy the freedom to explore the stunning landscape and grow personally at your own pace.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 14+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    ​Join our mountain sanctuary for a true cultural exchange. Help with gardening, maintenance, and animal care while experiencing sustainable village life in rural Spain.

    Programme Details


    This programme is designed for independent, nature-loving volunteers who want to experience the "real Spain" while lending a hand where it’s needed most. We are a small association aiming for self-sufficiency, working in harmony with our herd of horses, dogs, cats, and small ...

    About the program

    Programme Details


    This programme is designed for independent, nature-loving volunteers who want to experience the "real Spain" while lending a hand where it’s needed most. We are a small association aiming for self-sufficiency, working in harmony with our herd of horses, dogs, cats, and small animals.


    A Cultural & Language Exchange 


    You will be living in a friendly, traditional mountain village of just 150 people. Even if you don’t speak any Spanish, you will be welcomed with open arms. We are an English-Spanish family, and you are invited to join us and experience a fusion of cultures and languages. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice Spanish with the locals in the streets or at the village bar, while our day-to-day operations at the sanctuary are conducted in English. 


    As a sanctuary volunteer, you aren't just a visitor; you are a vital part of our daily rhythm. This role is perfect for those who enjoy a variety of tasks—from fixing a fence or painting a shed to helping in the vegetable garden or walking the dogs. It is a cultural exchange at its heart, focusing on community contribution rather than a fixed educational curriculum.


    Please Note Before Applying:


    • Horse Interaction & Safety: We ask all volunteers to refrain from touching the horses until they receive specific guidance. This is crucial for the horses' rehabilitation and your safety. 


    • Non-Riding Sanctuary: We are a strictly non-riding sanctuary. Our horses are valued, sentient beings, and we focus entirely on ground-based interaction and bond-building.


    • ​Meat-Free Ethos: To respect our mission, our shared living and kitchen spaces are strictly vegetarian/vegan. We do not allow meat or fish to be cooked in shared areas.


    • Independence: Volunteers must be comfortable with independent living and cooking. While we provide a safe and supportive environment, we do not take on a parental or supervisory role.


    • Physicality: Work is often physically demanding manual labour in a mountain environment. 


    • ​Inclusivity: We welcome people from all backgrounds. If you have specific needs or disabilities, please let us know before booking so we can discuss how we can accommodate you.


    • Accommodation: Our rooms are typically mixed-gender. If you require a private room, these are available for a supplemental payment.


    • Upgrades: While this is a general support role, you have the option to add specific Equine or Permaculture sessions during your stay if you wish to learn more technical skills.


    • Autonomy: This programme is for those who are happy to work with less constant guidance. While we provide tasks and tools, we value volunteers who can take initiative.


    • Flexibility: You are here to support the sanctuary’s immediate needs. This means tasks change daily based on the weather and the animals.



    What You Will Be Doing

    If you prefer a focus on gardening, construction, and general sanctuary support without the intensive curriculum of our horse training programme, this is the perfect fit. 

    Tasks are seasonal and varied; they might include building and gardening within the tranquil setting of our sanctuary, enriching the environment for the animals and the volunteer community. Or you may support the sanctuary with cleaning, organisation, admin, small animal care, or promotion.

    Typical jobs are clearing trails, harvesting olives, maintaining the vegetable patch, or helping with social media projects. You’ll also help care for our smaller residents, like the rabbits and guinea pigs, and take our dogs for treks through the beautiful local landscape. Occasionally you may work round the horses feeding or cleaning the pastures if extra hands are needed.


    Living Sustainably

    Beyond individual family life, we aim to live as sustainably as possible. We do not buy items containing palm oil, meat, or fish, and we avoid processed food. We provide a healthy, vegetarian grocery list each week. No smoking is permitted on the project site due to fire risk, and we use a natural compost toilet system on the land to protect our environment.


    ​The Sanctuary Mission

    Time and Space Equine Education Sanctuary is a registered association. Our goal is to work with nature to fulfil human and horse needs, using innovative designs to meld together beauty, practicality, and sustainability. Your help is vital to keeping this project thriving.



    Typical day


    The Morning Rhythm

    Your day begins with a beautiful 15-minute walk from the village to the finca (project site). As the sun rises over the mountains, you will usually hear the horses calling for breakfast. You can eat before you leave or bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy during a break in the ...

    Typical day


    The Morning Rhythm

    Your day begins with a beautiful 15-minute walk from the village to the finca (project site). As the sun rises over the mountains, you will usually hear the horses calling for breakfast. You can eat before you leave or bring a picnic breakfast to enjoy during a break in the fresh mountain air.


    ​Daily Work Focus

    Generally, work is carried out in the mornings (up to 25 hours per week) so your afternoons remain uninterrupted. Tasks follow the seasons, people's interests and abilities, and what the sanctuary may need at that time:


    • ​Sanctuary Support: Field cleaning, checking water troughs, or moving hay.


    • ​Animal Care: Feeding, cleaning, and enrichment for our free-range rabbits, guinea pigs, and cats.


    • ​Land & Maintenance: Gardening, weeding, small building projects, or clearing land for fire protection.


    • Digital Contribution: Creating social media projects, capturing photos/videos of sanctuary life, and helping us share our mission online.


    • ​Dog Walking: Taking our dog for a trek to explore the local mountain trails.


    ​Afternoons & Free Time


    Summer: Work starts very early to avoid the heat (which can reach 45°C). Afternoons are for siestas, a dip in our "alberca" (natural pool), or visiting the village swimming pool.


    Winter: Work starts a little later. Afternoons are perfect for hiking, reading, or socialising.


    Evenings: You can rest, use the Wi-Fi at the accommodation, pick up a lost hobby, or head to the local bar to practice Spanish with the villagers. You will be responsible for preparing your own meals using the vegetarian groceries provided.


    Seasonal Preparation

    • Spring & Autumn: Generally the most pleasant months for outdoor work.

    • Summer: Temperatures can reach 45°C. Work must start at daybreak, with long breaks taken during the heat of the day.

    • Winter: Can be very wet and cold at night. You should be prepared with warm layers and waterproofs. A comprehensive packing list is provided in your welcome pack.


    Free-time activities

    Your stay here will provide you with memories and skills you will never forget! Atajate is mostly a very quiet village, but all the surrounding villages host festivals and parties at certain times of the year. Highlights include:

    • The big festival ad water fight in Atajate in August.

    • A German beer ...

    Free-time activities

    Your stay here will provide you with memories and skills you will never forget! Atajate is mostly a very quiet village, but all the surrounding villages host festivals and parties at certain times of the year. Highlights include:

    • The big festival ad water fight in Atajate in August.

    • A German beer festival in Jimera de Libar in October.

    • Mushroom festivals in November.

    • Music, horse festivals, and foam parties in summer.


    The beautiful local 'white villages' (pueblos blancos) are well worth a visit, varying in size from 2,000 down to fewer than 200 inhabitants.


    Important Note on Fiesta Weekends

    Please note that the weekend around the 15th of August is when Atajate holds its three-day, all-night fiesta. This will mean more noise and crowds than usual, including late at night, very close to the accommodation. It's great fun if you want to join in! There is another large festival over the last weekend in November.


    Towns and Culture

    As well as the villages, there are towns to visit:

    • Ronda is approximately 25km away and is on a main coast-to-city train route. It boasts a spectacular viaduct (Puente Nuevo) as well as many other historic sites and a variety of shops. After exploring these, the huge variety of cafés and bars will offer a welcome refreshment.

    • We can arrange trips on your days off to visit cities including Málaga and Sevilla (at an extra cost).


    Nature and The Outdoors

    If you prefer a break from civilisation, you will be in your element here. The surrounding mountains, forests, and river are beautiful, peaceful, and watched over by soaring eagles. Close by, there are natural sites to visit such as the Canyon of the Vultures.


    You can also find:

    • Guided walks to vast caves with ancient cave paintings.

    • A Palo-Christiano church tucked away off the beaten track.

    • An Arab tower hidden in the countryside with barely a tourist in sight.


    The beach is approximately 1.5 hours' drive away. Beach and activity trips can be arranged at an extra cost on your days off.


    Transport:

    • Car: You can hire a car from Málaga airport

    • Bus: There is a bus leaving every weekday morning from Atajate to Ronda, returning mid-afternoon. From Ronda, there are regular buses to all major cities and many smaller villages.

    • Local Taxi: It may also be possible to hire a driver locally as a taxi service, consult your host.

    We will send you a full PDF of recommended outings upon booking.


    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 14 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 14 years old on the program start date.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Other Skills

    You are not required to have previous experience, just a will to join in.

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    💳 Program Fees & Donations

    ​As we are a registered association, your fee is a contribution/donation used directly to sustain our project. While we use the term "fee" to stay consistent with the platform, your contribution is what allows our mission to continue.

    ​Flexible Stays: Start and finish days are flexible; you are not restricted to full-week bookings.

    ​How your donation is used:

    • ​Feeding and veterinary care for our animals.
    • ​Maintenance and improvements to animal habitats.
    • ​Insurance, program support, and mission objectives.


    ​✅ Included in the Programme

    • ​Accommodation & Food: Basic housing and groceries for three healthy vegetarian/vegan meals per day.

    • ​Support & Orientation: A comprehensive digital welcome pack and ongoing support via phone, email, or WhatsApp.

    • Education & Training: Hands-on practical training with huge learning potential. You will have access to our library of specialist books and printed resources.

    • Professional Growth: Educational materials to take home and a Certificate of Internship upon completion.

    • ​Home Comforts: Bedding and house towels (please bring your own beach/pool towel).

    • ​Connectivity: Access to limited Wi-Fi in the communal house.


    ​❌ Not Included

    • ​Flights and personal transport.

    • ​Personal travel/accident insurance (highly recommended).

    • ​Leisure activities, days out, and meals/drinks at local bars.

    • ​Arrival: Transport to the project is not covered. We can help you plan your public transport route, or we can arrange an airport transfer for a fee (payable locally).

    Accommodation


    🏠 Your Home in Atajate

    ​When you join us, you aren't just a volunteer; you’re part of village life! Your host, Clare, and her family live on the project site, a scenic 15-minute walk from the volunteer housing in the charming village of Atajate. Our three-story house is a social, communal hub designed for connection. Sleeping arrangements are assigned based on occupancy to ensure everyone has a comfortable stay.


    1. Standard Shared Housing (Included)

    • ​Main Dormitory (Ground Floor): A large, comfortable room with two bunk beds and movable privacy dividers. This is our primary mixed-gender space.

    • ​Communal Spaces: Full access to a spacious lower-floor living area, dining room, and sunny patio—perfect for winding down after a day on the project.

    • ​Off-site Placement: If the main house is full, we partner with a lovely local hostel just a minute’s walk away. You remain a full member of the community and are always welcome to use the main house kitchen and living areas.


    2. Private Room Options (Upgrade Available)

    For those who want the house vibe but prefer a guaranteed private retreat.

    • ​The Double Ensuite: Perched on the top floor of the main house, this room features its own private bathroom, balcony, and patio.

    • The Guarantee: You may swap to this room during your stay if it is available, but the only way to ensure it is yours for your entire stay is to pay a supplementary donation.

    • ​Alternative Privacy: If the house is full, we can look into external local rooms with private bathrooms (subject to availability).

    3. External Self-Contained Units

    If you prefer total independence, we can facilitate a stay in a private apartment nearby. These range from simple studios to apartments with open fires and kitchens. We’ll email the current seasonal options and pricing once you register interest.


    📋 Detailed House Guide


    ​Kitchen & Meals

    The ground-floor kitchen is fully equipped with a ceramic hob, microwave, oven, fridge, and washing machine.

    🌱 Note: To maintain a mindful environment, our shared kitchen is a meat-free space. We kindly ask that you only prepare vegetarian or vegan meals while using the communal facilities.


    ​Comfort & Essentials

    • Bedding & Towels: We provide fresh linens, quilts, and colour-allocated towels.

    • ​What to Pack: Please bring a beach or pool towel for summer and your own personal toiletries.

    • ​Bathroom Extras: We keep bathrooms stocked with toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and conditioner.

    • Winter Warmth: The house stays cozy with a pellet stove (pellets provided) and warm duvets.

    • Smoking: No smoking is allowed anywhere inside the shared accommodation.

    Food & Beverages


    🥗 ​Communal Eating & Groceries

    We provide healthy vegetarian and vegan groceries for three meals a day. While volunteers prepare their own meals, we love the social aspect of food! In the warmer months, we often invite each other to share international dishes to get a taste of everyone’s home culture.

    • ​Where to Cook: You can prepare food in the volunteer house kitchen or use our on-site outdoor kitchen, where we often enjoy lunch together as a group when the weather is nice.

    • Dining Out: If you fancy a break from cooking, there are local bars in the village where you can enjoy a meal at your own expense.


    The Weekly Shop & Sustainability

    Since there is no shop in the village, we coordinate a weekly supermarket run.

    • The List: We provide an extensive, predetermined list for you to tick off what you need.

    • ​Special Requests: If you need items not on our list, we are happy to pick them up for you at your own expense. Please keep in mind that some international brands may be unavailable or more expensive in Spain.

    • Our Ethics: To stay as sustainable as possible, our list focuses on seasonal produce and excludes processed foods, fish, meat, or products containing palm oil.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    Add-ons & Experiences

    Cooking Lessons
    Traditional Spanish Cooking Lessons with Chico to make dishes such as Gazpacho, Tortilla, Paella (meat free) and Croquetas.
    $31 / once
    River Tours
    Various in the Genal & Guadiaro Valley
    Car / transport service, approx 10 - 30 minutes
    ½ day - full day
    Picnic, bars (provide yourself / extra), or ...
    $15 / once

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Malaga Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Malaga Airport (AGP) in Malaga. We assist you to find cheap flights to Spain. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Spain provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Spain you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Spain. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Start Dates

    The programme is available all year round with flexible start dates and duration. Days off are also flexible—you choose which day or days and how many. While your hosts will also take flexible days off, we will endeavour to either leave a suitable volunteer in charge or coordinate our days off together.

    ✈️ Our closest airport is Málaga (Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport, AGP).


    🚌 Public Transport

    If you wish to use public transport, please note the following connections:

    1. Málaga Airport to Málaga City: Take the short, regular-running small bus or train from the airport to Málaga Maria Zambrano Station.
    2. Málaga to Ronda: Take a bus or train to Ronda.
    3. Ronda to Atajate: Catch the connecting bus to Atajate, which typically departs around 4:15 pm on weekdays.

    The total journey from Málaga to Atajate will cost under €20 by public transport.

    Weekend/Late Arrival: If you miss the last bus or arrive on a weekend, we can collect you for €25 if we are available. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Ronda.

    ⌛ Recommended Flight Times: We recommend that your arrival flight lands in the morning or early afternoon if you plan to use the bus, and that your departure flight is not before midday. If your flight times do not fit the public transport schedule, you should plan another form of arrival or stay overnight in Málaga.


    🛞 Arrival by Car

    If you are arriving with your own car or hiring a car from Málaga airport, navigate to the village of Atajate (postcode 29494). Please contact us beforehand for the accommodation address.


    🚗 Pickup from the Airport (Recommended)

    For convenience and economy, we recommend arranging a private pickup.

    Service:
    One-Way Collection 
    Cost (Cash Only):
    €120
    Details:
    Door-to-door service from the airport to the accommodation.

    Service:
    Return Journey
    Cost (Cash Only):
    €80
    Details:
    Door-to-door service from the accommodation back to the airport.

    🚕 Service:
    Commercial taxi company 
    Cost:
    €160+
    Details:
    Pre-booked or unbooked taxi from the airport.

    Important Note: This collection service is highly popular and is subject to availability. The journey will be provided by someone connected to the association or a trusted local. We ask that you pay the driver directly in cash upon arrival, separate from your programme donation.


    🕑 Journey Time

    The drive from Málaga airport to Atajate takes approximately two hours. It is usually possible to stop in Ronda (30 minutes from Atajate) on your way if you need an ATM or anything from a shop—please just ask the driver.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $584 per week 1 - 50 weeks Age 14 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.


    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

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    Location

    Europe > Southern Europe > Spain > Atajate

    Meet your project coordinator

    Emma
    27
    reviews
    4.77
    Brilliant
    2016
    Founded

    Verified

      Good response rate
    Spoken languages: English
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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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