Getting back to how life should be.

Building a sustainable family focused community in the Algarve, Portugal

Welcome to

The Gaia Project

Nestled in the peaceful hills of the Algarve, Portugal, The Gaia Project is a growing intentional community built on the principles of living in harmony with nature, conscious connection, and mutual support. We’re a collective of families choosing a different path—one rooted in sustainability, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Outdoor patio with a woman serving two children at a table, surrounded by plants and trees, under a rustic wooden roof.

Watch our latest episode

Building a Sustainable Future in Portugal: Baby Goats, Community & Rainy Day Adventures!

Welcome to our latest update from Portugal where we're working towards a more sustainable future together! At the heart of our project is a growing community of like-minded families creating a lifestyle that's kinder to the planet.

Sandy beach with footprints, calm ocean waves, and a rocky cliff under a clear blue sky.
Close-up of a black and white chicken with a prominent beak and textured feathers, outdoors with blurred trees in the background.

Rooted in Purpose, Not Profit

The Gaia Project is a registered non-profit association in Portugal, founded on the belief that meaningful change begins with people, not profit margins. Every euro that comes into the project—whether through contributions, visits, or events—is reinvested directly into the development, sustainability, and long-term vision of the community.

Our focus is on building a way of life that is regenerative, community-led, and in harmony with the natural world. This means prioritising ecological practices, shared resources, and a culture of care over financial gain. We’re working together to co-create a future where sustainability is not just an idea, but a lived experience—one that honours the land, uplifts its people, and empowers the next generation.

By operating as a non-profit, The Gaia Project remains aligned with its founding values. All decisions are made with the well-being of the community and the Earth in mind, ensuring that this vision can grow and evolve with integrity, transparency, and heart.

FAQs

Have more questions?

Feel free to reach out via our Enquiry Page — we’re happy to help you learn more and explore whether Gaia is the right fit for your family.

  • We’re based in the hills of the Algarve, southern Portugal 25 minutes from Faro airport. The setting is peaceful and rural, surrounded by nature—yet still accessible by car and not far from towns and local services. We are 15 minutes from beautiful beaches, shopping centres and all the hustle and bustle of the Algarve. W only give our exact location once with have conducted a zoom call with those interested in staying. We do this for the safety and protection of children at the Gaia project

  • Not yet. The Gaia Project is currently on-grid but actively working towards becoming a fully off-grid, sustainable community. We’re developing systems for water harvesting, solar power, composting, and growing our own food.

  • Yes! We welcome visiting families who want to get a feel for the community before committing to anything long-term. Come stay in one of our bell tents, rent a campervan on-site, or bring your own. Visits are a great way to connect, observe daily life, and see if Gaia feels like home to you.

  • We’re a mix of families committed to conscious living, shared responsibility, and building a more sustainable future. Many of us unschool our children, work remotely, and have made intentional choices to step away from mainstream systems in favour of something more connected and grounded.

  • This is a one-time, non-refundable investment that goes directly into developing and sustaining the community. It’s not a fee or a deposit—it’s a shared commitment to building the project together. This contribution helps fund infrastructure, communal resources, and long-term sustainability goals.

  • No. All income generated from visiting families, events, or stays is used to reinvest into the community. Our goal is to make living at Gaia more affordable over time by subsidising shared expenses like rent, utilities, and community improvements.

  • At this stage, we are only accepting families into the long-term community. This is to support our focus on creating a child-friendly environment built around family life, unschooling, and cooperative parenting.

  • Interested families must read and agree to The Gaia Project Ethos, then complete an application form. If your application feels like a good fit, we’ll invite you for an interview and, if possible, a trial stay. This helps ensure alignment in values, lifestyle, and expectations.

  • Yes. The Gaia Project is a drug-free environment. Responsible alcohol consumption is allowed but must be respectful and kept away from communal areas and children. Smoking is permitted only in designated areas, away from shared spaces.

  • Yes. All long-term families are expected to contribute to the daily life and upkeep of the community. That includes shared tasks like gardening, maintenance, communal meals, or other projects. Everyone has a role to play, and contribution is key to keeping Gaia functioning and thriving.

  • We follow an unschooling philosophy. There’s no formal curriculum. Children are encouraged to learn through play, nature, conversation, exploration, and community life. Everyone in the community is invited to share knowledge, skills, and inspiration with the children.

  • Yes, but with prior discussion and agreement from the community. We also ask that all animals be well-behaved, safe around children, and respectful of the natural environment.

  • We aim to operate through open, respectful dialogue and group consensus wherever possible. Long-term members all have a voice in shaping the future of Gaia, and we are working towards a democratic model that honours fairness, balance, and the shared vision.