Welcome to Cimo de Vila

Cimo de Vila is a 12 hectare, certified biologic farm situated in the beautiful mountains of North Portugal, within walking distance to a small town and castle. We specialize in grass fed, biologic Minho variety cattle, homemade jams, fresh and dried herbs, eggs, vegetables and plants, and fertilizers made from nettle -- all certified biologic and for sale weekly at the market in Porto. We currently have 17 cows and about 30 Minho variety chickens. We also have beehives, extensive (and ever growing!) gardens, and two large greenhouses. Essential oil making and soap making are two handicrafts we also enjoy.

Regular things to be done include moving our very self sufficient cows to new fields for grazing. In addition to having the experience of moving the herd, this gives one a chance to walk through beautiful, remote, and mountainous areas of the Minho. Help with the cows includes herding, putting in and removing stakes, and running or winding electric fences, building fences. We also breed our cows, and depending on the timing, it is possible to see very newborn calves with the cows. Other work includes things such as digging garden beds, planting, weeding, work in the greenhouses, compost making, picking wildflowers, clearing land, preparation for market day, and potentially participating in essential oil making, jam making, etcetera.

As well as following the biodynamic calender we aim to incorporate as many biodynamic principles into our farming as possible. In addition to caring about how we live and eat, we are passionate about the growth of the biologic movement in Portugal. Several years ago we started an association of biologic and biodynamic farmers in the Minho and central Portugal which we are still involved with. Because of our involvement with the biologic and biodynamic farmer´s association, and our work with the Porto market, we occasionally have small groups of people who volunteer to help with larger projects in addition to the presence of WWOOFers, making for some some nice lunches and community days.

Cimo de Vila is located within very easy walking distance to Celerico de Basto, a small town that has cafes and restaurants, a grocery store, and a small castle with a beautiful view. Cimo de Vila is situated in the mountains with a view of the valleys and villages below. As well as Celerico, the castle, and Porto, our property is a lovely and scenic place to explore, with many far reaching views and a few ruins on our land. We also make regular trips to Porto, (about an hour away), and WWOOFers are welcome to catch a ride. We enjoy good laughs and good conversation. We have rooms in our house for WWOOFers, and camping is always a possibility. We are open to short and long term stays, and have room for multiple WWOOFers. We appreciate the assistance we can get, and enthusiasm and the ability to deal with animals are fundamental. We look forward to hearing from you!