Rebuilding Nature in Penáguila

CODE: ESDA-TEEN4026

Work:

This summer workcamp in Penáguila invites motivated teens to contribute to the recovery of the local heritage and the celebration of its most important traditions. Volunteers will play a key role in the preparation of the Fiestas Mayores, providing logistical support for iconic events such as the "huità" (octavario), the traditional "entrada de Moros y Cristianos", the verbenas (open-air parties), and the popular "día de las paellas".

In addition to the festive preparations, participants will help restore the Phytoclimatic Route leading to the historic Jardín de Santos, which was affected by a recent fire. Tasks include gardening, environmental clean-up, painting, and manual restoration. Volunteers will also support the local museum and engage in creative work to beautify public spaces.

Schedule for Early Birds:
To avoid the midday heat and make the most of the afternoons, the working day follows an "early bird" schedule. Volunteers will work from Monday to Friday, starting at 7:00 AM and finishing around 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM.

Free Time:
Weekends will be free, allowing volunteers to explore the surrounding area or simply relax and enjoy.

The project is coordinated in close collaboration with the Penáguila Town Hall, offering a meaningful way to experience the life and traditions of this charming mountain village.

Accomodation and food

Volunteers will stay in a basic apartment with bunk beds, a kitchen, and bathrooms. The apartment also has free access to the local pool for relaxing during free time.

Food will be provided by De Amicitia. Volunteers will have the opportunity to cook together with the campleaders, creating meals as a team.

Location and leisure

Tucked away in the heart of the Alicante mountains, Penàguila is a small but enchanting village that offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and tranquility. Surrounded by olive trees, almond groves, and pine forests, it provides an ideal setting for volunteers looking to disconnect from the fast-paced city life and immerse themselves in authentic rural Spain.

Penàguila is known for its rich historical heritage, featuring a charming old town with narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses, and remnants of medieval walls. It’s a peaceful and welcoming community where locals live at a slower pace, and nature is just a few steps away.

One of the highlights of the village is the Jardín de Santos, a 19th-century botanical garden that once flourished with exotic species and romantic pathways. Although partially damaged by a recent fire, it remains a symbol of local pride and will be the focus of restoration during the volunteer project.

For leisure, volunteers can enjoy:

Nature walks and hiking through the Phytoclimatic Route, which connects the village to the botanical garden and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley.

Cultural visits to the local museum, which showcases the village's agricultural and historical past.

A trip to the nearby Safari Aitana, a drive-through animal park with giraffes, elephants, and lions.

Weekly intergenerational visits to the local senior center, promoting cultural exchange and community bonding.

Volunteers will find Penàguila to be a place where they can connect with nature, engage with the local community, and contribute to a meaningful environmental project—all while enjoying the serene beauty and simple joys of rural Mediterranean life.

Project hosted by

Penáguila Town Hall

Directions to meeting point

All volunteers will be picked up directly from the Arrivals area of Alicante Airport by a private minibus service provided by the Benniconnect company. This comfortable and reliable transfer will take the group straight to the camp location in Penàguila.
*The pickup will take place during the afternoon, but the exact time will be confirmed soon in the Infosheet*.

Upon arrival at the site, the campleaders will be there to welcome everyone, introduce the space, and help settle in for the start of the project.

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