Aldeia do Vale

Aldeia do Vale runs courses, workshops and hands-on training in agroecology and permaculture, on a site between Sintra and Mafra in western Portugal. It was founded as a centre of research and practice in sustainability, and the programme is open to anyone who wants to learn and live more regeneratively. The teaching is grounded in permaculture ethics and design. The certified Permaculture Design Course (PDC) is a two-week immersion covering landscape reading, soil health, water harvesting, food forests, natural building and community design. Shorter, practical workshops deal with agroforestry, beekeeping, vermicomposting (minhocas) and eco-construction. Courses are given in both Portuguese and English, which makes them accessible to an international audience. The project works on biodiversity, soil regeneration and cooperative community living. Participants get vegetarian meals, fire circles and field trips to natural landmarks nearby. There's also a seed library, sustainable and regenerative gift products, and visits for people who want to see the place for themselves. The site is at Beco da Vinha, Barreiros, Montelavar, near Sintra, and it operates year-round. Sílvia Floresta, executive director and permaculture facilitator, leads the project. Aldeia do Vale is registered with Permaculture Global.