Vila Akoya

Vila Akoya is a tiny house village, glamping site and creative community located on the border of Alentejo and the Algarve, along the scenic river Mira, near the town of Ourique, Portugal. Described by its founders as a mix between a wholesome festival, an artistic campsite, a permaculture farm and an eco-village, the project offers unique tiny homes, a campsite for shorter stays, and a full calendar of workshops, classes and activities for people of all ages. The community was founded by Sammy and Hans, together with their children Joyaa and Akhoda, after deciding to settle in Portugal to build a village where they could raise their children surrounded by nature and a supportive community, rather than doing life alone. Vila Akoya offers spaces for wellness and relaxation, playgrounds for children and adults, areas designed for connection and celebration, and a homeschooling hub for children combined with outdoor adventure and play. Residents and guests engage in creative arts such as ceramics, woodwork, natural building, weaving, photography, improv, painting, writing and music, as well as practical skills including permaculture, cooking, fermentation, foraging, herbal medicine, survival skills, first aid, beekeeping, composting, construction, carpentry, welding and sewing. The community operates on a participatory model where residents and guests can host informal workshops, alternating between teaching and learning as a way to weave the community together. Surrounded by olive groves, rolling hills and a river that keeps flowing even at the end of the dry season, Vila Akoya positions itself as one of the most unique eco-campsites in Portugal, welcoming diverse and different people to share in a life of creation, relaxation and inspiration.