Volunteer in Spain

How to Volunteer in Spain

We highly recommend applying to volunteer abroad in Spain, there are beautiful cities with tasty food and a warm climate most of the year. This is a perfect opportunity if you are planning a short holiday or would like to take a gap year in Spain as there are short and long term opportunities available.

Volunteer tourism is an increasingly popular way for people to holiday in Spain. It's very much give and take. You give time, effort and money and take away lifelong memories. Search programs throughout the country where you can help community and conservation projects - this will be a uniqe experience. 

Top Reasons to Apply

• You will have a really enjoyable experience doing something more rewarding than subathing
• Sample life in this cosmopolitan Mediterranean country
• Learn or improve your language skills as you will be working with local staff and be immersed in Spanish culture
• This will be a really rewarding experience where you will get to do a lot more than your average tourist
• The community and conservation programs we have listed on our website have been running for a number of years and you will be able to make a positive impact
• So much to do in your spare time, seeing a football game is a must, there are also lots of festivals and activities to keep you busy. You could also go in search of the best beach
• You can also combine experiences and book a Spanish language courses in Spain

Location of Projects

You can find charity work and volunteer work throughout the country in places like:

• Alicante
• Barcelona
• Ibiza
• Madrid
• Seville
• Tenerife
• Valencia

Other Locations

• Andalucia • Aragon • Asturias • Basque Country • Canary Islands • Cantabria • Castile and Leon • Castilla la Mancha • Catalonia • Costa Del Sol • Denia • Extremadura • Galicia • Ibiza • La Rioja • Mallorca • Menorca • Murcia • Navarre 

Summer Volunteer Programs in Spain

Summer volunteer programs are popular when the weather is very hot and in your spare time you'll have lots of time to relax and enjoy the area. Spain has a lot of cultured cities with modern shops, beaches, nightlife, sport and cafes - enough to keep you busy in your spare time especially when the weather is good.

The local people and project staff will be very friendly whilst Spanish people are generally very welcoming and will be happy to learn you are there volunteering to help in their country. Summer projects are very popular so get your application in early.

How You Can Help

There are a wide range of volunteering programs in Spain available including working on community programs teaching children or helping conservation on marine based projects.

Help Children & Communities

You'll work with local organisations and really be able to help projects, a lot of these are based in the beautiful city of Valencia. If you are looking to take a holiday in Spain and want to do something different consider these programs. Even though Spain is a very well run country by Western standards, there are still lots of disadvantaged children who need help and you can make a difference to their lives. There are also short and long term work camps running where you can help build infrastructure, construction, building, archaeology, arts, festival work and educational summer camps / teaching.

Environmental & Conservation Volunteer Projects

On conservation projects you might be researching coral and marine life, or even learning to scuba dive and spend your days deep underwater helping long term sustainability. You will work alongside local scientists and international staff aiming to help biodiversity and preserve nature. No previous experience is needed and full training is provided on arrival. 

Volunteer with Animals

There are animal shelters throughout the country which need help from volunteers all year round. Most rely on help and donations to keep operational.

How to Apply

Most organisations require you to be aged over 18 and you will need to be able to enter the country on a tourist visa. There are summer trips for 15+ age groups which are popular and apply early to avoid places being full. If you are planning a volunteer holiday you usually need to be available for 2 weeks + to participate. 

You can apply by yourself, or apply with friends and family members. Family volunteering trips in Spain are popular and you can join for a short or long period. If you live in the EU you can enter Spain with a passport or ID card and stay for as long as you like as a tourist or on a working holiday. If you live outside of the EU you will need to check specific country requirements for entering Spain on a tourist / work visa.

Some placements come part of a structured package which includes pre-departure placements, airport transfers, accommodation, meals, orientation, training and in-country support. These are highly recommended if it is your first time overseas or you want a safe and reliable placement with other people from all over the world. You might like to also check out our Europe volunteer programs.