About Spain
Spain, located in southwestern Europe, is a diverse country known for its varied geography and climate. It shares borders with Portugal to the west and France to the northeast, while being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Spain boasts a myriad of famous landmarks and tourist attractions that captivate visitors from around the world. It is a country of castles, mountains, vast monuments, sophisticated cities, and sunny beaches, famous for its architecture featuring everything from ancient Roman ruins to striking modern architecture.
The terrain of Spain is remarkably diverse, encompassing vast mountain ranges, fertile valleys, and expansive coastal areas. The Pyrenees Mountains form a natural border with France in the north, while other prominent mountain ranges include the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia and the Cantabrian Mountains in the north. Spain is also one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe, home to diverse ecosystems inducing Mediterranean forests, wetlands, grasslands, coastal dunes and alpine environments, as well as numerous endemic species.
The Canary Islands, located off the northwest coast of Africa, are also part of Spain and are famous for their beaches, volcanic landscapes and sunny climate. Some of the most popular islands include Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Spain has a very rich culture featuring iconic cuisine, music, dances, art, architecture and festivals. Some of the most famous artists and architects in Spanish history have been Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Antoni Gaudi. Festivals such as La Tomatina and Semana Santa are also world renowned and attract people from all over the world. Spain also accounts for a significant portion of global olive oil production, being the world’s largest producer of olive oil.
Advice before volunteering in Spain
Although English is widely spoken in urban and tourist areas, learning some basic Spanish will certainly help to communicate and show respect for the local communities. It can also be useful if your project is in a more rural area. Some areas in Spain have a second official language as well, such as Catalunya where Catalan is spoken.
The climate in Spain can differ quite a bit depending on the area as well as the time of year so be sure to do your research beforehand and pack accordingly.
Check with your healthcare professional and the Pasteur Institute about any vaccines, medications, etc. you may require.
Can you volunteer in Spain without a visa?
Non-European Union (EU) citizens intending to volunteer in Spain must obtain a volunteer visa to ensure legal entry and stay within the country. The main requirement for this visa is a formal invitation from a Spanish organization or association hosting the volunteer program.
To obtain a volunteer visa in Spain, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria outlined by the Spanish government. Firstly, individuals must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid passport with a minimum six-month validity period beyond their intended stay.
For more information, check the immigration portal.
Where are the best places in Spain to volunteer?
The best place to volunteer depends on the type of volunteering you want to do. If you are interested in marine conservation projects, head to the coastal areas. If you are more interested in community projects, look for programs in bigger cities.
Volunteer opportunities in Spain
Whether you are interested in preserving heritage, conserving the environment, or being part of major events, there is a wide range of volunteer opportunities available in Spain for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact while exploring the vibrant Spanish culture.
One popular type of volunteer work involves environmental conservation projects, where volunteers can contribute to the preservation of Spain’s stunning natural landscapes and wildlife. Alternatively, those interested in social issues can engage in community development programs, supporting marginalized communities by providing educational resources, healthcare assistance, or organizing cultural events.
Volunteers may engage in activities such as reforestation, wildlife conservation, or beach clean-ups, all of which contribute to the preservation of natural habitats and the overall well-being of ecosystems. You may instead choose to be involved in building homes, schools, or community centers; supporting local farmers; or assisting with small business development efforts.
Additionally, there are numerous opportunities to volunteer with organizations focused on animal welfare and rescue, allowing individuals to care for abandoned or mistreated animals.
Join a volunteer program in Spain with Freepackers!
If you are a part of the EU, you do not require a visa. If you are from outside of the EU, you can stay without a visa for up to 90 days.
For any international project, Freepackers Care requires the subscription of a travel insurance including the coverage of accidents, diseases, repatriation and includes civil liability in case of damage to third parties.
You can subscribe online with our partner CHAPKA, which offers 5% discount with this link. If you subscribe to another insurance, we will ask you to send us a copy of your certificate in English.
For complete protection during studies or an internship abroad, you can subscribe to Cap Student insurance online by following this link. This insurance also includes civil liability in the context of an activity abroad.
