Los Guindales is more than just an eco-community; it is a living laboratory of self-sufficiency and deep connection with the planet. Founded in 2003, it spans 4.5 hectares in the Serranía de Ronda, a remote corner of Andalusia, in the far south of Spain.

In this secluded haven, the wind carries the scent of damp earth and aromatic herbs. The sun gently warms houses made of wood and stone. There are no clocks dictating the day—only the rhythm of the seasons and the work of hands tending to the land.

Here, eight residents have chosen to live in a radically different way. Their mission? Regenerating the land and the body through permaculture, natural building, and holistic healing practices.

Self-Sufficiency at Los Guindales

Self-sufficiency is one of the core pillars of Los Guindales. Food is grown locally, following permaculture principles, reducing dependence on external sources, and embracing a seasonal diet.

Building materials come directly from the land itself—wood, straw, clay, and stone—while the on-site carpentry workshop transforms local wood into furniture and community structures.

Rainwater is collected and filtered to meet all needs, while organic waste is transformed into compost to enrich the soil. The residents also engage in creative recycling, giving a second life to every object.

Well-being and Natural Healing

At Los Guindales, well-being is seen as a harmony between body, mind, and environment. To nurture this balance, the community has established a Healing Center, offering therapeutic practices rooted in natural and traditional methods.

Among these, therapeutic fasting is used to cleanse the body, while liver and gallbladder detox helps eliminate accumulated toxins. Urine therapy, an ancient practice based on the controlled use of urine to strengthen the immune system, is studied and applied with a holistic approach.

Alongside these therapies, Los Guindales residents practice Chi Kung, an energy discipline of Chinese origin that enhances the connection between breath, body, and life energy. This is combined with meditation and breathing techniques.

From Soil to Table

The permaculture garden at Los Guindales is a tapestry of colors and fragrances. Every plant is carefully selected to create a natural balance—legumes that fix nitrogen in the soil, flowers that attract pollinators, and herbs that protect crops. No pesticides or chemical fertilizers—just the patient work of a community that observes, listens, and cultivates in harmony with the land.

The community also nurtures a flourishing orchard with chestnut trees, plums, cherry trees, pear trees, quinces, persimmons, citrus, hazelnuts, almonds, and olives.

But here, food is not just nourishment; it is a ritual, a shared experience, a celebration. Every meal is an act of gratitude towards Mother Earth. Nothing is wasted—everything has a purpose. Surplus produce is transformed into preserves, essential oils, and natural balms.

Homes That Breathe

At Los Guindales, all houses are built using local materials: chestnut wood, raw earth, and stone. Each structure is designed to blend into the landscape, providing comfort and energy efficiency without harming the environment. No cement, plastic, or synthetic materials—just organic architecture that interacts with the wind and the sun.

Within the community, the Research and Training Center for Natural Building experiments with new construction techniques, incorporating wood shavings, wool, cork, and straw to create sustainable and welcoming homes. Each building is designed to maximize energy efficiency and comfort while minimizing environmental impact.

Growing as a Community

At Los Guindales, harmony extends beyond nature—it also shapes relationships. Children grow up with outdoor education, where learning happens not in classrooms but in the woods, the fields, and communal spaces. They learn by watching adults, touching the earth, building with their hands, and discovering their unique talents.

A Dream in Expansion

And then there are the visitors—travelers, volunteers, and souls in search of a slower, more authentic way of life. Some stay for days, others for weeks or even months, bringing their stories and perspectives to share. The community remains open, fluid, and ever-evolving.

Los Guindales is not meant to be just a refuge—it aims to be a model, a seed of hope in a world that urgently needs alternatives. Its residents dream of expanding their initiatives, creating more spaces for gathering and experimentation, and spreading their knowledge to anyone eager to learn and transform their life.

For this reason, the community welcomes volunteers and visitors interested in immersing themselves in this way of life. No pre-packaged formulas, no tourist programs—just an authentic experience of connection with nature, oneself, and others.

In a Nutshell

Los Guindales is an eco-community nestled in the hills of Andalusia—a haven of self-sufficiency, ecological experimentation, and holistic well-being, where people from all over the world come together to share knowledge and build a sustainable future.

From food to natural construction, human relationships to children's education, every choice here is a conscious step toward a simpler, truer, and freer future.