A stone farmhouse surrounded by greenery, the wind caressing the hills, the intense scent of damp earth. Here, in the Andalusian countryside, stands Los Portales (The Portals), one of Spain’s oldest and most renowned ecovillages.

It all began in 1984, when a group of dreamers and researchers decided to transform an old estate into a community founded on principles of sustainability, spirituality, and human connection. They envisioned a place where life was a conscious journey of growth, sharing, and harmony with Nature.

A Model of Eco-Spirituality

Los Portales is internationally recognized as a model of eco-spirituality, a balance between ecology and inner exploration, where sustainability is embraced holistically, intertwining with both personal and collective growth.

For years, this place has inspired other communities, proving that it is possible to live in balance with nature without sacrificing the depth of spiritual inquiry.

Los Portales is not just a community—it is, as its name suggests, a portal open to those seeking transformation. Every year, volunteers from around the world are welcomed to experience life in the ecovillage.

Those who come here learn to cultivate the land in harmony with its cycles, build homes using natural materials, and cook with simple, genuine ingredients. But above all, they discover the value of shared time, presence, and the awareness of being part of something greater.

Living in Harmony with the Earth

At Los Portales, nature is not just a backdrop; it is the heartbeat of everyday life. The homes, built using natural materials, are designed according to bioclimatic architecture principles, ensuring warmth in winter and coolness in summer.

Energy comes from solar panels, while a rainwater harvesting system guarantees water self-sufficiency.

But here, sustainability also means reconnecting with food—not just as nourishment, but as an act of respect for the Earth. Every seed planted, every harvest shared, strengthens the connection with the land and the sense of community.

Residents cultivate organic gardens, plant fruit trees, and raise animals, following the principles of permaculture and regenerative agriculture.

Regenerative agriculture goes beyond organic farming—it doesn’t just avoid pesticides and chemical fertilizers but actively restores soil health, increases biodiversity, and enhances the land’s ability to retain water and nutrients.

Where Dreams Guide the Path

Los Portales is not just a place of sustainable living—it is also a profound experiment in inner exploration.

What sets this ecovillage apart from any other in Spain is its deep connection to the world of dreams. Here, dreams are not just fleeting nighttime visions but tools for insight and collective guidance. Since its founding, the community has developed a unique method of collective dream interpretation, inspired by Jungian psychology.

Every morning, community members gather in a circle to share their dreams, exploring their deeper meanings. This ritual becomes a tool for both personal and collective growth, a bridge between the visible and the invisible world.

Meditation, energy work, solstice celebrations, and nature-based rituals shape life in the village. There is no singular religion, but rather an open approach to spirituality that respects each individual's path.

The Shared Economy Model

At Los Portales, the concept of economy goes beyond money. Everything is built around a model of circular economy, where nothing is wasted, and every resource is valued. Residents share knowledge, time, and tools. Here, true wealth lies in human connection.

For this reason, the community has created a system of exchange and collaboration, where each person contributes according to their skills. Some work in the fields, others focus on eco-construction, while others produce cheese, honey, and organic vegetables, which are sold in local markets.

In Conclusion

Nestled in the Andalusian countryside, Los Portales is one of Spain’s longest-standing ecovillages, home to a stable community of about 30 people. Here, sustainability and eco-spirituality intertwine in a lifestyle centered around permaculture, self-sufficiency, and inner growth.

Self-sufficiency and bioclimatic homes, regenerative agriculture, a collaborative economy, and dream interpretation—every aspect of daily life is designed to create harmony between people and nature.

After nearly 40 years, Los Portales is more alive than ever. A beacon for those seeking a concrete alternative, a vision of the future proving that another way of living on this planet is possible.

And you? Are you ready to step through the portal?