Volunteering is a rewarding way to spend part of a long winter in the Canary Islands. Common options include animal shelters, beach and nature clean-ups, food banks and charity shops. Short-term volunteers are welcome in many places, but always check the organisation and any requirements.
Types of volunteering
| Type | What you might do |
|---|---|
| Animal shelters | Walk dogs, socialise cats, help at events |
| Beach and environmental clean-ups | Join organised clean-up days |
| Charity shops | Serve customers, sort donations |
| Food banks | Sort and distribute food |
| Conservation projects | Planting, trail work, monitoring |
Things to know
- As a visitor under the 90/180 rule, you should only do genuine unpaid volunteering, not work.
- Some roles require some Spanish.
- Animal shelters often need dog walkers in the mornings.
How to find opportunities
- Contact local animal protection associations directly.
- Follow environmental groups for clean-up dates.
- Ask in long-stayer social media groups.
Our verdict
Volunteering gives structure, friends and a way to give back. See also Clubs, Classes and Groups for Expats.