An evolving eco-finca in the North of Tenerife

Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Updated 8 days ago

Hello, I'm Elena, a Russian-German living in the north of Tenerife, in the beautiful town of Icod de los Vinos. I share my finca with a dog, several cats, chickens, and occasionally with volunteers, friends, and long-term guests who become part of the project for a while. The project combines ecological gardening, self-sufficiency, cultural exchange, language learning, and community. My long-term goal is to create a place where people of different ages and backgrounds can learn from one another, develop their own projects, and reconnect with nature. I speak German, English, Spanish, and Russian, have worked internationally in development projects, and enjoy meeting people who are curious, independent, practical, and interested in creating something meaningful together. At the moment, the finca is in a rebuilding phase, so most activities are practical and hands-on. Current projects include restoring the vegetable garden, controlling weeds, reorganising and expanding the banana plantation, pruning trees, building and repairing fences, improving paths and terraces, relocating the chicken area, and developing a more efficient watering system. WWOOFers can learn about gardening in a subtropical climate, water management, self-sufficiency, project development, and the realities of transforming an old finca step by step. I am also happy to share my experiences from living and working in different countries, as well as my knowledge of languages, education, and international development projects. I have a full-time remote job, so I am not standing next to people all day. I am looking for independent, practical people who enjoy taking ownership of their work. We occassionally meet to review progress, exchange ideas, share a meal, walk the dog, or simply enjoy the views and the peaceful atmosphere of the finca. WWOOFers stay in one of two guest rooms: a single room with a single bed or a larger double room suitable for a couple. For people who enjoy outdoor living, it is also possible to stay in a tent in the garden during the warmer months. The finca produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the year, including avocados, oranges, lemons, papayas, passion fruit, bananas, tomatoes, radishes, herbs, and whatever else happens to be in season. We use as much as possible from the garden and supplement it with food from a well-stocked kitchen. We usually share one main meal together each day, while other meals are prepared individually according to personal preferences and schedules. Cooking is informal and shared. If somebody enjoys cooking, they are welcome to take the lead. Otherwise, I am happy to cook for everyone. The atmosphere is relaxed and cooperative rather than highly organised. In my free time, I enjoy exploring Tenerife, discovering hidden places on the island, hiking, swimming, and spending time outdoors with my dog. He is an excellent swimmer and happily joins me on many adventures. I also enjoy gardening, cooking, conversations about life, travel, languages, and culture, as well as simply sitting outside and enjoying the views and peaceful atmosphere of the finca. The finca is located in Icod de los Vinos, within walking distance of shops, cafés, and the famous Drago tree. There are beautiful hiking trails, natural swimming areas, beaches, forests, and volcanic landscapes all within easy reach. Tenerife offers an incredible variety of nature and outdoor activities, and I am always happy to point people towards places that are worth exploring. At the same time, I value privacy and personal space. The finca offers opportunities for shared activities, but also plenty of room for people who enjoy independence and quiet time.