Silves, Algarve · Portugal · Since 2016
Living off
the land.
An off-grid biodynamic farm and intentional community in the hills of Algarve. No Wi-Fi, no microwave, no noise. Just sun, soil, and the slow rhythm of a different kind of life.
The Vision
A different kind
of place.
Shangri-La is peacefully nestled amidst the hills near Silves in the Algarve. It provides an ideal environment for healing body, soul and mind — a place to become mostly self-sufficient, self-sustainable, and deeply connected to the land.
"Enjoy and be happy. At Shangri-La you are out of reach for mobile phones."
— Stefano Novellino, Founder
Land & Nourishment
We tend a biodynamic, ECO/BIO permaculture farm as far south in Europe as possible — subtropical fruits, regenerative agriculture, and syntropic planting inspired by nature itself.
EMF-Free Living
Shangri-La is entirely free from microwave radiation — no Wi-Fi, no mobile signal, no microwave ovens. An environment as untouched as possible, rich in water and biodiversity.
Intentional Community
No alcohol, drugs, smoke or pets. We consciously focus on human contact, connection with nature and handcraft — a shared commitment to a cleaner, slower, more present life.
Rudolf Steiner
Our work and spiritual framework are inspired by the impulses of Rudolf Steiner — biodynamics, anthroposophy, and the understanding that healthy soil is the foundation of healthy life.
The Farm
Rooted in the
Algarve hills.
Set in the sun-rich hills near Silves, Shangri-La grows subtropical fruits and plants in a warm southern microclimate, aiming toward full self-sufficiency. Inspired by ECO-regenerative and syntropic agriculture.
The land is rich in water — a river, dams, and a well. The south-facing terraces have been carved from rock by hand. After the 2018 wildfires that burned 70% of the farm, Shangri-La has been steadily regenerating — greener and more biodiverse than before.
Growing on the farm
The Valley
Terrace Gardens
Banana Garden
The River
Algarve Hills
Morning Light
How to Stay
Three ways
to visit.
Shangri-La is open to people with different needs and intentions. Whatever brings you here — rest, learning, community, or simply getting off the grid — there is a way to fit.
Please: no perfumes, synthetic shampoos, or chemical products. We grow our food in the same soil we share. Use only ecological, fragrance-free products during your stay.
Visitor & B&B
Come as you are. Stay in your own rhythm — as a B&B guest, hostel traveller, camper, or with your van. Farm activities are always available when you want them. No obligation, only invitation.
- Private room or tent space
- Basic shared kitchen
- Optional farm participation
- Pickup from Silves station: 15 €
- Pickup from Faro airport: 150 €
WWOOF & Volunteer
Work alongside Stefano in the biodynamic orchards and gardens. Learn syntropic planting, fruit tree care and the practice of living with the land. One volunteer at a time — intentional and unhurried.
- 2-week stay (board & lodging included)
- Biodynamic / horticultural practice
- Focus on subtropical fruit cultivation
- One volunteer at a time
- Previous experience not required
Resident
Looking for a place to return to again and again — or to call home for a season? Shangri-La welcomes people interested in longer stays, regular visits, or building their own quiet space on the land.
- Extended stay periods
- Ideal for pensioners / retirees
- Possibility to develop your own space
- Shared community vision
- Contact us to discuss possibilities
Gallery
Life at
Shangri‑La.
From the first terraces carved out of the hillside in early 2016 to the recovering banana gardens after the 2018 fires — a farm constantly growing, healing, and finding its form.
Follow on Instagram →
Field Notes
From the
farm log.
Ten years of growth, fire, recovery, and community — a living record of what it means to build something real from the earth up.
Shangri-La is open and welcoming guests. Looking forward to a wonderful 2026.
A group calling themselves the "PuraVida Foundation" has joined Shangri-La — sharing similar visions, they've been offered land to start creating their own space on a high terrace in the valley.
Everything is going well. We are still here, regenerating the land. Four new Cachena calves. Despite lockdowns, Shangri-La has been open throughout.
The Shangri-La concept has shown its strength. A good year despite drought. The first bananas harvested. 40 pawpaw trees planted. The river and dams are full.
We survived a dramatic summer — wildfires burned 70% of the farm. The house was miraculously safe. The banana garden is recovering, new mangoes planted, aloe vera and moringa are thriving.
A banana garden was built halfway up the south-facing hill, dug into the mountain for a warmer microclimate. Bananas, moringa, aloe, sugarcane, mango — all thriving.
The garden is growing. Fruit trees planted. Many friends, many helping hands. The first rooms ready, the first guests welcomed.
Shangri-La is purchased. Access to the property from 1 March 2016. The work begins.
Contact
Come and
find us.
Shangri-La is 5 km from the town of Silves in the Algarve, nestled in the hills above the river valley. If you feel inspired, get in touch — we'd love to hear from you.
"Stressed? Tired of being online all the time? Be offline for a while at Shangri-La."
Shangri-La is currently welcoming guests for 2026. Please get in touch to discuss availability, conditions and what kind of stay suits you best.