Question 1

How much does the Terra Alta Permaculture Design Course cost?

Accepted Answer

The PDC course fee starts at €840 (early bird, sliding scale fair). The sliding scale pricing is: Fair €890, Regular €990, Supportive €1090. This includes 10 days of instruction, all course materials, breakfast, and basic camping. Accommodation upgrades (A-Frame, Bell Tent, or Wooden Hut) are available from €200 to €350 for the full course. A €200 registration fee secures your spot.

Question 2

What is included in the PDC course fee?

Accepted Answer

The course fee includes: 10 days of hands-on permaculture education, all course materials and handouts, daily breakfast, basic camping on-site, a Permaculture Design Certificate upon completion, and access to Terra Alta's 18-year-old permaculture site including food forests, water systems, and natural buildings. Lunch and dinner are not included but can be self-catered using the communal kitchen. Accommodation upgrades are optional.

Question 3

Do I need prior experience to attend a Permaculture Design Course?

Accepted Answer

No prior experience is needed. The PDC at Terra Alta is designed for complete beginners through to intermediate practitioners. Students come from all backgrounds — urban professionals, teachers, farmers, students, and career changers. The course covers everything from foundational permaculture principles to advanced design techniques through hands-on learning.

Question 4

Is the Terra Alta PDC internationally certified?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Upon completion of the full 72-hour curriculum, graduates receive a Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). This is the internationally recognised standard qualification in permaculture, following the curriculum originally developed by Bill Mollison. Terra Alta is listed with the Permaculture Association UK and the Global Ecovillage Network.

Question 5

What accommodation options are available during the course?

Accepted Answer

Terra Alta offers several accommodation options: free basic camping (bring your own tent), camping tent rental (€60 with mat, no sleeping bag), A-Frame structure (€200 for 2 weeks), Bell Tent (€250 for 2 weeks, max 2 people), and Wooden Hut (€350 for 2 weeks, max 2 people with double bed and bedding). The campsite is set among trees on level terraces in a semi-wild area of the property.

Question 6

How do I get to Terra Alta from Lisbon?

Accepted Answer

Terra Alta is located in Sintra, approximately 40 minutes from Lisbon. The nearest airport is Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS). From Lisbon, you can take the train to Sintra (about 40 minutes from Rossio station). Detailed directions and pickup arrangements are shared with registered students before the course begins.

Question 7

What will I learn during the 10-day Permaculture Design Course?

Accepted Answer

The curriculum covers: permaculture ethics and design principles, site analysis and mapping, soil science and composting, water harvesting and management, food forest design and implementation, natural building techniques, renewable energy systems, community and social permaculture, regenerative agriculture, and a complete permaculture design project. Learning is hands-on at Terra Alta's working permaculture site.

Question 8

What are the 2026 PDC course dates at Terra Alta?

Accepted Answer

Terra Alta runs 8 PDC courses in 2026: June 1-11, June 16-26, July 1-11, July 17-27, August 1-11, August 16-26, September 1-11, and September 16-26. All courses follow the same 72-hour curriculum. Group sizes are kept small to ensure quality hands-on learning.

Question 9

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my booking?

Accepted Answer

Please contact Terra Alta directly for cancellation and refund policies. A €200 registration fee is required to secure your spot, and specific terms apply depending on how far in advance you cancel. Terra Alta may offer the option to transfer your booking to a different course date, subject to availability.

Question 10

What makes Terra Alta different from other permaculture courses in Portugal?

Accepted Answer

Terra Alta has been a working permaculture site for over 18 years, with more than 50 PDCs taught. Unlike newer centres, students learn on a mature, established site with developed food forests, water systems, and natural buildings. The courses are taught by a team of international facilitators, and the location in Sintra — a UNESCO World Heritage landscape — provides a unique learning environment combining Mediterranean and Atlantic climates.

Natural Building at Terra Alta - Cob, Reclaimed Wood, Light Straw Clay & Sustainable Construction in Portugal

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