updated  

Join us for the olive harvest and discover the local village life in Mani, Greece

  • Favourited 487 times
  • Last activity: 29 Mar 2024

Availability

  2024 

 Min stay requested: at least a week

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Details

  • Description

    Description

    Hello,

    We are Alexandros and Claire. We live in the South Peloponnese in the village of Lagkada between mountain and sea. We moved to the beautiful area of Mani a few years ago with the will to create a village life and we quickly started working with olive trees.

    Our olive groves are located in steep terrain and we are looking for volunteers to help with the harvest during the winter (November until January). We have been hosting volunteers since 2020 and the great experiences we have had mobilise us again every time. The olive harvest is a physical work - in a difficulty level similar to the grape harvest - that requires commitment, teamwork, and physical readiness.

    The oil produced is for our own consumption and small-scale sales. Alexandros' main activity is the restoration of Byzantine churches and historical monuments, and Claire's main activity is being an office manager in an architect office. But olive production is a crucial part of our life as it allows us to be connected to our food consumption. While Claire is doing the logistics, Alexandros is in the fields and takes a break of 3 months during the winter to do the harvest.

    During the rest of the year we need help to maintain the fields: it includes pruning the trees, burning branches and mowing the grass. There could be side projects such as painting, cutting wood, or constructing a dog house. During busy periods help is welcome for gardening, cooking, and looking after our two dogs.

    We will do our best for you to have a holistic experience of the local life in Mani!

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Gardening
    DIY and building projects
    Animal Care
    Farmstay help
    Creating/ Cooking family meals
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

    UN goals
    No poverty
    Zero hunger
    Good health and well-being
    Quality education
    Gender equality
    Clean water and sanitation
    Affordable and clean energy
    Decent work and economic growth
    Industries, innovation and infrastructure
    Reduce inequality
    Sustainable cities and communities
    Responsible consumption and production
    Climate action
    Life below water
    Life on land
    Peace, justice and strong institutions
    Partnerships for the goals
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    You will have the opportunity to learn about land regeneration and maintenance, olive farming, and how to distinguish a good quality olive oil from another.

    We both speak English and Claire, being originally from France, speaks French as well. We will be happy to share all about the local food, culture and ways of life - foraging, preserving food, history of the area, etc.

    Mani is a peninsula that gathers charming villages on the coastline and the mountain. With its beautiful beaches, hiking paths, and a community of Europeans who live here permanently, it has the perks of being both wild and dynamic and you are of course free to go and discover it by yourself! We will make sure to recommend our favorite spots!

    Lagkada is located 1h15 by car from Kalamata, where there is an International airport and bus connection between Athens and Lagkada.
    In Lagkada, you will find a cafe that gathers villagers at multiple times of the day. In the next village, 15 mins from walking distance, is a good local taverna (our personal favorite).

    The closest beach is 11km away by car. On this coastline, you will find other beaches but also the main villages (Agios Nikolaos, Stoupa and Kardamyli) where the local community congregates. There is public transport every day but we will gladly drive you ourselves whenever it is possible.

    We look forward to host people that take initiative and can make the most of the opportunities provided. Together we can co-create a wonderful experience for both you and us!

  • Help

    Help

    Volunteers help 5 hours per day and 5 days per week with days off in exchange for meals and accommodation. The days off will not necessarily fall on the weekend (or on sunny days), the help in the fields being a dynamic activity that depends from the weather.

    Although the fields are not certified organic due to the small scale of our activity, we produce exclusively organic extra virgin olive oil. Most of the fields have been abandoned by the owners and I work to bring these fields back to life, first by clearing the jungles of high weeds, then by pruning the trees, and finally by harvesting the olives, which is the only way to ensure that the trees will keep on producing. After a period of 5 years without being harvested, the tree stops producing and it is a part of our gastronomic heritage that we lose because it is a very high quality olive specific to the micro-climate of Mani.

    The olive harvest includes the following tasks: pick olives / lay and move nets on the bottom / put olives in bags / burn branches and collect wood / prepare lunch & dinner.

    The team spirit is a crucial part of this project : when an individual person joins into one team work, the daily effort becomes easier and more joyful.

  • Languages spoken

    Greek: Fluent
    English: Fluent

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    We offer accommodation in a cozy studio located under our house. It is fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom and double bed and has a courtyard outside. It is suitable for couples, friends or individuals. We ask everybody to be responsible for the good running of the house and keep it a clean and livable space.

    Food will be provided for breakfast, lunch, dinner as well as for days off and will be cooked by team members. Breakfast includes bread, butter, jam, oats, and fruits. Extra beverages (soda, beer, others) and special requests are not included.

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    - We ask people not to smoke in the house or while working.
    - Social drinking is accepted but not drug or alcohol habits.
    - If you have any mental or physical health issues please let us know so we can assess if this is the right place for you (including allergies, special dietary requirements etc.)
    - The minimum length of stay requirement is 1 week.

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    The house having WIFI, we can host digital nomads but only if you can follow the same schedule as the rest of the team. Please note also that the house does not have separate rooms to offer you full privacy.

  • Space for parking camper vans

    Space for parking camper vans

    You are more than welcome to come in your campervan but please note there are no parking on the premises. You will find parking spots at the square of the village, 100m from the house. 

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    This host has said they are willing to accept those travelling with a pet.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    Two

  • ...

    Hours expected

    Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Host ref number: 143282326854

Feedback (9)



Feedback

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile: (5.0)

Cultural exchange: (5.0)

Communication: (5.0)














Dog lovers come and help with dogs and the garden on Corfu, Greece
Natural farming, permaculture, beekeeping and more on a farm in Peloponeese mainland, Greece