Experience slow living and enjoy the calm rhythm of rural life In Aspromonte, Italy

Details

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  Description

  Availability Update
  February is currently not available due to ongoing commitments and a slower personal rhythm while I recover my energy.
  If you’re interested in future collaborations, feel free to check in again later in the season — spring and early summer are usually the best times here for hosting and outdoor work.
  Thank you for your understanding 🌿
  
  In the stillness of Aspromonte, we open our family land to helpers who seek nature, simplicity, and the calm rhythm of rural life. I’m Maria, an English teacher living close to my parents, Grazie (78) and Tommaso (86). I was born in Australia and first discovered Italy through volunteering, falling in love with the hands‑on work and the genuine connection with locals.
  
  That experience shaped what I now offer here: the chance to see a rarely visited part of Italy, taste what the land gives us, and observe a culture that is old, quiet, and deeply rooted. Our home is simple and peaceful, and everything grown is for our own table — this is not a business.
  
  I welcome self‑sufficient, curious people who enjoy slow living, contributing with care, and embracing the gentle unpredictability of rural life. If you value nature, community, and the beauty of small, meaningful tasks, you will feel at home here.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Elderly Companionship

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Animal Care

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  This place is a peaceful mountain village — the kind of place where people find space to breathe, reflect, and work on themselves while contributing to the growth of this beautiful land.
  
  You’ll experience daily village life:
  - A small Wednesday market
  - Two little shops with most essentials
  - A passing fruit-and-veg truck on most days
  - A bakery with fresh bread most mornings
  - Seasonal produce from the property when available
  - La Paesana Trattoria (Via Roma)
  
  Meals are usually simple, wholesome southern Italian dishes, often vegetarian, and always connected to the land and the season.
  
  The village has two churches — one quaint, one more active — both lovely places to sit, think, or simply enjoy the quiet. There’s also a bar open Tuesday to Sunday, where you can mingle with locals and hear stories from the many colourful characters who make this town special.
  
  You’re welcome to work on your own creative or personal projects during your stay, and to share your skills, language, and culture with us. In return, you’ll learn about food, the land, and the rhythm of rural life. And if you’re here in August, you’ll be immersed in the town’s lively holiday season — a true taste of southern Italian tradition.

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  Help

  Life on the property is full of small, meaningful tasks, and I’m looking for helpers who enjoy being outdoors, staying active, and contributing with a good attitude.
  
  You might help with:
  
  - General maintenance around the house and land
  - Gardening and caring for the vegetable garden
  - Pruning (if you know how, great)
  - Clearing paths and keeping outdoor areas tidy
  - Cutting and stacking wood
  - Simple DIY jobs or small repairs
  - Being around chickens and a friendly dog
  
  We appreciate people who are clean, respectful, and proactive — once I show you the task, you can continue independently. Morning hours are important here, especially in summer, so a good rhythm helps.
  
  If you enjoy nature, quiet, and contributing to a family property, you’ll fit in well.

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  Languages spoken

  Italian: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  You’ll stay in a simple, comfortable room on the property. If you prefer being closer to nature, you’re also welcome to camp or bring a small campervan — there’s space for that too.
  
  The atmosphere here is quiet and rural, so it suits people who enjoy peace, fresh air, and a slower rhythm. Shared spaces are respected and kept clean, and we all contribute to keeping the home feeling welcoming.
  
  You’ll be sharing the space with two others who have their own routines. They enjoy company, conversation, and a friendly atmosphere, but also appreciate moments of quiet and respect for personal space. The house is simple and comfortable, and you’ll find most things you need. Please bring your own toiletries and any personal items you rely on.
  
  Food is included, and whenever possible we prefer to cook and eat together. It keeps the rhythm of the house warm and communal. As a general rule: those who cook do not clean, so if you’re not the cook that day, be ready to wash up. If you have dietary needs, you’re welcome to bring your own special items. We’re in the mountains of southern Italy, so expect wholesome, traditional food — grains, pasta, vegetables, fruit, and some meat and animal products. Please come prepared to manage your own requirements so you can enjoy the experience fully.
  
  There is no smoking, and no drug or alcohol abuse is tolerated.
  
  Before leaving, we ask all volunteers to clean their room thoroughly so the next person can arrive smoothly and feel welcomed.

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  What else ...

  In your free time, there is plenty to explore. The Aspromonte mountains offer beautiful walking paths right from the village, and the area is also excellent for mountain biking if you enjoy more active adventures. There are local waterfalls hidden in the hills, perfect for a refreshing visit on warm days. The coastline is less than 30 km away, making it easy to spend a day by the sea, explore nearby beaches, or visit coastal towns. On Sundays nearby groups, affordable guided treks (around 10–20 euros) offer a deeper look into the region’s nature and history. Closer to home, the village centre is just a short walk away, with small shops, a bar, a bakery with fresh bread most mornings, and a weekly Wednesday market. Many volunteers also enjoy using their free time to read, write, rest, or work on personal projects in the peaceful surroundings.
  
  Transport in the area is limited but available with a bit of planning. If you don’t have a car, please research your travel options in advance — ROME2RIO is very helpful. Walking is the main way to reach the property, so bring good shoes and outdoor clothing.
  
  Getting Here
  We are remote, but reachable by bus:
  
  - From **Reggio Calabria**, there is an afternoon bus (around 13:40) that arrives in Santa Cristina d’Aspromonte at about 16:00. This is the easiest option, and arriving in daylight is recommended.
  - You can also reach **Gioia Tauro** by train or bus (about 28 km away). From there, you'll need to orgainse a lift or hire a car.
  - The town has two buses a day to Reggio: early morning (around 05:30–05:45 depending on school holidays) and early afternoon (13:15).
  - There is also a 6:50am bus to Gioia Tauro, useful if you want to connect to trains or explore for a few days. (this is the school run during school dates)
  - Tickets are usually around 5 euros.
  - Look up Ferrovie della Calabria for schedules.
  - No buses on Sunday.
  
  When boarding, always ask the driver if they can drop you at the Posta Officio — otherwise you’ll have a longer walk into the village centre.
  
  Connectivity
  There is **no internet access** on the property, but there is **phone coverage**. Many volunteers enjoy the digital break and find it refreshing.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  If you’re travelling in a campervan, you’re very welcome here. You can park directly on the property, surrounded by olive trees and nature, and still be less than a 5‑minute walk from the village centre. Please note: **the driveway is narrow**, so only **small campervans** can access the property comfortably. Large campers or wide vehicles will not fit. You’ll have access to water, outdoor spaces, and everything you need to settle in. Please bring your own toiletries and personal items, and keep your area tidy and respectful of the land. Staying in a campervan is ideal for those who enjoy independence while still being part of the daily rhythm the family, and the village.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  Monty

  Maremma Sheepdog

  Hens

  various hens

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