Join us for some traditional olive harvesting near San Michele Salentino, Italy

Details

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  Description

  We are hobbyist olive farmers caring for 200 ancient, centuries-old olive trees in Puglia. We run our farm as non-profit, putting every bit of revenue back into maintaining the land and keeping these beautiful trees healthy. We practice 100% organic methods, which means traditional, hands-on work, we're both in our 60s, extra hands make a world of difference during the harvest and spring pruning,
  
  Volunteers stay in our historic 300-year-old Trullo farmhouse, which comfortably sleeps up to 6 people. We provide all meals or food for volunteers to cook their own meals and local wine for our helpers. We need an enthusiastic team for a period of around 27 days. This year we are needing helpers from 20 October to the 16 November 2026 to harvest olives, prune trees and sow 350kg of vetch seed as a natural organic fertiliser (G4 green manure crop).

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Farmstay help

  Light maintenance
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  Interests

  

  Technology

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Culture

  

  Van life

  

  Movies & TV

  

  Farming

  

  Plant care

  

  Music

  

  Gardening

  

  Cooking & food

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Nature

  

  Fitness

  

  Camping

  

  Sailing / Boating

  

  Mountain

  

  Dancing

  

  Beach

  

  Water sports

  

  Outdoor activities

  

  Hiking

  

  Cycling
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Experience authentic Puglian farm life while living in our historic, 300-year-old Trullo! When you join us, you aren't just volunteering—you are stepping into a traditional Italian way of life rooted in sustainability, community and fresh food.
  What we share with our guests:
  Olive Oil Craftsmanship: Follow the entire journey of extra virgin olive oil—from hand-picking olives off 200-year-old trees to taking them to the local frantoio (mill) and tasting the freshest cold-pressed oil on warm bread.
  Eco-Farming Skills: Learn practical, hands-on organic land management, natural soil enrichment using vetch crops, and tree pruning techniques used to preserve ancient groves.
  Italian Food & Wine: We love gathering around the table after a rewarding day in the fields. We provide all your food and local wine, offering hearty home-cooked meals and regional Puglian flavors.
  Local Living: Immerse yourself in the quiet, scenic beauty of the Puglian countryside, explore nearby historic towns, and enjoy a warm, relaxed family atmosphere.

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  Help

  During the harvest (from 20 October for around 26 days up to 15 November), we comb olives onto nets, collect them in buckets and take them to the press every second day to make fresh extra virgin olive oil. Following the harvest, we sow vetch seeds across the grove to naturally fix nitrogen in the soil over winter and prune dead wood from the trees.
  In March and April, our focus shifts to land management to protect our ancient trees from Xylella (a bacterial disease affecting Apulian olive trees). We cut back the vetch and grass using a tractor and petrol strimmers to disrupt the vector insects larvae before they hatch into nymphs, this is then followed by targeted pruning using a cherry picker. It's physical work, but deeply rewarding, outdoors in nature and full of teamwork!

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  Languages

  Languages spoken
  English: Fluent
  Italian: Intermediate

  This host offers a language exchange
  We are English but studying Italian for over 20 years, so are more than happy to communicate in English and Italian.
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  Accommodation

  You will be staying in a trullo, this is a historic 5-cone trulli dating back around 300 years, combined with a modern villetta extension. As it has been operated as a private holiday rental since 2007, it offers a very high standard of comfort and amenities for our helpers.
  Accommodation features:
  Bedrooms: 3 characterful bedrooms located right inside the original trullo cones.(one large double bed; two single beds and bunk beds).
  Year-Round Comfort: Equipped with air conditioning, gas central heating, and a cozy log fire for cooler evenings in November.
  Outdoor Living: Enjoy spacious outdoor patios complete with a barbecue and a large marble dining table seating 8—ideal for shared meals and relaxing after a day in the fields.

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  What else ...

  What you can do in your free time:
  Explore Local Historic Towns: We are ideally situated near several incredible Puglian towns, listed in order of proximity and interest:
  Francavilla Fontana: Known as the "City of the Imperiali," featuring a grand palace, vibrant piazzas, and a great local dining scene.
  Ceglie Messapica: Famous as Puglia’s gastronomic capital, perfect for food lovers and exploring ancient historic alleys.
  Oria: Renowned for its hilltop medieval castle, historic Jewish quarter and winding cobblestone streets.
  Cisternino: Celebrated for its charming whitewashed center, scenic Valle d'Itria views, and famous grilled bombette.
  Ostuni: The iconic "White City," featuring striking architecture perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
  Sightseeing & Nature: You can go exploring nearby nature reserves, Adriatic coast beaches, historic landmarks and lively weekly markets packed with regional produce.
  Relaxation & Countryside: Take peaceful walks or cycle along quiet olive grove lanes or simply unwind.
  Transport options:
  Arrival & Departure: We can assist with pick-ups and drop-offs at nearby train stations (such as Francavilla Fontana, Oria or Ostuni) or local bus stops when you arrive and leave.
  Getting Around: While renting a car gives you the most freedom to explore the region on your days off, it is not strictly required. We make regular weekly trips into town for groceries and errands and are happy to offer lifts whenever possible. Bicycles are also available for exploring the surrounding rural area.

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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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  Can host digital nomads

  Starlink

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Electric hook up, Elsan point, grey water disposal and water but not drinkable are available.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  We have a White Swiss Shepherd dog and don’t mind other well behaved dogs and responsible owners who will remove the dog waste from the land where we will likely be working.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  More than two

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  My animals / pets

  

  Bolt (4 years)

  Bolt is a trained service dog and he is very happy to play with other dogs

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